Using a creative intervention to increase self-disclosure among mandated juveniles with co-occurring disorders

Counselors providing treatment within the juvenile justice system encounter numerous challenges that are inherent in working with this population. One of the challenges includes providing treatment to adolescents who are entering the juvenile justice system with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Given the challenges, creative interventions that enhance client motivation and the therapeutic relationship are especially needed. The purpose of this article is to propose a creative intervention that may enhance the therapeutic relationship, increase client investment in treatment, and facilitate client self-disclosure. A case illustration will be used to illustrate the intervention.