Abstract
Group psychotherapy for adolescents is a specific clinical modality in which the adolescent is helped to define his/her identity — the major task of adolescent development. Through the work of the group the adolescent becomes aware of new behavioral possibilities in relationships with peers and authority figures. This paper examines indications and contraindications for adolescent group therapy: issues of composition, selection and types of groups; group therapy as a prime modality or as adjunct to individual or family treatment. Issues of confidentiality, group rules and group structure are reviewed. Group leadership and transference and countertransference issues are explored. A case example illustrates how group participation can assist in the separation — individuation process.
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An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Xth International Congress of Group Psychotherapy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, August 27–September 2, 1989.
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Leader, E. Why adolescent group therapy?. J Child Adolesc Group Ther 1, 81–93 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00972968
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00972968