Identity and Connection in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Much of my work with teen girls and young women is informed by the developmental theory of Erik Erikson. His framework helps explain why the years from adolescence into young adulthood often feel emotionally intense, uncertain, and deeply relational.

Erikson described two key stages that commonly overlap during this period. The first is Identity vs. Role Confusion, which begins in the teenage years and often continues into the early twenties.

The second is Intimacy vs. Isolation, which typically emerges in the twenties as relationships become more emotionally significant.

Rather than occurring in neat steps, these stages often unfold together.

Forming a Sense of Self

During adolescence and early young adulthood, individuals begin exploring who they are outside of family expectations. Questions about values, belonging, and self expression become central.

This process can look like emotional shifts, uncertainty, or feeling disconnected from oneself. These experiences are not signs of failure. They are part of healthy development.

For teen girls, this stage often includes navigating friendships, self image, family dynamics, and increasing independence.

For young women, it may involve redefining identity within relationships, work, and personal boundaries.

Learning How to Connect

As identity begins to take shape, attention often shifts toward closeness and connection. This is where the stage of intimacy becomes especially relevant.

Many young women struggle with vulnerability, fear of rejection, or losing themselves in relationships. These challenges are often rooted in earlier attachment experiences and family dynamics.

Without a secure sense of self, intimacy can feel overwhelming or unsafe.

How Therapy Supports Both Stages

Therapy offers a space to explore identity while also strengthening the ability to form healthy, meaningful relationships.

Clients can develop a clearer sense of self, build emotional confidence and self trust, understand relational patterns, practice healthier communication and boundaries and feel more secure in both independence and connection.

Development Is Not Linear

Identity and intimacy continue to evolve throughout life. There is no timeline that everyone must follow.

Her path is her own.

Written by Sachelle Singleton, M.A., MFT-I, a Las Vegas–based therapist offering virtual counseling to women and teen girls throughout Nevada.