Fostering the sense of self: Group psychotherapy for girls in early adolescence

Abstract

The emotional, physical and social changes of early adolescence may be highly stressful, posing significant self-esteem and interpersonal problems for the psychologically vulnerable girl, who is at risk for subsequent depression, eating disorders, or other behavioral problems. This paper describes a preventive out-patient group therapy program designed to enhance a positive sense of self in early adolescent girls who have low self-esteem and relationship problems. The main body of the paper presents clinical vignettes illustrating how the group, with the help of the leader, can work through significant developmental issues by negotiating and resolving three interpersonal group cirses.