Tess Brigham, a licensed psychotherapist, specializes in treating those in the millennial generation. It wasn’t her decision; they just came flocking to her practice. Brigham says, “Ninety percent of my patients are between the ages of 23 and 38. (The rest are usually parents of millennials).”

Over the last five years of practice, she’s noticed a dominant theme when it comes to the clusters of problems about which these millennials keep coming to seek help. They say, “‘I have too many choices and I can’t decide what to do. What if I make the wrong choice?’”

Psychologist Barry Schwartz has a theory as to why this is the case. In his book, The Paradox of Choice, Schwartz argues that people are more likely to regret their choices if they have too many options from which to choose. They either make poor choices, make good choices but feel bad about them, or refuse to choose--which is, itself, a choice.

Brigham counsels her clients to practice self-awareness and to identify their options, especially zeroing in on the things they can control. It’s easier to embrace the uncertainty of the outcome if they can offer themselves grace and acceptance.

Potential preaching angles: Rather than being paralyzed by the prospect of too many choices, those who put their trust in Christ and abide in the Holy Spirit can make confident choices. They trust God to reveal His will through the Word and through discernment.

Source: Tess Brigham, “I’ve been a ‘millennial therapist’ for more than 5 years—and this is their No. 1 complaint” CNBC.com (7-2-19)