Major Life Transitions
Major Life Transitions
Change the Way You Deal with Change and Make the Most of Major Life Transitions
Change and transitions are inevitable parts of life, as natural as night turning into day and autumn turning into winter and winter turning into spring. Within all cycles of change, we face both endings and new beginnings.
But just because change is natural, that doesn’t mean it can’t also be anxiety provoking, and even frightening.
This is because change forces us to leave our comfort zones – what we’re used to – whether what we’re used to has been helpful and working for us or not.
Any change in our lives can lead to anxiety, stress, and fear, whether the change is small or large, a conscious choice or something caused by circumstances outside our control.
Getting married, starting a new job, moving, having a child, sending our children off to college, or going back to school may be things we plan, expect, even look forward to, but that doesn’t mean they each don’t bring about drastic changes and mark major transitions in our lives.
At other times, life can thrust change upon us dramatically and unexpectedly…
Divorce, the death of a loved one, being laid off, a major illness, having to care for the health and welfare of a loved one are all events that can strike without warning and leave us struggling to cope with our loss while we attempt to persevere, move forward, and live life on new terms.
And, of course, there are the changes many of us go though in the middle of our lives… radical changes we initiate because we feel stuck in a rut or as if life is passing us by.
One thing all of these changes have in common is that they bring about transitions that require us to let go of the structures, thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors that have protected us in the past, often leaving us feeling lost, vulnerable, and struggling to adapt.
We may try to deny the situation, obstinately maintain our previous course, or try to numb our anxiety, stress, and pain… Or we can re-evaluate how we deal with change.
Because each and every transition you face provides you an opportunity for self-reflection, the chance to better understand your inner strengths and resources, as well as ask yourself what you really want out of life, all of which can lead to renewal and growth.
And this is precisely where professional counseling and psychotherapy can help…
Creating the Change You Want
It can be extremely difficult to think clearly and make sound decisions when we’re experiencing a lot of anxiety, stress, or fear.
So first and foremost, a professional counselor or therapist can help you objectively evaluate your situation and the options available, as well as make sure you’re asking yourself the right questions.
But, more than this…
Professional counseling and psychotherapy is all about intentionally creating change and learning to let go of the beliefs and behaviors that are keeping you from achieving the fulfilling relationships and life you desire.
And the somatic, body-oriented therapy techniques I offer can be particularly helpful when you’re trying to cope with and make the most of major life transitions and change. For example:
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you understand how the different parts of your personality are coping with whatever transition you’re facing, as well as make sure all of various aspects of your personality are in alignment and integrated, so you can heal, grow, and live life to its fullest potential.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help you reduce the intensity of upsetting thoughts and see disturbing material in less distressing ways, so you can better cope with and overcome any anxiety, stress, or fears you’re experiencing.
- Hakomi Therapy and other mindfulness practices and techniques can help you not only accept and cope with your present situation, but also better understand and work through any underlying, unconscious memories, beliefs, or behaviors that are preventing you from adapting to change and moving forward in your relationships and in your life.
Remember, as difficult as major changes and life transitions can be, they also provide an incredible opportunity to heal and grow.
But, in order to take advantage of this opportunity, we must be willing to ask the right question, explore the different aspects of ourselves, and better understand who we really are, so we can move forward and create the change we desire and deserve!
When you’re ready to change the way you deal with change and take advantage of the opportunities major life transitions offer, I encourage you to contact me today at 510-735-8868 or email me at scott@beyondwordspsychotherapy.com with any questions you have or to schedule a free, 20-minute, initial consultation. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you create a life you truly love living!