by: Tim Brooks, Division of Social Services

Length: Approximately 30-60 minutes

Setting: One on one or group environment.

Supplies: The Un-Game for adolescents (optional=$8.00 in most game/toy stores)

Objective: To help teens express their views on various situations that they may face as adolescents, and to validate the adolescent's views as legitimate.

Activity: In a group or one-on-one, take turns presenting personal situations that adolescents might face (for instance, "Janice was in a car with friends who she really liked. The friends started talking very negatively about another friend of Janice's. Have you ever been in a situation where you were with your friends and they were doing something you didn't want to be a part of? How did you handle the situation"?). The Un-Game has many of these situations already on cards, but you can spend some time in preparation making up scenarios that directly or indirectly apply to client's current situation.

Notes: This can be a good way to discuss emotional and difficult issues in a non-threatening way. Be prepared to answer some of these questions yourself as honestly as possible, as being a participant you can help build rapport.