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From: Catherine Montgomery
Date: 10 Oct 2006
Time: 14:59:08 -0500
Remote Name: 209.27.243.114
First, Rebecca, let me suggest that you look at my post for Kerry above. Ah, motivation...that could be an entire article, book, seminar....lots of facets and age is definitely a factor. Most of our clients, whatever the age, usually want to be here in the first place. But we also have the child or teen who is 'dragged' here by well intending parents. Since my caseload does not include children, I can only speak for my experience with teens. My staff works with the kids and I'm sure depending on the age and circumstances, there are ways to motivate if that seems lacking. First, I am the teens advocate and always make it clear to him that he is the one to make the decision to come to treatment or not and no one else and that I will back him up on that if he decides its not the right place or time. Often if they decide 'no' for now, the teen returns under his own volition and this may take years. Parents have to be counselled & educated on this as well...patience & respect for their child to make his own decision. Other facets influencing motivation is our own style, knowledge, presence, confidence, compassion, etc. I am going to be highly motivated if I trust this person, if I see they care and know what they're doing..If what they say makes perfect sense to me....I could go on. Hope this has been helpful. Maybe next year, I'll write a paper based on this!