This article documents one year's work and experience of two co-leaders of a psychotherapy group for seriously disturbed adoles-cents. Past treatment of patients in a long-term residential hospital environment is compared to those now attending on a daily basis. `Acting out' and regression of patients within the group and how this is tolerated and contained by the co-leaders is described, as well as the relationship of group members with their peers and the co-leaders. The article examines the influence of a school environment on group work and finally considers the total experience as a tool for positive social encounter, future self-control and adult independence.
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