Life after high school, whether going to college, enrolling in the military, attending trade school, or going straight to work, is not always easy.  Many times our transition to adulthood can be complicated by mental health concerns, increased stressors, a lack of healthy family and friendships, or questions about what we really want in life.  Our counselor has worked with a lot of college students and young adults, and he understands the struggles that they go through.  He understands the anxiety about the future, frustrations about the big changes, and all the other feelings that come with leaving high school and making big changes in your life.  

Why Do Young Adults and College Students Choose Us For Counseling?

A Safe Place To Explore Your Thoughts Without Judgement

Doug understands that young adults often have a million different voices trying to tell them what to do with their lives.  Sometimes over-involved family members and friends can make you feel like you don't know what you are doing or that every step you take is the wrong step.  Doug's goal is to create a safe place, whether in person or online, for you to speak your true thoughts and feelings without feeling judged.  He will listen, ask questions, and try to help you find your next right step in life to address whatever brings you to counseling.  

A Counselor Who Understands the Issues Young Adults Face

Whether it is anxiety about the future, conflict with family or friends, trying to figure out where you want to go in life, facing the trauma's of the past or present, having intense feelings that you cannot control, or trying to juggle academics, jobs, and/or relationships, Doug is skilled at helping young adults in these areas.  

 In therapy he primarily uses therapuetic skills based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). 

CBT is based the premise that our thoughts, actions, and feelings are all tied to each other.  While there is no wrong way to feel, how we think about things and the actions or behaviors we engage in, can and do impact how we feel.  If we are feeling anxious, sad, angry, or any other emotions that are unhealthy for us , often times if we will work on changing how we think about the circumstances (which impacts what we are telling ourselves about the struggles) can help reduce the frequency of those negative feelings.  OR, if we will change what we are doing, it often leads to more positive thoughts and feelings.

DBT is based on CBT, but is specifically designed for those who feel their emotions intensely.  The aim of DBT is to help people to both accept their difficult feelings, while at the same time working to learn new skills to manage these feelings and make positive changes in their lives.  While DBT encourages people to make positive changes (like CBT), it also helps people to accept themselves for who they are, especially when circumstances in their life may not always be able to change.

A Comfortable Setting That Fits With The College Schedule

Doug knows that the young adult and college lifetstyle is one that can be hectic and stress-filled.  Between classes, projects, papers, jobs, and trying to manage daily living, sometimes counseling can seem out of reach.  However, Doug has different appointment times that can usually fit into your schedule.  He offers both afternoon and evening appointments, and he is comfortable with doing appointments in person or online.  Additionally, Doug can offer a sliding scale for college students who do not have access to insurance or have the financial ability to pay the full rate.