Life Transitions
There’s no road map to life. We’re all trying to do the best that we can. With any change, we can experience a range of emotions. Even with things that we want or are looking forward to, it’s not uncommon to experience some stress.
Life Transitions often bring on a new role or set of responsibilities; new parent, new partner, new homeowner. Life Transitions can also signal change or loss; moving, a breakup, or a change in physical functioning. It can be hard to navigate the mixed emotions that can come when our lives change. Life Transitions can include any of the following:
Accidents that impact our functioning
Becoming a step-parent
Buying a house
Break ups or divorce
Career change (wanted or unwanted)
Change in faith or spirituality
Coming out
Faith deconstruction/reconstruction
Getting married
Leaving for college
Moving to a new place
Pregnancy and/or having a child
Retirement
Selling a house
Serious illness
Significant loss (of a person, job, pet, or anything important)
Starting a career
Life changes challenge us to reflect on our identity. It’s not uncommon to experience some elements of shame in these transitions about who we should be, what we should be, or how we should be. Counseling can help normalize that these feelings are common. These are often opportunities for self reflection and growth.
Questions to consider during a Life Transition
What is the loss in this Life Transition?
What, if anything, do I gain from this Life Transition?
How does this Life Transition impact my identity?
What feelings come up about this Life Transition?
What thoughts come up about this Life Transition?
Am I coping better, worse, or the same during this Life Transition?
Whole Self Counseling can help you navigate through transitions that have already or are occurring now. We can also help you explore and problem solve through anticipated changes.