What Is The Meaning of A Life Transition?

When we talk about life transitions, we are referring to the act of experiencing a change. Change comes in all forms. It could be the milestones of age or moving into a new environment. You may find yourself stepping in or out of a relationship, or perhaps becoming something new, like a parent. Sometimes change can come suddenly and tragically, such as the loss of a loved one. One thing you can count on life to do is change, and adapting is not always easy.

There are certain life transitions that may leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or uncertain. These shifts can make us question our beliefs, our personal values… even ourselves. It’s natural to feel resistant to change, but how we deal with it will determine how it affects our lives.

If you are dealing with a difficult life transition, and feel you need help working through it, talk to us about setting up an initial appointment.

Types of Life Transitions

A few common examples of life transitions include:

  • Young Adulthood
  • Relocation
  • Parenthood
  • Marriage
  • Mid-life changes
  • Late Adulthood
  • Retirement

Take a moment to reflect upon your own life. Have you ever experienced an event that has led you to question your prior held beliefs? How did those questions affect you?

Resistance to change is a natural human instinct, likely due to our innate desire for self-preservation. However, just because we feel like shying away from life’s transitions doesn’t necessarily mean we should. Certain changes can be good for us. Others may be tragic. Yet even then, the right approach to handling that change can lead to positive personal growth.

Sometimes we may not feel like we can get through life’s transitions alone. That’s okay, too. Reaching out for help is both a positive and courageous act. If you’re having trouble grasping, understanding, or dealing with a recent change in life, counseling can help you cross that bridge.

Do you want to leave a relationship, but can’t seem to do it?

Have you recently ended a relationship and find yourself struggling to move forward?

Break-ups, separations, and divorce are often difficult life transitions. Sometimes they bring relief. Other times, the heartbreak of parting with someone who has become an intimate part of our lives can be distressing. The change can feel paralyzing. We find ourselves overwhelmed with feelings of grief, anger, guilt, fear, confusion, anxiety, and/or shame. The ripples of this change can extend beyond us to children, family members, or those with whom we share a close relationship.

Seeking therapy can help you acknowledge and express these emotions while making healthy, conscious decisions to work through them.

Do you find life less motivating now that your loved one has died? Letting go is not easy. Losing someone we care deeply about can leave us feeling heavy, depressed, angry, and empty. We cannot hide from our grief, nor should we try. When we refuse to acknowledge what we are feeling—particularly when it’s hard—we only delay the impact. Those emotions, however suppressed, will remain a part of us until we work through them.

The first thing to remember is that we shouldn’t have to deal with our grief alone. It’s important to have a good support system made up of trusted friends and family members who can empathize with what you’re going through.

Sometimes we need to talk to someone outside of our own inner circle, and that’s okay, too. Counseling is a guided process that allows you to acknowledge and work through difficult life changes so that you can move forward with a renewed perspective.