Life Transitions

Do The Changes You Face In Life Feel Overwhelming?

Are you going through a transitional phase of life and feeling anxious about it? Even though you may have been working toward this life goal, do you feel scared or doubtful now that it’s happening? Would talking to someone about what you’re going through help you come to terms with your fears and find comfort in facing the unknown?

It probably comes as no surprise that you’re not a fan of change—no one is. But now that you’re experiencing a transition for yourself, perhaps it’s bringing up fears and insecurities you weren’t expecting. Whether the transition is welcome—such as marriage, a baby, or a new job—or something you weren’t expecting—like divorce or the loss of a loved one—you might be struggling to handle the emotions that are coming up for you.

Losing Independence Can Take An Emotional Toll

If you’re getting older or experiencing an illness or injury that has caused you to forfeit a level of independence, you may feel emotionally vulnerable. Having to rely on others when you’ve been accustomed to living life on your own terms can be a hard adjustment to make.

You may find that you’re not coping well with the changes taking place. Maybe you feel anxious or easily overwhelmed by what’s happening. If you’re faced with important decision-making, you might be filled with self-doubt or second-guess whether or not you’re making the right decisions for the long term. And if you lack social support, you may be feeling depressed and isolated.

Fortunately, counseling can help you navigate difficult life transitions so that you don’t feel alone. Whether you’re coming to terms with a recent divorce or breakup, a chronic illness, job loss, or a midlife crisis, counseling provides the support you need to find a direction forward.

Life Transitions Often Force Us To Confront Our Insecurities

Life can be difficult whenever we are forced to let go of the familiar and face an unknown future. Changes that disrupt our daily routine can make us feel vulnerable and out of control. While times of transition help us evolve on our life journey, they often push us to come to terms with aspects of ourselves we may not be ready to confront.

Approaching a milestone in life, such as a birthday, graduation, or another rite of passage, is a time when we may take stock of what we’ve accomplished so far. If we feel as though we’ve fallen short of where we thought we’d be by that time, we may be flooded with self-doubt or thoughts of failure. Whenever the idea that we need to reach certain milestones by a certain age follows us through life, we can end up imposing unnecessary pressure on ourselves that robs of self-confidence and deprives us of savoring the small joys in life. 

Whether We Welcome Or Dread An Upcoming Transition, With Change Comes Loss

Although unwelcome, coping with a sudden shift in life, like a death, divorce, or illness, is something we expect to be difficult. However, even seemingly happy occasions—such as retirement, seeing a child off to college, or a big move—can be bittersweet. The mixed emotions that accompany big life transitions such as these are seldom talked about. 

Even when the change we’re embarking on is a life goal we set into motion ourselves, transitions such as these always start with the loss of something else. And because transitions are interwoven with loss whether good or bad, we may not be prepared to handle the mix of emotions we experience without some support.

Life transitions counseling gives you an understanding presence to talk to who will empathize with your challenges, allowing you to take a step back and gain much-needed perspective.

Counseling Can Help Guide You Through The Transitions Of Life 

Life can be at its most challenging when you’re in transition. It’s natural to feel trepidation about starting something new and letting go of what's become familiar and comfortable. However, if you’re reluctant to confide in someone about your fears, it can make what you’re going through even more difficult. 

As your therapist, I will provide a non-judgmental presence to validate and support where you are. Regardless of what you share with me, I aim to make you feel seen and emotionally safe. I will encourage you to shake off the fear of vulnerability you may initially have and express your concerns. While the transition you’re experiencing might be challenging, acknowledging and confronting current stressors can lead to a sense of purpose, courage, and accomplishment.

What To Expect In Sessions

To help you gain insight and promote acceptance of the change you’re going through, therapy will be both problem-oriented and solution-focused. Depending on the situation, we may explore helping you foster independence as you prepare to leave a codependent relationship, or, conversely, find acceptance as you transition from an independent to a dependent lifestyle due to age or illness. Or perhaps we will navigate the challenges of a new marriage or parenthood.

In counseling sessions together, I will help you better understand and accept the various emotions that often come up with life transitions. Whether you’re struggling with fear, anxiety, or self-doubt, together we will strategize how to make this turbulent time easier to navigate. Even though you won’t be able to control all aspects of what’s happening, employing self-care and good coping skills can make this life chapter more manageable. 

If this current experience is triggering memories of a painful experience from the past, we will examine how they are connected and, perhaps, how your previous experience influences how you feel now. The way you handle difficult issues may offer insight into underlying trauma that has yet to be addressed. Additionally, we will ensure that you have a strong social support system to help you through this transition. 

Helping You Navigate Changes In Life

I utilize an eclectic mixture of approaches to help you process the thoughts and feelings that may be arising during this transitional phase. In addition to psychoanalytic and humanistic-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps address the challenging thoughts and feelings associated with change. 

Perhaps your perception of losing control underlies your discomfort. CBT allows you to explore where this thought is coming from and determine whether it’s helpful or unhelpful. Slowing down and examining these automatic thought patterns will foster both self-awareness and self-acceptance. Once you have the right tools to move through this phase of life, you will feel more grounded and in control of your current circumstances. 

Change can be difficult. However, what you’re experiencing is a normal part of how we evolve and grow in life. Whatever life transitions you’re facing, counseling can equip you with the necessary coping skills to foster self-confidence and build resiliency.   

But You May Wonder Whether Life Transitions Counseling Is Right For You…

I worry that after going through this transition life will be worse. 

Changes, both welcome and unwelcome, can be scary. Coping with life transitions, such as career changes, retirement, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, and the end of life of a loved one can be made easier with counseling. As a therapist who welcomes you to share your concerns openly and honestly in therapy, I aim to create a holding space to validate your fears about whatever life transitions you face.

There are so many decisions I have to make, what if I get it wrong?

When you face a crossroads in life, it can feel overwhelming. You might be responsible for making life-changing decisions that will have long-term effects on your life or the life of a loved one. When transitions in life threaten to overwhelm you, counseling offers a safe space to slow things down and gain valuable perspective. When you can examine the thoughts that cause fear and understand why they trouble you, it can help you to make important decisions more confidently.

Can life transitions counseling help me come to terms with a birthday milestone?

Sometimes turning a certain age can stir up feelings of self-doubt. After all, there’s nothing like a birthday to remind you that might not have accomplished everything you expected to by now. However, therapy can help you gain perspective about what your true goals and core values are as opposed to the expectations society has imposed upon you. By breaking down each of your core values and what you want out of life, you will realize that you’re working toward something on your own timetable.

With Support, You Can Lean Into Change And Find Confidence

Although life may have thrown you a curveball, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. If you would like to find out more about life transitions counseling with me, please visit my contact page.