Does It Feel Like Everything Is Changing All at Once?
Do you feel uncertain about the choices you made that are leading to all this change in your life?
Are you feeling down and meh, even though you are excited about these new adventures?
Does part of you just want everything to go back to how it was before?
You have been looking forward to this change for months, and now you just want it to stop. You want the comfort of the "before," even if the before wasn't that great.
Maybe you didn't want this change and are going through this transition unexpectedly - a job loss, breakup, or family situation you never saw coming. Perhaps you're starting college, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new city, and everyone expects you to be thrilled. Going through changes and life transitions is exciting - and hard.
Some days it feels like you're going to lose it any second now. As a result, maybe you're realizing that leaning on friends and family isn't cutting it anymore, and you're considering working with a therapist who understands that even good changes can feel overwhelming.
Do these signs of life transition stress sound like what you're going through?
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Feeling uncertain about your future - Second-guessing decisions you've made or worrying about whether you're on the right path
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Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy - Activities that once brought you joy now feel pointless or overwhelming
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Identity confusion during major changes - Feeling like you don't know who you are anymore in this new phase of life
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Physical symptoms of stress - Headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping during times of change
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Avoiding people or social situations - Isolating yourself because explaining your situation feels exhausting
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Feeling overwhelmed by "should be" expectations - Everyone expects you to be excited about positive changes, but you feel anxious or sad instead
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Grief for your "old life" - Missing how things used to be, even if the change was something you wanted
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Using alcohol or other substances to cope - Turning to unhealthy habits to manage the stress of transition
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Complete emotional exhaustion - Feeling drained from trying to adjust to so many changes at once
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Difficulty making decisions - Even small choices feel impossible when everything else feels uncertain
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Feeling like you're just surviving - Going through the motions instead of actually living your life
If This Sounds Like Your Life, You're Not Alone
Life is full of changes... we think someone once said the only constant in life is change. Sometimes these changes are exciting, and fun, and something you want - and sometimes those same changes can be challenging to navigate.
Whether you're going through a major life transition, such as a divorce, job loss, or relocation, or you're struggling with the loss of a pet (or the addition), the loss of a friend, or starting college - the adjustment process can feel overwhelming even when it's something you chose.
Change is hard, even when it's good change. You might feel guilty for struggling with something that others see as positive, or confused about why you're not handling it as well as you thought you would. Maybe you're grieving the loss of your old life while trying to embrace the new one.
You're not weak for finding transitions difficult. Even exciting changes require us to let go of familiar routines, relationships, and ways of being. It's completely normal to feel uncertain, sad, or overwhelmed during times of major change.
The adjustment process takes time, and having support during these transitions can make all the difference in how smoothly you navigate through them.
Why Life Transitions Feel So Hard
Whether you're dealing with sudden changes like job loss or divorce, or planned transitions like marriage or moving, your brain is working overtime to process all the uncertainty. Even positive changes require you to let go of familiar routines and step into the unknown.
It's completely normal to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed during transitions. Your mind and body are trying to adapt to new circumstances while grieving what you're leaving behind. Some people experience symptoms that look like depression or anxiety during major life changes - this doesn't mean you're broken, it means you're human.
The adjustment period takes time. Most people expect to "bounce back" quickly, but research shows that adapting to major life changes can take several months. Having support during this process makes all the difference.
How Therapy for Life Changes and Transitions Can Help
Life is full of surprises - and life transitions are some of the most disorienting experiences we face. Even when you wanted the change, your brain is still processing loss - loss of the familiar, predictable routines, and your old identity.
Life transitions can feel overwhelming, whether they're changes you chose or ones that were thrust upon you. Therapy provides a safe space to process all the mixed emotions that come with major life changes - even when everyone expects you to be excited about them.
We help you navigate the in-between space. That uncomfortable period where you're no longer who you were but not yet who you're becoming. We'll help you understand why this feels so unsettling.
We give you practical tools for managing uncertainty. You'll learn strategies for dealing with the anxiety that comes with not knowing what's next, and how to stay grounded when everything feels unstable.
We support you through the adjustment process. Rather than rushing you to "get over it," we understand that adapting to change takes time, and we'll help you be patient with yourself during this process.
We normalize the grief that comes with growth. You can simultaneously miss your old life and be excited about your new one. We'll help you hold both feelings without judgment.
Life transitions are some of the most common reasons people seek therapy, and having support during these times can make all the difference in how smoothly you navigate through them.
What to Expect in Life Transition Therapy Sessions
We create space for all your feelings. Whether you're grieving what you've lost, excited about what's coming, or confused about feeling both at once - all of it is welcome and normal.
We help you identify what you need. Some people need practical coping strategies, others need to process emotions, and many need both. We'll figure out what's most helpful for your specific situation.
We work at your pace. Some changes require quick adaptation, while others allow for a slower adjustment period. We'll help you find a rhythm that works for your circumstances.
We focus on building resilience. You'll develop skills that not only help with your current transition but also prepare you for future changes life might bring. You'll build the skills and confidence to navigate future stressors and challenges with greater ease and confidence.
Our Tailored Approach to Life Transitions Therapy
Every life change is different, and so is every person's response to it. Our therapists will work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific transition and goals:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Challenge negative thought patterns about change and develop healthier perspectives on uncertainty
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy - Build on your existing strengths and past successful coping strategies
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Mindfulness-Based Approaches - Stay present during uncertain times instead of getting lost in "what if" thinking
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Accept the discomfort of transition while staying committed to your values and goals
Uncertain about therapy for life changes and transitions?
Uncertainty about starting therapy is a common concern people have when considering whether or not to treat stress.
Of course attitudes toward therapy vary between people and cultures, but beyond fear there are many valid questions about the use and effectiveness of therapy in resolving stress.
Why can't I just talk to my friends or partner or family about my struggles and stresses with change?
It's always a good idea to talk to your partner, friends, and family about your struggles with change, as they can offer support, understanding, and a listening ear.
However, friends and family may be too close to offer objective perspective, or they may be influenced by their own experiences and biases.
A mental health professional can offer an objective perspective and help develop skills to cope with change and transition effectively. We provide a safe, supportive space to discuss your concerns without judgment while giving you practical tools to navigate uncertainty.
Life transitions and stressors are normal, why can't I just wait until I get used to the change?
You're right, life transitions and stressors are totally normal! But just because something is common doesn't mean it's easy to handle on your own.
Adjusting to changes can be overwhelming and stressful, and waiting for things to get better can be a long and difficult road. Therapy provides tools and techniques to manage stress, cope with uncertainty, and develop resilience more effectively than just waiting it out.
Isn't it kind of silly to go to therapy because I'm going through a life transition? Everyone goes through changes in life and they don't go to counseling.
It's a common misconception that only people with severe mental health concerns need therapy. The truth is that life transitions and changes can be incredibly challenging to navigate, and therapy can be a helpful tool to manage the stress and uncertainty.
Everyone's experience is unique, and therapy can facilitate a smoother transition. Seeking therapy during a life transition is a proactive step toward taking care of your mental health and developing skills to navigate future changes.
I don't have the time or money for therapy.
It's understandable that therapy may feel like a time and financial commitment, but investing in your mental health and well-being is invaluable.
We understand that time and financial constraints can feel like hurdles to accessing therapy. Our approach is flexible and designed to accommodate your schedule and budget.
Additionally, we offer many therapy options, including online counseling and reduced fees, are available to make therapy more accessible. Also, we take insurance! Many insurance plans today provide mental health benefits. Taking the step towards starting therapy can lead to improved productivity, better relationships, and overall life satisfaction.
From Overwhelmed by Change to
Confident in Uncertainty
Life transitions don't have to leave you feeling lost and anxious. With the right support and tools, you can navigate changes with greater ease and discover strengths you didn't know you had during times of uncertainty.
You deserve to feel grounded even when everything around you is shifting. Take the first step toward embracing change as an opportunity for growth and finding your footing in this new chapter with one of our therapists.
Therapists that Specialize in treating Life Transitions, Stressors, Changes, and Adjustments
Serving clients in Chicago, Illinois and Austin, Texas for in person therapy.
Serving clients in Illinois, Texas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Colorado, Florida, and Virginia for online therapy.
