The adolescent

Abstract

In this article I attempt to address some core questions about psychoanalytic psychotherapy for adolescents. Is adolescent turmoil inevitable? Some think it is, and generate their understanding from psychoanalytic investigation in the therapeutic relationship. Others disagree, and base their argument on psychological research. Why is it that different conclusions are reached, and what do each mean by adolescent turmoil? In this context, what are the implications of psychotherapy in the adolescent period, and what factors need to be considered in deciding on psychotherapy? Finally, what might adolescent psychotherapy look like?