Adjusting to Change

Everyone experiences changes in life, some of these are ones that are carefully orchestrated such as moving to a new city and others are beyond our control, such as losing a loved one. Transitions in life can be some of the most challenging experiences we face, and their emotional weight can accumulate over time. Here are a few examples of life transitions that a person might seek therapy for.

Healing from Break-Ups

The end of a relationship can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. If you are the one who initiated the break-up you might be filled with guilt and uncertainty about whether or not you made the right decision. If you are the one who was left, you may feel abandoned, rejected and question your self-worth. For both parties, there may be concerns about the future and thoughts that the same thing will happen in your next relationship. Therapy can be a place to process painful and confusing emotions. It can also be a place to learn more about yourself so that similar dynamics are not repeated in future relationships.  

Moving Cities

Moving to a new city can be both a fun and lonely experience. You might be leaving behind a support system, adjusting to a new culture, or feeling overwhelmed by the need to make new friends and find your place in your new environment. Whether you moved for work, a relationship, or a new adventure, the challenges of finding connection and belonging can feel isolating. 

Getting Married or Engaged

While marriage or engagement is often seen as a joyous milestone, it can also bring unexpected stress and conflicts. You may be navigating the merging of families, differing expectations, or the pressure of planning your wedding. The realization that you are committing your life to this person can also bring up panic and anxiety. Having an objective third party to talk to about the complex feelings that are coming up can help calm your anxiety and shed light on why you’re feeling the way you do. 

Changing Careers or Jobs

Although pursuing a new career path can feel promising, it can also stir up feelings of self-doubt or concerns about disappointing people. You know that your current situation isn’t working but it’s hard to leave the devil you know for something unknown. You may already have a sense of the job you want but are held back by fear, guilt, or comfort. Having someone be a sounding board and cheerleader for you can help you get clarity and encourage you to continue moving forward.  

These are just a few examples of the type of life transitions that I work with. Change is a necessary component of life, often bringing new opportunities, people and experiences. But it also ushers in stress because it forces you to adjust and step into the unknown. It can be stabilizing to have therapy as a constant in your life while everything around you changes.  It can also be a place to develop strategies, insights and help you turn this transition into an opportunity for growth. Therapy can also be a place to grieve the loss of an old identity and welcome in a new chapter in your life.