Treatment of Adolescents with Identity Diffusion : A Modification of Transference Focused Psychotherapy

This paper is an introduction to a treatment for adolescents with identity diffusion that has been modified from a therapy that has been found to be effective in the treatment of adults with significant identity diffusion, namely, Transference Focused Psychotherapy. The central role of differentiating normal Identity Crisis from Identity Diffusion in adolescents, essential to accurately identifying those adolescents appropriate for this treatment, is articulated. The primary modifications of TFP for adolescent treatment described involve changes in frequency and duration of some of the specific techniques (e.g. increased clarification; more work in the extra-transferential relationships before directly addressing the transference), tactics (e.g. inclusion of family during the assessment phase and treatment contract setting phases of treatment; inclusion of supportive interventions in the environment while maintaining the analytic stance in sessions), and strategies (e.g. the goal of removing blockages to the development of normal identity integration, not "forced maturation"). This treatment aims to improve adolescent's relationships with friends, parents, and teachers; help clarify life goals; acquire positive self-esteem; and be better prepared for entering love relationships.