Finding Yourself In The College Years
Written by: Dominique Burchard, LPC-Associate
College was a time when I had to test myself, learn to trust my gut, and figure out what was best for me rather than trying to fit a mold or move at the pace of societal expectations.
And, truthfully, this did not come easy.
College is one of the most transformative chapters in a person’s life. It’s the first time many young adults are living independently, making significant decisions about their future, and navigating relationships without the familiar structure of home. With all of these new freedoms also come new pressures: academically, socially, and internally. As a therapist, I find this developmental period incredibly rich and complex.
It’s a time when support can make all the difference.
I’m drawn to working with college-age young adults because they are at such a crucial stage of self-exploration. College is often a time when we are faced with challenging questions, Who am I? What do I value? What actually drives me? I love helping young adults think through these questions and sort through old patterns or beliefs that no longer serve them.
In my work with college students, I often see themes of anxiety, low self-esteem, family or societal pressure, and relationship difficulties.
I strive to create a space where young adults feel understood and supported as they navigate all of this. My hope is that clients leave our work together feeling more grounded in who they are at their core, calmer, and more confident in making decisions and engaging in relationships in ways that feel natural to them.
As therapy unfolds, one of my priorities is helping students reconnect with their own internal compass. Many arrive feeling overwhelmed by expectations from parents, professors, peers, or even themselves. In our sessions, we slow things down. We explore what’s actually theirs to carry and what may be rooted in someone else’s hopes or narratives. Through this process, students learn to differentiate between fear and intuition, between avoidance and self-preservation, and between who they were told to be and who they genuinely are becoming.
Ultimately, supporting college students means holding space for both struggle and possibility. These years can be full of uncertainty, but they're also full of extraordinary growth. When young adults feel empowered to understand themselves, set boundaries, nurture healthy relationships, and move toward their values, they begin to build a foundation for a more grounded adulthood. I feel honored to walk alongside them during this pivotal chapter and to witness the confidence and clarity that emerge when they realize they are capable of shaping a life that truly fits.
