SPACE Failure To Launch

For Parents of Adult Children with “Failure to Launch”

SPACE-FTL is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to assist parents who have a young adult child who is struggling to transition into independent adulthood. Parents in this situation face the challenging reality of having to find a way to be supportive of their child as they build their adult life without  over-accommodating and enabling dependency.  

What is SPACE for Failure to Launch?

Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Treatment, originally designed to help parents support anxious children, has evolved to address another common challenge faced by families: the issue of "failure to launch" among young adults. Failure to launch refers to a situation where young adults struggle to transition into independent adulthood, often depending heavily on their parents for support. By adapting SPACE principles, therapists help parents navigate this complex issue and empower their young adult children to become self-sufficient and independent.

Young adults experiencing failure to launch may face difficulties in various areas, including finding stable employment, pursuing education, managing finances, learning to drive, and developing basic life skills. Parents often find themselves in a challenging role, torn between their desire to help and their concern about enabling dependency.

“Here we are. At age 23. I have spent the greater part of the last 10 years advocating..researching, making calls.. trying new therapies as I attempted to figure out how to help my daughter the best to move forward. I finally ended up at SPACE after reading Dr. Lebowitz’s research article on parental accommodation and completely identified with almost everything he had to say. A HUGE AHA moment underscored the lightbulb and moved me forward to where we are now.

I can honestly say that his words have empowered me to finally understand how accommodation was only inhibiting my daughter from moving forward with the difficult work she needed to do herself. I know I had absolutely tried as hard as I could and given my daughter every opportunity to move forward with access to health care, counseling, medication, family support. I knew it was time to let her do the work with me in the background. I truly feel that my daughter would not have been in this position if I had been aware of ‘parental accommodation’ 10 years ago. All I can be is grateful that I have learned about it now.”

-Parent of 23 year old

Key Principles of SPACE Treatment for Parents: 

Non-Avoidance & Exposure to Responsibilities

Similar to the original SPACE approach, parents are encouraged not to avoid discussions or actions related to their young adult’s responsibilities. Parents learn to support their child in gradually assuming responsibilities such as financial management, job hunting, and self-care.

Non-Judgmental Attention

Parents learn to identify and acknowledge their judgments so they can practice providing nonjudgmental attention to their young adult's challenges.  This helps to create an environment where their adult child feels safe discussing their difficulties. 

Validation

Parents are guided in ways to validate their child's feelings without judgment. This validation offers parents a way to acknowledge the young adult's struggles while also encouraging growth and independence. 

Supportive Behavior Change

Parents are guided in modifying their behaviors in ways that strike a balance between providing support and promoting independence. This includes setting clear boundaries and expectations. The therapist supports parents to help them follow through on the plan they create. 

  • Psychoeducation:
    Parents receive education about the challenges associated with failure to launch and the principles of SPACE Treatment.

  • Parent Training:
    Parents are trained in applying SPACE principles to the unique challenges of supporting a young adult who is struggling to launch.

  • Gradual Independence Plan:
    Therapists work with parents to develop a structured plan for gradually increasing the young adult's independence in various life domains.

  • Ongoing Support:
    Regular therapy sessions give parents ongoing support and assistance in making adjustments to the independence plan, as well as help in addressing any challenges that arise.

  • Therapy for the Young Adult:
    If your child decides that they would like to be involved in therapy, they will be paired with a clinician who can offer a personalized treatment based on what they need. This might include DBT, CBT or ERP treatment. 

How to Help a Young Adult with “Failure to Launch”

SPACE Failure to Launch at Tampa Pediatric Psychology

SPACE-FTL treatment provides a valuable roadmap for families navigating the challenges associated with young adults who struggle to launch into independence. Through Tampa Pediatric Psychology’s structured approach, parents are educated on the principles of SPACE and trained to support their child in a balanced, empowering way. Learn more about the traditional SPACE anxiety treatment here.

Tampa Pediatric Psychology’s experienced Licensed Psychologists ensure that every family receives a personalized, compassionate treatment plan that promotes resilience, creating a foundation for a successful transition to adulthood.