College prepares you for a wide variety of things: getting started in your field, understanding the basics of your industry, and developing skill sets that will come in use for the future. However, college doesn’t always give you the tools to handle the transition into post-academic life. Let’s take a closer look at what this transition looks like and how a therapist in Los Angeles can help.
Entering The Non-Student Life
Whether you are graduating from an undergraduate or a graduate program, it may be difficult to begin your post-student life. After all, you’ve been in an academic environment, perhaps even non-stop, since you were a kid. It’s understandable that you may feel nervous, uneasy, or overwhelmed about this; after all, it is a pretty significant transition. You are no longer going to have the structure of an academic institution to help you with your time management, nor will you have people whose job is to make sure you get your work done. A good way to deal with your concerns or distress is to maintain a sense of self-discipline, even during times of uncertainty. Find ways to organize your time, your tasks, and your personal time so that you have a healthy balance in your life.Building A Sense Of Community
An often under-discussed aspect of life after college is the lack of an immediate community. While you’re going to school, you are constantly interacting with fellow classmates in academic and social environments. It’s likely that they live nearby, and you might have gotten together with them often. Most importantly, there is a sense of community on and off campus, where you can rely on fellow students and faculty in times of stress or difficulty. Graduating means that you might not find that immediate sense of community as easily. This is why it’s a good idea to keep in touch with your friends. Check in on them and make sure that they know they can count on you going forward. Hopefully, that will that be reciprocated, so that you will be able to carry these friendships into the so-called real world.
Moving On To Higher Education
Not everyone who graduates, of course, is moving on to non-academic life. Some people might be entering yet another stage of their academic journey by starting a graduate or a doctorate program. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the transition itself is any less scary. After all, new programs, new institutions, and new degrees can bring forth with them different challenges and environments. You might even have to move to attend this new program, which can have its own share of difficulties. In situations such as these, it’s good to find comfort in the things that you already know. For example, the general academic structure, the friends you will still have in the area, and, of course, the goals you have for your career.
Count On The Help Of A Therapist In Los Angeles
Life transitions of any kind can take quite a toll on a person. Whether you are graduating and entering a competitive career field or moving on to a more advanced academic program, it’s normal to feel disoriented and stressed with all the changes you’re facing. At times like these, it’s good to count on some additional help that a therapist in Los Angeles can provide. Psychologist Dr. Yvonne Thomas specializes in helping people dealing with life transitions.
If you would like to learn more about how she can help you through situations like this, you can give Dr. Yvonne Thomas a call at (310) 359-9450 or request an appointment online here on her website.