Life Transitions and Adjustments

Life transitions and adjustments occur when familiar ways of living, working, or relating no longer fit, and we are required to adapt and change. These “middle spaces” can be equal parts exciting, liberating, full of opportunity, and simultaneously unsettling, overwhelming, and confusing. 

It could mean changing careers, moving cities, ending or beginning relationships, starting university or a new job, navigating parenthood, exploring identity or sexuality. 

Even positive changes can trigger stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt, because any shift demands new ways of being (and the brain loves certainty!). Life transitions can unravel us more than we expect, yet we rarely have spaces to explore that pain. Left unspoken, these silent struggles can turn into shame.

While these periods of adjustment are times of heightened vulnerability, they are also times of heightened growth, and we all benefit from having a safe and supportive space to name and process them.

Common Experiences People Have During Life Transitions and Major Adjustments

  • Feeling anxious, restless, or on edge

  • Low mood, sadness, or irritability

  • Overwhelm and confusion

  • Decision paralysis

  • Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite

  • Racing thoughts or overthinking what comes next

  • Loss of motivation or energy

  • Self-doubt or questioning your identity and values

  • Feeling unmoored, disconnected, or out of routine

  • Feeling stuck

  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions

  • Emotional sensitivity or heightened reactivity

  • Social withdrawal or difficulty connecting with others

  • Physical tension, headaches, or stomach discomfort

  • Feeling nostalgic, grieving old roles, or uncertain about the future

  • Pressure to have it all figured out

  • Fear of making the wrong choice

How We Can Work Together

Therapy can provide you with a safe space to explore all the exciting yet often terrifying ebb and flow emotions that come with change. 

Depending on your needs, we may use a range of approaches, including:

  • Exploring uncertainty, change, and identity shifts without judgement.

  • Learning to make room for difficult feelings, unhook from unhelpful thoughts, and take meaningful steps toward your values.

  • Managing stress and adjustment anxiety.

  • Softening self-criticism and guilt that often arises during periods of change.

  • Managing overwhelm and stress through grounding, breathwork, and body-based regulation techniques.

  • Finding centre with what matters most to you, even amid uncertainty.

  • Learning how to explore new roles, relationships, or life phases while staying connected to your authentic self.

  • Building resilience, structure, and routines to feel more steady and supported during transitions.

  • Having a consistent safe space and therapeutic relationship for all the wobbles, doubts, and everything in between.

Looking for an Online Psychologist for Major Life Changes?

If you’re finding a life transition tricky, you’re not alone.  

You are welcome to start with a free 15-minute consult call to see if we’re a good fit. 

If you’d like more information first, you can ask a question or browse the FAQs.