Hi, I’m Dr. Christine Greer O’Connor.
Change that results from life transitions is an inevitable part of life, and much of our happiness depends on how we navigate these times of transition.
In 2015, I founded the Quarterlife Center (QLC), a consortium of licensed therapists and certified career coaches who specialize in helping quarterlifers (adults in their twenties and thirties) survive their quarterlife crisis and thrive in their lives. For a decade before that, I had the privilege of being the therapist for many quarterlifers in my private therapy practice in Manhattan and Washington, D.C. These were bright, compassionate, self-reflective people with so much to offer the world, and yet they felt like they were the only ones struggling in young adulthood. And I wanted them to feel less alone.
It was through this rewarding work with my clients that I was inspired to create a community where quarterlifers could connect with one another, feel less alone in their struggles, and receive the support they needed. And so QLC was born.
My philosophy is that change is an inevitable part of life and great things can come from leaning into our growth and evolution. From my own experience and from my work with hundreds of clients, I know that immense positive growth and fulfillment can develop from a quarterlife crisis.
Where I started
Before becoming a therapist, I lived in Barcelona and Madrid and worked as a travel writer and then as a development director for a symphony. I really enjoyed the work I was doing, but my intuition kept drawing me towards being a therapist.
And so after a lot of soul-searching, I decided to pursue graduate training to become a therapist and completed a Masters at Columbia University and a Ph.D. at New York University.
I was inspired to specialize in providing therapy to quarterlifers after experiencing my own quarterlife crisis in my twenties. During it, I resisted my own growth and evolution for fear about what it might mean for my sense of identity and for my relationships. I struggled to balance my desire for connection and familiarity with my desire for independence and adventure. It certainly wasn’t an easy time.
“From her research, clinical work, and personal experiences, Christine truly understands how life transitions can affect your sense of self and your relationships. She has dedicated her career to helping people navigate turning points in their lives.”
With support from friends, family, and my therapist, I ultimately decided to end my relationship at the time and to move from South Carolina to New York City for graduate school. I stopped resisting change, navigated my quarterlife crisis, and started building a life and career that truly fits me and my core values. And I want this for you too!
Today, I have the honor of managing an awesome team of therapists and coaches at the Quarterlife Center, and I continue to provide individual and couples therapy to quarterlife clients as they explore questions like “Who am I? What is my purpose? How do I build the life that I want in a way that honors my values?”
I also have experience in providing therapy to family caregivers of loved ones who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I have counseled many caregivers and helped them understand the stages of the disease, how to balance multiple roles, how to decrease burden and stress, and how to relate to a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
My doctoral dissertation focused on effective counseling programs for family caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. I have conducted research and published articles on late-onset and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, like my article from the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias.
“I am passionate about helping people find hope as they strive for positive change.”
Christine’s counseling and entrepreneurship are dedicated to helping quarterlifers build the life they want in a way that honors their core values.
Christine manages the Quarterlife Center, sees clients in her private practice, and provides consultation and training to fellow therapists.
She works with clients across the United States and throughout the world. She is fluent in Spanish and has expertise working with clients internationally.
Christine grew up in Greenville, SC, and enjoyed her work as a travel writer and development director for a symphony before becoming a psychotherapist in 2004. She received the International Baccalaureate Diploma in high school, a Bachelors in Psychology from Haverford College, a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from New York University. In 2015, she founded the Quarterlife Center, an organization that helps quarterlifers build the lives that they want.
Christine enjoys hosting social gatherings, traveling to other countries, playing tennis and piano, and taking power naps. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two young sons and enjoys spending time with friends and family in the DC metro area, NYC, and SC.
Things Christine has been pondering lately
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