A Therapist’s Guide to Major Life Transitions (Big Moves and Breakups)
Life transitions are tough. Big moves are tough. Breakups are tough.
These things tend to bring up a lot of issues and feelings we like to avoid. I’ve watched and supported close friends and family who have gone through these things. I’ve even had plenty of them myself. And oddly enough, some of the best parts of my life have come out of some of the lowest points and were either caused by or resulted in, one of these major life transitions. All this to say, I’d like to share my guide on how to handle major life transitions.
Be Present with Yourself
Too many times I feel like I lost myself in relationships or within big moves, whether this was a big move in jobs or changing my physical address. Often, while we’re in the moment of something happening, we don’t always realize maybe we’re “adopting” traits and interests from others unintentionally in order to “fit in” or be liked or force something that isn’t meant to be in the end. I’ve found that for myself at least, major transitions have usually forced me to re-analyze and refocus all of my energy into myself - what I like and what I want out of something. Who are you outside of your relationship? Your job? Or how do you spend your free time? Is this person consistent throughout these other avenues?
Take Things One Increment at a Time (You Decide that Increment)
You’ve heard the sayings “one step at a time” or “take it one day at a time.” The major difference between these two statements is the progression of time. There is no “right and wrong” way to process something; the wrong thing is to avoid processing something entirely.
Maybe some days, you can just take it one day at a time. But other times? It’s about how to get through specific moments or reminders that may trigger unwanted feelings. Sometimes, that means asking yourself “How can I survive this feeling for the next minute? Or the next hour?”
Make Space for All of Your Feelings (including “the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”)
As we just talked about being more mindful of time, let’s also talk about feeling feelings as well. Feelings and emotions, though we try to avoid them, are part of the processing and healing journey. Processing something helps us to understand and make sense of the situations we’ve experienced. We take these into account and we can develop “lessons learned nuggets” to take with us into the future.
Find Some Sort of Routine You can Realistically Stick To
Major transitions = major change. Not having control over major transitions doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t somehow find ways to have control of these big changes. Maybe these routines are routines you used to do and need to get back to. Maybe it’s routines you’ve done in the past. Or maybe it’s a new routine you create to help you move forward.
Some ideas for routines:
Purchase “The Five Minute Journal” to practice gratitude
Watch an old or familiar show you’ve loved and seen before
Spend quality time with friends and family doing meaningful activities together (even if it’s just a weekly phone call)
Spend time exercising (going on walks, going to the gym, doing yoga, taking a pilates class)
Plan a “date night” once a week with yourself or with friends where you do things you’ve always wanted to do but never found the time for
Start Life Transitions Therapy in Miami, FL
At Miami Vibes Counseling Center, we offer therapy to focus on helping you through life transitions. Check out our service page on Life Transitions here, and reach out to us to schedule a consultation or appointment with one of our therapists! You can also start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
Contact us to schedule a session
Meet with one of our caring therapists
Start creating new, healthier routines!
Other Services Offered With Miami Vibes Counseling
Life transitions therapy isn’t the only service offered by Miami Vibes Counseling. Other mental health services include CBT, ACT, TF-CBT, and parenting support. In addition, we are happy to offer treatment for depression, stress, trauma, grief, and anxiety therapy. Our team is happy to provide support for couples, infidelity, children, and families. Learn more about our other services including ESA letters, support for business or employment stress, spirituality, and online therapy. Visit our blog or FAQs page for more helpful info today!
