Quarterlife Center - Counseling for Young Adults

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 ...

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...

Are you feeling stressed out? Here are 4 tips for reducing your stress: 1) Nurture yourself. Do whatever it is that nurtures you. Take a walk. Call a friend. Read a book. Journal. Meditate. Cook your favorite meal. Get a massage. Take a nap. Watch a movie. Make time to do whatever it is that helps you unwind and relax. 2) Practice gratitude. Start a gratitude journal. Try it for 1 week and see how it feels. For 1 week, write down 3 things each day that you are grateful for. Examples are “I feel happy about my new shoes,” “I am thankful for my supportive brother,” and “I’m grateful that I’m in good health.” 3) Reach out to friends. You don’t have to (and you shouldn’t) manage your stress alone. Research has found that social support is an important factor in reducing stress and improving physical and mental health. The number of friends you have is less important than the quality of your friendships. In other words, regardless of the number of friends you have or how often you talk to t...

Meet Joanna Strait! Pronouns: she/her Joanna is experienced in providing individual and group therapy to those struggling with grief and loss, perinatal mood disorders, and those struggling to overcome anxiety and depression. She is passionate about empowering her clients so that they feel they are able to overcome quarter-life challenges and can lead fulfilling, healthy lives. Joanna’s approach is very collaborative, and she provides a calm, safe and empathic space for clients to explore possibilities for healing and growth. In addition to her work, Joanna enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading true crime. Education: MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University BA in Biological Anthropology, Scripps College Advanced Training Perinatal Mental Health – Postpartum Support International Maternal Reproductive Mental Health Grief & Loss (Including Infertility and Pregnancy Loss) Hospice & Palliative Care Licenses Licensed Clinical Social Worker Washington, D.C., LICSW...

With a few exceptions, you probably didn’t expect to face the death of a loved one when you were in your twenties or thirties. Because grieving a death is non-normative during this phase of life, a grieving quarterlifer is apt to feel like their peers don’t understand. Additionally, it can be challenging to find  resources   and help for grieving young adults. As a 25 year-old grieving client expressed, “ my friends don’t know how to handle my sadness. I feel so alone . . . like everyone is tiptoeing around me. " Experiences with grief can be multi-layered and complicated. Grieving the death of someone close to us, whether from COVID-19 or another cause,  poses unique challenges during young adulthood and the quarterlife period . In grief counseling at QLC, you will work 1:1 with an experienced grief counselor as you learn about the grief process and the tasks of mourning. In addition to grief counseling, we also offer an online grief support group called  “Grief Dur...

As Valentine’s Day approaches, you may find yourself having some negative feelings, especially if your relationship is having difficulties. Dr. Christine Greer O’Connor, Founder of the Quarterlife Center, shares 4 tips for how to manage your negative feelings and your relationship. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please  contact us .

Whether you’re single or coupled on Valentine’s Day, make sure to show yourself a little love throughout the day. As therapists, we encourage our clients to value self-love and self-care. When we love and take care of ourselves, we are able to show up in our relationships and work in the best ways. Here are 3 ideas to show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day. 1. Start the day right. Wake up 5 minutes earlier than normal and listen to a short guided meditation. Insight Timer and Headspace are good apps for this. Set an intention for your day (i.e. “Today, I will pamper myself.”) After the meditation, enjoy your favorite breakfast. 2.   Give yourself a treat during the day. If you like chocolate, buy yourself a couple of pieces (or a box!). If spending time outdoors is your thing, take a walk or eat lunch in a park. If time permits, schedule a massage for your lunch break. Or send yourself flowers (and remember to write a kind note to YOU). 3. Plan an activity for the evening. Di...

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 for you? What isn’t? We’ll explore questions like, “What am I looking for in a partner?” What do I want people to see, and not see, about me? How do I bring up topics...