You have started a new chapter in your life. You are legally an adult- but you are not exactly “adulting” yet.
Many people say that the college years are some of the best years of your life. So far, being in college has been pretty overwhelming. Being away from your family and friends has been harder than you expected. You miss your bed, your dog, your mom’s cooking, even your annoying little brother.
You don’t know anybody in your classes. You have roommates but they have their own friends and one of them you never even see come out of their room. Managing all your five classes has been a struggle. You either forget to do your assignments, oversleep and get to class late, and always end up stressed out cramming for exams.
Lately, you are starting to wonder if you picked the right major. You are not really sure what you want to do for the rest of your life. You haven’t said much to your parents because you don’t want to worry them or disappoint them
Adjusting to college life demands can be difficult and can affect not only your grades but more importantly, your mental health.
Common areas of concerns:
- Lack of motivation
- Stress management
- Adjusting to being away from family
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship problems
- Time management
- Self-esteem
- Loneliness
Most if not all college campuses offer counseling services for students. Thankfully, seeking help nowadays is encouraged. Still some students prefer the option of private counseling. Most importantly, you need to feel comfortable with your therapist. After all, this is the person you are going to be opening up to and trusting with some deep stuff.
I find that I have a pretty easy time connecting with my young adult clients. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and I provide college students (ages 18-21) support throughout the process of adjusting to college life and the transition into adulthood. I have specialized in child and adolescent counseling since 2006. A lot has changed over the years and a lot has happened in our world since then. Over the years, some of my clients have come back to counseling at different stages in their life. You could say I have watched them grow up and I have learned a lot from their experiences, that helps me understand and empathize with you.
You had to work so much harder to get into college. While you were in high school you were constantly being told by teachers and parents, that they have to do more, join more clubs, play more sports, do more community service and take more AP classes. The advances in technology might give you quick and easy access to information but it also leads teachers to demand more work. Social media affected and still affects your self-esteem, its addicting and takes up a lot of time. Feeling safe in school, at the movies, at the mall, and at a concert is not that simple anymore. Society criticizes you, “millennials” for so many things that really aren’t even your fault. To be honest, I cringe when I hear the complaints. I admire your generation and I don’t just say that, I mean it. I am part of a generation called Xennials (yes that is a thing), we fall right in between you guys and Generation X, which means I get them and I feel you.
I have helped my young adult clients feel more confident in themselves and manage stress better. They have connected with new friends, learned better time management, started their first jobs and begun healthier relationships.
Therapy goals are set by you, you decide what areas you want to work on. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) which is evidence-based to treat anxiety and depression. However, I also believe it is important to reflect on early life experiences because they do impact our adult life. Our attachment styles stem from our relationships with our parents. So if you want to go “there”, we can. I am a Play Therapist, so I also have this really awesome Sandtray that I can show you and it can make you go “there”, real quick. At your age you tend to have more self-awareness and insight, you can successfully change unhealthy patterns now. You are in charge of your life and I can guide you in the direction you want to go. If you want to make some changes and work on some things, I am ready to help!
My practice is located in Weston Florida, if you are local we can meet in my office. I also offer confidential Video Counseling to students anywhere in the state of Florida.
Call me today for a Free 15 minute Telephone Consultation.