Clinicians and researchers have redefined adolescence and depression in adolescence and no longer consider depression as typical of “normal” adolescence. Depression during the teenage period is differentiated from a depressed mood, replete with misery and anguish, and depression proper, i.e., a real illness with specific symptoms which are depressive equivalents. These symptoms often include aggressivity, substance abuse, school refusal, and delinquency. A detailed case presentation is offered of a 17-year-old depressed, substance abusing adolescent who shares his lyrics and heavy metal rock music in sessions, thereby transforming his aggression and narcissism. Use of self psychology and intersubjectivity theory stimulated the formation of a therapeutic alliance and a corrective selfobject relationship, with this young patient's subsequent gains in self-regulation, decreased temper eruptions, and school involvement.