Starting Therapy: A Safe Space for New to Therapy Young Adults

Taking the step to start therapy can feel full of possibility yet tinged with intimidation, especially if you’re a young adult exploring this path for the first time. You might be wondering what to expect, if therapy is right for you, or how to find the right therapist. These are all normal questions—and you’re not alone in seeking answers. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 40% of young adults ages 18 to 29 have engaged in therapy or counseling at some point in their lives, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of mental health support.

Why Therapy? Why Now? 

Life in your late teens and twenties is full of transitions and challenges. Maybe you’re navigating college, starting a career, building new relationships, or healing from old wounds. As your therapist, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can process these experiences and develop tools to manage life’s complexities. 

Therapy isn’t just about addressing problems—it’s about fostering growth, understanding yourself more deeply, and creating the life you want. Together, we can explore what’s important to you and build skills to help you navigate challenges with confidence. 

What to Expect in Our Sessions 

From the moment you reach out, my priority is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and respected. In our first session, we’ll spend time discussing your goals and what brings you to therapy. You don’t need to have it all figured out—this is a space where we can clarify and prioritize together. 

I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), components of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy to tailor our work to your unique needs. Whether we’re examining thought patterns, exploring the parts of yourself that feel conflicted, re-authoring your personal stories to empower you, or finding ways to align your actions with your values, my goal is to equip you with tools that resonate with your life. 

Busting Common Myths About Therapy 

• Therapy means something is wrong with me. 

  • Therapy isn’t about fixing something broken; it’s about growth and self-awareness. Seeking help is a sign of strength and self-investment. 

• I have to talk about everything right away. 

  • Therapy moves at your pace. There’s no rush to dive into every detail immediately. We’ll build trust and comfort together. 

• Therapists just sit there and judge me. 

  • My role is to listen without judgment and support you in exploring your thoughts and feelings. This is a partnership where your voice matters most. 

How I Can Help 

As your therapist, I offer a warm and collaborative approach that is all about you. Whether you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure about your next steps, I’m here to help you uncover clarity and confidence. Through CBT, we can challenge unhelpful thought patterns; with IFS, we’ll explore and work toward healing internal conflicts; using ACT, we’ll work to align your actions with your personal values; and with Narrative Therapy, we can rewrite the stories you tell yourself, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience. 

Body image and self-confidence are also areas we can address together. If you’re struggling with negative self-perceptions or feeling disconnected from your body, therapy can be a space to explore these feelings compassionately and work toward a healthier, more affirming relationship with yourself and your body. We’ll use tools and techniques to challenge societal pressures, reframe self-criticism, and build a foundation of self-acceptance. 

These tools provide a foundation, but our work is always shaped by what feels right for you. 

Therapy Is for You—Just As You Are 

There’s no “right way” to start therapy. You don’t need to have all the answers or even know exactly what you want from the process. Therapy is a journey, and I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way. 

You deserve a space where you feel understood, empowered, and supported to navigate life’s challenges. If you’re considering therapy, I invite you to take that first step. Together, we can create a space where you can heal, grow, and thrive—at your own pace and on your own terms. 

I work with new to therapy clients of all ages, particularly young adults starting therapy, in person in Asheville, NC. I also offer therapy for young adults online across North Carolina. To schedule a free consultation, please email me: Kristen@TheBreakupTherapist.com