Therapeutic challenges in clinical work with adolescents

Interaction Structures in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Adolescents

“…The therapist, instead of practicing psychoeducation or taking a strong position, remains thoughtful, neutral, and accommodates the patient if there is difficulty in the relationship. This strategy adheres to the main principles of PDT in adolescents, which aims to form a nonintrusive facilitating environment [ 42 , 43 ]. However, the therapist at times asserts his/her point of view with certainty, possibly a countertransferential response to the patient’s controlling attitude, which may also exacerbate the patient’s sense of being misunderstood.…”

Ego Functions, Defenses, and Countertransference: A Beginning School Social Work Student’s Way to Professional and Personal Growth

“…Traditionally, the ego-oriented assessment provided a biopsychological perspective that examined both an individual's functioning and the internal and external forces which affect them (Fleischer & Lee, 2013). A contemporary approach attempts to also incorporate the influences of neuroscience, human development trauma, environmental trauma and interactions between these elements, as they too have been shown to have great impact on how a person perceives herself and the world (Mishne, 1996). The Ego facilitates self-regulation and adaptation of conflicts between internal motivations and internal and external demands, and integrates mental processes and experiences into a complete functioning self (Goldstein, 1995;Auchincloss & Samberg, 2012).…”

Social work practice with female juvenile delinquents

“…Research in the United States and Canada indicates that in 1994 female juvenile violent crimes were on the increase with aggravated assault accounting for the most frequent offence (Yamagata;. Many therapists have the perception that female juvenile delinquents are not amenable to therapy because they do not trust adults and their present behaviours, values and lifestyles are different from their parents and professionals (Cornell, 1987;Mishne, 1998).…”

“…Adolescent offenders have rigid defences and are unable to tolerate or discuss their feelings; therefore individual behavioural therapy is not a preferred treatment modality with juvenile delinquents, except in sex offender treatment (Adams, 1959;Jurjevich, 1968;Ross & McKay, 1976;Cornell, 1990;Lipsey, 1990;Hollin, 1990). These clients' symptomatology can trigger counter transference responses from their therapists (Mishne, 1998).…”