Life Change
Life Transitions
Life transitions can tax us to our limits and deplete us mentally, emotionally, and physically. Whether you're facing the end of a precious relationship, an unexpected career change, a loss of health, or an upheaval in your living situation, I’m here to offer support. It's bound to be a confusing and overwhelming time. What you should not do is make any major decisions right away. But when you are ready, it’s wise to invite someone to come alongside you.
Together, we can see new options and glimmers of hope
Major Life Stressors
There’s no one right way to deal with a major life change. But regardless of what the change is, the range of emotions that follow, from denial, to sadness, to anger, to all of the above, can take a toll. Here are some of the significant stressors we may encounter in life.
Divorce & Separation
Divorce or separation can shake the foundation of your life. The emotional toll, combined with practical and legal decisions, are both exhausting and bewildering. Whether you’re in the early stages of considering separation or are adjusting to life after divorce, I provide a supportive environment where you can process your emotions, explore your options, and develop strategies for moving forward.
Health Change
When your health changes—whether through illness or injury—it touches every area of your life. Health changes stir up feelings of fear, frustration, and even grief. It can feel isolating, as even the most mundane task has to be re-thought and re-planned. Also, feelings of embarrassment and dependency can impact our relational ties, creating interpersonal stress.
Career Change
“So what do you do?” is one of the first questions strangers ask us, implying it is a significant part of who we are. And when our plans take an unexpected turn, it impacts more than just a change in job title. With a link to our identity and survival, a sudden loss can feel like free-falling without a parachute. Whether you're facing a forced change or needing to reconfigure on the fly, career transitions bring a unique set of challenges.
Relocating
Moving, whether for work, family, or personal reasons, is a major transition that can disrupt your sense of security and belonging. The brain and heart fight the change, yearning for what was. We are a deeply relational species and the loss of community can tax or limits. Perhaps you can resonate with feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation.
Difficulty Adjusting
Significant changes can take a toll and present problems that linger. Here are some things to pay attention to.
Mental intrusions of the stressor.
”My mind keeps replaying the memory of losing my job. It seems to be stuck on a repeat of the day I was let go.”Difficulty adapting to life after the change.
”I just cannot risk forming friendships or relationships after he left. After that break in trust, I find it unthinkable to trust someone new.”Emotional states that may be new for me or exacerbated after the change.
”I can’t get myself to go out or even clean around the house. I feel down and avoidant so I go from the bed to the couch and back again.”With a significant loss, you may be experiencing avoidance, depression, impulsivity, or anxiety.
Support Through Life Transitions
Significant life changes are daunting and depleting. But you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re going through a divorce, switching careers, adapting to a health challenge, or relocating, I’m here to listen. I will also be in your corner so that together, we can see new options and glimmers of hope. Together, we can make empowered choices and gain clarity. It may not be the path you wanted, but perhaps, when you’re ready, we can find a new path.
