A Letter to My Client Heading Off to College
As you prepare to head off to college, I wanted to take a moment—outside the office, beyond the sessions—to say something important: I’m proud of you.
This transition is more than packing bags, checking course schedules, or choosing dorm decor. It’s about stepping into a new phase of your life, filled with discovery, challenge, and growth. And I know how much you’ve worked to get here—not just academically, but emotionally. All those hard conversations, the moments of self-doubt you pushed through, the coping tools you practiced even when it felt hard… they’ve brought you to this point.
College will be a time of learning, not just in classrooms, but in life. You’ll discover more about who you are, what you value, and what makes you feel grounded. And there will be moments—because this is life—when things feel overwhelming, confusing, or even lonely. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
Here are a few things I hope you’ll carry with you:
It’s okay not to have everything figured out. No one truly does, even if they look like they do. You're allowed to ask questions, change your mind, and explore new versions of yourself.
Your feelings are valid. Whether you’re excited, anxious, homesick, or all of the above in the same hour, it’s normal. Emotional ups and downs don’t mean you're not coping—they mean you’re adjusting.
Boundaries are brave. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Protecting your time, energy, and well-being is a form of self-respect, not selfishness.
Support is still available. If you need to talk, reach out—to campus counseling, to a trusted friend, to family, or even back here when needed. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
I’ll miss our sessions, but I trust you’ve built a strong inner foundation. You have tools in your back pocket: breathing techniques, journaling, reframing thoughts, recognizing triggers, asking for what you need. These are not just skills—they’re strengths you've earned.
And remember, growth doesn’t always feel like triumph. Sometimes it feels like discomfort, uncertainty, or even making a mistake and learning from it. Be patient with yourself. You’re doing more than fine—you’re becoming.
Wherever this next chapter takes you, know that I’m cheering for you, proud of you, and confident in the person you’re continuing to become.
With care and belief in you,
Your Therapist
