Quarterlife Center - Counseling for Young Adults

  Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate motherhood. Simple, right? Not exactly. For many people, this day can get a bit complicated, depending on many factors, like your relationship with your mother, and your feelings about being a mom yourself. This is true especially for moms who have recently given birth and are experiencing  post-partum depression and/or anxiety on Mother’s Day . As the friend or relative of a new mom who is struggling in the post-partum stages, you may be unsure how to support and celebrate this special mom on Mother’s Day. Here are some tips to keep in mind: DON’T buy anything for the home or for the kids and family. DO buy her a gift that she can use ONLY for herself, like a spa treatment, massage, comfy PJs or other clothing she’d enjoy. ______ DON’T plan an event or activity that will require energy and motivation on her part. For someone who is depressed and sleep deprived with a newborn, exerting energy on extra things can be challenging. DO e...

  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. Personally Speaking “As a therapist, it is a privilege to be able to partner with individuals who are struggling with quarter-life transitions and concerns. By tending to our own emotional needs, we open ourselves to the greatest potential for fulfillment, connection, and joy.” Education: MSW, Virginia Commonwealth University BA in Bio...

Are you pregnant and feeling more anxious than normal? Do you and your partner find yourselves feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, down, and irritable after the birth of your baby? Is your struggle with infertility taking over your life and your finances? Do you blame yourself? Do you blame your partner? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions,  perinatal   counseling may be a good fit for you. Maternal and paternal mental health is important for you, your relationship, and your baby. One of the best ways to cope with these feelings is to talk about the ups and downs of trying to get pregnant, preparing for the birth of your baby, and bringing a baby into your family. QLC provides mental health support for women and partners trying to navigate fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum life. Adding a baby to your family is a huge life transition that introduces new challenges and new joys. At QLC, we understand how stressful it can be preparing for the birth of your baby and adj...

Given all the changes that come with pregnancy and parenthood, you might be wondering if the emotional and physical differences you are feeling are cause for concern. While adjustments, including some feelings of sadness and worry, can be normal, there are also signs that might indicate it is time to seek additional support. Perinatal   Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are a group of emotional and sometimes physical symptoms that can affect pregnant and postpartum parents. Symptoms of PMADs can appear anytime from conception up until 1 year after birth. This group of disorders can affect parents in every financial, cultural, racial, religious, or age group and can be caused by changes in biology (hormonal), physiology, and environmental factors. Although less commonly talked about, partners can also experience these symptoms, for men referred to as Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND). While experiencing symptoms of a PMAD or PPND can be distressing, it’s important to remember th...

Are you pregnant and feeling more anxious than normal? Do you and your partner find yourselves feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, down, and irritable after the birth of your baby? Is your struggle with infertility taking over your life and your finances? Do you blame yourself? Do you blame your partner? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, perinatal counseling may be a good fit for you. Maternal and paternal mental health is important for you, your relationship, and your baby. One of the best ways to cope with these feelings is to talk about the ups and downs of trying to get pregnant, preparing for the birth of your baby, and bringing a baby into your family. QLC provides mental health support for women and partners trying to navigate fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum life. Adding a baby to your family is a huge life transition that introduces new challenges and new joys. At QLC, we understand how stressful it can be preparing for the birth of your baby and adjusting to li...

The Quarterlife Center (QLC) is a place where quarterlifers get help discovering answers about themselves and their relationships to figure out the road ahead. We are professional, licensed therapists who specialize in providing counseling to adults in their 20s and 30s. We are dedicated to helping you live life to the fullest by guiding you to create the life you want. At the Quarterlife Center, we believe that the most important investment you can make is in yourself. QLC was founded in 2015 by Dr. Christine Greer O’Connor, a licensed clinical social worker who has dedicated her career to helping quarterlifers. At age 24, Christine experienced her own quarterlife crisis, which motivated her to examine who she was and how she could create a fulfilling life for herself and be a positive influence on her loved ones and community. This journey inspired her to help others navigate the changes, challenges, and exciting experiences of young adulthood. She enjoys helping quarterlifers thrive...

Given all the changes that come with pregnancy and parenthood, you might be wondering if the emotional and physical differences you are feeling are cause for concern. While adjustments, including some feelings of sadness and worry, can be normal, there are also signs that might indicate it is time to seek additional support. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are a group of emotional and sometimes physical symptoms that can affect pregnant and postpartum parents. Symptoms of PMADs can appear anytime from conception up until 1 year after birth. This group of disorders can affect parents in every financial, cultural, racial, religious or age group and can be caused by changes in biology (hormonal), physiology, and environmental factors. Although less commonly talked about, partners can also experience these symptoms, for men referred to as Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND). While experiencing symptoms of a PMAD or PPND can be distressing, it’s important to remember that ...

Are you pregnant and feeling more anxious than normal? Do you and your partner find yourselves feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, down, and irritable after the birth of your baby? Is your struggle with infertility taking over your life and your finances? Do you blame yourself? Do you blame your partner? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. And we are here to help. Maternal and paternal mental health is important for you, for your relationship, and for your baby. One of the best ways to cope with these feelings is to talk about the ups and downs of trying to get pregnant and giving birth to a baby. QLC provides mental health support for women and families trying to navigate fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum life. Adding a baby to your family is a huge life transition that introduces new challenges and new joys. At QLC, we understand how stressful it can be preparing for the birth of your baby and adjusting to life after your baby is born. Perinatal & p...

Meet Desiree PearsonPh.D. Being a young adult in the quarterlife stage can present challenges in self-identity, relationships, career, family and lifestyle. Are you struggling with major life transitions as you navigate the demands of adulthood and find that it’s impacting your mood, motivation, decision-making or overall functioning? Listening to your distress and seeking therapy is a sign of strength. Desiree has extensive clinical and research experience working with young adults in the quarterlife stage. Areas of expertise include but are not limited to relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, academic and motivational difficulties, parenting issues, PTSD, ADHD/ADD, family conflict, body image issues, identity, cultural, sexuality and perinatal/postpartum mental health issues. Desiree strives to facilitate a sense of self-awareness, personal growth, development and self-agency in an open, supportive and safe environment. Education Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Long Island Uni...