What is young adult therapy?
Developmental psychologist, Erik Erikson, defines young adults as adults between the ages of nineteen and forty years old. Because of the rapid and numerous psychological, sexual, cognitive and emotional changes during this period, this can be a stressful time. Such changes may include moving into new “adult roles” and separating from family of origin. This could look like higher education studies, entering the workforce, moving away from home, or starting a family. The young adult period is defined by Erikson as “intimacy vs isolation” in the eight stages of development, described as a period when individuals often begin intimate relationships after developing a sense of identity.
I provide a lot of therapy for young adults which includes college students who are living for the first time on their own, trying to navigate college academically or socially, and are experiencing changes regularly. Being near TCU is a great opportunity to connect with this age group. Young adult therapy also envelops young professionals buying houses for the first time, making career changes or starting their families. I have enjoyed working with this age group specifically, as they are open and eager to finding healing and ease in their busy lives. What a beautiful and transitionary time!
What challenges may indicate a need for young adult therapy?
- Low self-confidence
- Confusion on future goals
- Substance use issues
- Distress about future plans
- Difficulty balancing independence and family relationships
- Promiscuity/sexual deviance
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Untreated trauma
- Behavioral issues (anger outbursts, failing classes, work absences, etc.)
- Poor work performance
- Poor school performance
- Low self-esteem
- Extreme mood swings
- Excessive anger
- Disordered eating (anorexia, binging, purging, bulimia, etc.)
- Social issues/anxiety
What are the typical results of young adult therapy?
- Benefits from EMDR/MBCT
- Increased coping skills to manage stress/challenges
- Decrease in substance use (specifically to manage stress)
- Healthier relationships (romantic, friendships, family)
- Increased self-confidence
- Improved school/ work performance
- Ability to identify and cope with difficult emotions
- Better decision-making
- Ability to problem-solve
- Increased feelings of calm
- Improved body image
- Decreased behavioral concerns
- Decreased anxiety and depression
- Ability to set healthy boundaries with others
- Decreased impulsivity
- Improved communication skills
- Increased attention span
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