THERAPY FOR YOUNG ADULTS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Life after high school isn’t going the way you expected it to.

You feel stressed and  overwhelmed. You have heard this is supposed to be the “best time of your life” but it really doesn’t feel that way. Everyone around you seems to have it all figured out, but you feel lost, unsure, and anxious about the future. You find yourself asking “Shouldn’t I be excited about moving forward? Is there something wrong with me?” 

There is nothing wrong with you. The transition from high school to adulthood is exciting. And…no one talks about how it’s also exhausting, overwhelming, and confusing. There is so much on your to-do list: College classes, homework, projects, work schedules, social activities, and dating; all while trying to manage the stress of living on your own for the first time: roommate conflicts, grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, and paying your bills.

If you’re in the extremely common situation of living with your parents as a young adult or returning to live at home in your 20s to save money, you may be noticing that you and your parents fight more than you used to. You’re an adult. You might even have a job and be trying to earn a living. But you feel like you’re back in high school and you’re struggling for your independence. It’s a frustrating place to be. 

It’s a ton of pressure. When you look at your friends or scroll through social media, it probably seems like everyone else is having a great time.

You might be experiencing things like:

  • Anxiety about graduating and moving on

  • Indecision about a college major or a career path

  • Still being financially dependent on your parents while trying to make decisions on your own

  • Feeling overwhelmed by responsibility

  • Living away from home for the first time and feeling homesick or out of place

  • The desire to do something meaningful with your life, but feeling unsure how to go about it

  • Existential dread about the state of the world, the economy, the climate, or the latest news headlines

  • Worry that all of your friends are moving forward in life and leaving you behind

Meanwhile, you might be asking yourself, “Am I on the right track? Is this what I really want? What do I want to do with my life? What if I fail?”

HELPING YOU CREATE A LIFE YOU LOVE

Therapy can help you manage the stress of college and adulting with ease and confidence.  Find answers to your questions about yourself and your goals in life. Create a roadmap for getting there. Learn how to have healthier, more fulfilling relationships with parents,  friends and romantic partners.   Live life according to your own rules. Stop worrying and have fun along the way. 

Connect

It’s difficult to see a way forward when you feel stuck. The first few sessions we will focus on getting to know each other, getting unstuck, and creating a plan that will give you relief from your symptoms and hope for the future.

Explore

Together, we will explore the circumstances in your life that have led to you feeling lost, confused, stuck, or anxious. Bring it all to the table. We will also figure out what is working well for you. I will provide concrete strategies and insights and be your partner and your guide on the journey.

Create

Using strategies you have learned in therapy, you will create the life you love according to the rules you set for yourself. Feel confident in your decisions about the future, learn to advocate for yourself, and believe in your ability to manage life as an adult, no matter what.

Therapy for young adults can help you

  • Explore and discover your deepest beliefs and values. so that you can answer the question “Who am I?”  and live authentically

  • Navigate the changing relationship with your parents, friends, and family.

  • Discover what you really want out of life

  • Help you create a roadmap to get to to your goals

  • Feel more confident in your ability to make the big decisions that impact your life right now. 

things we can work on...

  • college anxiety and stress

  • relationships

  • social anxiety

  • work-life balance

  • LGBTQ+ identity questions

  • relating to your parents as a young adult

  • self-esteem

  • major life changes

  • living life according to your values and beliefs

It’s possible to thrive in high school, college and beyond.

I am here to support you and help you live an authentic life you love.

Lets’ get started.

Frequently asked questions about therapy for young adults

  • Not necessarily. I am licensed to practice in Virginia and South Carolina. Since I practice remotely, if you are going to college anywhere in the states of Virginia or South Carolina, we can continue to work together online. If you are going to college out of state, I can provide you with a list of referrals if needed.

  • My approach to therapy is warm, authentic, and genuine. I use a humanistic and person-centered approach, informed by CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to explore how your thoughts, feelings, and actions all contribute to your symptoms. Together, we will explore things like improving self-care, setting healthy boundaries in relationships, advocating for your needs with family, friends, and teachers, and setting healthy expectations. All at your own pace, and with your unique goals in mind.

  • If you are age 18 or over, your parents will not be involved in your treatment and no information will be shared without your written consent., even if they are paying for treatment. If you are 14-17, you do still have the right to confidentiality in therapy with certain exceptions, which we will discuss during your first session.

  • How long you are in therapy depends your symptoms, how quickly you prorgress, and your personal goals. Some people attend therapy for several months and others can benefit from longer term treatment. Every person is unique.