Drum roll.....The Young Adult Process Group (YAPG) is returning!...With a few changes. It will be virtual so you can join from the comfort of your home and we will meet every other Thursday 12-1pm, beginning January 21st. Please find some additional information in our Q&A with Stephanie Musa, LPC below!
What inspires you to work with young adults?
When I was in my 20’s I remember hearing variations of “you’re young, you'll figure it out!” And me thinking “but I have no clue what I’m doing, why does everybody else seem to?" I wanted to create a space where people can show up without having it all figured out and know that they're not alone. There can be so much change and transition during this time that can leave us feeling lost, uncertain, and stressed out! It’s inspiring when the people I’m working with begin to learn who they are and embrace their identity, discover what they value to help guide them, and gain confidence as they cope with life's stressors. Witnessing them develop the confidence in who they are and how to navigate the challenges that adulthood can bring is truly rewarding and it's a privilege to be a part of that journey. :-)
What part of leading groups makes you passionate? How does it differ from individual therapy?
I'm passionate about so many aspects of group therapy, but I'll narrow it down to the following top two reasons:
Universality is this group therapy concept of learning that you're not alone. It’s one thing to know that other people might be coping with similar issues, but it feels so different to actually experience it and get to know people who share similar thoughts and feelings. In individual therapy it’s just you and the therapist. In group therapy, you get the added benefit of seeing your problem through the lens of someone other than your therapist and receive supportive feedback from others who may be going through something similar.
I'm also drawn to the power of connection. The American Psychological Association reported in 2025 more than half of US adults reported feeling some degree of loneliness or isolation. As humans, we're hardwired for connection, and without it our mental health can suffer. I see group therapy as a way to help young adults experience firsthand how meaningful connection supports their well-being. It can also be a place to help build the skills and confidence to seek out connection and community in other areas of their lives.
When did you become interested in leading groups?
Before I became a mental health therapist I volunteered for an organization that facilitated skill building groups for young children. I loved seeing their confidence grow as they practiced new skills and learned from one another. Later, during my clinical training, I worked with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board in crisis stabilization and partial hospitalization settings, where I facilitated a wide variety of groups, including expressive arts, process, DBT skills, trauma-focused, CBT, and psychoeducation groups. A particularly meaningful part of that experience was also learning about milieu therapy, which emphasizes how your environment and everyday interactions between group members can be opportunities for healing and growth. I saw firsthand how connection among community members could foster a sense of belonging, reduce isolation, and help people practice new skills in real time. It showed me that positive change doesn't only happen in 1:1 sessions with a therapist; it can also happen in the relationships we build, the support we offer one another, and the experience of realizing we're not alone in what we're going through.
Can you explain what the Young Adult Process Group is to someone who is not familiar with it?
Yes! It’s a therapeutic group for people in their 20’s that meets virtually every other week. It’s facilitated by a Licensed Professional Counselor and is considered a “closed group,” which means people cannot just drop in. Instead, a small number of group members (typically 5-7) meet every other week to talk and support one another. We are also unique because the group is ongoing! This allows the support to be continuous and helps create a space for people to get to know one another more deeply, feel safe, and build trust.
Who is qualified to join the YAPG? Can anyone join the group?
An ideal group member is someone in their 20’s seeking connection and community and who is willing to attend every other week. Consistent attendance helps build rapport and trust between group members. This group would be a great fit for someone is in college, new to the DMV, feeling isolated, seeking emotional support as they care for their mental health. It can be helpful to be connected to an individual therapist or have participated in individual therapy before, but it is not required! We welcome people who are new to therapy too! To enroll in the group you will first meet individually with the facilitator Stephanie Musa, LPC for an intake assessment to discuss your presenting concerns and goals for therapy.
What are common topics during a typical group session?
It depends on what the group is dealing with that week! We meet you where you are, and group members get to choose what they wish to discuss. While there is no set topic, themes often arise such as: coping with work and school stress, making friends, exploring your identity, becoming independent, or managing feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety.
Do you often have new members joining on a rolling basis? Would someone feel comfortable joining later than the majority of the other group members?
Occasionally a spot may open in the group, allowing people to join at different times. The group therapist will first meet with the new member to help orient them to the group and review things like group guidelines and expectations, so they feel more comfortable jumping in. It’s also totally normal to feel anxious that first day. Remember that each member also had their own first day at one point and we all do our best to welcome them and help them feel at ease.
If you could describe the vibe in the group sessions in a few words, how would you describe it?
I think "welcoming" and "supportive" capture the spirit of the group. Sometimes a group might be high energy with a lot to discuss. Other times, we might use group activities, expressive art, or bibliotherapy (where we collectively choose a book to read) to help build rapport, express emotions, or learn how to think more flexibly about our problems. Whatever the group is focused on, individuals can rest assured that this is a space where you can show up as you are and receive emotional support in an environment where you will be heard and accepted.
Stephanie Musa, LPC approaches therapy with warmth, compassion, and a commitment to helping individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered. She specializes in working with older teens, college students, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and life transitions, as well as high-achieving professionals experiencing stress and burnout. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Stephanie helps clients cultivate self-compassion, navigate difficult thoughts and emotions, and reconnect with their values to create more meaningful, fulfilling, and balanced lives.
