The paper illustrates the experience of co-leading group psychotherapy for adolescents in a Mental Health Center. The purpose was to promote changing processes and psychological well-being in adolescents at risk of severe personality disorders. Critical aspects of this experience are described, focusing on the dynamics of the organizations involved (e.g. Courts, Schools). Furthermore, dropout events are analyzed in order to reflect on their causes. These are not only related to lack of motivation in the psychotherapeutic work, but also to the technical aspects linked to leading the group and to several problems within and between institutions.
Keywords: Adolescents, psychotherapy, group, dropout, institutional dynamics, setting.

Gemma Bolognini, Daniela Marcucci, Paola Pedrotti, Ingrid Hugnet, Bruno Chipi, Critical aspects and drop outs in group psychotherapy for adolescents. An experience in a Mental Health Center in "GRUPPI" 3/2012, pp. 45-64, DOI:10.3280/GRU2012-003004