Twins in Session

Book excerpt: Why would a twin forgo her own needs to make sure her same-age sibling is always taken care of, when her sister doesn't even appreciate her sacrifices? What would cause a twin to experience severe anxiety and panic attacks when he and his brother go away to separate colleges? What makes it so difficult for some twins to develop friendships and romantic relationships? The "twin mystique"-our culture's idealization of the twin relationship-and twins' own expectations contribute to their difficulties. A therapist who understands the psychology of twinship can articulate what is actually going on between the siblings. In Twins in Session, therapists will learn what's behind these and other issues: A twin who is having problems with a same-age sibling may think of himself or herself as part of a couple in conflict. Since twins are conditioned to expect effortless intimacy with their twin, they often feel deeply distraught when problems arise between them. Rage often underlies the anxiety that some twins experience due to their being perceived as, and essentially functioning as, one half of a single entity. Twins in Session will help therapists become a trusted outsider who can give twin clients perspective about their twinship issues and help them develop healthier relationships. Book jacket.