Young Adulthood
Independence isn’t just about age—some young adults need extra support to get there.
Common challenges faced by young adults
Some young adults struggle to take the next step—whether that’s starting college, finding a job, or becoming more independent. Despite their intelligence and potential, they find themselves stuck at home, unsure of what they want or how to move forward. This can look like avoiding responsibilities, struggling with motivation, withdrawing socially, or feeling overwhelmed by expectations.
Parents often feel frustrated and confused—after years of support, why isn’t their child moving forward? The truth is, "failure to launch" isn’t about laziness. It’s often tied to anxiety, perfectionism, executive functioning difficulties, or feeling paralyzed by big decisions. Without the right skills and confidence, taking the next step can feel impossible. Therapy helps break this cycle, replacing avoidance with action and building the tools needed for real progress.
Common therapy goals
Building motivation and confidence – Learning to take small, meaningful steps toward independence.
Overcoming avoidance and procrastination – Addressing perfectionism and fear of failure that keep young adults stuck.
Improving executive functioning skills – Strengthening planning, follow-through, and organization to manage responsibilities.
Reducing anxiety and overwhelm – Developing strategies to handle stress without shutting down.
Creating structure and routines – Learning how to manage daily life with more consistency.
Navigating social relationships – Addressing isolation, social anxiety, and difficulty forming connections.
Preparing for independence – Building life skills needed to move out, start school, or enter the workforce.
How I help young adults
Feeling stuck can be frustrating and isolating. Maybe you want things to change but don’t know where to start—or every attempt feels overwhelming, so avoiding it seems easier. You’re not alone in this. I help young adults break the cycle of avoidance by making change feel possible, one manageable step at a time.
Therapy isn’t about forcing a sudden transformation. It’s about steady, sustainable progress. Together, we build confidence through small wins, tackle fears with support, and develop real-life skills for independence. My approach is practical and collaborative—we set clear goals, identify what’s getting in the way, and find solutions that actually work for you.
You also get to decide how involved your parents are in this process. Whether you want their support, need more space, or aren’t sure where to draw the line, we’ll figure out an approach that works for you.
How I work with parents of young adults
Feeling stuck is frustrating—not just for the young adult, but often for tehir parents, too. With the young adult’s consent, I can meet with the parents to help navigate the tough conversations, set realistic expectations, and reduce stress at home. But that’s entirely up to the young adult. They do not have to be included for you to make real progress.
Many young adults feel caught between wanting independence and not knowing how to move forward. I help figure out what’s getting in the way—whether it’s anxiety, motivation, or feeling overwhelmed—so you can take real steps toward the life you want.
What it looks like if we work together
Intake session – Understanding challenges, history, and current struggles.
Consulting important third parties (when necessary) – Speaking with psychiatrists, career counselors, or other professionals.
Reviewing past evaluations – Incorporating any prior testing or reports into the treatment plan.
Setting clear, achievable goals – Defining specific steps toward independence.
Defining appropriate parental involvement – Clarifying what level of support is helpful versus enabling.
Parent and family sessions (if applicable) – Addressing communication struggles and creating a healthier dynamic.
Reviewing goals regularly – Adjusting strategies based on progress and setbacks.
Support outside of sessions – Helping with big transitions, like moving out, job searching, or returning to school.
Gaining independence isn’t just about checking off milestones—it’s about developing the confidence and skills to handle life’s challenges. Whether the goal is getting a job, starting school, or simply engaging more with the world, therapy helps create a realistic path forward.
Send me a note
mercedes.oromendia.phd@gmail.com
(818) 860-2864