Learning How to “Do Therapy” in the Real World
One thing we don’t talk about enough in treatment is this:
How to engage in and benefit from outpatient therapy is actually a skill to develop.
Many young adults come to Intrepid after being in highly supportive therapeutic environments where therapists may see them daily, receive frequent updates from staff, and have a strong understanding of what has happened throughout the week.
As young adults transition toward greater independence, therapy often shifts to an outpatient model: typically one hour a week focused on personal goals and mental wellbeing and much less day-to-day interaction or intervention.
That transition can be harder than it sounds.
Many young adults find themselves thinking:
“What am I supposed to talk about?”
“I know stuff happened this week… but I can’t remember.”
“I’m not sure what matters enough to bring up.”
At Intrepid Young Adults, we see learning how to use outpatient therapy effectively as an important life skill.
Throughout the week, staff often help young adults notice moments worth bringing into therapy:
“That would be a great thing to talk to your therapist about.”
Before appointments, staff may help young adults reflect:
What went well this week?
What felt hard?
What patterns are showing up?
What conflict, success, stressor, or goal feels important?
We want our young adults to leave Intrepid not just knowing how to attend therapy, but understanding how to actively engage with it as a tool for personal growth and lasting change.
We are also incredibly fortunate that many of our young adults work with Daniel Fishburn whose depth of experience as a licensed Social Worker and Clinical Addiction Specialist brings tremendous perspective to the therapeutic process. Daniel has served as a Clinical Director and CEO of multiple therapeutic programs and brings years of experience helping young adults and families navigate meaningful change.
Growth is not just about getting support. It’s also about learning how to ask for it, reflect on it, and make use of it independently.
