Relationship Coaching
Young Adults Building Connections That Matter
Relationships are at the heart of a fulfilling life. Yet, for many young adults, they're also a source of confusion, anxiety, and shame. At Cornerstones of Maine, relationship coaching helps young adults develop the skills and understanding needed to build healthy connections with family, friends, romantic partners, and—most of all—themselves.
Relationship Coaching for Young Adults
Many of our clients arrive with complicated relationship histories. Some have experienced social rejection or isolation. Others have developed patterns of conflict or avoidance in even their closest relationships. Some struggle with boundaries, while others find it difficult to trust or open up at all. Many just don’t know what they’re missing.
In relationship coaching, we meet young adults where they are, creating a supportive environment where they can explore past patterns, practice new skills, and build relationships that support their growth and independence—in their own way.
Why Relationship Skills Matter for Independence
The ability to form and maintain healthy relationships isn't a luxury; it's essential for successful independent living. Without these skills, even the most gifted young adults often struggle to build and maintain the connections that make adult life meaningful and rewarding.
Young adults need relationship skills to:
Access community resources and support systems
Build supportive social networks that sustain them through challenges
Develop a positive relationship with themselves
Develop professional relationships in educational and workplace settings
Form healthy romantic partnerships based on mutual respect
Maintain connections with family while establishing appropriate boundaries
Navigate roommate dynamics and shared living situations
And more
Relationship Coaching at Cornerstones of Maine
Like other skills for emerging adulthood, relationship strategies are taught and practiced in real-time within our therapeutic milieu. Relationship coaching combines structured learning with experiential practice, giving young adults both the knowledge and experience they need to build healthier connections.
Personalized Assessment and Goal-Setting
Each young adult's relationship history and needs are unique. Our coaching begins with thoughtful assessment of:
- Cultural and family influences on relationship expectations
- Current relationship strengths and challenges
- Past relationship patterns and experiences
- Social communication style and preferences
- Specific goals for relationship development
This personalized approach ensures that coaching addresses each client's most significant relationship challenges from the start—while building on existing strengths.
Core Relationship Skills Development
Our coaches help young adults develop essential skills for healthy relationships, including:
Effective Communication
- Active listening and perspective-taking
- Digital communication etiquette
- Expressing needs and feelings clearly
- Navigating difficult conversations
- Non-verbal communication awareness
Boundaries
- Adjusting boundaries appropriately across different relationships
- Communicating boundaries respectfully
- Identifying personal boundaries and values
- Maintaining boundaries consistently
- Recognizing and respecting others' boundaries
Conflict Resolution
- Approaching disagreements constructively
- Finding compromise
- Knowing when to compromise and when to stand firm
- Managing emotional reactions during conflict
- Repairing relationships after conflict
Emotional Intelligence
- Building empathy and compassion
- Developing appropriate emotional vulnerability
- Emotional regulation
- Recognizing and naming emotions in self and others
- Understanding how emotions influence relationship dynamics
Real-World Relationship Practice
Relationship skills develop through practice. Our community living environment provides numerous opportunities for young adults to apply new skills in various contexts. Every step of the way, relationship coaches provide guidance before challenging interactions, support during difficult moments, and reflection afterward to help consolidate learning and growth.
Specialized Relationship Support
While all young adults benefit from relationship coaching, we provide specialized support for specific challenges.
- Social Anxiety and Social Skills Development
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Relationship Coaching at Rubedo
- Healing from Relationship Trauma
- Family Relationship Development
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Connection
Relationship skills developed during young adulthood create patterns that often last a lifetime. At Cornerstones of Maine, young adults develop the confidence and competence to form connections that support their wellbeing, enhance their quality of life, and contribute to their success in all areas of independent living. Contact our team today to learn more about how relationship coaching fits within our residential treatment, transitional living, and aftercare programs for young adults in Portland, Maine.