Some people may think I over-share and that’s okay. As a therapist I believe in modeling healthy transparency, empathy, and trust.

The closing of a chapter. Covid-19 was a struggle! I battled loneliness and was on the brink of depression, on top of having to study for my counseling exam in the midst of chaos. I took it three times; passing on the third. I was saddened by the lack in closure from grad school due to the world being on lockdown, on top of me having to take a leave from my part time job doing therapy until I passed my exam; it was hard for me. A friend passed away two weeks before my exam, which made focusing even harder. I had several moments where I could do nothing but break down and cry and lay in the bed. I retreated inward because I was embarrassed and sad. My focus wasn’t there, I felt incompetent, and I was grieving. It was hard to find balance to study while adjusting to being trapped in a house and grieving graduation, my job, and my friend, but I did it. Don’t ever let a no stop you from trying again, and again, and again. Don’t let hard times convince you that you are not good enough or incapable of achieving great things because you are. I’m rooting for us all to be our best selves; we got this! Life is going to throw you a few lemons but as they say, turn those lemons into lemonade. The only person that can stop you is yourself. Don’t quit on yourself because people like me are rooting for you! We are all gems and nobody can take that away from us.

Lastly to note, I’m thankful for being a therapist that went to therapy; it saved my life. Even as a mental health professional, it’s okay to not be okay. There are therapist out there like me who are waiting for you to have a seat on our couches. I personally believe that darkness is only temporary, you just need the right support and tools to overcome it to find your light. You can do it; I believe in you.💡

Last week, I finally got the confirmation that I passed my exam and the opportunity to walk across the stage at Northwestern University. Walking away into the next chapter as Stefán A. Young, MA, LGPC (loading; after I submit paperwork), NCC