This course will cover adolescent development as it pertains to understanding therapeutic process with teens and the crucial part it plays in working with adults.

The hormonally induced regression that initiates the onset of adolescence will be discussed as one of the foundational concepts.  This concept must be understood in its many derivative forms to successfully communicate interpretive comments to the adolescent about current conflict and to the adult about previous conflict.  It is important for the therapist to understand the normal developmental conflict of adolescents so as to distinguish it from pathological conflict in order to not confuse the patient with implications that would counter developmental progression.  Adolescence is a crucial, but often left out, part of adult therapy as well as absolutely necessary for understanding the problems encountered in adolescent therapy.

No fee

Eight Thursdays: October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23; 7:30—9 pm