Therapy for gen z & college students
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Therapy for College Students in Michigan
Navigating Transitions, Identity, and Overwhelm-Without Burning Out
College is supposed to be "the best years of your life," right? But for so many students, it doesn't feel that way. You're juggling pressure from every direction-academics, family, friendships, identity, finances, career planning-and underneath it all, you're quietly struggling to stay afloat.
Maybe you're...
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Feeling overwhelmed and anxious, even when you're "doing everything right"
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Questioning who you are, what you want, or whether you're on the right path
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Hiding your stress because everyone thinks you're fine
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Dealing with loneliness, homesickness, or imposter syndrome
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Struggling with food, body image, motivation, or focus
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Exhausted by trying to balance it all perfectly
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Wanting support but not knowing how (or whether it's "bad enough" for therapy)
Whether you're a first-year student trying to adjust, a transfer student navigating new territory, or a senior feeling lost as graduation approaches-therapy can help.
You don't have to figure this all out alone.
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This stage of life is hard & that does not mean you're failing
College students today are under more pressure than ever. Between constant comparison, cultural expectations, and your own high standards, it can feel like there's no room to just be.
You're expected to know who you are. To perform well. To stay connected. To be happy.
But what if you're still figuring it out?
What if your insides don't match the version of you others see?
Let me tell you this: there is nothing wrong with you.
You're navigating a massive life transition and therapy gives you a space to process that transition with compassion, clarity, and support.
How therapy helps college students:
Therapy can be a lifeline when you're:
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Feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed
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Questioning your identity or struggling to feel like you belong
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Facing life transitions or breakups
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Grieving lost friendships or navigating roommate challenges
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Struggling with boundaries, motivation, or burnout
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Dealing with shame or self-criticism that feels paralyzing
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Feeling overwhelmed by your relationship with food and/or your body
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Struggling with ADHD
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Feeling overwhelmed by all that's on your plate during this fast paced chapter of life that's full of frequent changes and challenges
You don't have to wait until you're falling apart to seek support
Together, we'll work to:
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-Build self-trust and emotional resilience
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-Explore your identity, values, and voice
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-Learn how to set boundaries and ask for what you need
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-Unpack perfectionism and shame
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-Normalize your struggles and reduce isolation
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-Create realistic, sustainable tools for navigating college life
No matter how anyone has made you feel, here your problems are not "too small" for therapy. You don't have to wait until you're falling apart to seek support. You're allowed to need help now.
Why students (and parents) trust me:
Before opening my private practice, I spent nearly a decade working in higher education as a student support professional. I've worked directly with hundreds of college students navigating identity development, anxiety, self-esteem, eating issues, relationships, and transition stress.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling scared that they'll be judged, analyzed, or pathologized. But therapy with me isn't like that.
It's warm. Collaborative. Grounded in trust.
I believe you're the expert of your own life. I'm here to help you get clearer on what that life could look like-and feel like when you're no longer just trying to survive it.
Specialized therapy for college students:
Virtual Therapy in Michigan for Busy College Students
I offer virtual therapy throughout Michigan, which means that no matter where you are in the state, you can access therapy on your terms. Virtual sessions fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, whether between classes, home on break, or after graduation. This flexibility ensures that you get the support you need without disrupting your daily life.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
You have a big heart and always show up for others; now it’s time to care for yourself. Therapy isn’t just about addressing problems, it's also about uncovering patterns, fostering growth, building resilience, and nurturing self-compassion. Investing in your mental health can be the most rewarding decision you’ll ever make. To learn more about fostering your own wellness, read my blog.
Get Started with Therapy
Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or searching for a better fit, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Virtual therapy is available across Michigan, offering you uninterrupted support, even during college breaks or after graduation. Don’t wait to start prioritizing your own wellbeing, schedule a consultation today and let’s begin this journey together.
What to Expect in Our Sessions
Therapy with me is real. Relational. Respectful of where you are and curious about where you want to go.
We'll explore what's hard without judgment and celebrate what's good without downplaying it. You don't need to show up with perfect words or a 10-point plan. Just bring your honest self (even if you're not sure who that is yet). I'll meet you with warmth, insight, and tools to help you move forward.
Our work will always be tailored to you. I am person-centered and pull from evidence-based practices like CBT, SFBT, mindfulness, and attachment theory, but the real power is in the relationship we build together.
Whether you're in your first year of college or trying to figure out who you are after graduation, you deserve a space that helps you make sense of it all. This is that space.
Sarah Santiago, she/her
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Board Certified Counselor
Owner | Bloom Counseling & Wellness
Mental health support for Michigan's college students
I offer virtual therapy for college students attending schools across the state of Michigan-including but not limited to:
Northern Michigan University
Michigan Technological University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Central Michigan University
Western Michigan University
Grand Valley State University
Northwestern Michigan College
And other campuses across the U.P. and Lower Peninsula
Whether you're on campus or back at home, therapy can fit into your life-and help you make sense of it.