Anguish and Despair in Adolescents With Eating Disorders: Helping to Manage Suicidal Ideation and Impulses

This paper outlines four particularly salient clinical themes underlying despair in young people, that have significant implications for treatment. A practice perspective is discussed which emphasizes empathic listening & the development of a strong therapeutic alliance with the adolescent. Treatment recommendations draw from narrative theory & practice, & from feminist perspectives. The paper also draws on cognitive therapy & on recent developments in the areas of spirituality & motivational enhancement. (34 refs)