What is Life Transition Counselling?

Change is a part of life that will always remain constant and unavoidable. Odds are that most people have experienced a significant change in their lives, whether it is positive (beginning a new job) or negative (loss of a job or loved one).

While many people can transition smoothly, others may feel like their world has been turned upside down. It is during these times that they may go through stages of emotional discomfort, mourning, or fear, leaving them feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed. Engaging in therapy to learn healthy coping mechanisms for life transitions can be extremely beneficial for anyone’s mental health and overall well-being.

You counsellor will be able to help you process major upheavals in your life. Through individual counselling or group therapy for life transitions, you will learn strategies that you can use to cope with change in a healthy way and adjust smoothly through any transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The goal of life transition counselling is to help you get through these emotionally taxing life changes using healthy coping mechanisms. Below are a few tactics and goals therapists commonly use to help people feel prepared for future transitions in their lives. These strategies can help lighten the initial shock of the change while also allowing hope for the future.

    • Accept change is a part of life

    • Remain connected to the benefits and necessity of change — Change doesn’t have to be bad

    • Identify and express feelings

    • Reframe thoughts

    • Stress management

    • Have realistic expectations

    • Maintain a healthy routine

    • Engage in social interaction and support

    • Appreciate the benefits of change

  • We are constantly going through changes in our lives, and these changes can be overwhelming. Almost everyone can benefit from life transition counselling. Below is a list of just a few changes that can be difficult, and that individual or group counselling could help you transition into more smoothly:

    • Job changes

    • Health problems

    • Disabling accidents/tragedy

    • Marriage

    • Birth

    • Divorce/Breakups

    • Death

    • Moving

    • Travel

    • Social/ Political changes

    Life transitions can vary based on many factors and are personal to the individual’s experience. What may seem like a big transition to one person may not feel that way to someone else. These transitions can be positive, negative, planned, or unexpected and still have a strong effect emotionally. If you are going through a major change in your life, consider talking to a counsellor to help yourself transition smoothly!