Quarterlife Center - Counseling for Young Adults

Support groups are a widely available resource offered on just about every topic. They’re the very best reminder you that, as isolating as your struggle with any issue can be, you’re unlikely to be alone. Others are struggling as well. Reaching out for help enables you to express your feelings, learn information, and live and cope with challenges in your life. During COVID-19 and social distancing, while you’re unlikely to meet in a room with others, online support groups can empower you in your daily life. Here are some important (even life-changing) benefits of support groups and the social connection they provide. 1. Expressing your feelings, even if you’re not sure how Have you ever felt it was difficult to open up to the people in your life? Even those closest to you? You’re not alone in this. We think of our loved ones as understanding us on a deep level—even thinking (hopefully) that it obviates the need to tell them our feelings. If you’re frustrated, sad, upset, or confused, t...

It’s summertime, which means you were likely looking forward to a big vacation to unwind and recharge. While COVID-19 has rendered the traditional “vacation” unsafe, there are still ways that you can get away from your Zoom-fatigue. Here’s how you can get that much-needed vacation. Take a road trip. Driving (instead of flying) is one of the best ways to control a variety of unknown factors that come with COVID-19. If you’re dying to get out of the house on your week of PTO, then a road trip to a new or known destination can be the perfect remedy. You’ll still need to navigate shared spaces, but you can do so safely with lots of planning. When you select a destination, make sure you look for travel restrictions and quarantine rules for that location. Some locations are more optimal than others for short trips. You can read about the state by state restrictions  here . You can also take precautions while on the road. You should touch as little as possible, pack disinfectant wipes and...

Worried about a loved one in their twenties or thirties who seems depressed? They may be having a quarterlife crisis, which is a common experience during emerging adulthood, as young adults are turning 25 or approaching 30. Millennials who are going through a quarter life crisis are at risk for depression and anxiety. A quarter life crisis is real and shouldn’t be ignored. Are you wondering how you can help? Family members, often parents, contact me for guidance on how to help their millennial child. They express concern about their son or daughter seeming sad and lost in life. Here are some of the most common quarter life crisis symptoms: tearfulness irritability lack of motivation hopelessness anxiety about the future difficulty making decisions changes in appetite changes in sleep substance abuse (read more about  binge drinking among millennials ). If you have observed any of these symptoms in your loved one (or any of the symptoms described in this post), you may be wondering ...

Caitlin   is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Career Coach who specializes in working with people in their 20’s & 30’s. Caitlin provides career groups and retreats at QLC. She believes that being in community can help quarterlifers build connection, inspire vision, and instill hope as people move towards their goals together. The unique thing about Caitlin’s work is that she has training both as a therapist and a career coach, and she integrates mental health counseling with career, relationships, and the rest of life to help clients take steps toward feeling better. Through talk therapy and career coaching, clients gain new insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which leads to more confidence. When Caitlin’s not working, she enjoys taking zumba classes, being outside in the sun, and spending time with family and friends. Education BA Corporate Communications, Elon University MS Mental Health Counseling, Johns Hopkins University Advanced T...

“The experience of pregnancy and the postpartum period can feel overwhelming and isolating, even in the best circumstances. Pregnant and postpartum moms are now even more likely to experience mental health challenges as they try to navigate huge life adjustments during a global pandemic. Family and friends that were once able to offer support might be unable to, places that once offered opportunities for socialization and self-care (gym, yoga studios, restaurants, movie theatres etc.) are closed, and new moms are concerned about their health and the health of their babies. While we are certainly living in an unprecedented time, here are a few tips for making this time a little more bearable. If you have older kids at home,  click here   for some tips on parenting during the pandemic .” 1. Connect with Others While options for in-person socialization might be limited, there are lots of ways to remain connected virtually with family and friends. Try to talk with at least 2 diffe...

Are you stuck at home quarantined during COVID-19? Our virtual career coaching groups are great while you’re teleworking and have more flexibility in your schedule! Our groups are a perfect way to stay connected, socialize, and build new connections. Let’s use this time well to get ahead together! For many quarterlifers, getting clarity about your life and career, and finding a job, are huge sources of stress. Whether it’s the job you have, the one you wish you had, or the one you have not yet imagined—thinking about it probably consumes a lot of your time and energy. We know that there are unlimited career issues that quarterlifers deal with, and we are skilled at helping you figure it all out. QLC’s career coaching groups are a great way to receive support and guidance from our certified career coach in a small-group format. We offer 2 types of career groups at QLC, and they are offered virtually: 4-Week Career & Life Design Group 4-Week Job Search Skills Group 4-Week Career ...

While both premarital counseling and couples counseling help couples connect and communicate, they differ in their structure, style, and goals. During the course of therapy, the two might look identical in a specific moment, but the overall course of each type of counseling looks very different. Premarital Counseling Premarital counseling is ideal for couples who are planning to be married or who have decided to make a lifelong commitment to each other. At QLC, this type of counseling is short-term (4-6 sessions) and focuses primarily on the couple’s future together. We help premarital couples improve communication skills and create good habits. Although premarital counseling is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the couple, it usually includes some structured exercises, like creating a vision statement for your marriage. Importantly, it addresses topics that are common triggers for conflict in long-term relationships. One of our primary goals is for couples to leave premarita...

QLC’s virtual support groups are designed with quarterlifers in mind and are facilitated by a QLC therapist. They are provided in a small-group format via video, are confidential, and require registration. They are being offered for a reduced fee during the pandemic.  All Groups Meet for 4 Weeks. Dating Today In this group, we’ll focus on dating as a quarterlifer, especially in the context of a pandemic. TedTalks and articles will be used to explore central themes. What are current trends? What is working? What isn’t? You’ll explore your own dating experiences and develop new insights and coping skills. Runs for 4 Weeks via Video Date & Time – TBD Four 75-minute group sessions Led by QLC Therapist  Emily West $249  (reduced from regular fee during the pandemic) Postpartum During A Pandemic Do you find yourself feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and irritable since the birth of your baby? Adding a baby to your family is a huge life transition that introduces new challenge...

Staying Sane As A Couple During COVID-19 As many couples find themselves working from home (WFH) and social distancing, you may be getting restless and irritable with each other. Here are a few tips to help couples keep their love strong during the pandemic. Plan a Date Night. Get dressed up (at least change out of your sweatpants), light candles, prepare a romantic meal or get delivery from your favorite restaurant, or set up a picnic (inside or outside). Create a Spontaneity Box. Each of you write down on pieces of paper things that excite you, that would be fun and/or unexpected, or even random words with which you can be creative in designing an activity around. Put the pieces of paper in a box and pick one out whenever you want to change things up a bit. Coordinate Alone Time. A lot of people really need alone time to recharge their batteries. Whether that time is spent being productive or just relaxing, it is very important. Although you may cherish this newfound time together as...