Complex separation, individuation processes, and anxiety disorders in young adulthood

Research has shown that anxiety in children is highly influenced by parenting style, perception of family support (Rapee & Melville, 1997), and family relational patterns. Social Anxiety Disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) is considered to be a common disorder in young adults. According to Shapiro's (1995, 2001) Adaptive Information Processing model, a neurotic symptomatic situation in a young adult with an unfinished separation process may be connected to unresolved separations and other past traumas. This chapter discusses research and clinical evidence, and treatment of young adults with complex separation problems. Integration of family systems therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 2001) is discussed. In this integrated treatment procedure, family therapy follows the experiential family systems therapy approach (Giat Roberto, 1992; Napier & Whitaker, 1978), with elements of multigenerational and Structural Family Therapy styles (Bowen, 1978; Minuchin & Fishman, 1992). The EMDR standard protocol is followed. A case example and concluding discussion complete the chapter.

Book Section

English

Laura Rocchietta Tofani

Tofani, L. R. (2007). Complex separation, individuation processes, and anxiety disorders in young adulthood. In F. Shapiro, F. W. Kaslow, & L. Maxfield (Eds.), Handbook of EMDR and family therapy processes (pp. 265-283). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc