Quarterlife Center - Counseling for Young Adults

The past or anticipated death of someone we love can be especially difficult during the holiday season, a time when many people around us are celebrating with close family and friends. Rather than being a time of celebration, it can sometimes become filled with sadness, longing, and emptiness. Here are some tips to help you get through this holiday season: Allow yourself to acknowledge that this time of year might be different or difficult and that it’s okay for it to feel this way. Make a plan for where, when and with whom you want to celebrate the holiday. You might want to change your traditions or plans to accommodate the fact that this year feels different and you might need more/different support. Try to anticipate and communicate your needs to others you will be with during the holidays. Consider picking out a gift for yourself that reminds you of the person you’ve lost (favorite music, hobby you’ve shared, picture frame, charm or ornament etc.). Give yourself permission to skip...

Life transitions that occur in your twenties and thirties can be exciting for couples, but they are also stressful. Building a life together is a wonderful thing, but it also can create significant tension and anxiety. As couples consider taking their relationships to the next level, whether it’s moving in together, planning for marriage or having a baby, they often experience increased conflict and miscommunication, decreased sexual intimacy, and even doubts about their compatibility. At QLC, we understand how these transitions affect couples, and we are here to help you work together as a couple to navigate these challenging times. These are some of the areas our couples counselors can help you with: Communication skills Empathy and understanding Effective conflict resolution Anger and Resentment Decision-making as a couple Emotional Connection Sexual Intimacy Infidelity Trust Conflict about Finances If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, pl...

Pronouns: she/her Using a collaborative, supportive and integrative approach, Paula specializes in helping clients with relationships, career transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, and family conflicts. She aims to help individuals and couples find emotional wellness, flexibility, resilience, and personal growth. She is bilingual in Spanish/English and has expertise working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Paula deeply understands that growth and change go hand-in-hand; whether the change is joyous or painful, she helps clients as they grow and find fulfillment through life transitions. When she isn’t helping clients, Paula enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with friends and family. Education: MA in Psychology, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Argosy University. Advanced Training ITTI – International Trauma Training Institute Licenses Licensed Professional Counselor Washington, D.C., LPC Languages Spanish English Personally Speaking-  “I am passionate a...

This year, some chose to put up holiday decorations on November 1, the day after Halloween. “It’s 2020!” They said, “We deserve it!” This visible reminder has brought on a number of emotions for quarterlifers. In addition to big decisions about their education, career path, and romantic relationships, they’ve been dealing with the ongoing pandemic this year. And now? The holidays. How should you approach a holiday season (already a time of high emotions) that is like no other? Keep reading for our best tips about handling this season during the pandemic. 1. Plan ahead. If you’re feeling stressed about the holidays, one thing that may alleviate your anxiety is planning. In past years, you may have known exactly what your plans are. With new health recommendations, it may not make sense to follow through with these due to the risks. Start thinking about what you’ll choose to do and who you’ll choose to spend time with. Knowing what to expect is always helpful. 2. Assess the risks. A pand...

For most quarterlifers, dating isn’t an altogether comfortable experience even under “normal” circumstances. However, when you add in the need to screen your date for health and safety precautions, it can get downright awkward. That’s right. We’re talking dating in a COVID world. If you’re someone with an active dating life, you may have been one of the pioneers of how to date when you can’t meet up with someone the day after you message them on a dating app. Or if you’re just considering a date after six months in quarantine, then you’re not alone! This is new territory for everyone, and it’s difficult to figure out how to navigate it. Nothing about a global pandemic or dating is easy.  Here are three ways that dating is especially challenging during this time and how you can circumvent these obstacles with grace and humor. 1. What type of date is on the table? When you date in a pandemic, you can’t just offer any idea for a date and expect your prospective partner to be on board....

Alzheimer’s disease is not limited to the elderly. Although rare, some individuals are diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease in early adulthood—some as early as their twenties and thirties. Quarter-lifers who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s struggle with unique challenges. While coping with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, they are also transitioning to adulthood, launching their careers, getting married, and having children. It is possible for quarter-lifers, particularly quarter-life couples, to enjoy life and manage this disease. For these reasons, it is particularly critical for  Quarter-life couples to prepare for the changes associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease by communicating about important, and sometimes difficult, topics. 8 Important Topics to Discuss: 1. Adjusting to the Diagnosis What is your understanding of Alzheimer’s disease? Where can you get information you need? How do you each feel about your diagnosis? What are your hopes, concerns, fears, and...

Our team at QLC has designed several online support groups as a way to meet quarterlifers’ need for connection and socialization, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our online support groups meet for  4 weeks  and are provided in a  small-group format (4-6 people) via Zoom . They are facilitated by a QLC therapist*, are confidential, and require registration. Our groups are being offered for a reduced fee during the pandemic. * Your group leader will chat with you individually before you join the group in order to familiarize you with the format and to answer any questions you have. 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 Meets on Wednesdays.  Start Date (...

Rachel Chazen is experienced in providing individual and family therapy to those needing support with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and motivation. She is passionate about helping others by utilizing their strengths, collaborating to problem-solve, and creating real change. Rachel’s approach is supportive and goal-oriented. She strives to facilitate a therapeutic space that is comfortable and safe. Rachel knows that change is hard and she is dedicated to making sure her clients aren’t alone as they navigate stressors. In addition to her work, Rachel enjoys going to the beach, cycling, and watching reality shows. Education: MS in Couple and Family Therapy, University of Maryland- College Park BS in Family Studies, The Florida State University Advanced Training: Ethics in Digital Practice Anxiety Treatment Techniques Transforming Grief and Loss Nutritional and Integrative Techniques for Mental Health Licenses: Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist Maryland, LCMFT Tennessee,...