The way I see it is an "exchange" is still manipulation. I don't make an exchange with my husband that he cooks dinner from now on and I'll agree to go to counseling. Counseling is something centered around and specific to the patient's needs to help them change something about themselves that's now working. Third-party bargaining shouldn't even be part of the picture in my opinion. Because then they aren't doing the counseling for themselves, they are using it as a bargaining chip and aren't vested in it. Going to counseling has to be something they want for themselves in order for it to be successful.
Interesting thought, but I don't think so. This is a friend from his class and they are the same age. I think it's more like what I posted earlier.
It's because he doesn't want to believe that his son has all these issues. He knows he does, but he just wants them to be normal and happy, especially since they no longer have their mother. He doesn't want to believe that his son could be manipulative enough to do the things he does. It's easier for him to ignore the problem than deal with it.
