ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores about inpatient therapeutic work with children, adolescents, and their families at the Cassel Hospital. The Cassel is one of a small number of national specialist services for people with a severe personality disorder. The book provides a different but complementary perspective on the therapeutic work with children in the Cassel, reaffirming the importance of collaborative working. It discusses the importance of the multidisciplinary team, and the need for the child and parent to have their own psychotherapy. The book discusses the relationship between the various aspects of the inpatient treatment of children and their parents. It focuses on the therapeutic work needed to contain "borderline" adolescents. Normal adolescence is a time of turbulence and evokes disturbing feelings, but it is also a time of hope and a love of life.
