Product Description

For children whose only communication is not talking, therapists need a language that doesn't depend on words. This book offers an approach to treatment of clients who won't, or can't respond to conversation based therapy. Through empathy and respect, games, activities, community involvement and little pleasures, no-talk therapy begins to provide these sullen, anxious, enraged and confused children with self-esteem, self-confidence and self-awareness to develop a voice of their owner.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #162806 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

Book Info
Author is in private practice in Keene, New Hampshire. Describes an innovative approach to treatment of children and adolescents who won't or can't respond to traditional, conversation-based therapy. Includes case examples.

From the Inside Flap
Weaving practical, hands-on ideas with theory and research about child development, child treatment, and the therapeutic relationship, this book describes an innovative approach to treatment of children and adolescents who won't or can't respond to traditional, conversation-based therapy. As Straus demonstrates in her case examples, no-talk children fit many diagnostic pictures. Many start out hesitant about the whole enterprise of therapy, and a few remain intractably detached despite the therapist's best efforts to engage them. For some, the interpersonal requirements of problem-talk or play therapy are well beyond their developmental level. Others may have an abundance of talking and playing skills and be determined not to use them. Most have had lives that are unspeakably hard. Ironically, traditional therapy, with its most fundamental purpose of helping children feel better, is painfully uncomfortable for no-talk children and adolescents. For these children, therapists need an entirely new clinical language, one that doesn't depend on words. Within an interpersonal and developmental framework, Straus spells out the deceptively simple goals of no-talk therapy: someone to be close to, and something to be proud of. Through empathy and respect, games, activities, community involvement, a circle of adults, and little pleasures, this approach begins to provide these anxious, sullen, enraged, and confused kids with the self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness to develop a voice of their own. Going beyond other methods, no-talk therapy emphasizes individual connection, competence, and creativity. Straus advises her colleagues to abandon their chairs and get down on the floor with their young clients, to play endless games of checkers, to hire a child to water plants, to help an adolescent find a job where he can succeed--all in the service of finding something to cheer about. She opens for readers a huge grab bag of gimmicks, gadgets, and games, from which to draw resources appropriate to every no-talk occasion. Most of all, she offers herself as an engaged, creative, fallible, caring therapist who hears the pain--and the strengths--in the silence.

About the Author
Martha B. Straus, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Keene, New Hampshire, and a lecturer at Dartmouth Medical School. She is the author of "Violence in the Lives of Adolescents."

Customer Reviews

An instant classic in the field
Ms. Straus is a terrific writer who continues to break new ground in her most recent book on no-talk therapy. Even if you don't have a child who falls into the non-verbal category, I think almost anyone who interacts with children would benefit from reading these case studies and analysis. Teachers for example would learn a great deal about non-verbal cues and quiet children by studying Ms. Straus' observations. Reading this book made me think back to many very quiet students I've taught and realize new dimensions to them. This is the most well-written clinically focused book I've read. Straus engages the reader and presents her information clearly with a lively style. Highly recommended for anyone in the field, and for others outside of it who interact with children.

An excellent addition to a therapist's library
No talk therapy is a must read for therapists who work with children and adolescents. As a therapist who works with this population and their families, having a resource that validates doing more than talk with children was a validating and encouraging book to read. With case examples and clear purpose, Dr. Straus has written a book that all clinical interns, new therapists and those with years of experience will enjoy and learn from. I believe her work has made a significant difference in many a child's life, given that she values them on their level without the expectation that to be a good or productive client, you have to verbalize your progress. Dr. Straus should be credited with writing for my generation what I hope will be a classic for future therapists, counselors, and social workers alike. Thank you!