The Bogeyman Cometh: A Strategic Approach for Difficult Adolescents

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Abstract
Unpredictable and threatening events can sometimes alter one's view of reality. The altered perception may in turn result in altered forms of behavior and interaction with others. Deliberate efforts to facilitate this altered perception is sometimes attempted by invoking mythical forces such as the Bogeyman, Death, Satan, a shaman, or a sorcerer. Anthropological observations of shamanic magic suggest a number of components that appear to be responsible for these reality-altering experiences. These can be employed to create such experiences in the treatment of difficult adolescents for whom usual solutions have been ineffective. The experience results in systemic changes that render the adolescent accessible to more usual forms of treatment and more functional interactions with adults. The crafting of this kind of experience is illustrated in a case example. Parallels with other clinical practices as well as ethical considerations are discussed.

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