You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
The pair group provides a powerful and most useful regulatory function for adolescents. A group-based approach aims to create an inter-subjective field in which an adult group conductor and the individual group members interact with the complex dynamics of the pair group. The author maintains that the core task in her approach is to understand and follow the pair group and help it learn to self-regulate and self-organize so that each member becomes aware of the affective meaning of “belonging to the group system.” The group members thus develop the ability to explore new ways of relatedness—with self and others—through coconstruction of an environment of shared intimacy and safety. Clinical vignettes illustrate an approach that aims to strengthen affect regulation in young adolescent groups in the public school setting.