Chapter 3, The Courtship Period - Changing the Young Adult Summary and Analysis

In the first section of this chapter, Haley describes how Erickson is able to assist young adults into being better able to overcome difficulties. He does not attempt to change their fundamental nature and does not even try to directly confront the real problem. Haley indirectly helps by encouraging the client in taking steps towards the solutions to problems. There may be fears, insecurities and inadequacies involved, but Erickson is not so interested in these or in explaining all about the shortcomings to the client, but rather Erickson focuses on helping the client to work towards success in areas of life. Haley explains that there are times when peers rather than the family of origin are the real source of the problem. Haley cites one...