ABSTRACT
In some cases, problematic views and stories seem to take on a life of their own. The child or adolescent becomes the problem. He or she identifies himself or herself as the problem, or others label him or her as “problem.” This implies that the child or adolescent is characterologically flawed or “bad.” One way to change these stories and the viewing of problems is through the use of externalizing. This method is especially useful when children or adolescents already have di agnoses and labels, particularly those that haven’t been empowering, validating, or facilitative of the change process.
