ABSTRACT
Concurrent with the exploration of worldview is the presentation of a number of core themes. The philosophical underpinnings of a mindfulness model of therapy I presented in Chapter 1 included the givens of human life: suffering, choicefulness, change, and human connection. It is the mindfulness-oriented clinician that conceptualizes his or her clients in regard to these givens of life (or similar philosophical foundations) and develops a treatment path accordingly. It is no surprise, given that these philosophical underpinnings of life are universal, that the core themes that have arisen in my work with my clients have at their root a struggle with one or more of these givens. I do not suggest that every single high-risk adolescent client that walks into your office or place of business is going to discuss issues that can fit into one of these core themes, or even relate to, agree with, or conceptualize living among them. I am simply suggesting that, if you work with high-risk adolescents long enough, you will indubit - ably hear stories and experiences that can be conceptualized within such categories. Such stories are fruitful opportunities in which to conceptualize the primary issues occurring within your client and to develop a well thought-out, mindfulness-based treatment path.
