Child Psychotherapy

Abstract This chapter presents an overview of four major therapeutic approaches that are currently discussed in the child and adolescent psychotherapy literature. These therapy approaches are: behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy, child psychoanalysis, Adlerian therapy, and client‐centered (humanistic) therapy. Prior to the overview of the four approaches, issues related to the conduct of child and adolescent psychotherapy are discussed. These issues include therapeutic relationship, comorbidity factors, and “who is the client,”—all of which can affect the effectiveness of therapy. The theoretical foundations and empirical research supporting these therapies are also discussed as is future directions for child psychotherapy outcome research.