Early adulthood is a season of growth, discovery, and often, uncertainty. Whether you're graduating, starting a new job, moving to a different city, or redefining your relationships, transitions can feel both exciting and overwhelming. As a therapist passionate about supporting young adults, I understand how these life shifts can impact mental health, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.

Recent research (from the Fuller Youth Institute) has identified seven key transitions of young adulthood.

Let’s break them down – and explore how therapy can be a steadying presence along the way.

1. Self-Identifying
Young adulthood is a time of self-discovery. You might be questioning old labels, exploring new aspects of yourself, and figuring out how your evolving identity fits into the world around you. This includes parts of your identity like gender, race, culture, career, faith, and peer mix. This can be empowering – but also disorienting. In therapy, you are welcomed for who you are – we can explore your values, beliefs, and aspirations, giving you space and support to embrace who you’re becoming.

2. Relating
Relationships shift in young adulthood. Friendships may change, family dynamics evolve, and romantic relationships take on new significance. It’s common to feel loneliness, grief, and to renegotiate boundaries. Therapy offers a space to process relational challenges, learn healthy boundaries, and become equipped for building deeper connections.

Did you know? 82% of young adults are experiencing fallout with good friends

3. Contributing
Many young adults wrestle with questions like, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” or “How do I find a career that fulfills me?” Therapy can help you clarify your strengths, align your values with your work, and navigate the tension between passion, purpose, and practical responsibilities.

4. Taking Responsibility
Whether it's managing finances, making major life decisions, or caring for loved ones, stepping into adulthood comes with new responsibilities. This can feel heavy — especially if you’re doubting your ability to handle it all. Therapy provides tools for managing anxiety, building confidence, and learning to trust your instincts.

5. Self-Caring
With growing responsibilities, self-care can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Yet taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health is foundational to thriving through transitions. In therapy, we can build personalized self-care practices that fit your lifestyle and help you stay grounded.

Did you know? 78% of young adults have been through a significant mental health challenge or are navigating one right now.

6. Acclimating
Whether you’re starting post-secondary studies, relocating for work, or simply feeling out of place in your current season, adapting to change takes a lot of emotional energy. Therapy can help you process feelings of disconnection, explore ways to root yourself in new communities, and build resilience in times of uncertainty.

7. Meaning-Making
It’s natural to question your faith, inherited beliefs, or life’s purpose during young adulthood. You might be searching for a spiritual community that aligns with your evolving values or wondering how your spirituality or religion intersects with your mental health. Therapy offers a safe space to explore these questions without judgment.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Transitions Alone

Life’s transitions can feel like you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure which way to turn. But you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

If you’re ready to explore how therapy can support you through life’s transitions, I invite you to reach out for a free consult call. Your journey matters, and together, we can create a path forward that honors who you are and who you’re becoming.