Youth with chronic illness, particularly when accompanied by debilitating, painful and/or fatiguing symptoms, face challenges that may prove disruptive to their normal physical, psychological and social developmental trajectories. Derived from six decades of combined experience from authors, Bryan D. Carter, William G. Kronenberger, Eric L. Scott, and Christine E. Brady, The Children's Health and Illness Recovery Program (CHIRP) is an interdisciplinary cognitive behavioral and family systems-based treatment program designed to maximize the independent functioning of teens with chronic illness. The CHIRP Clinician Guide is a detailed outline for implementing this manualized treatment protocol over the course of twelve sessions and provides clear guidance as to the philosophy, pragmatics and art of working with this challenging pediatric population. Designed to accompany the CHIRP Teen and Family Workbook, The Clinician Guide equips practitioners with specific assessment measures and the tools needed to establish a collaborative treatment team approach that incorporates the skills of the CHIRP clinician, primary care and specialty physicians, and the various other healthcare (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc.) and educational professionals critical to the successful management and treatment of these youth.

Children and adolescents with chronic illnesses, particularly those accompanied by debilitating, painful and/or fatiguing symptoms, face challenges that may prove disruptive to physical, psychological and social development. Based on extensive research and clinical expertise, Children's Health and Illness Recovery Program (CHIRP) is an effective treatment program designed to build and maintain independence in young people with chronic illness. This Teen and Family Workbook provides proven treatment activities designed to combat the additional stress faced by youth coping with long-term health problems. These tasks target key areas for improvement in physical functioning, school functioning, and personal functioning and support the creation of new tools for managing the impact of illness, such as stress management, coping and relaxation techniques, and communication skills. In-session and take-home activities outlined in this workbook are meant to accompany the companion CHIRP Clinician Guide. With the use of this workbook and supported by a network of clinicians, healthcare specialists, and school professionals, adolescents and their families can return to a better quality of life.