Fifty strategies for establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with defiant, aggressive adolescents are offered. Many of these are taken from the literature, whereas others are unique to this article. A variety of strategies, ranging from reframes to the use of paradox are provided, and take a transtheoretical approach using ideas from cognitive behavioral as well as existential, Gestalt, psychodynamic, and multicultural therapies. Strategies are arranged under 3 categories: reaching, accepting, and relating. The strong desire of defiant adolescents for freedom and autonomy is also discussed, with suggestions for using this in motivating defiant adolescents to work in counseling.

The needs of female clients are explored with regard to gender preference, outcome studies, counseling relationships, development, sociopolitical oppression, and counselor qualities necessary for effectiveness.