Empty Nest Syndrome

Two separate 2021 surveys indicated that between 47% and 98% of parents experience ENS when their children leave home. Clinical manifestations include: Panic attacks and sleeplessness (17%), Increased alcohol consumption (30%)and increased concerns about the stability of their relationship with their partner (18%).

If you are working with any of these kinds of problems come and enhance your knowledge and therapeutic skills in this area.

Module 1: Presentation and issues.

• Myths regarding ENS.
• Common presentations – grief, loneliness, depression, anxiety, loss of purpose or role, loss of control
• ENS and its relationship to other concerns e.g. primary relationship with partner, beliefs about self-identity and legacy
• The effects of “issue intersectionality” – death of spouse, retirement, return to work and general beliefs regarding change

Module 2: Deciding on therapeutic focus and what and how to work with ENS.

• Managing, titrating and working through loss
• Working with beliefs regarding self-identity and role
• The challenge of uncertainty associated with change and adaption

Module 3: How to work with multiple and “underlying” issues

• ENS and other complicating losses (bereavement/retirement etc)
• ENS or “the real issue” of relationship with partner
• ENS or the question of a new relationship with children e.g. role change, frequency of contact etc

There are multiple issues that this event arises – from the general issue of loss/grief through to challenges to beliefs regarding identity, role and the lack of a buffer for other issues. Come along for a brief overview of the factors and the role you can play in addressing them.