
A quarter-life crisis is a time of significant change and uncertainty in a young adult’s life. This can be due to transitioning to college, facing the pressures of adulthood, or feeling unfulfilled in personal and professional life. For you as a college student and young adult, this can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. You may feel anxious, stressed, lost, and unsure of your future. You’ve heard of EMDR therapy, but you’re not sure what it is.
Your quarter-life crisis can lead you to questioning your identity, your career path, and your relationships. You may feel isolated and misunderstood, which can further intensify your distress. So, what can you do to navigate this quarter-life crisis and come out stronger on the other side? EMDR therapy may offer a solution.
What is a Quarter-Life Crisis? 
A quarter-life crisis is a time in your life that can make you think, “Who am I?” and “What am I doing with my life?” It is a period of self-doubt, confusion, and questioning your choices. It can be triggered by major life transitions or events such as graduating from college, starting a new job, or ending a long-term relationship. Typically, it happens between the ages of 20 to 30, but it can occur at any point in your young adult life. When you suddenly find yourself taking on more responsibilities and making serious decisions, it can be overwhelming and cause you to feel lost.
It doesn’t help that there are societal pressures you see on social media, such as having a dream job or traveling the world. Or you hear your friends talking about their successful careers or relationships, making you question if you’re falling behind. All of these factors can contribute to your quarter-life crisis and make it feel like you’re the only one struggling, which is not true.
How Long Does a Quarter-Life Crisis Last?
You may be thinking “Will this feeling ever end?” and “Am I going to be stuck in this crisis forever?” While there is no timeline for a quarter life crisis, it typically lasts between three months to a year. For instance, if you already had anxiety before your quarter-life crisis, it may take longer to work through it. Your life, routine, and relationships have been disrupted, and it takes time to heal and adapt. That can really contribute to how long your quarter-life crisis may last.
It’s completely natural and okay to feel as if you are alone or struggling during this time. Also, it doesn’t help that you don’t have a certain timeline to follow. However, there are therapy options like EMDR therapy in Alpharetta, GA that can help you process your emotions and move forward.
Now, How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you process past traumatic events or experiences. Ones that are causing your negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It involves recalling the traumatic event while tracking the therapist’s eye movements or tapping on alternate sides of your body. The intention is to help you reprocess any deep feelings, emotions, or thoughts surrounding the traumatic event or experience.
For instance, you are transitioning from being a college student to a young professional. That can come with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. You may have a difficult time finding a job or adjusting to a new environment. Through EMDR therapy, you can work through any underlying fears or insecurities that may be holding you back and causing your quarter-life crisis.
How Can EMDR Therapy Help with Quarter-Life Crisis? 
EMDR for Anxiety and an EMDR therapist in Roswell, GA can help you navigate your quarter-life crisis by addressing the root causes of your distress. It can help you process and reframe negative beliefs about yourself, such as feeling inadequate or not good enough. With EMDR therapy, you can gain a clearer understanding of who you are and what you want in life. EMDR is made up of 8 phases, which include a thorough assessment and processing traumatic memories. Each session helps target specific memories or experiences that may be contributing to your quarter-life crisis.
Over time, you can experience significant improvements in your mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can go from, “I’m not good enough” to “I am capable and deserving of happiness.” or “I feel as if I’m not reaching my full potential” to “I am constantly growing and evolving.” Your therapist will help you target negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic beliefs.
Strategies for You to Implement Self-Care
While EMDR therapy in Alpharetta, GA is a helpful tool, there are also self-care strategies you can implement to help you manage your stress and quarter-life crisis. EMDR therapy can give you the tools to cope with your crisis, but self-care is essential for maintaining long-term emotional well-being. Here are some strategies you can try:
Practice Mindfulness
When you are going through a quarter-life crisis, it’s easy to get lost in your thoughts and feelings. Your mind-body connection can become disrupted, and you may feel disconnected from yourself. Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can help you reconnect with your body, thoughts, and emotions. It allows you to be present in the moment and increases self-awareness.
Set Time Aside For Your Hobbies
Hobbies are a great way to relief stress and take your mind off of any negative thoughts. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment, which can boost your mood and self-esteem. Make sure to set time aside for activities you enjoy, whether it’s painting, hiking, or reading. Having balance in your life for after work, or during the weekend, can help alleviate some of your quarter-life crisis symptoms.
Set Realistic Goals
During a quarter-life crisis, it’s common to question your goals and aspirations. You may feel pressured to set goals like “finding your passion” or “landing your dream job.” However, these goals can be overwhelming and unrealistic. Instead, try setting smaller, achievable goals that align with your values and what you want in life. These can look like “applying to five new jobs this week” or “taking a class in a field I’m interested in.” Breaking down your goals can make them more manageable and less daunting.
Connect with Others 
Having a support system is another important aspect of managing a quarter-life crisis. You may feel isolated and alone during this time, but remember that there are others going through similar experiences. Reach out to friends or family members who you trust and can talk to about your struggles. You can also join support groups or find online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Plus, your EMDR therapist in Roswell, GA can also serve as a support system during this time.
Your anxious thoughts might tell you that your quarter-life crisis will last forever, but that’s not the case. EMDR therapy can help you work through your emotions and get to a place of acceptance and growth. A quarter life crisis can be an opportunity for self-discovery and growth, and having the right support and resources can make all the difference.
Move Forward with EMDR Therapy in Alpharetta, GA
It’s normal to experience a quarter-life crisis after huge transitions in life. You may feel lost, anxious, and uncertain about your future. But with the right tools and support, you can overcome this challenging time. EMDR therapy in Alpharetta, GA can help you process your emotions and move forward with a clearer understanding of yourself and your goals. At Wellview Counseling, we want to support you through your quarter-life crisis and help you reach your full potential. Our therapists are trained in EMDR therapy, and we specialize in helping young adults navigate through life’s transitions. If you’re interested in starting therapy or coaching:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with our specialized play therapist and parent coaches
- Overcome your quarter-life crisis and find your path!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
EMDR therapy is just one of the services offered at Wellview Counseling. We also offer a variety of different therapy services to support your and your family’s mental health and well-being. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, Play therapy and more. Our therapists are specialized in various modalities and can provide personalized treatment plans to fit your specific needs. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. We are dedicated to helping individuals of all ages find healing and growth, and we look forward to working with you!
About the Author 
Ashley Bobo, an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), brings 20 years of diverse experience to support young adults navigating quarter-life challenges. While not an EMDR expert, the specialist at Wellview excels in this area. Ashley is dedicated to helping young adults navigate the complexities of this phase, fostering self-discovery, building relationships, and enhancing emotional well-being through therapy.