Therapy for College Students
At Anchor Therapy, our young adult counselors are proud to provide successful mental health interventions to young adults and college students. When you begin college and step out into the world on your own for the first time ever, life can suddenly feel overwhelming.
Even if you are aware that you need help navigating this life transition, it can feel like a difficult decision to make. You may feel like you need to figure out this next step in your life completely on your own, but that is not the case. Everyone deserves help, even if you are a young adult learning how to move through the world.
Here are some emotions that you may feel as a new college student:
Excitement
Nervousness
Independence
Loneliness
Overwhelmed
Curiosity
Homesickness
Confidence
Isolation
Adventure
Stress
Emotions vary widely from person-to-person, and your emotions may fluctuate throughout your college experience.
Navigating College Life with a Licensed Therapist by Your Side
It is likely that, up until this point, you have relied on your family and high school friends as a huge source of emotional support for you. When you start college and you are no longer surrounded by this core social group, you have reached a major marker of your transition to independence. You are on your own as an adult for the first time, experiencing the ‘real world’ and all it has to offer.
Attending college is an undeniably exciting experience, but it can often seem over-glamorized in the media. While there are fun social opportunities, you are at school to get an education after all. Keeping on top of your academic workload, navigating new social dynamics, feeling the weight of student loan debt, and balancing a packed schedule are not easy feats. With all of these pressures, it is normal to feel overwhelmed throughout these college years.
Any of these challenges are hard to deal with individually, let alone when you are facing multiple problems at the same time. As a young adult, you may feel the weight of the world on your shoulders and like you have to figure everything out right now all on your own. But, you are never truly alone- you can always choose to have the support of a college counselor by your side.
Academic, social, and personal pressures can leave you feeling unsure of yourself and how to move forward in your life. Luckily, the support of a licensed professional can make a world of difference. A therapist for college students can give unbiased guidance, techniques, and strategies so you can cope with your struggles and make the most out of your college experience.
Unlike speaking with a family member, friend, or romantic partner, a college counselor gives you a safe space to explore and process your emotions with zero judgment attached. From homesickness to battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome, Anchor Therapy’s young adult psychotherapists use this process of self-exploration so you can create a high level of emotional resilience. This will prepare you for dealing with the natural ups and downs of life.
Licensed therapists for young adults also offer important coping and problem-solving skills. Perhaps you need assistance with managing your anxiety before a final exam. Maybe you need guidance on how to handle a conflict with a roommate. Whatever your issue is, your college therapist will be able to adjust their therapeutic approach to address your unique needs.
College counseling is a collaborative process between you and your psychotherapist where you can improve your mental health and prosper in college at the same time!
Common Challenges Faced by College Students
As you step into your new normal of the exciting, yet overwhelming experience of higher education, there are many current or future challenges that lie ahead as you form your academic, social, and personal worlds.
From completing academically-challenging coursework to balancing romantic relationships, you may find that your journey is filled with both obstacles and amazing opportunities for positive growth. When you understand the challenges that you are facing, you are in a position to turn those challenges into learning lessons so you can make college a truly transformative period of your life.
One of the biggest obstacles you may face as a college student is the academic transition itself. College academics are a step above high school coursework. The more complex coursework coupled with higher expectations and a faster learning pace can leave you feeling like you bit off more than you can chew. However, building good study habits and learning how to manage your time can help immensely. College is all about adjustment and exploration, and learning more about the academic facet of college is no exception, from learning more about your school’s academic support services to finding out where the library is on campus.
Speaking to this academic transition, time management becomes a major obstacle for college students, especially those stepping foot on campus for the first time. In high school, everything was decided for you. You went to school at the same time every day and got out at the same time. Perhaps you were involved in student organizations or organized sports which had specific meeting times. In college, you are largely in the driver’s seat of your schedule. Are you a morning person who wants to get your classes out of the way? Do you prefer a slow morning and to take classes in the afternoon? When do you plan to squeeze in study time at the library if student organizations meet in the evening? There are a lot of things to consider academically without even taking your personal needs into account yet.
When you learn to prioritize tasks and set realistic goals for yourself, you can overcome procrastination issues and achieve academic success. Balancing schoolwork, relationships, self-care, and possibly work is a lot but, with organization, it is possible. A structured schedule will help you learn good time management skills. This can be done through a physical planner or digital calendar.
The social adjustment of college can be a scary thing, especially if you struggle with social anxiety. Building a social network and finding a sense of belonging on campus may not be the primary reason you are attending school, but it is important for your mental and emotional well-being.
You may feel pressure to make friends quickly, such as forcing yourself to connect with your roommate and those in your dorm, but the truth is that you will likely have to navigate several diverse social circles before you end up with a solid friend group that fulfills your needs. Joining clubs or organizations, and attending social events that interest you are great ways to connect with people on campus and build supportive friendships based on mutual interests.
Independence is hard. Your schedule, finances, and daily routine is all up to you. That can be a freeing, yet scary thought. Autonomy is great, but there must be a balance where you are also responsible. Seeking help from a trusted loved one or mental health professional can make this transition a little easier.
If you are a college student, you are no stranger to financial concerns. From costly college tuition to steep textbook prices and the cost of daily living, financial obligations can pile up during a time when funds are limited.
You may also be worried about your college’s financial aid processing so you can reserve a seat in your classes and, eventually, be able to attend your lectures. There are many forms of assistance that can help you, from scholarships to even getting involved in a work-study program at your school.
As a college student, it is likely that you will change your mind more than once on what your ‘dream job’ is, practicing career exploration. According to the University of Northern Iowa, 80% of college students change their major at least once and the average student changes their major up to three times. Choosing a major, gaining internship experience, and networking with professionals will help you gain clarity on your career goals.
With such a busy schedule, you may find it hard to prioritize your health and wellness, but this should be viewed as non-negotiable for you. Your physical, emotional, and social welfare are all connected. If you are slipping in one facet of your life, it will not take long for it to affect other areas of your life as well.
Exercising regularly, eating well-balanced meals, getting enough sleep, drinking water, and managing your stress are essential for optimizing your physical health. Connecting with friends and engaging in activities that bring you authentic joy will fulfill your emotional and social health.
Lastly, mental health is a major cause for concern amongst college students. During college, you may experience increased stress, anxiety, depression, and additional mental health challenges since you are dealing with many academic, social, and personal transitions. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and speaking to a college counselor can help.
If you are feeling like you cannot successfully navigate your day-to-day life on your own, it is recommended to seek the support of a licensed mental health counselor for college students.
Here are some signs that you should seek the support of a therapist during the transition to college:
You are using unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., drugs and alcohol)
You have difficulty coping with your stress
You are experience persistent emotional distress
You are experiencing relationship problems
You are undergoing major life transitions
You are under academic challenges
You have low self-esteem
You are navigating identity issues (e.g., navigating your sexual identity)
You have a history of mental health issues
You should seek counseling as a college student if emotional, social, academic, and/or mental health challenges are stopping you from living life to the fullest. If your welfare, functioning, or quality of life are being negatively impacted by the aforementioned issues, seeking help from a therapist who can provide you with a safe space to explore your emotions is highly recommended. This way, you can work towards healing and personal growth.
How College Counselors Can help with Life Transitions
College therapists play a major role in helping you as a college student navigate life transitions by providing you with personalized support and guidance.
First and foremost, a therapist for college students will give you the space you need, whether it be physical for in-person counseling in Hoboken, NJ, or virtual for teletherapy, to explore your emotions. Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, stressed, or homesick, you can voice it all in therapy. When your feelings and experiences are validated, you create a high level of self-awareness and become emotionally resilient.
College is a time of exploration and self-discovery. You are figuring out your career goals. You are determining your interests. You are finding new friend groups. You are exploring your own identity. A psychotherapist can guide you in diving deeper into your values, beliefs, goals, and strengths. When you self-explore and finally feel comfortable with your identity, your self-confidence and self-esteem will be boosted.
Life transition counselors are specialized to support you during major life transitions, like going away to college and adjusting to a new academic setting. In therapy for life transitions, you will learn coping strategies to give you tools for adaptability.
The academic pressures of college life can become overbearing. Pair that with social challenges and the need to fulfill your personal responsibilities, stress can begin to mount. A stress management therapist will teach you relaxation practices, mindfulness exercises, and time management skills so you can cope with these pressures.
As a college student, here are some benefits to seeing a therapist:
Stress reduction
Enhanced coping mechanisms
Source of emotional support
Increased self-awareness
Academic success
Empowerment
Mental health control
Better quality relationships
How Can I Start therapy for a college student at Anchor Therapy?
WORKING WITH us IS EASY
Fill out the contact form below.
An Intake Coordinator will respond to your inquiry, and match you with a college therapist on our team who treats your area of concern.
Know that this decision shows your commitment to prioritizing your well-being and taking control of your mental health so you can thrive in college!
