ABSTRACT
The basic orientation to be followed in this chapter in discussing psychotherapy of the adolescent patient is derived from a psychoanalytic framework that includes theories of object relationship. It is important in this context to think of psychoanalytic theory as a developmental theory that provides a framework for the endeavor to understand patients engaged in the psychotherapeutic process. For purposes of this discussion, psychotherapy will refer to the process wherein the psychotherapist engages with the patient toward the goal of helping that individual to change aspects of herself or himself. The outcome sought by the therapist is improvement in the functioning of the adolescent and the development of more age appropriate relationships. More broadly, “Psychotherapy, coming out of psychoanalysis, is essentially to do with meaning; trying to construct some sense about a person's behavior and thoughts. It is something offered to another person, an opportunity…to find some sort of account of himself” (Wilson, 1986, pp. 109–110).
