About the Founder

The Quarterlife Center (QLC) was founded by Dr. Christine Greer O’Connor in 2015 with headquarters in Washington, D.C. QLC is a consortium of licensed therapists and certified career coaches who specialize in helping adults in their twenties and thirties survive their quarterlife crisis and thrive in their lives.

In Christine’s words, “During my own quarterlife crisis in my twenties, involving a break-up and a decision to move to New York City, I worked hard to figure out who I was and what I wanted my life to look like. It wasn’t easy. During that time, I struggled with the fear of disappointing my loved ones as I developed more autonomy and pursued my dreams.

I wondered if I could find a way to make my own choices without seeking approval from others, and still be a ‘good’ daughter, sister, friend… There were lonely times for sure, but thanks to a lot of soul-searching and support from friends, family and my therapist, I developed more confidence and clarity. Through this journey, 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.

After graduate school, I had the privilege of serving as therapist for many quarterlifers in my private 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 during young adulthood. And I wanted them to feel less alone.

It was from my own quarterlife crisis and this rewarding work with 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 need. And so QLC was born.”

Christine grew up in Greenville, SC, and before becoming a psychotherapist, she enjoyed her work as a travel writer in Barcelona and Madrid and as a development director for a symphony in SC. She received the International Baccalaureate Diploma in high school, a Bachelors in Psychology from Haverford College, a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from New York University. Christine is fluent in Spanish and has expertise working with clients internationally. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

What Is A Quarterlife Crisis?

Your twenties and thirties are an exciting time of life with new opportunities in relationships and careers. However, they can also feel really overwhelming. This is a time when you are experiencing many changes, like transitioning from school to a full-time career, deciding whether to go to graduate school, moving to a new city, ending a relationship, getting engaged, and increasing your financial independence.

“Who Am I?”

A quarterlife crisis can feel like an identity crisis or an existential crisis. A period full of questions like, “ Who am I? What is life all about? Why do things feel so hard?” You may also have the added pressure of feeling like you should have it all figured out already.

Sometimes quarterlife issues present themselves as fundamental choices—familiarity versus taking a risk; adventure versus settling down; financial support versus independence. No matter the issues, a quarterlife crisis is a difficult thing to successfully navigate.

You Are Not Alone.

It often seems like friends are moving forward and you’re being left behind. But you are NOT alone. In fact, 70% of young adults report having had a quarterlife crisis. However, at QLC, we believe that immense positive growth can come from navigating a quarterlife crisis, and we are committed to guiding you through your own unique journey.

Quarterlife: Live it to the Fullest.