You've got the job, you're checking off goals left and right, and life seems pretty good… right? But sometimes, even when things look perfect on paper, you can feel like something's still missing. If you're like many successful young adults, you may be crushing it in your career, but feeling off emotionally, in your relationships, or in another area of your life—and that's where therapy for young adults can make a huge difference.

We often think therapy is only for people going through major crises, but the truth is, you don't have to be in a downward spiral to benefit. In fact, if you're reading this, chances are, you've wondered what local therapy options there are for young adults in your area. And maybe wondering if therapy could help you navigate some of the struggles you are having beneath the surface. In this article, we'll explore five signs that therapy might be the missing piece to unlocking even more fulfillment, and how to go about finding a therapist in your area.

1. You Feel Unfulfilled Despite Your Success

You’re Checking Boxes but Still Feel Empty

Let’s get real. How many times have you achieved something you’ve been working toward—a promotion, a degree, or that “dream job”—only to feel like the excitement fades way too fast? You’re left wondering, “Is this all there is?”

I’ve worked with many young adults in Austin, Texas who come to therapy saying things like, “I’m doing everything right, so why don’t I feel happier?” This sense of unfulfillment is more common than you think. A 2021 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that while external success often improves life satisfaction, it doesn’t necessarily lead to emotional fulfillment. For many finishing college is the first time in their life when it is unclear what is next or what success might look like. That can lead to a variety of feelings and anxieties. So if you're feeling like something is missing or you are not sure your next steps, you're not alone.

What to Do Next:

This feeling is a signal to dig deeper. Therapy focused on young adults can help you explore what really makes you tick—beyond just career achievements. It’s a space to identify what brings meaning to your life and how to pursue it. As a therapist in Austin, Texas, I often help clients align their external success with internal joy, which can be a game-changer for long-term satisfaction. Now is the time for you to find your passions!

2. Your Relationships Seem to Always Have the Same Problems

You Can’t Escape Recurring Patterns

You might be a rockstar at work, but when it comes to relationships, things seem to fall apart. You might notice the same issues cropping up in romantic relationships, friendships, or even family interactions. Maybe it's communication problems, trust issues, or feeling emotionally distant.

One therapy client I worked with, was an engineer who was killing it in her field, kept saying, “Why do I always attract people who take advantage of me?” She was noticing a pattern—one that had been repeating since her first serious relationship in college. Therapy helped her recognize where that pattern started (hint: it often goes back to early family dynamics) and how to break it. Often these patterns are hard to recognize on your own as it is your reality, nothing seems out of place. This is where therapy can be critical to help you challenge your thoughts and build insight.

What to Do Next:

If your relationships are stuck in a cycle of the same conflicts or you’re struggling to connect emotionally, finding a local therapist can help. Individual therapy focused on young adults allows you to dig into your past, recognize unhealthy patterns, and create new ways to relate. Whether you’re trying to improve your romantic life or strengthen friendships, therapy can offer clarity and healing.

3. You Feel Like You Have to Be Perfect All the Time

The Pressure to Always Be “On” Is Crushing You

It’s not uncommon for successful young adults to feel an overwhelming pressure to maintain their achievements. You might think, “If I slip up, I’ll lose everything.” This constant need for perfectionism can quickly lead to burnout or anxiety. And when you’re living in a state of high alert, it’s exhausting.

I’ve seen this firsthand in my therapy practice focused on young adults. A client who worked in tech told me, “I’m always afraid that I’m going to be exposed as a fraud.” This is known as imposter syndrome, and according to research from the Journal of Behavioral Science, it affects an estimated 70% of people, particularly high achievers. If you feel like you have to be perfect or else, that’s a major sign finding a local therapist can help and starting counseling can help.

What to Do Next:

Therapy for young adults helps unpack where this pressure comes from—whether it’s rooted in childhood expectations, societal standards, or self-imposed beliefs. Together, you and your local young adult therapist can work on shifting your mindset to embrace imperfection and learn how to manage the stress that comes with constantly striving for more.

4. You’re Struggling with Work-Life Balance

You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Had Fun

So, you’ve got the dream job, the promotion, the accolades—but when was the last time you did something just for fun? Many young adults put so much emphasis on their careers that they neglect their personal lives. Over time, this leads to burnout and can even impact your mental health.

One of my clients, a successful lawyer, told me, “I don’t know who I am outside of work anymore.” He hadn’t taken a real vacation in years and felt guilty anytime he wasn’t being productive. This all-too-common mindset of equating productivity with self-worth can lead to anxiety and even depression.

What to Do Next:

In therapy, we work on finding balance—how to be ambitious without sacrificing your well-being. We explore how to create boundaries, develop healthy routines, and carve out time for self-care. A good local therapist specializing in young adults will also help you define success beyond just work, so you can thrive in all areas of your life.

5. You Can’t Shake the Past

Unresolved Issues Still Haunt You

You’ve left home, moved to a new city, and you’re making it on your own. But for some reason, issues from the past—whether it’s childhood trauma, family conflict, or an old breakup—still show up in your thoughts and relationships. You might feel triggered by certain situations, or you’re noticing old wounds resurfacing just when you thought you were past them.

I had a client who was a successful entrepreneur but constantly felt anger toward his father, who had been emotionally distant during his childhood. This unresolved conflict was showing up in his interactions with coworkers and friends, causing friction. Therapy became a space where he could work through this, helping him let go and finally move forward.

What to Do Next:

If you’re carrying unresolved emotional baggage, finding a therapist for young adults near you is one of the best ways to process it. Through therapy, you can heal past wounds, gain perspective, and learn healthier ways to cope. You deserve to be free of the past so that it no longer limits your present or future.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Therapy for Young Adults in Your Area

If any of these signs resonate with you, it might be time to consider therapy. Therapy isn’t just for crisis situations—it’s a proactive way to invest in your mental and emotional health, even when life seems to be going well.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Reflect: Take a moment to think about how these signs show up in your life.

2. Research: Look for a therapist in your area who specializes in working with young adults and individual relationship therapy.

   • Check out Psychology Today, Therapy Den, and Mental Health Match

   • Search for "therapy for young adults in my area"

3. Reach Out: Take that first step—whether it's booking a consultation or reading more about the therapy process. Many local therapists for young adults, including myself, offer free consultations to help you determine if it's a good fit.

   
   

Remember, seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re taking care of yourself in the most powerful way possible. If you recognize yourself in any of these signs, therapy can offer you the space to grow, heal, and thrive, both in your career and personal life. Check out more about Live Oak Psychology and see if Emily Turinas PhD might be a good fit for you!