How Therapy Can Support Your Transition to College

It is that time of year again! When many people who have just completed a huge accomplishment of graduating high school are now in the final months before college.

While college brings a lot of positive changes- opportunities to meet new friends, learn new things, start building a more individual life- it also comes with a lot of stressors.

College can be very different from the environment of routine, people, and support that you build in high school. You are in a new place, with new people, starting a whole new routine, and learning about who you are as a person.

Since this is such a big transition for not only the college student, but the family as well, it can be helpful to start therapy services with someone who is licensed in both your home and college state. Starting in the summertime allows for you to build rapport with your therapist and start identifying some of the things you may be nervous about with this big life transition. That way when you start to settle in at college you have access to tele-therapy services with your provider.

Along with having the opportunity with tele-therapy, having an outside person from your core life can be a great addition of support while you start to build your individuality in college. A therapist is supporting your wants and goals, and coming from an unbiased view of what helps you build an authentic life.

Of course having additional support from friends and family from home is also a great form of support- it comes with the emotional side of each of those people’s own grief, worry, anxiousness, or other emotions related to this big transition. Having someone like a therapist while you begin your new stage of life also gives your loved ones peace of mind you are getting support.

Some topics that may be helpful to work through with a therapist when it comes to prepping for college may include:

• What your goals for college are

• What boundaries you may need to work on

• Wellness balance in your new routine

• Ways to build new friendships

• Processing emotions related to the transition from home to college

• Identifying hobbies and support skills

• Making an emotional support plan for when you meet times of overwhelm, burnout or painful emotions at school

• Addressing any current mental health symptoms you may want skills for before you go to college

There are many topics you can share with your provider to help feel supported before and while you are going to college!

For any openings in my schedule for tele-therapy at college in Washington, Idaho or Colorado- click here.

Additionally, you can always contact your college counselor’s Counseling center, and see what options are available in person on campus. Many colleges also provide local, private therapy options for people who prefer not to get services at school.

Congratulations on this big next step in your life’s journey!