Exploring Independence Therapy

A New York Times op ed explores Independence Theory and the countless reasons why anxiety and depression are on the rise in children and teens.

Why do we need Independence Therapy?

Not only are they deluged with too much information, much of it hard to understand or contextualize with their limited life experience and developmental stage, but we have also shifted so much of our parenting style to one that is highly structured and more protective than previous generations.

Parents are everywhere, dropping off, picking up, or even hanging around at playdates or activities in another part of the house while teens are absorbed in online worlds, or always just a text away.

In many ways, our kids know they can depend on us, but in others, they have become very dependent on us.

Practicing Independence Therapy

In the first session of SPACE, we try out a little taste of Independence Therapy, where parents are challenged to find a thing or two to step back from and let their kids figure out on their own.

Group after group, parents report their sense of surprise and wonder at how much their kids can and want to do when they step back. Capable kids are less anxious and more resilient.

What is something you learned to do as a child or teen when there wasn’t an adult in sight?