Adolescence is recognised as a turbulent period of human development. Along with the physical changes of puberty, adolescents undergo significant transformations in the way they think, act, feel and perceive the world. The disruption that is manifest in their behaviour is upsetting and often incomprehensible to the adults surrounding them. Drawing on Jung's concept of individuation, Richard Frankel shows how this unique stage of human development expresses through its traumas and fantasies the adolescent's urge towards self-realization. He refers also to the work of Winnicott, Hillman and Lifton, who explore the dynamics of adolescence with a phenomenolgical eye. At a time when the media are focusing attention on the statistics of adolescent crime, substance abuse, pregnancy and suicide, an increasing number of adolescents are being referred for psychotherapy and/or psychiatric hospitalization. Through case studies, Frankel explores the impact of contemporary culture on the lives of young people, and illustrates the practical difficulties therapists face in their clinical work with clients in this age-group.
Through its original amalgamation of the ideas of Jung and Winnicott, this book provides a new orientation to the theory and practice of adolescent psychology. The advice and guidelines Frankel provides will be welcomed by psychotherapists, parents, educators and anyone working with adolescents.
