A Small Goal Is Big Enough

Abstract

Practitioners must seek what is realistically possible in treat ing delinquents. Doing this may necessitate radical innovations in goals and methods. The delinquent patient is typically resistant to treatment, consciously as well as unconsciously; and, oddly enough, his resistance may be mirrored by the therapist. The failure of traditional methods of treating delinquents may be due. partly to therapists' lack of flexibility in coping with repeated crises. Delinquents are usually nonverbal, con cretistic, irregular in habits, and action-oriented and can prove extremely trying to the therapist. While insight may be a prim ary objective for other patients, in the delinquent it must be approached with caution.