Peers as the `Guardian Angels' of Individuation in the Therapy Group: Ego Supportive Group Therapy for Children and Adolescents

Abstract

From a psychological perspective, developmental assimilation within the age group is an important step during adolescence. But although peer groups play an essential role in the development of individuation and identity, peers and groups can be perceived as threats to adolescents1 with weak egos. This article recounts the author's search for the diagnostic and therapeutic elements in specific ego-supportive group therapy, following a pilot study (1997) of adolescent therapy, with peers seen in the role of `guardian angels' of each other's ego development and individuation.