Claudia Black, Ph.D., recognized internationally for her pioneering and cutting-edge work with family systems and addictive disorders, recently launched The Claudia Black Young Adult Center for young adults ages 18 – 26 who are struggling with unresolved emotional trauma, addictions, or who have a dual diagnosis.

“Our mission at the Claudia Black Young Adult Center,” said Dr. Black, whose work fueled the development of the codependency and developmental trauma fields, “is to help young adults and their families forge recovery paths, so they can heal, blossom, and thrive. As the clinical architect for this groundbreaking treatment program, I am honored to be a conduit for the journey of recovery for young adults.

There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing the many miracles realized as a result of these transformations for such individuals who are bright, passionate, and full of hope.” In the late 1970s, Dr. Black’s work with children impacted by drug and alcohol addiction created the framework for the adult children of alcoholics’ movement. She has also authored over fifteen books, including ‘Intimate Treason’; ‘It Will Never Happen To Me!’; and ‘Changing Course: Healing from Loss, Abandonment and Fear’.

The innovative Center, one of three treatment programs run by The Meadows, is an intensive, experientially-based, 45-day inpatient treatment program focusing on a nurturing community, family systems, proven testing and assessments, life skills, experiential therapies, and 12-step work.

Although trauma comes in many forms, young adults may be victims of circumstances, such as bullying, sexual assault, abandonment, and may have faced absent, controlling, or addicted parents. Young adults, said Dr. Black, look to their peers for acceptance, guidance, and support, so creating an empowering recovery community for this population is instrumental to the healing process.

The Claudia Black Young Adult Center utilizes an array of experiential healing modalities – along with other therapies – including neurofeedback, mindfulness practices, equine-assisted psychotherapy, challenge courses, and trauma-informed psychodrama, along with EMDR and Somatic Experiencing.