The Connection Bridgewater-Somerville Edition June/July/August

www.theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 56 Haymaker & Haymaker Psychological Services, LLC AD/HD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Marriage and Family, Underachievement Problems in Relationships Providing care for adults, families, children and adolescents for over 20 years. Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2794 Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D. NJ Lic Psychologist, SI 2793 For More Information, Please Call or See our Websites: www.DrStephanieHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2794 www.DrDougHaymaker.com NJ Psychologist Lic 2793 245 Route 22, Suite 305, Bridgewater, NJ 908-429-9300 THE PATH TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D Grow up! Have you ever thought this about someone you love, or even about your- self? The millennials call it adult- ing. There may have never been a harder time than now to navi- gate the often challenging path to young adulthood. Newspaper headlines can be very worri- some, families are spread far apart in different communities and our methods of communi- cation are changing as social media impacts us in ways that are not yet clear. Sometimes that fork in the road can make your head spin. The time from late adolescence to young adulthood is one of growth, exploration and chal- lenge. Goals for this period of life include completing high school, leaving home, making a plan for post-high school, and pursuing college and beyond. Occasionally, these transitions go smoothly with just a few “growing pains” along the way. Other times, problems arise that seem overwhelming at first, resulting in feelings of confusion and distress. Where am I going, what should I do with my life and how do I decide are fre- quent questions. One of the challenges of this time is finding balance – balance between work and play, family and friends, and responsibility and recreation. Overcoming obstacles to that sense of bal- ance is possible, however. Psy- chotherapy can offer strategies for change. Young people at this age may be more open to reflecting on what is and isn’t working for them. Now may be the right time to find better understanding about issues that have persisted or worsened from earlier adolescence such as depression, anxiety, learning problems or eating disorders. Other goals along this path may be improving self-awareness and the ability to manage emo- tions, including coping with frustration. The late teens and early twenties is also a time where feelings about sexuality identity and intimacy are chang- ing. Coming to terms with the need to become independent while still knowing when to ask for help is another goal for exploration. It is not unusual for a person to need help managing the transitions away from the family, while not rejecting, or feeling rejected by, the people who love them the most. Equal- ly challenging is how and when, as a parent, to let go. If you or a loved one have been pondering some of these ques- tions, it may be time to consult a psychologist. A clear picture of the problem is the first step in moving forward. The path to young adulthood need not be traveled alone. Dr. Douglas Haymaker is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is presently a partner at Haymaker and Haymaker Psychological Services, a private practice setting where your confidentiality is assured, in Bridgewa- ter, NJ. He attended college at Brown Uni- versity and graduate school at the Universi- ty of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Areas of spe- cialization include relationship issues, cop- ing with transitions such as loss and divorce, and the assessment and treatment of AD/HD, anxiety, depression and PTSD. He also performs psychological, neuropsy- chological and educational evaluations.