In Transforming Troubled Children, Teens and Their Families: An Internal Family Systems Model for Healing, Dr. Mones presents the first comprehensive application of the Internal Family Systems ( IFS) Therapy model for work with youngsters and their families. This model centers diagnosis and treatment around the concept of the Functional Hypothesis, which views symptoms as adaptive and survivalbased when viewed in multiple contexts. The book provides a map to help clinicians understand a child’s problems amidst the reactivity of parents and siblings and to formulate effective treatment strategies that flow directly from this understanding. This is a nonpathologizing systems and contextual approach that brings forward the natural healing capacity within clients. Dr. Mones also shows how a therapist can open the emotional system of a family so that parents can let go of their agendas with their children and interact in a loving, healthy, Self-led way.
This integrative MetaModel combines wisdom from Psychodynamic, Structural, Bowenian, Strategic, Solution-Focused and Sensorimotor models interwoven with IFS Therapy. A glossary of terms is provided to help readers with concepts unique to IFS. Unique to this approach is the emphasis on shifting back and forth between intrapsychic and relational levels of experience. Therapy vignettes are explored to help therapists address issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, somatization, oppositional and self-destructive behavior in children along with undercurrents of attachment injury. Two detailed cases are followed over a full course of treatment. A section on Frequently Asked Questions explores work with families of separation and divorce, resistance, the trajectory of treatment, dealing with anger, linking to twelve-step programs and much more. This is an ideal book for any therapist in quest of understanding the essence of healing and seeking therapeutic strategies applied within a compassionate framework.
KidsWorld: Inside and Out is a psychotherapeutic board game. The purpose of the game is to engage the child in a healing process through a supportive, compassionate relationship with the therapist while having fun! The therapeutic approach of this game is built upon the treatment approach of Dr. Arthur G. Mones as explicated in his book: Transforming Troubled Children, Teens and Their Families: An Internal Family Systems Model for Healing (2014), available from Routledge Publishers. Ideally, the therapist will have knowledge of this model, originated by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz. In addition, the therapist will benefit from some knowledge and exposure to mindfulness exercises so that a level of comfort can be promoted, particularly when dealing with Calm Corner cards. The cards of all categories have clear instructions, however, and therapists from all theoretical orientations will find this game to be a powerful therapeutic offering in their work with children. The cards, in the hands of a skilled clinician, are meant as a starting point for discussions with kids about their lives, their thoughts and their emotions, integrating a comprehensive systems approach to understanding each child in their unique intrapsychic and relational world.