Adolescent Conferences

Adolescence is a period when early emotional conflicts return with new intensity. Puberty brings rapid bodily change, stronger drives, and shifting relationships, all of which stir up primitive anxieties alongside growing capacities for thought.

A key task is forming a stable sense of identity. Adolescents must let go of the child they were, tolerate uncertainty, and experiment with new ways of being. The changing body becomes a focus of fantasy, fear, and desire, often leading to swings between maturity and overwhelm.

Conflicts around dependence and autonomy are central. Young people may push adults away while still needing containment and understanding. Much of their behaviour reflects this internal struggle rather than simple opposition.

Therapeutically, the aim is to help adolescents move from acting out to thinking. The therapist provides a containing relationship where intense feelings can be held, named, and gradually integrated, supporting the development of a more coherent and resilient self. 

The IPCP hosts the annual Adolescent Conferences to provide supprt and a thinking space for practitioners, teachers and academics. These conferences have been very helpful to many and a full of theory and application for all attendees.