Life Transitions
Life is full of transitions. Transitional experiences can be rewarding, joyful, challenging, exhausting or sad. Oftentimes life transitions foster positive emotions like joy, hope and peace, as well as negative emotions like worry, doubt, anxiety, depression, grief or loss. Some examples of life transitions include starting or ending a relationship, getting married, getting divorced, having or adopting a child, starting a new job, attending school, experiencing significant financial gain or loss, buying or selling a home, health issues, moving and loss or death.
During therapy to address a life transition, a trained therapist demonstrates empathy and provides emotional support to the client. The client is encouraged to freely share his/her feelings without judgment. The therapist uses active listening skills to ensure that the client feels heard and understood. The client is encouraged to identify and implement positive coping skills that will help the client manage his/her emotions, as well identify and call on members of a trusted support system.
The only constant in life is change. As human beings we are constantly faced with new life situations and circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. Psychotherapy provides emotional support and teaches clients the skills they need to successfully deal with every kind of life transition.