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This paper undertakes to outline an ideal technique for the treatment of adolescent patients. I have not actually used the projected technique, nor do I claim to have mastered it, and offer only a construct built on chance observation and applied theory.
Even on this limited basis it may be worthy of consideration because the psychoanalytic treatment of adolescents is an area of continuing controversy (Gitelson, 1948). Even analysts who agree on other areas of technique hold widely divergent views on this subject. Some analysts do not undertake treatment of adolescents on the grounds that psychoanalysis cannot be used for this age group and advise only psychotherapeutic, supportive or educational measures. Those who have used psychoanalysis for adolescents have reported occasional good therapeutic results with modified techniques; but also the painful surprise of unforeseen failures or severe aggravation of the patient's condition. These analysts believe that the crux of the clinical problem lies in the proper selection of adolescent patients for therapy. There is also a small group which maintains an optimistic view of the psychoanalytic treatment of adolescents.
The controversy encountered in this area of psychoanalysis is reminiscent of the situation in child analysis (Anna Freud, 1945). The limitation of age as a criterion for treatment potential was raised early in the history of psychoanalytic technique. It was clear that the process of aging diminished the flexibility necessary for psychoanalytic therapy and eventually a point was reached where it