Nuances before dinner: exploring the relationship between peer counselors and delinquent adolescents

This paper details the peer counselor-client relationship as it occurs--in vivo--from the point of view of a participant observer. The relationship is viewed through two clinical lenses: one developmental, informed by self psychology (H. Kohut) and object relations theory (D. W. Winnicott), and one technical (Bibring's five therapeutic intervention principles). Peer counselors are seen as transitional objects who can both meet and interpret clients needs. Case material is presented.