Separation-Individuation Struggles in Adult Life

by Sarah Fels Usher

Separation-Individuation Struggles in Adult Leaving Home focuses on the developmental task of separating from parents and siblings for individuals and couples who have not been able to resolve these issues earlier in life. Sarah Fels Usher extends Mahler’s theory, and includes the writing of Loewald and Modell, among others, stressing the right of adult patients to a separate life. She describes the predicament of Oedipal victors (or victims), their introjected feelings of responsibility for their parents, and their resultant inability to be truly individuated adults. Difficulties separating from siblings are also given analytic attention. Usher’s experience treating couples adds a new and powerful dimension to her theory. She is optimistic throughout about the therapist’s ability to help adult patients resolve the rapprochement sub-phase in a satisfying manner. An additional, crucial question is raised when the author asks if the therapist can allow the patient to terminate treatment. Has the therapist achieved separation from their own parents―or, indeed, from their analyst? Exploring the plight of patients of the unseparated analyst, Usher describes how these generational factors rear their unfortunate heads when it is time to end therapy. Listening to patients from the perspective of separation-individuation is not new; what is new is Usher’s emphasis on how these particular issues are often masked by significant achievement in adult professional life. Separation-Individuation Struggles in Adult Leaving Home will be of great importance for psychoanalysts and psychoanalytic psychotherapists working with adults, as well as for clinical postgraduate students.

Genres: Psychology

128 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2016

Reviews

[emre · Rating 5 out of 5]

hani bazı kitaplar olur, okuyunca insana dair her şeyi anlamak bir şekilde mümkün gözükür, yeter ki bir anlatan olsun. bu kitap da onlardan biriydi. evden kilometrelerce öteye gidip de göbek bağını hâlâ koparamayanları, kendi olabilmek için kısmen gerçek kısmen mecazen ebeveyninin ölümüne mecbur hissedenleri ve nesne ilişkilerimizin hayatla bağ kurma biçimimizi nasıl belirleyebildiğini daha iyi anlamama büyük yardımı oldu. aile içi ilişkiyi yalnızca ebeveynlerle sınırlı tutmaması, kardeşleri "ödipal drama"nın figüranları olmaktan çıkarıp önemli rollere, hatta başrole koyabilmesi ufuk açıcıydı. bayıldım.

[Sevgi Tüccar-Çelik · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Separation-Individuation Struggles in Adult Life: Leaving Home" is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the difficulties individuals face in navigating independence during adulthood. What sets this book apart is its ability to move beyond the foundational contributions of Ainsworth and Bowlby in attachment theory, offering a fresh perspective rooted in a psychoanalytic understanding of separation and individuation.

One of the book’s most impressive strengths is its integration of theory with vivid, real-life case examples. This combination not only clarifies complex concepts but also brings the struggles of independence and identity formation to life in a way that feels both relatable and impactful. The focus on how early attachment patterns continue to shape adult relationships and personal development adds an essential layer to the discussion.

As someone deeply interested in the interplay between attachment, independence, and psychoanalytic thought, I found this book engaging and enriching. Its blend of theoretical depth and practical relevance makes it a valuable resource for professionals and anyone seeking to better understand the lifelong dynamics of attachment and autonomy.

[Hasret · Rating 2 out of 5]

bana yeterli gelmedi.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense with rich reference to theory. It makes some interesting points about what the individuation process looks like in adults, with reference to actual case studies. It also expands psychoanalytic theory further into sibling relationships which is interesting and talks about therapist-client contact after treatment which is worth-while.