Do you have an adult child who has not seemed to cross over from adolescent into adult? 

Are you having trouble getting your adult child to maintain employment or help out around the house?

Due to a variety of factors, many young adults are struggling with a phenomenon known as "Failure to Launch" syndrome. While not an actual diagnosis, Failure to Launch syndrome refers to young adults who have struggled or failed to transition into adulthood. In many cases, these individuals do have mental health diagnoses that present very real barriers and have not received the support necessary for a smooth transition. Parents may also feel they are supporting their children until it crosses over into accommodation. 

Young adults with this syndrome may lag behind their peers in completing schooling or maintaining employment, dating or having an active social life. If your adult child lacks confidence, struggles with sustained focus and attention to difficult tasks, and lacks goals or motivation, they may benefit from counseling to better understand and reduce barriers to meeting these goals. Other factors may include entitlement, social anxiety, low tolerance for stress, and failure to assume adult responsibilities.

If any of this resonates with what’s going on in your life…

• Your adult child fails to maintain employment or stay in school
• Your adult child is anxious, depressed, or lacks motivation
• You have arguments with your spouse or minor children about how to support the adult child 
• Your adult child acts hostile, entitled, and/or refuses to help out with basic chores
• You want to help motivate your adult son or daughter to finish school or improve their grades
• You need help enforcing structure and boundaries at home
• You'd like your adult child to contribute with rent and chores while going to school or work

… then family and individual therapy with a licensed mental health professional can help.

Therapy and structure can help young adults successfully transition into adulthood. Individual therapy can help them identify underlying causes for the issues they struggle with and find new and positive ways to cope with and overcome these difficulties. Family therapy can help the entire family learn strategies for appropriate communication, structure, boundaries and consequences. Family therapy is imperative to helping understand the barriers and implement strategies for change. 

Of note: I do not particularly like the term "failure to launch" and find it to be patronizing. However, as this is the term that is most popular, I have used this term so that those searching for services can find support.