What can you do to motivate a troubled adolescent?

Depends: You have to get to the root of what's troubling them, be able to handle whatever they say, help them work through their troubles, set goals for the future. May need teen counselor to help.

Autonomy purpose: In adolescence motivation must come from within the person, otherwise they interpret "motivation" as punishment or nagging by parent. The main goal of adolescence is to achieve independence. If mom/dad are doing all the work of independence, teen resents it. Best to provide an environment that allows for autonomy, mastery, & purpose (from dan pink's book "drive"). Troubled teen needs treatment too.