While we’re preparing for Season 6 of Therapy Works, we have a special expert episode we wanted to share between Emily and Satya Doyle Byock, a psychotherapist from Portland and author of the book 'Quarter Life: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood.” Satya explains the concept of the 'quarter life' phase, identifying it as the first stage of adulthood between adolescence and midlife, and discusses the unique challenges faced during this period. She shares her motivation for writing the book, rooted in her personal struggles and professional experiences, which I’m sure many of us can relate to as well. The conversation delves into the societal expectations, psychological development, and family dynamics that impact individuals in their twenties and thirties, and also discusses how we usually talk about this stage of life, which - oftentime - isn’t met with a lot of compassion or patience. Emily and Satya also discuss the importance of ritual, and the role of therapy in navigating this critical life stage, and the importance of understanding and supporting this majorly transformative phase of our lives.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Doyle Byock and His Book on Quarter Life

00:39 Defining Quarter Life and Its Importance

01:26 The Struggles of Quarter Lifers and the Lack of Societal Language

03:20 Generational Perspectives and Misunderstandings

05:05 The Four Pillars of Growth in Quarter Life

12:05 The Meaning vs. Stability Framework

20:03 The Role of Parents and Society in Navigating Quarter Life

24:21 The Power of Therapy and Self-Exploration

26:39 Closing Thoughts and the Impact of Supporting Quarter Lifers

Resources: If this conversation resonated with you, and you’d like to find ways to understand the quarter-life experience from a different angle, check out Satya’s book “Quarter Life: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood” - https://satyabyock.com



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