Young Adult & Gen Z Therapy in Racine, WI

For young women who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, relationships, and the weight of what they’ve been through

These are supposed to be the best years of your life—so why don’t they feel that way?

teens attending group therapy on a college campus

You’re in this weird in-between place. People expect you to know what you want to do, where you’re going, and who you’re becoming—but most days, you’re just trying to keep up.

Your schedule is packed with classes, work, family, friends, and dating. You’re always doing something, yet somehow still feel like you’re not doing enough. Everyone else looks like they’re moving forward while you’re stuck overthinking your next move.

At home, you may feel like your parents still see a younger version of you—or don’t understand the person you’re becoming. You want more freedom and independence, but conversations about your choices can quickly turn into conflict. You may feel criticized, dismissed, or caught between wanting their support and wanting space to make your own decisions.

You know Instagram isn’t real life, but it’s hard not to compare. Other people seem happier, more confident, more successful, and more certain about who they are. Meanwhile, you’re questioning your choices, your relationships, your appearance, and whether you’re already falling behind.

Sometimes one weird text, a change in someone’s tone, or feeling left out can send you into a spiral. You replay conversations, try to figure out what you did wrong, or wonder if you’re being “too much.” You may stay quiet to avoid making things worse—until everything builds up and comes out all at once.

And there may be things from your past that you’re still carrying, even if you’ve tried to move on. Family conflict, painful relationships, rejection, or trauma can affect how you see yourself and how safe it feels to trust other people.

You don’t need to have everything figured out right now.

Therapy can give you a place to be honest about what’s actually going on—and begin discovering who you are underneath everyone else’s expectations.

“Maybe I’m Just Being Too Dramatic”

When something hurts, you may immediately start talking yourself out of it.

It wasn’t that serious.
Other people have it worse.
I should be over it by now.

Maybe you’ve been told you’re too sensitive or that you make things bigger than they are. This can feel especially painful when it comes from the family members you want to understand you most.

After hearing it enough, it becomes easy to question your feelings before you even understand them. You may stay quiet to avoid another argument, apologize just to keep the peace, or wonder whether everything really is your fault.

So you minimize the friendship ending, the conflict with your parents, the relationship that left you doubting yourself, or the experience from your past that still affects you today. But something doesn’t have to be a crisis to matter.

Therapy gives you a place where you don’t have to prove that what you’re going through is “bad enough.” I can help you understand why certain experiences affect you so deeply, recognize the patterns you’ve carried into your relationships, and find ways to respond without shutting down or becoming overwhelmed.

Your emotions are not proof that you’re dramatic. They may be telling you that something needs your attention. You don’t have to just get over it. You can understand it, work through it, and move forward differently.

Meet Kristina - a therapist who gets it

Therapist Kristina Stamm and her dog Honey

Let’s be real—being a young adult right now is A LOT.

There’s already so much to handle.

Keeping up with school or work.
Showing up for your friends.
Managing family expectations.
Trying to date without losing yourself.
And watching everyone else’s life unfold online.

Then you’re expected to talk openly about how all of it is affecting you. I know how scary that can feel. When I was in high school, I struggled to open up too. Being vulnerable felt exposing. It was easier to keep things to myself, act like I was fine, and try to handle everything alone.

Starting therapy can bring up those same fears. You may worry that you won’t know what to say, that opening up will make everything feel more real, or that needing help means something is wrong with you.

I don’t see you as dramatic.

I see someone trying to make sense of emotions and experiences that haven’t always been given the attention they deserve. Therapy with me isn’t about analyzing every little thing or making your life feel heavier. It’s about having a place where you can be honest, understand yourself more deeply, and learn how to handle what’s happening without losing yourself in it.

You don’t have to tell me everything right away. We can start with what happened this week, the text you can’t stop thinking about, or whatever feels easiest to say out loud. Over time, I’ll help you find the words for what you’re feeling, ask for support, and begin opening up to the people who have earned your trust.

You don’t have to carry everything alone anymore.

Let’s Work Together

Inspirational quote for young adults wanting to attend therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Therapy for College Students Across Wisconsin

Rooted Counseling & Wellness offers therapy for college students throughout Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee, and the surrounding communities. Meet with Kristina in person at our downtown Racine office or attend virtual therapy from anywhere in Wisconsin. Kristina welcomes students attending:

  • University of Wisconsin–Parkside

  • Carthage College

  • Gateway Technical College

  • University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

  • Milwaukee School of Engineering

  • Marquette University

  • Milwaukee Area Technical College

  • Alverno College

  • Mount Mary University

Whether you’re living on campus, commuting from home, balancing college with work, or questioning whether school is still the right path, therapy can give you a consistent place to work through what you’re carrying.