Therapy for Life Transitions in New York City

How to Take on a Life Transition?

Adapting to a Life Transition

Life is rarely a linear journey. Sometimes we’re pushed (or choose) to take a step in a different direction. And sometimes we choose (or are pushed) to take a giant step forward.

If you feel that you’re stuck and simply treading water, you’re probably looking to make a major life change so you can get moving again. This might be finding a new job, leaving an unhealthy relationship, or moving to a different neighborhood, state, or country.

But facing these huge changes is paralyzing and overwhelming. Where to even begin? You know you have to do something, but it’s such an uphill battle just to find the motivation. You know you have to do something to turn this change into something exciting instead of something daunting.

Maybe you’ve already made a life transition, but it’s not what you expected. Now you have to learn a new set of skills for your new job, or you realize you and your partner are constantly butting heads since you moved in together. Where did that honeymoon stage go?

Sometimes these changes bring with them an evolution in your identity–now, you’re not only a son or daughter to your parents, but you’re a parent to your own daughter or son. The way you used to see yourself has changed and a new version of yourself is trying to find its place.

There must be a way to recognize the value in your previous identity while allowing your new identity room to grow.

Making Peace With a Life Transition

There are almost always unexpected emotions that come up when we turn the page into a new life chapter. That promotion and fancy new title should be exciting, right? So why do you feel resentful, guilty, or more stressed out than ever before?

Or people are offering you their sympathies and yet you notice you feel slightly relieved, unburdened, lighter. You find yourself asking, “Is this right? Should I feel this way?”

You might not feel comfortable talking about those confusing emotions with many people. After all, you don’t want to seem ungrateful or that you’re taking something for granted. And while there’s no single right way to go about making a life transition, putting those feelings into words is the first step in turning a plan into action or smoothing out the rough terrain between life phases.

Working with a therapist can help you navigate the twists and turns of wherever you are on your journey. Together, we can identify healthy coping strategies to manage stress and uncertainty, and pave the way towards reclaiming your sense of agency and empowerment.

The end goal is that not only will you be able to handle the barriers in your way, but you’ll emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Ready to Start Therapy for Life Transitions?