The process of change is challenging for most people and uncertainty about the future often creates discomfort. Individual reactions to change depend upon whether it was chosen or imposed. Some personal life transitions happen suddenly and without warning or time to prepare, such as an accident or job loss. Other transitions may have been something you were eagerly anticipating, such as leaving for college, having a baby, starting a new job, or moving to a new city. Whether positive or negative, planned or unexpected, life transitions result in letting go of the familiar and facing unchartered territory. They can leave us feeling vulnerable, anxious, unprepared, disappointed, scared, numb, or even in a state of shock.

Helpful coping skills include developing a support system, problem solving, stress management, and changing irrational or unhelpful ways of thinking about the transition. I also guide individuals through the process of letting go of the old value, relationship, or belief and taking hold of a new one. This process may involve exploring feelings about and commitment to change in general, perceptions of the challenge, and perceived control of the transition.

Examples of Life Transitions:

Significant loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or a pet
Serious illness
Starting or changing a career
Marriage
Divorce
Retirement
Relocation