‘This fourth edition of Alan Carr’s Handbook of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology: A Contextual Approach is an extraordinary achievement for a single author. While being authoritative and maintaining a balance to which every aspect of child and adolescent treatments contribute, it stays superbly readable, rigorous and always on the side of the learner. It is a comprehensive resource for all who work with children and adolescents, both students in training and experienced therapists. A unique strength of this book is to demonstrate in readily available form how sterile disputes can be sidestepped and instead showing how the concerns of all theoretical and clinical perspectives can be coordinated positively into practicable ways of working. Underpinning this integrative approach is a multisystemic perspective not as an alternative to core clinical psychology but as a way of extending its range and applicability. By integrating the full range of explanations and interventions, Carr provides a resource that systemic therapists as well as clinical psychologists can draw on and so integrate the riches that clinical psychology can offer.’Professor Peter Stratton, Emeritus Professor of Family Therapy University of Leeds, UK ‘The latest edition of The Handbook of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology by Prof Carr builds upon the rich foundation of its previous editions, adding substantial refinements and updates that enhance both its depth and breadth. This book is essential reading for clinical psychology and psychiatry trainees, offering important clinical insights and practical considerations. As someone who has extensively used previous editions—so much so that they have become well-worn—I can personally vouch for the profound influence this book has had on my professional approach. This handbook serves as an invaluable resource for trainees and practicing clinical psychologists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, who specialise in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I highly recommend both trainees and qualified clinicians to keep this updated edition readily accessible on their office bookshelf.'Dr David McCormack, Clinical Director, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland ‘In bringing context front and centre to the work of the child clinical psychologist, Carr at once shows us how to see and hold in balance the individual, developmental, relational and systemic orbits within which all children’s mental health grows and thrives, or struggles and recovers. An invaluable contribution for trainees and trainers alike.’Professor Jennifer McIntosh, PhD, AM, Director, The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University, Australia, Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Family Therapy & Systemic Practice‘This handbook presents the definitive range of issues in relation to the development and wellbeing of young people. An easy book to dip in and out of, with up-to-date resources, it makes use of diagnostic references to position psychological understanding, but ‘formulation’ to understand key processes is a strength throughout.’Professor Margie Callanan, Director of the Institute for Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, UKPraise for previous editions:‘This text stands as the clearest and most comprehensive account of therapy and practice in the field of child and adolescent mental health.’Emeritus Professor Arlene Vetere, University of Surrey, UK‘Alan Carr’s handbook does an admirable job in providing immensely practical approaches for the assessment and treatment of mental health problems in young people, whilst also being critically and constructively informative on the findings of research and the claims of theories. The succinct listing of further readings for both professionals and families, together with details of useful web sites at the end of each chapter is a particular strength.’Professor Sir Michael Rutter (1933-2021), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK‘Alan Carr has pulled off, with this text book, an unusual and extraordinary feat: unusual in managing to produce a guide to clinical theory and practice with such a comprehensive range; extraordinary in formulating multi-system and developmental conceptual frameworks that succeed convincingly in integrating many of the themes and ‘loose ends’ in child and adolescent clinical psychology. The author combines impressive scholarship and clinical knowledge in a reader-friendly book which should be of inestimable value to post-graduate clinical trainees and, indeed to experienced practitioners.’Professor Martin Herbert (1933-2017), University of Exeter, UK
