Structuring and limit setting as techniques in the group treatment of adolescent delinquents

This paper is based on the experience from the first 20 sessions with a group of severely disturbed adolescent delinquent boys. Special characteristics of the group were: marked cohesiveness, prominent use of fight and flight mechanisms, marked challenges for leadership, need to see the therapist as part of the group, and dramatic swings of rebellion and submission.In essence, three guiding principles were developed for this type of group treatment: (a) providing outlets for tension reduction, (b) formal structuring, and (c) flexible setting of limits. In the beginning, active avenues of discharge have to be provided and structured within a framework of limits. As the group progresses, it relies less on motoric means of discharge and becomes better able to verbalize feelings, particularly those of sadness and loss. Proper attention to these needs pre-eminent in such a patient population may bring a measure of therapeutic success even under trying circumstances.