The Bridge - February 2021

The February 2021 edition of The Bridge contains blogs and research digests, with a focus on child and adolescent psychotherapy.

The policy context for research into child and adolescent psychotherapy

Mental illness in children and young people is recognised as a major public health concern with evidence of rising prevalence, possibly exacerbated by COVID-19.

Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents

Psychotherapy with children and adolescents presents its own set of unique ethical challenges and considerations. Unlike psychotherapy with adults, children are often referred to therapy by adults (e.g., parents or teachers), meaning that the circumstances and context for which they present to therapists or clinicians differ from the circumstances of most adults. This chapter provides an overview of ethical considerations specific to children and adolescents including issues of competence, confidentiality, boundaries, use of specific therapeutic techniques, and attention to diversity. The authors advocate for moving away from a traditional bioethical or risk management approach with clients, towards a relational approach to child and adolescent psychotherapy ethics, in which therapists and clinicians pay special attention to context, family dynamics, and culture. It is essential that mental health professionals involved in psychotherapy with children and adolescents engage in continuous reflection on ethical issues and work to best understand their clients in context so they can provide optimal services.