ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in this book. The book contains a number of specific strategies, self-evaluation questions, and other considerations for working with challenging youth. The chapter concludes by briefly revisiting the seven interrelated principles that the book proposes common denominators of the most successful practitioners and intervention models. Many challenges presented by youth and families can be viewed primarily through a skill development lens. Effective professionals practice mindfulness and are able to help others utilize the key skill to help them better regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, and make "wise mind" decision. They are able to evaluate their behavior and able to facilitate self-evaluation in others. A therapeutic relationship is an essential ingredient for facilitating positive change with challenging youth. To meet youth where they are culturally, authors embrace a model of cultural pluralism, and develop a clearer sense of cultural identity.
