Group psychotherapy with delinquent adolescent girls.

Abstract

Delinquency is viewed as an attempt to solve the identity crisis which all adolescents undergo. Group psychotherapy is recommended as a promising method for modifying the disturbed self concepts and antisocial values of adolescent delinquents. However, to work effectively with this population, generally accepted therapeutic goals and techniques must be altered. This article discusses resistances to therapy, the role of the therapist, session content, level of anxiety, “acting out,” transference and countertransference.