Developing a Sense of Self

A Workbook of Tenets & Tactics for Adolescent Girls

The book Developing a Sense of Self: A Workbook of Tenets and Tactics for Adolescent Girls is an excellent tool for practitioners that are attempting to engage adolescent girls. The book examines a range of general relevant issues, such as the health of adolescent girls, self-esteem building, planning for the future, negotiating peer pressure, and identifying the difference between a healthy and non-healthy relationship. Each area allows for further exploration through exercises, areas for self-reflection and journaling, and additional questions that can be asked to further explore the adolescent’s perspective and thinking. Towards the end of the book, girl’s have an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned, offer their own ideas of what is needed to strengthen their sense of self, and examine the next steps they can take on their journey. Practitioners will find the questions and issues posed in the book helpful with bringing up sensitive issues and having a place to obtain additional information for the helping process. In addition, guidance is provided to practitioners at the end of the book to offer ways of using the book and further identifying the needs of the girls. The book appears to be primarily geared towards older adolescent girls and should be used with a practitioner as opposed to a girl using the book alone.

Tricia Bent-Goodley, Ph.D., MSW