Susan Drysdale, PhD

Transitions

Life means change. Some changes come without warning. Others come after long and hard battles. Change can be viewed from a positive or negative perspective as determined by the event, the person, and the environment. Either way, change usually causes stress.

Some of life’s major transitions include:

• changing jobs or careers (planned or unexpected)

• moving from one home to another

• deciding to marry

• deciding to divorce

• adding a child to the family

• taking care of childrens’ needs as they enter new stages

• taking care of aging parents

• coping with medical problems

• losing a family member or friend

• celebrating birthdays beginning new decades of life

• going back to work after being a stay-at-home parent

• re-beginning life as a couple after the children have left

• retiring (planned or forced)

Especially when a change seems wonderful and exciting such as the birth of a child, any negative emotional consequences seem more stressful, because they are unexpected and not socially supported. This can lead to more stress, along with a sense of isolation.

Some people are able to transition easily from one life phase to the next. Others struggle as they encounter each new phase. With counseling, the bumps in the ride can be smoothed. You can learn better coping techniques. When your story is told, you feel you are not alone. With the help of a therapist, you are able to make sense of your unfolding journey.