Professionals and Graduate Students

You’ve finally been admitted to a graduate school, just received that promotion, landed that dream job, or feel stuck in a career position that you are unsure about. It’s challenging to balance your needs and your responsibilities. It feels like you have tried almost everything, but you’re still overwhelmed. 

If you’re just starting your path, you’re likely sacrificing family commitments to get through medical school, missing seeing your friends because you’re an L1 in law school or at a standstill trying to get that dissertation done. If you’re a professional, you may be struggling with workplace dynamics, feeling fatigue in your current role, or facing uncertainty after landing your dream job. Therapy for professionals and graduate students offers a safe, confidential space to work through feelings of insecurity, sadness, and self-doubt. Together, you can feel more confident and secure in all your roles in life.

Common Difficulties Professionals and Graduate Students Face

No matter where you are in your career, navigating life in the working or graduate student world can be challenging. There’s pressure to perform, and there’s also pressure to manage an optimal work-life balance, especially if you have a family.

  • If you have a high-stakes career, stress is inevitable. You may be on-call 24/7, or you might be responsible for making life-changing decisions for other people. You may also be managing a team of employees where their livelihood depends on your success.

  • Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, and it can happen if you feel like you don’t deserve your position, or if you’re worried about being perceived as less competent. These feelings can erode your confidence and prevent you from achieving the professional growth you seek.

  • Burnout can happen at any stage of a career, but many people ignore their symptoms of fatigue, negativity, cynicism, and apathy. But you may be trying to push through those feelings, even if that takes you to the point of complete emotional exhaustion.

  • Many professionals and professionals-in-training succeed at work, but feel dissatisfied or disconnected at home. You might feel guilty that you don’t have enough time for your partner or children, but you may also be frustrated that the people in your life don’t seem to understand the rigor of what you do each day and would like more support.

How Therapy Can Help You Grow As a Professional or Graduate Student

Even though you’re completely strapped for time, therapy may be one of the most invaluable investments you make for your professional and personal growth. Here’s how therapy can help you during this time:

  • No matter how time-consuming work or school is, you still need some semblance of balance. Together, we’ll talk about optimal self-care strategies, better scheduling, and ways you can show up for yourself both at the office, in the classroom, and at home.

  • It’s normal to feel insecure at work from time to time. But if a lack of confidence is holding you back, therapy can help you understand your insecurities and develop new skills for feeling more competent.

  • If you’re feeling sluggish, depressed, or just “blah” about everything, you may be burnt out. Burnout often happens slowly and insidiously, and it can be hard to overcome. Therapy provides a space for deeper awareness and introspection, and we can work together to help you feel more recharged in your daily life and show up to work feeling more positive.

  • It’s so important to have a solid support system at every phase of life. No matter how much you value your work, you need to also nurture your relationships with others. If you’re struggling with your marriage, parenting, or family dynamics, we can talk about what’s going on, discuss strengthening your connections, and develop strategies to improve your communication and relationships with people you care about.

  • Maybe you’re not sure if this career path is really for you. Perhaps you’re considering opening a business, going to graduate school, or making a massive career change. These transitions can be both exciting and difficult, and it can be helpful to have a safe, supportive place to process your concerns and receive feedback.

Therapy for Professionals and Graduate Students in California

You give it your all at work, and it’s time to give your all to yourself. You deserve happiness and satisfaction in both your professional and personal life. As a working professional parent married to another working professional (a surgeon), I’m all too familiar with “the struggle of the juggle” associated with constantly adjusting priorities to balance everything. It can be so demanding, but having support can make it feel far more doable and rewarding.

I see clients in person in Orange County at my office in Newport Beach, and I am available for telehealth services for clients throughout the rest of California.

I welcome you to contact me today to schedule a consultation.