Entended Application of IDAM to Adults

Chapter Five describes how IDAM can be applied beyond child therapy and shows two specific practices. This application uses the quality of IDAM which touches upon a person’s experience and ability to mirror and mentalize with other people. One application is to adult clients with disorder or problems related to attachment and “ amae .” The therapist uses a case at one addiction recovery facility for women in Japan. People with these issues have often not received appropriate emotional mirroring from or been given affect regulation functioning by their caregiver, and they often have difficulty in these areas. IDAM is seen quite appropriate to restore mentalization and “ amae ” by playing a role of mother and child which creates new experiences as a dramatic reality for this population. They gain satisfaction, understanding of affect, and recognition of their life. Another application is training of therapists. Practicing IDAM serves as a way to enhance self-awareness and learn the essence of how to effectively reach out to people needing support, and how to respect and accept the other’s will and, at the same time, lead them forward. The essence here is mirroring of body, voice and emotion, as it shows and trains the ability of trainees most effectively.