Located in the heart of Northeast Pennsylvania, Scranton is a city rich in history, resilience, and a close-knit community. For many young adults, it’s a place to grow, pursue new opportunities, and discover their path in life. However, even in a community with strong character, life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. If you’re a young adult struggling with depression, know that you’re not alone — read on for helpful resources.
Why Does Young Adulthood Feel So Hard?
Young adulthood is the stage in life that is full of transitions. You might be navigating college or starting a career, managing new responsibilities, or figuring out relationships and friendships. It’s a time of self-discovery, but it can also feel like a period full of stress and uncertainty. Depression and anxiety are common during this phase of life, and they don’t mean you’re weak or failing. They mean you’re human. The good news is that therapy can help you find balance, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.
How Therapy Can Help
Depression therapy, also known as talk therapy, gives you a space to talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and struggles with someone who truly listens. It’s not about being “fixed” or being told what to do—it’s about working with a therapist who can help you understand yourself better, develop coping strategies, and create a life that feels meaningful to you.
Think of it like having a guide who helps you navigate the tougher parts of life. A therapist won’t have all the answers, but they’ll help you uncover your own strengths and find the tools to manage challenges in a healthier way.
Why Therapy Is Especially Beneficial for Young Adults
Therapy isn’t just for people who are in crisis; it’s for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and build a life that feels fulfilling. Some of the ways therapy can help young adults include:
- Managing stress and emotions – Learn healthier ways to cope with anxiety, sadness, and overwhelming feelings.
- Building confidence – Gain insight into your strengths and develop a stronger sense of self.
- Improving relationships – Strengthen communication skills and learn how to navigate friendships, family dynamics, and romantic relationships.
- Processing past experiences – Work through difficult or painful experiences that may still be impacting you.
- Setting and reaching goals – Get support in creating a vision for your future and figuring out how to get there.
Imagine a young adult in Scranton struggling with social anxiety. They might avoid social situations or feel panicked in group settings. Therapy can help them understand where their anxiety comes from, develop new ways to approach social interactions, and slowly build confidence in connecting with others. Over time, they may find themselves forming deeper friendships and feeling more comfortable in their own skin.
Finding the Right Therapist in Scranton
Therapists use different approaches, and finding the right fit is important. Some common types of therapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a goal-oriented, structured form of therapy that allows participants to identify and restructure negative thinking patterns and unwanted behaviors. It aims to create awareness that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. By working through negative thinking patterns, individuals will find themselves developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): In DBT, the individual learns how to emotionally regulate and build on their distress tolerance by learning coping skills specifically designed for these areas to help achieve balance and harmony.
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on treating the symptoms often associated with trauma experiences. In EMDR, the client is guided through structured eye movements that help reduce sensitivity to memories that often cause anxiety.
Therapists in Scranton can help with a wide array of situations, including:
- Relationship challenges
- Academic and career stress
- Family conflicts
- Identity exploration
- Major life transitions
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
Taking That First Step
Reaching out for help is a big step, and it’s okay if it feels scary. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to go through this alone. Here are a few ways to start:
- Search online directories – Websites like Psychology Today and TherapyDen can help you find therapists in your area.
- Talk to your doctor – Your primary care provider can give referrals for mental health support.
- Check out local resources – Colleges, universities, and community organizations often have counseling services.
- Join a support group – Organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offer peer support for young adults facing depression and anxiety.
Therapy is an investment in yourself and your future. It’s a space where you can be honest about what you’re feeling and get the support you deserve.
Puglisi Counseling: Here to Support You
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Puglisi Counseling, our staff is always ready to support you and help build that sense of relief and hope from the first connection. If you are a young adult in Scranton and you’re finding yourself struggling, Puglisi Counseling is here for you. We provide a safe, welcoming space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and work toward healing at your own pace. Our team of experienced counselors specializes in helping young adults navigate life’s challenges—whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, major life transitions, or relationship issues. Together, we will develop a plan that will help you fulfill your goals.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Take that first step and reach out to us today:
- Call us – We’re happy to answer your questions to make the process feel more comfortable and help guide you forward on your journey.
- Schedule an appointment – Meet with one of our compassionate therapists to see how we can help.
At Puglisi Counseling, we believe in your ability to heal, grow, and build a life that feels meaningful to you.
Let’s start your journey today.