We tend to think of our lives in a clean and predictable narrative – we grow up, go to school, graduate, get a job, get married, have children, etc. – however, the truth is that no one’s life follows a perfectly sequential path.
Change is a natural part of life –and everyone experiences at least one major change at some point in their life that can be positive (getting married or beginning a new job) or negative (losing a job or a loved one). While many people can transition gracefully, others may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. The good news is that life transition counseling can help them.
Let’s talk about what life transition counseling is, how it helps, what happens during life transition counseling, and where you can go for life transition counseling in and around Atlanta, GA.
Life Transition Counseling: What Is It
Life transition counseling is a supportive psychotherapy that allows the patient going through major life changes to process and learn skills to cope with the changes they are facing.
Life transition counseling is not only for those going through negative life changes; in fact, anyone experiencing an overwhelming change can benefit from life transition counseling.
The list of life transitions is very extensive. Some major life transitions for which people mostly seek life transitions counseling include:
- Loss of job
- Midlife crisis
- Career change
- Disabling accidents/ tragedy
- Divorce, separation, breakup, or some other relationship change
- A new, unexpected medical illness
- Loss of a loved one
- Financial problems
- Moving to a new city/culture
- Transitioning to retirement
- Empty nest syndrome
- Becoming a new parent
Life transition counseling helps you get through these emotionally taxing life changes smoothly using a healthy coping mechanism.
How Life Transition Counselling Can Help You
Life transition counseling for significant life changes can help you:
- Learn coping skills to manage the significant life changes you’re facing
- Develop a plan to practice these skills in your life
- Process your experience and regain your footing
- Learn mindfulness techniques to help feel more connected to life
- Increase self-awareness
- Explore new perspectives
- Harness your core values and strength to lead you to a more values-driven life
- Become able to communicate your needs in your relationship
What Happens During Life Transition Counselling
During your life transition counseling, your psychiatrist will safely and honestly evaluate what’s happening around and inside you in a relaxing, compassionate atmosphere. They will also assess the impact of your major life change on your mood, ability to work, social interactions, etc.
Then, based on the results of initial assessments, your psychiatrist will use a wide range of approaches to help you find peace and tranquility in life. These approaches may include (but are not limited to):
- Lifestyle changes
- Mindful meditation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) therapy
Life Transition Counselling in Atlanta, GA
If you or your loved one is struggling to process a new major change in life, consider life transition counseling. At Chastain Psychiatry, our highly trained and skilled psychiatrist will provide all the support you need to get on track and embrace the changes you are experiencing.
If you would like to make an appointment with our psychiatrist, call us today at 404-963-2647. We look forward to helping you!
