YOUNG MEN

EVERY YOUNG ADULT IS UNIQUE

Every young adult comes into therapy with their own unique set of life experiences, developmental circumstances, capacities and willingness to meaningfully engage in therapy. It is critical to first assess and understand their unique attitudes, abilities and objectives in order to collaborate on mutually identified goals.

THE STRATEGY

There are two key stages of therapy with young adults; short term and long term. In the short term, the young person and their parent(s) will work collaboratively to identify goals and objectives for immediate emphasis. This is often facilitated with family therapy or adjunctive parent(s) and/or sibling sessions. In the longer term, we will conceptualize and work toward larger life-affirming goals that are self-directed by the young adult. The goals and objectives in both the short term and the long term are as unique as they are. 

SAFETY, TRUST AND HONESTY

Like any powerful relationship in a young person's life, an early goal in therapy is to create and sustain safety, trust and honesty within the therapeutic experience. My priority will always be their emotional and psychological security, their capacity and pace for change, and the development of healing relationships - both in therapy and in the home. Healing begins with these fundamentals firmly established. 

[R]EVOLUTION

Whether facing anxiety, depression, trauma or other distressing developmental challenges, it is paramount to offer the young adult a chance to explore their own complexity with a potent balance of warmth and wonder. In therapy, my approach offers the young adult the chance to experience solution-focused collaborative work that strives to answer complicated questions about their presenting issues with a spirit of curiosity and empowerment. We will work to externalize the problem(s) in order to best assess and eliminate them. Our collective goal is to empower an internal revolution of thought and behavior, while maximizing their self-defined progression toward personal evolution.

Often during therapy, issues that were not originally identified in the short term and long term strategies arise. This is a natural part of the therapeutic process, and any emergence of previously unknown questions or concerns are embraced as important discoveries toward even deeper healing.

I believe that one of the goals of young adult therapy is for them to eventually leave therapy - and the conclusion process is just as important as it's commencement. It is a collaborative process, that includes and empowers both the parent(s) and the young adult toward a revitalized unity.

ANDREW MERRELL, LMFT
Therapist, Aim Psychotherapy

Aim Psychotherapy is a private practice mental health collective of therapists devoted to working with men of all ages who are ready to challenge themselves, face themselves and express themselves — to heal, ask, answer, change, grow, learn, mend what hurts, amplify what is working and eradicate what isn’t. Andrew Merrell LMFT #102724 is the founder and clinical lead therapist of Aim Psychotherapy & Associates.