Life Transitions Counseling

Are You Struggling With Change And Uncertainty About The Future?

Are you feeling overwhelmed in the midst of a major change?  Perhaps you’re trying to cope with a death in the family or another significant loss. Or maybe you have recently divorced, graduated, started school or a new job, moved, retired, been diagnosed with an illness or have taken on caregiving responsibilities. Do you feel unprepared or incapable of dealing with this significant and perhaps sudden change? Perhaps you feel stuck and unmotivated and this is causing feelings of inadequacy? Maybe you’re unsure about what the next step should be. Do you wish you felt confident in your ability to move forward and live a happy, fulfilling life?

Major life changes can be lonely, confusing and troubling experiences. The uncertainty that comes with a loss or a new role can cause overwhelming fear, anxiety and depression. You may wake up every morning feeling stuck or scared, wondering how you’ll make it through the day. As you feel increasingly more alone and isolated in a wave of emotions, it may feel harder and harder to connect with others and find motivation or purpose in life. You may even worry that your unhappiness burdens your loved ones. Anxiety and depression caused by stress and the uncertainty caused by life transitions can affect sleeping and eating habits and make it difficult or impossible to complete daily tasks.

Experiencing Stress Is Common During A Major Change

If you’re struggling to adapt to a major change, you are not alone. Change is something we all encounter. It can be a choice or can happen suddenly and be forced upon us. When you’re faced with new responsibilities or have lost something or someone dear to you, it’s normal to worry and wonder about the future. You may find yourself ruminating on the life you once had or doubting that you can cope with the change you’re experiencing. Even changes that are supposed to be good, such as having a child, retiring, being promoted or moving to a new location can be difficult because they force you into situations that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Even if you believe that change is for the best, it can still cause feelings of regret, inadequacy and stress.

If you’re struggling to adapt to or accept a new part of your life, you don’t have to go through the transition alone. Life transitions counseling can help you work through difficult feelings, find effective solutions to challenges and discover opportunities for profound growth and self-discovery.  

Life Transitions Counseling Can Help You Move Forward

Life transitions therapy can be incredibly effective in helping you clarify your concerns and create a healthy outlook moving forward. Most clients find that speaking with a qualified therapist is not like talking with friends and family, who all have their own opinions about how you should handle this change. In the safe space of therapy, outside the stressors of everyday life, you can openly express your innermost conflicts and desires. Together, we can explore your options and create a plan to move forward based on your values, wants and needs.

Everyone handles change differently, which is why our work is tailored to best address and support your unique situation, history, personality, needs and therapy goals. In secure, confidential, non-judgmental sessions, we can look at what’s bothering you and work toward effective solutions for stress management and processing your fears. Together, we can explore how you think about yourself and the world around you. If you are grieving, therapy allows a space for you to be vulnerable and grieve at a pace that feels comfortable to you. If you’re feeling inadequate or fear that you don’t have what it takes to step into a new responsibility, we can explore fearful thoughts and feelings, their origins, and how they're holding you back. By looking objectively at your thoughts and feelings, you can build awareness and make decisions that are in line with your own personal core values and goals. If you discover that you’re holding on to negative thoughts and feelings, therapy can provide the tools and empowerment needed to let go of old patterns and shift into more realistic and positive ways of thinking. And, regardless of what you are going through, we can explore the positive opportunities that are presented by change, which can ultimately help you find lasting relief. Whenever a major shift occurs, there are prospects of a better life.

I’ve been working with clients going through major changes since the inception of my practice. I, too, have used the effective tools I offer my clients to cope with major changes that I have experienced in my own life, including career change, moving, caretaking, and grief and loss. With a little guidance and support, you, too, can increase self-awareness, cultivate compassion for yourself and your experience, work toward important goals and foster fulfillment in your life.  

You still may have questions or concerns about life transitions counseling…

I am worried about the cost of therapy.

Our work together doesn’t have to include a major investment in time or of money if you don’t want it to. You can start feeling better on day one of life transitions therapy. There are many effective tools available to manage stress and other anxiety symptoms. When you’re able to use these tools successfully on your own, they can actually increase your productivity and possibly save you time and money throughout your day. If you’re experiencing debilitating levels of stress on a regular basis, life transitions therapy may be a worthwhile investment in your health and wellbeing. With guidance, you can process change in healthy ways, maintain balance and harmony and become more prepared for unexpected changes in the future.

Everyone goes through changes. Shouldn’t I be able to handle this on my own?

Although change is something everyone encounters, if you’re experiencing heightened stress or don’t feel like you can function well in your new role or environment, life transitions counseling can help. When you’re overwhelmed, it can be difficult to understand your options or see positive opportunities for growth. Or, you might seek out advice from your friends or family, disagree with them, and end up feeling even more confused. A skilled, compassionate therapist who understands what you’re going through can help you work toward solutions that are healthy and coincide with what you truly want.

Motivation has been difficult to muster lately. I don’t think I can handle this change.

If you’re having difficulty with motivation, there’s likely a deep-seated fear holding you back. If so, I can provide psychoeducation that allows you to get to the root of your fear, break it down and move forward. Together, we can identify and mitigate your fears so they no longer hinder you. When you’re able to acutely understand your stress, harnessing motivation and leading a healthy and fulfilling life becomes possible.

You Can Move Forward

If you’re struggling to navigate change in Denver, Colorado, please call 720-608-0174 for a free 30-minute phone consultation. I am happy to discuss any questions you have about my practice or how life transitions counseling can address your needs.