THERAPY FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
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Therapy For College Students
It’s All So New
Going away to college is a major transition in a person’s life. Much like a rite of passage, it is literally a coming of age, a definitive move from adolescence into adulthood. You are probably living apart from your family for the first time and have left behind friends you’ve known since childhood, as well as the town you grew up in. You may have moved from your home state or even across the country or arrived from another country. Everything you’ve always known—people, places, things—changed overnight. That’s a lot to process.
And what did it change to? A new way of living—a dorm room or shared apartment—roommates (who are people you’ve never met), your schedule, even the food. You’ve got to find your way around campus and your new town, manage your own time and money, discipline yourself to study and exercise and eat right. Again, a lot to process.
It’s an exciting time, a time you’ve probably looked forward to for years. You yearned to break out on your own, to explore new places, make new friends, learn interesting things, have different experiences. You dreamed about becoming independent. And, hopefully, you’re doing all that. But now that you’re in the thick of it, it might look and feel a little (or a lot) different than you imagined.
It’s All So Normal
Guess what? This is totally normal, and you are not alone. In fact, most college students feel this way at some point during this unique period of life. You’re no longer a child but not yet fully independent. You’re expected to choose a profession, to form and navigate adult relationships that meet your own needs. It’s the first time you’ve ever truly been on your own. Even more than what you learn in the classroom, you’re learning about yourself, your place in society and in relation to others, establishing your own identity, separate from your family and old friends. It’s no wonder you’re confused.
Recognizing that you are struggling is the first step toward finding your way out of it. Seeking help is the next. A skilled therapist who understands campus culture can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and help you make the most of your college experience while also setting you up for success after graduation. Our experienced college counselors specialize in the unique challenges faced by students. We can help you navigate your way through your issues so you feel less stressed and more in control, so you can truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We’ve Got You
College students seek counseling for many different reasons. Some common areas we can help you with are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Identity Issues
- Taking on new responsibilities
- Relationship Problems
- Finding your path
- Stress Management
- Uncertainty about the Future
Therapy Off-Campus
We also recognize that each college student’s journey is unique. Our specialized therapists will work with you to co-create a tailored approach to your own therapy geared toward meeting your specific needs. We will help you find new ways to think of things to help you achieve your goals and be more present in your daily life.
As therapists who care first and foremost about serving you, we urge you to seek help wherever you feel most comfortable. We would like to point out the advantages of seeing a mental health professional off-campus.
- Privacy: This is a big reason college students often seek therapy off-campus. You are much less likely to run into your peers and classmates.
- Therapeutic Fit: Some students have difficulty connecting with the therapist provided through on-campus counseling services. Options are often limited by the number of therapists on staff, who are also often generalists. Going off-campus allows you to look for someone with the specific skills to help you and with whom you feel comfortable.
- Therapist Training/Experience: College counseling services often employ interns and newly graduated therapists. We are seasoned clinicians, specialists committed to providing the best counseling services available.
Finding a Job After Graduation
The million-dollar question. "What are you doing after you graduate?" For the first time in your life, the next step of your future is not mapped out. No pressure. The post-grad scaries are real and normal! We're here to help.
Academic Pressure
Students who grow up in a traditional school system are familiar with following certain standards. In the transition to college, you’re often expected to process information in a different way. More emphasis is on your interpretation of the information that you learn. Y
Also, college students are more independent. They don’t have anyone monitoring them to ensure that they complete their work. This creates a need for students to develop their own methods for organizing their lives.
Burdened With Student Debt
Many college students who come into our counseling center are feeling crushed by their student loan debt. Know that it’s not your fault — college tuition has more than doubled since the 1980s, and student loan debt is at an all-time high.
We specialize in helping college students deal with the anxiety and depression that may come from financial stress, and our Wilmington therapists can help!
Finding your path
Is this really what I want to do with my life? Is this my passion? Finding your path is a huge part of the college student life phase.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost our therapists can help. Contact Clarity Counseling Center in Wilmington today to get started.
Clarity Counseling Center Wilmington
We work with students from various colleges and universities in and around Wilmington (including UNCW and Cape Fear Community College) and we look forward to serving you.
Our counseling services are delivered in a participatory and collaborative manner, and our goal is to help you help yourself. We’re fresh, modern, and passionate about serving our clients. We strive to uplift every person who walks through our door (or signs up for online therapy!). Contact us today to schedule counseling services.
