Working Relationally with Young People: A Cognitive Analytic Approach to Connecting One to One, with Families and Across Communities

This book explores the growing interest in and demand for relational mental health support for young people, parents, families and communities. Relational approaches place an emphasis on authentic and mutual connections; the therapist is not an aloof 'expert', but an engaged human being who is an active part of the process, and who draws on subjective experiences and passions in the service of the client. Through eighteen contributed chapters and four short case studies, Working Relationally with Young People explores the theory, practice and delivery of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and its relational mindset in youth mental health and wellbeing, and makes the case for prioritising a relational way of working across all services and support for young people - whether they be within children and young people's mental health, or in other contexts such as education, social care or youth work.