Life Transitions

One of my favorite places to work is with people in life transition. We undergo transitions throughout our lives and in every realm, and these times are poignant choice points. How will we handle this transition — whether chosen or unchosen? These are moments worth marking. Transitions can bring grief and letting go, transitions can bring excitement and trepidation — usually there is some of both. Many transitions ask us to slow down and honor what, who, or where we are leaving behind, so we can be fully present for whatever comes next.

Here are some examples of transitions that might bring someone to therapy:

Relationships & Family

· Getting married or entering a committed partnership

· Divorce or separation

· Becoming a parent

· A child leaving home (empty nest)

· Becoming a caregiver for an aging parent

· Loss of a partner, parent, child, or close friend

Work & Identity

· Starting a new job or career

· Retirement

· Losing a job or being laid off

· Launching or closing a business

· Returning to work after time away

· Coming out

Health & Body

· A new health diagnosis

· Recovery from illness, injury, or surgery

· Changes related to aging

· Pregnancy loss or infertility

Home & Place

· Moving to a new city or region

· Immigrating or relocating across cultures

· Leaving or losing a home with deep roots

Life Stage

· Entering adulthood

· Midlife reassessment

· Entering elderhood

· Graduating from school

· Leaving a faith community or spiritual tradition

Unexpected or Imposed Transitions

· Surviving a traumatic event

· A sudden loss of any kind

· Recovery from addiction

The thing most transitions have in common is that they ask you to let go of one version of yourself before the next one is fully formed — which is often exactly when a little support matters most.