Are You Feeling Uncertain, Uncomfortable Or Unnerved In The Midst Of Change?

Are you struggling to navigate a significant life transition, such as a divorce, separation, move, career change, new baby, retirement, loss of a loved one or recovery from addiction? Has this new change caused you to feel anxious, depressed, isolated or disconnected from the people you love? Perhaps the change was something that is generally thought of as positive, such as retirement, a new baby or a promotion, and you feel guilty, confused or ashamed by your resistance. Or maybe the change was something you didn’t want or ask for, causing you to feel blindsided, angry, ill prepared and even hopeless. Are you struggling with low confidence or to trust yourself and your decisions, wondering how you’ll make it through? Do you wish you could relax and trust in your ability to effectively handle the transition?

The time spent in the midst of change—whether it was something you wanted or not—can be a stressful, frustrating and sometimes even seemingly helpless experience. You may be struggling to make decisions, constantly second guessing yourself. Or, you might be questioning how you’ll get yourself and perhaps your family though a painful and possibly scary experience, such as a divorce, job loss or trauma. Although you may be trying to stay grounded and present, it may have become difficult to focus on tasks at hand or to be available to the people you love. Rather than gaining clarity and calmness with time, everyday may feel increasingly uncertain, unfamiliar and upsetting.

You Are Not Alone

If you’re struggling to accept and process a significant life transition, you are not alone. Almost everyone bumps up against at least one big change in life that causes feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and fear. Although change is inevitable and is the only thing that is a guarantee in life, humans are wired to be resistant to change. In fact, it is not treatment for mental health disorders, but, rather, the need for support and guidance during a challenging transition that brings countless people to therapy.

While changes occur in varying degrees to everyone everyday, there are some changes and transitions in which therapy can be especially helpful. If you’re feeling isolated and uncertain or experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, an experienced and compassionate therapist can help you effectively and thoughtfully navigate unknown territory.

Life Transitions Counseling Can Provide You With Support, Guidance And A Shift In Perspective

Life transitions counseling can serve as your stable ground during this challenging time. I provide a safe, warm and compassionate space where you can feel comfortable sharing anything and everything without fear of judgment. Often connecting with someone outside of your immediate situation can help you to slow down, identify the root cause of your pain, cultivate self-awareness and shift your perspective.

In life transitions counseling sessions, I can help you get in touch with your feelings and recognize that change is inevitable. Regardless of how painful it may feel right now, change is often very healthy. It is true that when one door closes, another opens. Transitions can bring forth new opportunities and can be an opening to spiritual awakening. Change gives us the chance to grow, make profound changes in our lives and adds depth to our character.

The time in sessions is just for you, which can be especially helpful if you are supporting your family through this challenging time. In sessions, you can work through the feelings of anger, grief, betrayal, fear, sadness, guilt and shame that often come with change.  Together, we can identify your strengths and develop effective solutions. I can also provide you with tips and tools, such as meditation, mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques, that you can use to calm and center yourself when stress and anxiety heighten.

Because everyone experiences change differently, I will tailor-create a therapy strategy that best supports and addresses your unique personality, history, situation, needs and therapy goals. We can use various somatic approaches and mindfulness techniques to help you slow down, get in touch with your body’s experience and release stress and trauma.

With support, guidance and the right approach, it is possible to develop a new perspective on this transition. Life transitions counseling can help you learn to listen to your mind and body simultaneously, integrate change in a healthy way and trust yourself again. You can come to view this transition as a sacred time and engage in a valuable process of discovery. You truly can create something new and empowering out of this experience.

Although you may need help navigating this challenging time, you still may have questions or concerns about life transitions counseling…

I feel like I should be able to work through this on my own.

We live in a culture that tells us we should be able to get everything done on our own. However, as humans, we are meant to live, heal and grow in community. Rather than continuing to try to push through this on your own, life transitions counseling can help you navigate this challenging time with more ease and acclimate to the change more quickly. And, if you are supporting others through this transition, I can provide you with a safe space that is just for you. When you feel healthy, grounded and supported, you are much more able to care for the people you love.

I’ve heard that therapy can be expensive and take a long time.

Life transitions counseling is an investment in your current and future wellbeing, and it does not have to be a lengthy process. The length of time spent in therapy truly depends on the intensity of the transition and how open and willing you are to engage in the therapy process. If money is an issue, we can discuss how to make sessions affordable for you. Navigating this change with grace is possible, and life transitions counseling can help you cultivate a balanced, productive and healthy life.

I don’t have a mental health disorder or illness. Can therapy really help with something like this?

Most people who attend therapy are not mentally ill. Rather, they are people just like you who are benefiting from the support, guidance, skills and trusting relationship gained through therapy. Life transitions counseling can not only provide you with relief, but it can lead to profound shifts in perspective, personal growth, increased resiliency and improved confidence.

You Can Transition With Grace And Discovery

You don’t have to navigate this challenging time on your own. If you are in Boulder, CO, please call me at303-489-8432 for a free 30-minute initial phone consultation. I’m happy to discuss your specific needs and situation and answer any questions you have about life transitions counseling and my practice.

I customize a therapeutic approach that best supports and addresses each of my client’s specific history, personality, needs and therapy goals. With this support and guidance, the right approach for you and a willingness to engage with curiosity and a commitment to the therapy process, I can help you develop capacity to enjoy your life rather than endure it.

— Shanly Weber