ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author describes aspects of the analysis of two adolescent patients who, in their failure to meet the adolescent impact, resorted to powerful defences. The first, Jack, took flight into sexuality, or, more correctly, sensuality; the second, Jane, escaped into competent adulthood. While they are very different, they share in common with each other and many adolescents the intensity of the force with which they feel carried away and they try to carry the object away with them. The author shows the impact of this on the analyst–patient relationship. In the two clinical illustrations, Jack, in his dependent attachment to the adolescent culture, persuaded himself that he was independent and free, and gave up awareness of his other needs. Jane apparently moved into competent adulthood, until the facade cracked into desperation and she attempted suicide.
