“The only thing constant is change.”
~ Heraclitus, Greek philosopher
There’s no denying that life often presents us with our fair share of challenges, usually in the form of sudden change. These life transitions, even positive ones, can throw us into a tailspin.
They can leave us feeling stressed, confused, and vulnerable. But, with the right tools and mindset, you have the power to overcome any adversity. Above all, change can transform you into a more authentic and confident version of yourself.
Life Changes Can be Beneficial
Even difficult change that is neither wanted nor expected can influence personal growth. For instance, change really gives us the opportunity to see what we’re made of. We become stronger, more confident, and better prepared for what life throws at us next. Additionally, changes help us develop new personal skills and obtain a greater awareness of ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Common Life Transitions we Help Clients Navigate:
- Moving away to college
- Adjusting to university life or your first professional job
- Getting married
- Breakup, separation, or divorce
- Infidelity recovery
- Job loss or major change in career
- Relocation
- Having a new baby
- Financial gain/loss
- Serious illness or disability
- Issues pertaining to aging
- Death of a loved one
- Contemplating the meaning of life
- Questioning your faith/spirituality
- Figuring out your sexual/gender identity
What Can Life Transitions Look Like?
Transitioning to College
Transitioning to college is a wonderful beginning to a lifelong journey, but it is packed with a lot of pressure and expectations. Will I succeed? Can I make friends? What if I get lonely? Perhaps to your surprise, many young adults end up in counseling during their first year of college.
Living on our own for the first time sure does have its perks! But it also comes with a great sense of fear. Not only are we beginning to take our first steps as “adults” many of the things in our life that were once routine and expected are now something we have to manage and get used to. New people, a new environment, new schedule often come with new feelings and emotions. Struggling with identity is a major source of distress for young adults. Perhaps you were less social in high school and want to break out of your comfort zone in college. No matter the scenario, our life transition therapists can provide therapy for students to help sort through feelings and help you or your loved one transition to the best person they can be.
Experiencing Trauma
Trauma is an emotional response to a tragic event. This can include but is not limited to an abrupt divorce, any abuse, rape, affairs, sudden deaths, or illnesses. Our trauma therapists are specifically trained in trauma recovery, grief counseling, and more. Different traumas elicit different feelings. No matter the circumstance, we offer a warm, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment.
Becoming a New Parent
We all know the adage, “no one is ever quite ready to become a parent.” This stage in an individual’s and a couple’s life can be overwhelming (to say the least). Many of us believe that we have failed our children before we even start. We may be fearful that we will repeat the sins of our mothers and fathers, that we won’t be perfect. We support you in your unique (but very much the same) parenting journey and are here for all your intense emotions.
Adjusting to Covid
Have you found it hard to adjust to life in a Covid-conscious world? Are you struggling with residual anxiety and depression from the pandemic? You are certainly not alone. We can help you process the lingering feelings that were posed upon us in a time of great distress and uncertainty.
Engagement and New Relationships
This should be a fun time in the relationship, right? For many, this is the beginning of the first of many real relationship conversations. Where will we live? Will we combine finances? Do we have similar parenting styles? Also, do we have poor boundaries with our family? All these questions and more can be a lot to navigate when you are in the romantic stage of a relationship.
Coping with Divorce or a Breakup
At Main Line Counseling Specialists, we help couples determine what life will look like after a separation or divorce and help them to navigate co-parenting, mediation, and effective and respectful lines of communication. Whether the separation was inevitable or you’re trying to handle life with affair recovery, we can help. Relationship breakup counseling has helped many. We have compassionate therapists who offer individual and couples therapy sessions that are designed to help you adjust, regain confidence and move forward in life. Divorce can impact both your mental and emotional health and well-being in a variety of ways. You are not alone.
Adjusting After Moving To The Main Line
Moving is one of the top stressors in our adult life. Even if the move is for something exciting, it can feel overwhelming. Adjustments during this transition can be difficult and many. You may be starting a new job, lack a support system, even finding a new grocery store can feel like an immense task. Considering all the emotions that may come up, having a life transitions therapist that offers a supportive and encouraging environment can be most helpful.
Handling Grief
Have you lost a loved one? Perhaps you are going through a very hard breakup. The process of grief can be a tricky thing. For instance, you feel you have moved to the last stage, acceptance. But afterward, you find yourself angry and depressed all over again. Effectively coping with the stages of grief with grief counseling in Philadelphia, PA is important for moving forward.
Transitioning from College to Professional
This is a stage of life where we may need a little check-in. Have I chosen the right career? Now that I have finished my education, what is my path moving forward? Will I make it in this job field? Therapy for life transitions can help build confidence where you may be feeling unsure.
Becoming Empty Nesters
A lifetime of hard work and dedication to work and family has led you to this moment. As wonderful as this stage of life can be many of our clients feel a loss of identity and purpose. They find it difficult to transition to a life that doesn’t revolve around the needs of the children. In conclusion, many couples struggle at this time. A life transitions therapist can help to encourage dialogue about the exciting idea of “What’s next?”
Therapy For Other Life Transitions Not Mentioned
We all go through several major transitions in our lifetime and those stated above are just a few. Coping with life transitions is different for each person. For example, some thrive under the pressure and use counseling as a tool for accountability and encouragement. Some may feel that change is overwhelming and unbearable. Either way, our life transition therapists are trained to help you meet your full potential and offer a wealth of services, support, and treatment modalities to fit your individual need.
Begin Therapy for Life Transitions in Philadelphia, PA
Above all, we know that you can handle change and adversity by yourself. However, sometimes a little extra support is needed. Our life transitions therapists are here to lend that helping hand and offer an encouraging environment for you. You don’t need to struggle alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with a life transition, let’s begin with these three steps:
- Complete our contact form with your specific needs and a member of our team will reach out to you!
- Get connected with a skilled life transition therapist.
- Begin to cultivate a life that welcomes big changes!
Other Services at Main Line Counseling Specialists
At our therapy practice located in Philadelphia, PA, we know that people cope with life transitions in different ways. Change can be scary, sometimes change can be wonderful. That’s why our life transition therapists are here to validate and support whatever feelings you may be experiencing surrounding change. Sometimes, life transitions may result in the need for other services, and that’s why we offer different ways to support you. For example, when a relationship is suffering, our therapists offer couples therapy and marriage counseling. If the life transitions relate specifically to emerging adulthood, we offer therapy for young adults. Our individual counseling for adults can help support any other issues as well. Our therapists are here for you when you are ready to begin specialized, compassionate care with in-person or online therapy sessions. Let’s start cultivating the life that is best for you and feeling more confident in those changes!