I just started reading Sam Himelstein’s book A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Working with High-Risk Adolescents and am very impressed. The book is filled with great tips, exercises, useful guidelines and insights. As well there is a fabulous chapter on group facilitation with realistic examples of group scenarios and how to deal skillfully with what comes up. I really loved his deeper dive and revamp of the ‘operating agreements’ process that can be so helpful in the classroom. Sam’s writing style is easy to read and engaging. His compassion and skill with the issues youth present is apparent. Many times very well meaning folks begin to teach in prisons with the best of intentions, but still maintaining a bit of the ‘one size fits all’ approach to teaching mindfulness. Sam’s book shows clearly the finer tuned points of working with incarcerated youth. In my opinion, this book is a ‘must read’ for anyone who wants to teach or facilitate mindfulness groups in youth facilities. Check it out!
Amazon.com Description:
A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Working With High-Risk Adolescents is an accessible introduction to a new model of therapy that combines the Buddhist concept of mindfulness with modern trends in psychotherapy. Drawing on years of experience working with at-risk adolescents, the chapters explore ways to develop authentic connections with patients: building relationships, working with resistance, and ways to approach change using mindfulness-based techniques. Real-life interactions and illustrations are used to show how a mindfulness-oriented therapist can approach working with adolescents in individual and group settings, and the book also provides practical suggestions designed for immediate implementation. A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Working With High-Risk Adolescents is a must for any mental health professional interested in using mindfulness and other contemplative practices with at-risk youth.