We are delighted to offer this workbook as a simple effective approach to alleviating emotional challenges faced by many adolescents and young adults. The technique employed is that of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), generally accepted as a best therapeutic practice for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a variety of life distresses. As we discovered, there was a lack of available suitable instruments to utilize this technique for adolescents in group or individual therapy, therefore "Think Again" was created. Briefly, CBT recognizes that the human condition is influenced by a series of triggers that through conditioned responses, leads to emotions, some of which may be unpleasant and may result in undesirable behavior. However, if we think again after such triggers until our emotions are more acceptable, this can result in more acceptable behavior. We have utilized this workbook in various revised versions over the past dozen or so years in both in-patient and residential settings on thousands of adolescents with great success and, therefore, wish to offer it to therapists, parents, and adolescents in all settings. There are five Chapters. Each may be used in one session, for example one each weekday for five settings. It is important for the participant to internalize the content of each Chapter before moving on to the next. Once the workbook is completed, the real work begins: applying these concepts to everyday life. The Appendix contains some additional "Think Again" concept workbook sheets. Eventually the idea is to not require this formal written procedure but instead process mentally. After considerable practice, this should become second nature. We also offer a Think Again manual intended primarily for the adult facilitating therapy titled "Think Again: Therapist Instruction Manual". A related text also available to the general public after more than a decade of development, is the application of these techniques in the day-to-day, hour-by-hour setting at home or in any structured setting, titled "The Cognitive Milieu". It is our sincere intent that this tried-and-true product will relieve some suffering and, indeed, elevate emotional wellness in our adolescents well into adulthood.
About the Author: Richard Aiken MD PhD is a scientist and physician. He has been the Medical Director of Lakeland Behavioral Health System for almost 20 years. He holds a PhD in chemical engineering from Princeton University and an MD from the University of Utah. He has taught and researched at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule in Zürich, Switzerland, as well as the Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. He has lectured throughout the United States and Europe and is the author of numerous peer reviewed scientific articles and several books. His Residency and Fellowship were at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a Board Certified psychiatrist.