Launching into Young Adulthood

Johanna Kaplan, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and director of the Washington Anxiety Center of Capitol Hill (WACCH) in Washington, DC.Anna Villavicencio, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at the Washington Anxiety Center of Capitol Hill (WACCH). She is an adjunct lecturer at Catholic University of America, Department of Psychology, where she teaches classes in psychological disorders and adult psychopathology.Lediya Dumessa, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at Washington Anxiety Center of Capitol Hill (WACCH). She is a graduate research assistant at Resilience and Regulation Lab at Mississippi State University.

“This is an essential, evidence-based guide for helping teens and young adults build the real world skills needed for confident independence. Drawing on years of clinical experience, the authors offer practical tools, clear frameworks, and engaging exercises that address everything from decision making and distress tolerance to family dynamics and financial realities. This book stands out for its proactive, skills focused approach, making it invaluable for young adults, parents, and professionals alike. A timely, empowering roadmap for thriving in adulthood rather than merely getting by.”David Tolin, Ph.D., author of Doing CBT: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Behaviors, Thoughts, and Emotions and clinic director at the Institute of Living/Anxiety Disorders Center“Drs. Kaplan, Villavicencio, and Dumessa have provided an invaluable resource that addresses the critically important topic of young adults who are struggling to develop the skills needed to thrive without high levels of support from their parents. It provides specific and practical guidance and information regarding what step parents and young adults can do to make meaningful and lasting change. It is highly recommended!”Jonathan Dalton, Ph.D., owner and director of the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change, Rockville MD

• 1. Defining the Problem: What is the Common Saying, “Failure to Launch” and What Does it Mean to be a Successful, Independent Young Adult? 2. How to Follow the Life-Prep Program: The Basic Psychological Skills Needed to Become a Successful Young Adult 3. Defining Strengths, Weaknesses and Limitations 4. Learning Adult Responsibilities 5. Developing Distress Tolerance 6. Managing Your Social Connections and Expectations 7. Problem-Solving and Opportunities for “Successful Failures” 8. Decision-Making and Organizational Skills 9. Using Skills Instead of Passion to Determine Life Satisfaction 10. Goal Setting: Making Specific but Flexible Plans 11. The Role of Families and Society in Making Progress Towards a Successful Launch 12. Clinical Disorders and their Contribution to Failure to Launch 13. When “Failure to Launch” Becomes Entrenched 14. Conclusion: The Road Ahead