The Adolescent Psyche: Jungian and Winnicottian Perspectives

Richard Frankel's book explores adolescence as a crucial and turbulent period of human development, offering guidance for clinicians working with young people. It challenges the traditional psychoanalytic understanding of adolescence as a recapitulation of childhood and emphasizes the unique dynamics of this developmental period. Frankel's work includes clinical case studies and theoretical formulations and explores topics such as individuation, persona, shadow, bodily, idealistic and ideational awakenings, and the effects of culture on development. The classic edition also includes a new introduction examining the effects of the digital revolution on adolescent life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking work, originally published in 1998, Richard Frankel delves into the intricate and transformative realm of adolescence, recognizing it as a pivotal stage of human development. Providing invaluable guidance for clinicians working with young individuals navigating significant shifts in cognition, behavior, emotion, and perception, Frankel offers a comprehensive exploration of this complex period.

The book addresses the disruptions that manifest in adolescent behavior, often leaving adults perplexed and struggling to comprehend their actions. It seeks to revise the traumas, extreme fantasies, testing of limits, and other inherent aspects of this life stage through the lens of the urge toward self-realization. This approach allows for innovative and creative ways of working with the intensely confusing and often extreme countertransference feelings that arise when engaging with adolescents. By reflecting upon our own experiences of adolescence, Frankel helps unlock the typical impasses that occur in the stand-off between adult and adolescent ways of seeing the world.

Through his engagement with the works of Jung, Hillman, and Winnicott, Frankel challenges the traditional psychoanalytic understanding of adolescence as a mere recapitulation of childhood. Instead, he advocates for adolescence as a distinct developmental period with its own unique originary dynamics. In this light, he delves into topics such as individuation, persona, shadow, bodily experiences, idealistic and ideational awakenings, and the impact of culture on development.

The book is rich with clinical case studies, providing real-world examples of adolescents' struggles and triumphs. These case studies not only illustrate the complexities of adolescent development but also offer practical insights and strategies for working with young clients. The theoretical formulations are clear and concise, making the content accessible to a wide range of professionals, including psychotherapists, analysts, parents, educators, and anyone involved in adolescent care.

In addition to its original content, this classic edition of the book includes a new and extended introduction by the author. Frankel reflects on the enduring relevance of his work and the ongoing challenges faced by adolescents in today's world. He shares his insights on the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in helping adolescents navigate the complexities of their lives.

Overall, "Adolescence: A Psychological Exploration" is a seminal work that has significantly contributed to our understanding of adolescence. It is a must-read for anyone interested in working with adolescents, as it offers valuable insights, practical strategies, and a deeper appreciation of this unique and challenging period of human development.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032114330