For many young adults, the transition to adulthood can feel like stepping into an unknown world without a map. You might question your ability to manage responsibilities, make decisions, or even navigate social and academic challenges without the help of your parents.
This uncertainty and lack of confidence can lead to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and a lack of direction—contributing to what’s sometimes called “failure to launch.” Many people use this colloquial term to describe the feeling of being stuck, where the prospect of independence from one’s family feels more like a burden than an opportunity.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. At Momentum, we offer a therapeutic gap semester and life skills program that is designed to help young adults between 18 and 25 find the independence and confidence they need to become self-sufficient and empowered in daily life as they enter adulthood.
The Goal: Independence & Confidence
Becoming a confident, independent young adult is about more than just moving out of your parent’s home—it requires a set of practical life skills that, unfortunately, aren’t always taught in school.
These independent living skills are the foundation for managing day-to-day responsibilities, building meaningful relationships, and handling life’s inevitable challenges. Developing problem-solving skills and decision-making skills is crucial for achieving these goals.
If you feel unprepared for adulthood, Momentum is here to guide you. Unlike the traditional college prep program, we teach our students these important life skills.
Our program is tailored to help young adults like you develop the basic life skills needed to live independently, confidently, and with a sense of purpose. This includes mastering crucial life skills such as time management, maintaining healthy relationships, and balancing your digital life.
Our primary goal is to help young adults become more independent by teaching them a variety of life skills that will help them launch into adulthood. Although we encourage interdependence in a group setting, our focus is on helping students explore and solidify their identity as individuals and to rely less on others for validation.
Discovering Your Identity & Building Self-Esteem
While developing life skills is crucial, it’s equally important to discover your unique identity and learn to trust yourself when it comes to independence. Building self-awareness is a key part of this journey.
One of the biggest takeaways most of our students report is an increase in self-esteem and confidence. Many of our students come in with a poor sense of self and are insecure about participating in activities and interacting with others. As they build authentic connections and accomplish goals they’ve set for themselves, they discover their inner strengths and gain new confidence.
The Path Forward: Learn Life Skills That Benefit All Adults
Learning important life skills isn’t just about helping you survive the transition to adulthood—it’s about helping you thrive. Equipped with the life skills, confidence, and self-reliance needed to succeed in all areas of your life, you will be prepared to set goals and achieve them, manage stress in healthy ways, discover your passions, and pursue them!
At Momentum, we’re dedicated to helping you practice and learn the most important life skills—everything from critical thinking and time management to communication and cooking—so you can thrive.
Identifying and solving problems is an important life skill that enhances overall well-being and success in both personal and professional aspects of life.
Working toward developing each life skill listed below will bring you one step closer to the person you want to be and build the foundation for a successful transition into adulthood:
1. Personal Responsibility
Young adults are encouraged to take responsibility for where they are in their lives. We understand that many of their unhealthy behaviors have been their way of coping with negative situations in their lives but believe that they are able to take back control of how they respond to things by learning new skills. Students take responsibility for their emotions rather than blaming others as well as taking responsibility for following the daily schedule and participating in activities.
Addressing mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, and loneliness is crucial in taking personal responsibility. Unresolved mental health problems can impede your ability to transition into an independent and successful life. Learning healthier habits and putting your mental health first benefits your overall well-being.
2. Relationship & Communication Skills
Strong relationships are the foundation of a healthy, independent life.
Our program is relationship-based and emphasizes learning how to connect with others and work together in therapy and through challenge-by-choice activities. We help young adults identify what healthy relationships should look like and teach them how to set boundaries and advocate for themselves. Our therapeutic wellness program is designed to help young adults find healthy activities they can participate in with friends and to develop authentic positive connections.
We teach students how to identify and understand their own emotions and help them learn how to share them with others. We encourage open and honest communication and teach students that vulnerability is a strength. Many of our students struggle with talking openly about their emotions, being aware of other people’s needs, and responding appropriately when they become overwhelmed.
3. Emotional Regulation & Stress Management
Learning to manage your emotions plays a key role in overall well-being and stress management, making it a big part of transitioning into life as an independent young adult.
Developing effective coping mechanisms can significantly enhance your ability to handle stress and manage your emotional health. We provide practical tools and strategies to help you cope with negative emotions, resolve conflicts, and make decisions aligned with your values.
4. Community Etiquette
Navigating social situations and developing social skills can be challenging, especially if you’re introverted or uncomfortable in group settings. At Momentum, we help you work on building a strong group dynamic that creates a nurturing environment. Students learn how to work and live together as they develop shared goals. A supportive community is at the heart of our program.
5. Academic Strategy
Whether you’re completing high school, preparing for the GED, or working on college credits, Momentum’s experiential learning approach helps you apply academic knowledge to real-world situations.
We focus on teaching students study skills and being able to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life experiences. With smaller class sizes, teachers are able to give students individualized attention to meet their needs.
6. Time Management & Executive Functioning Skills
While many of our students have a vision for their future, they often say that this vision feels distant and less concrete. One of the biggest obstacles to staying motivated and focused on your goals is a lack of effective time management, goal-setting, and organizational skills.
Our academic program focuses on teaching students valuable study skills and organizational skills to help them succeed outside the classroom. Our students also follow a daily schedule, which helps young adults begin to manage their time and develop healthy routines.
7. Cooking & Practical Skills
Learning to cook can be a huge benefit to living independently. Cooking and meal planning can also help you save money by developing skills in budgeting and financial management.
We have a culinary kitchen on campus where students learn the basics of cooking for themselves and try new recipes. Our culinary program teaches you the basics of meal preparation and planning and emphasizes nutrition education and intuitive eating.
You’ll gain valuable skills in meal planning and the selection of ingredients, setting you up for success in your independent life.
8. Self-Care & Personal Hygiene
Self-maintenance, including good personal hygiene and self-care routines, is a fundamental life skill, and it benefits your physical health and mental well-being.
We help our students develop morning and evening self-care routines to ensure they’re taking care of themselves in all aspects of life.
9. Digital Wellness & Technology Habits
In today’s world, digital wellness and forming a healthy, balanced relationship with tech are as important as any other skills. We focus on helping you develop healthy technology habits, so you can use digital tools to enhance your life without becoming overwhelmed or distracted.
Momentum Young Adult Therapy Can Help
With Momentum’s comprehensive approach, you’ll gain the life skills, confidence, and independence needed to take on adulthood with strength and self-assurance.
Our young adult therapeutic gap semester program is designed for young adults between the ages of 18-25 who feel overwhelmed and unprepared for the transition to adulthood.
The program uses cognitive behavioral therapy, optional nature-based activities, and a strength-based approach. It is a small and nurturing community that focuses on goals of improved self-regulation and overall functioning for the young adults.
By focusing on your personal growth and mental well-being, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a future where you feel equipped, capable, and ready to launch into adulthood. Momentum gives students the skills they need to lead healthier, happier lives.
Contact us at 877-296-8711.
