What makes a surly little girl begin to like her therapist? What spurs a violent, delinquent boy to start confiding in his doctor? Why would a teenager who's vowed not to talk in sessions suddenly launch into a monologue? This workshop explores the phenomenon of "magical moments" with young clients, which take the form of transformative shifts in the therapist–client relationship and/or sudden dramatic improvements in a child's behavior. You'll learn highlights of the presenter's research on what it takes to "unstick" stuck kids, which involves an artful meld of careful observation, intuitive interventions, and strategic uses of the therapist's persona. You'll find out how to use your sudden inspirations, counterintuitive moves, and unconventional forms of play to help troubled children find trust and therapeutic engagement. (This session will continue with Workshop 525.)