Deprivation and delinquency in the adolescent forensic patient

Drawing upon Donald Winnicott’s classic paper, “Delinquency as a Sign of Hope”, the author has underscored the importance of recognising the role of emotional loss in the aetiology and treatment of adolescent forensic patients, and she has elucidated how this particular psychoanalytical lens can assist psychotherapists to work more effectively with deprivational trauma. The author has also described her experience as both a field social worker and as a forensic psychotherapist, and has shared moving clinical material with great clarity and generosity, demonstrating the value of incorporating Winnicott’s insights into the forensic consulting room. In particular, the author has examined how the patient can use the psychotherapist as an understanding object who can help to counteract earlier deprivations.