life transitions
Life transitions
Transitions in life are inevitable. Whether you’re moving homes, working through illnesses, or even transitioning into widowhood – life is filled with transitions. Trying to slap a “positive” or “negative” label on life transitions can make things more confusing. Can’t I be happy that I’m becoming a mother, but feel overwhelmed with the new identity? Can’t I be excited about moving homes and starting a new chapter, but also feel sad that my connections are changing? And what about relationships – I’m sad that I lost my partner, but also relieved that I don’t feel stuck anymore.
Generally, transitions are complicated. Learning to cope with these changes will give you tools to help release stress and prevent anxiety or depression. Coping skills might include leaning upon your social network, trying out new things like crochet or hiking, or setting aside home-spa days.
It’s completely okay to feel fearful of the unknown. Likewise, it is equally okay to seek help when navigating these processes. Learning how to work through the stress will be key to mitigating undesired tolls on the mind, body, and soul.
Life transitions and therapy
If 100 people are going through a transition, it is highly likely that all 100 people are experiencing their transition wildly differently. The same is true for you. In therapy, we will spend the first bit of our sessions discussing the change you are experiencing and the direct and indirect experiences the change is having on you. Specifically, we will use introspection to understand what sort conscious and automatic self-talk is happening. We look for ways to break up the impact of this transition so that it feels more manageable. Moreover, we will consider whether there are hidden opportunities amongst this change. Finally, we’ll want to look at the elements of change that are in your power to control. Do you have a routine established to bring about some stability within this life transition? Do you have goals established around physical wellness and soul nourishment? Finding and acknowledging these shiny parts can really help make transitioning feel less daunting and more welcoming. We may use concepts from narrative therapy to understand your place amongst the change and how we can give you back power within your own story.
By the end of our work together you should be able to:
Feel more more confident in handling stressful situations
Learn skills to help you slow down the moment and be in the driver’s seat of this life transition
Identify the aspects of your transition that you can change or alter as you see fit
