The college years can be an incredibly fruitful time of self-exploration. This may be your first significant period of time away from your family of origin, or even your hometown. You’re meeting new peers, professors, coworkers, and mentors, and constantly having new experiences. There’s a thrill from this newfound freedom, but there may also be some anxiety lurking in the corners as you begin to build your own identity, and learn to navigate new relationships at school and changing relationships back home. Perhaps you grew up in a home full of conflict, and you know you want to build something different for yourself but don’t know where to start. Perhaps you’re trying out new beliefs and identities that you only ever heard being mocked and belittled when you were growing up. Or maybe you just need help figuring out who you are and what you want, now that you finally have a bit more room to do it.
Therapy can be a wonderful space to explore the aching growing pains and dizzying joys of this phase of life. As you take advantage of your independence and emerge into adulthood, it can be helpful to take a closer look at what you learned in your early, formative relationships and recognize patterns that may no longer serve you in the life you are trying to build now, so that you can truly be the author of your own story.
The therapeutic relationship can be thought of as a kind of laboratory: the feelings that arise in talking with a therapist can tell you something about how other relationships in your life have impacted you, and you can also begin to experiment and try new things that may not have been possible before. Through careful listening and exploration, the therapist facilitates a process that is completely unique to you and your experiences. In learning more about yourself and cultivating greater compassion for yourself, you can become more prepared to take on the future.
Your therapist will collaborate with you towards creating an environment where you can feel free to say and explore whatever is on your mind, and stay afloat through the emotional ebbs and flows that come with this process. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of any good therapy, so if there is something in your past that feels scary to share, or you aren’t ready to be “out” about an aspect of your identity, a trusted therapist can be a vital support.
An extra note from Jane Argodale, LCSWA: I find working with college students particularly meaningful, and I completed my specialization year internship at a university counseling center when I was in graduate school. I enjoy supporting young adults in navigating gender and sexuality issues, the impact of complex trauma, family relationships, and many other concerns. I strive to be affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals and supportive of those who identify as neurodivergent. Just starting the process of looking for a therapist can be a daunting step to take, and my aim is to cultivate a relationship where you can feel safe enough to be brave. If it sounds like I could be of help, I hope you’ll reach out.
