Derek, a 25-Year-Old Failing to Launch

Derek had been living at home since high school with a very sedentary lifestyle and spending most of his day watching TV or playing video games. He had been continually overeating, mostly junk food, perhaps as a reaction from depression and/or anxiety, which had increased his weight to almost 300 pounds. Despite his family’s constant persistence in encouraging him to find a job, he has expressed no interest. His older brother was a successful lawyer and perhaps, because of that, he felt that whatever he did would not be good enough.

Finally, with his parents threatening him to pay rent, he found a job at a local warehouse. At first he performed well, but then increasingly began showing up late and calling in sick. Eventually he was fired. Still under the threat of having to pay rent, Derek then found a job as a salesperson at a local electronic chain store. When he became bored he would spend time playing video games on the big screen TVs and frequently missed customers who were looking for help. Again, after several warnings, he was let go.

His parents felt helpless and knew that Derek needed something more than one 45 minute session with a therapist each week. They were intrigued when they found out about the Connections program. They liked the idea of Derek being counseled and coached throughout the week, particularly the personal training aspect as they were very concerned about his weight. Reluctantly, Derek agreed to at very least attempt to participate in the program. The Connections team members concurred that his lackluster life was as a result of an underlying condition of depression in conjunction with an overall feeling of helplessness.

Working with Derek and his family, our Connections Team devised a plan. In his case, physical wellness was of primary concern so the plan called for three personal training sessions per week plus one hike or alternative activity per week with one of our coaches. Additionally, in two other coaching sessions per week, our coaches would work with him in researching careers, writing a resume and even visiting local businesses.

At the end of the first 90-day period, Derek had lost 20 pounds and it appeared as if it had a positive impact on his self-esteem.  Through counseling and coaching, Derek was being gradually “weaned” off his over-consumption of junk food, although it remained a struggle. Significantly, Derek began connecting with his high school friends once again. He would reach out to them, answer their texts and even socialize with them now and then.

The Connections team and family agreed to continue the program at the same level for another 90 days. During that time they would also have Derek meet with a nutritionist several times to move him toward a more healthy diet. The next phase of the program would also include an effort directed toward Derek identifying career options and preparing for and  eventually going on interviews.

*All therapy sessions are 45 minutes and personal training sessions are 30 minutes. Coaching sessions is an hour. Family sessions are an hour