Strength-Based College Counseling

Has all the hype and sensationalism around college admissions got you wondering if you are on the right track? Is what can and should be an opportunity for mindful self-discovery inviting anxiety, negative self-talk, and second-guessing of your abilities and achievements?

Graduating from high school and moving on to college is one of the most critical transitions in a young person’s life. Unfortunately, the process leading up to that milestone—during which a student considers and applies to specific colleges—is often viewed as a pointlessly painful gauntlet rather than an opportunity for growth. It does not have to be that way.

Rather than a negative and anxiety-provoking experience, the college search process has the potential to be a period of increasing positivity and openness to possibilities. Evidence has demonstrated that self-knowledge and values clarification can reduce stress, inspire optimism, and improve well-being, as proven in relationships and various settings. I work with young people to help them uncover and explore their personalities, values, interests, goals, and talents. The college process does not need to be a mindless means to an end. It can be a healthy developmental experience that inspires optimism and clarity around how young adults want to show up in their lives.

My unique strength-based approach combines years of experience working with diverse and gifted adolescents using positive psychology, values research, as well as core concepts from Brene’ Brown’s Daring Way™’ and Rising Strong™ curriculum.

Preferably, I like to meet with college counseling clients starting in grade 9 to assess interests and values and locate and develop potential points of engagement and impact.