College Students and Young Adults
Entering the real world can evoke mixed feelings of excitement, dread, fear, and confusion. Some people feel overwhelmed by their newfound independence, and others may find themselves struggling with their identities, changing relationships, and the rigor of college academics or career expectations.
The early adult years can be such a tender time. You’re trying to establish who you are, but unresolved issues, family dynamics, and self-esteem problems can affect your emotional well-being. Working with a therapist can help you feel supported and grounded during these transitional years.
Common Difficulties College Students and Young Adults Face
Young adult issues range in complexity, but they include social anxiety, depression, dating struggles, career concerns, and family problems. These issues may first emerge during adulthood, but you may have also noticed them during your childhood or adolescent years.
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Whether or not you still live with your family, many young adults find themselves experiencing some challenges with their parents or siblings. You may find that your parents resist you being independent, or you might struggle with setting boundaries. You might also realize that you’re not comfortable with some of the current dynamics in your family.
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Relationships might feel extra confusing right now. You may have noticed that your core friendships are changing. You might want a romantic relationship, but you’re not sure what you’re looking for (or if the person you’re with is the right one). If you’re on the cusp of thinking about marriage or children, these difficulties can feel even more magnified.
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From picking a college major to outweighing different job offers to choosing which apartment to live in, young adults regularly face big decisions about both their present and future. These choices can seem overwhelming, and they may cause people to either act impulsively or procrastinate.
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Many young adults feel anxious in social situations, at school, or at work. You may have symptoms like panic attacks, sleep problems, or a general sense of hypervigilance. Sometimes anxiety is connected to unresolved trauma. Other times, it’s a valid response to all the stress you’re facing in life.
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Self-confidence is almost a superpower, allowing you to make good decisions and take positive risks. However, you might find yourself comparing yourself to others and feeling inferior, or feel insecure about your values and who you are. These feelings can create emotional distress and stress in your personal and professional life.
How Therapy Can Help You Grow Into Adulthood
It’s normal to feel somewhat unsteady as you move into your adult years. It may seem like everyone else “gets it” when you don’t. That said, most people face some struggles, even if it isn’t outwardly obvious. Here’s how therapy can help you during this time:
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Clarifying your values is important. What matters most to you? What goals do you really want to achieve? If you aren’t sure, therapy offers a unique, safe opportunity for self-exploration that can help you live more authentically.
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There’s a good chance your schedule is packed, and you don’t have much downtime. But if you continue disregarding your emotional well-being, you’ll only feel more emotionally exhausted. In therapy, we can discuss barriers affecting self-care and learn helpful strategies for prioritizing a healthy daily routine.
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Feeling poorly about yourself can affect every part of your functioning. It makes it hard to enjoy relationships or even take important risks in life. In therapy, we will dive into what’s affecting your self-esteem and work together to develop a healthier relationship with yourself.
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Social support is so important at every age. If you’re struggling with boundaries, loneliness, or dysfunctional relational dynamics, we can talk about some strategies to help you feel more grounded and connected with the people in your life.
Therapy for College Students and Young Adults in California
I have a passion for working with college students and young adults. With 20+ years of working with this population, I feel confident in helping my clients navigate issues related to self-esteem, relationship problems, academic stress, and challenging family dynamics. Having worked on several university campuses, I also understand the many pressures students face today. Growth and healing take time, but I am here to help you overcome your obstacles and feel better in your life.
I see clients in person in Orange County at my office in Newport Beach, and I am available for telehealth services for clients throughout the rest of California.
I welcome you to contact me today to schedule a consultation.