Are you a parent of a struggling college student?
It’s very stressful being the parent of a college student and I can help. Often college is the first time your child is away from home and it can be hard to know how to manage your worries about them. Weighing their needs for independence and your concern about their wellbeing can be difficult. If you son or daughter is struggling socially or academically this can bring up anxiety for you, and I can help.
Why Parents of College Students benefit from therapy
Parents often tell me that talking to me relieves many of their concerns about their son or daughter, and research has shown that this kind of parental therapy can actually reduce anxiety, depression, etc. in children (cf. Smith, Allison M.; Flannery-Schroeder, Ellen C.; Gorman, Kathleen S.; Cook, Nathan. 2014). Knowing you are being heard and that you can share your thoughts in a safe space can not only helps you, but also your son or daughter.
If you are concerned that your college student is struggling with these issues I can help
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Drug use
- Reckless behavior
- Academic difficulty
- “failure to launch”
Therapy helps parents and college-aged children both
Of course, just because your child is in college does not mean that therapy has to only be focused on your relationship with them. This may be the first time since your son or daughter was born that you are free enough to focus on yourself.
The mixed emotions of having a child away at college can be difficult. Part of you may be concerned about your child’s wellbeing and feel uncomfortable being so suddenly absent from his or her life, yet another part may feel free, relieved and ready to focus on you.
Parents often forget that they can help their child by working on themselves. Just like on an airplane by putting on your proverbial oxygen mask first you’ll be helping your son and daughter put on his or hers. By working on yourself and your worries about your son or daughter you’ll be better able to help them.
Because I have years of experience working with college students, I can help you in ways that most psychologists can’t. Additionally, as a young, male therapist I a unique ability to understand the issues college-age men face and help you better reach your son.