A series of extremely moving transcripts from the family therapy of a borderline adolescent beautifully illustrates the author's observation that conjoint family therapy, focusing on shared unconscious assumptions and mutual projections, can be an invaluable adjunct to the crucial individual therapy of such a patient. He outlines the history of the development of family therapy and describes the particular patterns of interactions common to families of borderline adolescents, with special focus on struggles about autonomy and dependency.