When you are between the ages of 18 to 25, you experience many wonderful milestones.  Graduating high school and college, voting, being away from home for the first time, military service, drinking, reduced car insurance, getting your first “real” job. Though this stage of development can be filled with many highs it can also be a stressful time and an ambiguous time in a person’s life.  You are no longer an adolescent but not fully an adult.  You are no longer a dependent adolescent but may not have the normative responsibilities of an adult.  It is a distinct period of time in which an emerging adult is learning to become autonomous.  This time is marked by:
 

• Accepting responsibility for one’s actions
• Making independent decisions
• Becoming financially independent: a traditional “marker event”
• High exploration – you’re searching for your identity with regard to love, work and world views
• Possible lack of role constraints – if you are single and without a child your ability to explore is increased.

 
 
As an emerging adult you are faced with the challenge of deciding how much exploration you will do. Do you want to be a constant explorer or stop exploring?  Do you want to continually learn or assume the identity of a committed adult?  The amount of exploring you choose to do can be pressure filled.  This pressure can be increased if you have family members asking, “What are you going to do with your life?” This pressure can create a host of emotions, anxiety, fear, guilt, and excitement.  This pressure can also produce many thoughts that can leave you uncertain of what steps to take next. 
 
At Equilibria Psychological and Consultation Services, we have experienced therapists that work with individuals to aid in their transition from adolescence to adulthood. Our therapists assist in clarifying and exploring the thoughts and emotions that go with emerging adulthood, ultimately leading to a healthier and more satisfying personal relationship.  If you would like to find out more about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us at 267-861-3685.