Thriving in College: What Nobody Tells You with Danielle Barone, LCSW

Thriving in College: What Nobody Tells YouGuest: Danielle Barone, LCSW, Founder of Waves Therapy Group Host: Julie Riga Visit the Episode Stack:stacklist.app/julieriga | All the links, resources, and key information from this episode in one easy place.What if the gap between struggling and thriving in college came down to a few key skills nobody ever taught you? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with licensed clinical social worker, trauma-informed therapist, and founder of Waves Therapy Group, Danielle Barone. Together they unpack the mindset shifts, power skills, and confidence-building strategies that prepare students and their parents for one of life's most transformative transitions. From boundary setting and building resilience to finding your people and navigating college like a professional in training, this conversation is a must-listen for every family stepping into the college journey.Thriving in College: What Nobody Tells YouAbout the GuestDanielle Barone, LCSW is the founder of Waves Therapy Group in Boca Raton, Florida. She specializes in helping adolescents and young adults navigate trauma, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and emotional regulation through compassionate, evidence-based care. With roughly half of her caseload made up of college students, Danielle brings deep clinical expertise and real parent experience to this conversation. Her work is rooted in building emotional resilience, self-leadership, and lasting confidence.What You Will LearnThe "Nobody Told Me" Gap 94 percent of incoming college freshmen experience homesickness in their first semester. Students arrive academically prepared but emotionally underprepared. Nobody teaches them how to write an email to a professor, how to find campus resources, how to set boundaries with a roommate, or how to ask for help. College is not 13th grade. It is the beginning of your professional life.Julie's Ingredients for Success Find a friend in every class within the first two days. Build a study group. Make