College Toolbox
Now you’ve graduated high school and you’re wondering what’s next. We’ll spare you the classic millennials musings about ‘adulting’ and call it what it is – you’re probably over 18 or turning 18 soon and, with that, comes a slew of new responsibilities, challenges, and adventures. Before you keep reading about ways Ambler Counseling Center might be able to help you gear up for this journey, let’s clear some things up -
If I’m not going to college in the fall, is this page not for me? First of all, no – college isn’t for everyone. We admire the self-awareness of needing to take a pause prior to diving into years of specialized education, following your heart into a specialized trade, or just taking a break. But everyone can benefit from the tools available to get situated for your best chance of feeling empowered and successful as you enter into a new chapter of life of young adulthood.
Do I have to have a mental health diagnosis to benefit from support? We really prefer to think of people as the multi-faceted beings that they are and shy away from zeroing in on ‘diagnosis’ unless beneficial and necessary. Diagnoses can be helpful for some, but for others, identifying this kind of label just might not be helpful. Any kind of life transition (i.e. graduating high school and entering the world of adulthood) can benefit from empathetic guidance and exploration.
Can I keep accessing support while I’m away at school? This all depends on the kinds of supports you’re looking to keep in your circle and where you’re going to school. No matter whether you are going out-of-state or not, your proactive legwork will come with you. Some college students elect to continue meeting with their therapist while home on breaks if out-of-state, or your team can help you identify resources local to your new school. If you’re staying in-state, your sessions can continue for as long or as little as feels beneficial to you – sometimes via telehealth if you’re going to school hours away from home. Supports like nutritional guidance and a psychological assessment will provide you with specific recommendations you can take with you long-term.
Psychological Testing
Counseling
Holistic Nutrition
Psychological Testing
Psychological testing (or “psych assessments” as we lovingly refer to them) are very advantageous to those of us who have benefited from accommodations in high school or those of us who feel it might be worth taking a closer look at some of our daily experiences to make sure we’re not missing anything. Getting to know more about how you experience yourself and the world can be vital to taking a big leap into adulthood. Our psych testing can zero in on neurodivergent areas such as ADHD or Autism, or can dig deeper into social-emotional functioning and Psychoeducational needs. Psych testing is offered with a warm, approachable Certified School Psychologist who first completes the testing measures with you and then schedule a complementary follow-up appointment to review your results AND specific recommendations to take with you. You also get a copy of this written report for your use in receiving accommodations at school or at work based on her recommendations. Accommodations might include:
- Increased test-taking time
- Quiet, secluded test-taking spaces
- Extended deadlines for assignments
- Sensory skills awareness and skills
- Accessibility supports such as access to visual images or written notes
- Customized daily living suggestions
- Access to additional school supports
- And so much more, depending on your specific needs!
Counseling
Getting linked with a therapist that is the *best fit for you* can be a breeze when you give us a call. Our team is especially talented in hearing more about your story, what you’re looking for, and general personality traits that you best respond to prior to setting up that initial introductory call with your new therapist. Getting started with a therapist before you head off to college or take your gap year is an ideal time to set the foundational relationship and skill-building ahead of when you’re whisked away by the thrill of entering into adulthood. Our therapists are well-versed in specific themes and areas of focus for young adults who have just recently graduated – whether you want to figure out what comes next, you’re trying to juggle living on your own and working, or you’re commuting or away at college. Counseling can help you with:
- Roommate communication and cohabitation
- Independent living skills
- Balancing the autonomy of school life with your return home
- Navigating peer relationships
- Safe and mindful coping skills
- Time management and scheduling
- General self-care needs such as effective sleeping and eating habits
Holistic Nutrition
If you’re like the rest of us, you might not be totally attuned to independent preparation of snacks and full-fledged meals just yet. We fully advocate any shapes or sizes all bodies ebb and flow through, of course, BUT it’s also important to maintain a consistent and healthful eating routine to fuel that brain of yours while taking on all of these new challenges. Meeting with our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can support you in identifying your current patterns and routines and help build them into one that works for you and your new life of independence on the college campus. Easy Mac, chips, and single-serving cheese won’t cut it! Our nutrition team prefers to approach holistic wellness from a lens of what you currently enjoy eating, what is most accessible to you, what your body responds best to, and how to *add* nutrition to support energy, gut health, and cognitive functioning overall. You can read more about our nutritional offerings here to see if the various customized options we have in store might be of benefit to you! Some areas of focus might include:
- Identifying easy-to-prep and healthful meals
- Building on what’s working at home for your independent living routine
- Learning more about the nutrients your body loves
- Improving gut health
- Navigating food sensitivities
- Establishing a secure foundation for consistent eating when experiencing ARFID or disordered eating
