ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors examine the separation issues, both affective and cognitive, that many seniors may be experiencing as they face the transition from high school to college. They also focus on issues that seem to be particularly problematic for urban adolescents. The authors focuses on how counselors can help students complete the necessary tasks for graduation. They also provide examples of leave-taking exercises to help students make this transition. For example, students from families of low socioeconomic status who often help with younger siblings find it difficult to think they can leave their families or consider assuming loans for college. College and academic advisors provide the least number of helping behaviors. The authors suggest that decreased adult supervision, overall greater personal freedom, and increased availability and opportunity were likely contributors to the increases observed in drinking, marijuana use, and sexual behaviors.
