Psychotherapy for Young Adults in Limbo, Their Parents, and Families




Our Model of Collaboration is a Powerful Method and Addresses Core Issues Implicit to this Developmental Impasse




This model provides all family members with the structure necessary to internalize and implement the skills they will learn in their work with us.



 

The young adult, their parents, and family grow emotionally. They work towards reaching their full potential, both as individuals and as a family unit. 
There is a growing population of older adolescents and young adults who struggle with developing and/or maintaining age-appropriate independence. 

My colleague Alison Howard, PsyD., M.Ed. and I have developed a model for working with this population of older adolescents and young adults. We refer to this developmental impasse as "being in limbo" -- unable to successfully progress into adult developmental stages. 

Examples of possible situations:
  • Planning to attend college, but not following through
  • Struggling to complete college or dropping out
  • Failure to take on age-appropriate adult responsibilities
  • Using drugs and/or drinking heavily
  • Struggling with career and employment
  • Overusing technology and/or having minimal social interactions
  • Experiencing extreme social isolation, awkwardness, and discomfort
  • Struggling with addictions and/or compulsions

These individuals can have difficulties with fundamental life skills, such as:
  • Impulse control
  • Frustration tolerance
  • Mood regulation
  • Foresight, attention, focus, and learning
  • Delaying gratification
  • Resilience

Our work with parents and the young adult focuses on developmental tasks and overall functioning:
  • Dr. Howard provides individual therapy with the young adults to build self esteem and increase life skills.
  • I work with parents and other family members to provide crucial support and the essential skills needed to promote the young adult's age-appropriate independence. It is often indicated for the young adult to be in family therapy. 
  • ​As a team, we meet regularly to assess, plan,and collaborate on our clients' progress. ​