[Group therapy and adolescence].

The problematic of young patients who look for help within an in- or outpatient framework often expresses itself primarily in inter-human inter-actional parameters. The difficulties in interpersonal behaviour within the framework of an inpatient setting or an outpatient group become, relatively quickly, obvious. Problematic behaviour is then no longer only told life stories but, in the actual relationship, liveable and therefore changeable. The Group corresponds to a social micro-cosmos. A part of the group represents the whole of the social life experience of the patient. Within the here and now of the group attitude can be experienced, understood and changed. The indispensable condition for a successful therapy within the group, is a stable and supportable therapeutic relationship. The quality of the relationship develops independently from the therapeutic direction and is dependent on the attitude and approach of the therapist. No technical consideration is more important then the attitude, approach and method used in building the relationship. Furthermore it is decisive that the patient feels sufficient protection und understanding from the therapist. The focusing of interpersonal processes and changes is also necessary at the start of both psychoanalytic orientated and behaviour therapy.