Tips from a Miami Therapist on How to Handle a Life Transition
My consistent clients know I love to talk about transitions and growth.
Transitions in life are changes that occur from one state to the next. The beauty of transition can mean the change from one beautiful thing to another beautiful thing. I give the metaphor that when we think of growth, we typically imagine the graphics posted on Instagram of plants being in full bloom. However, this simply is what happens when growth is finished - you get your fully bloomed plant, and it’s beautiful. But the plant started as a seed that had to transition to a tiny bud in the ground to eventually a plant in full bloom.
Another example of a transition is when we think of a butterfly undergoing metamorphosis. It’s the signaled changing of a caterpillar into its butterfly end. A caterpillar has to go through molting, and a seed has to transition to a tiny bud in the ground to eventually a plant in full bloom. So while growth and transitions may not always be the outward appearance of beauty, beauty can happen in and come from the change.
I could give you another metaphor to tell you that diamonds aren’t made without extreme pressure, however, unlike diamonds, we as humans have feelings and emotions.
So, here’s some tips on how to handle a life transition and the struggles that come with transitions:
Remember You’re Not at the Beginning, But You’re Also Not at the End
I want to really stress that in transitions and growth periods, we’re often somewhere in between the beginning and the end. Most of the time, it’s unclear how much further there is left of progress, and we can get bogged down by not yet seeing “the light at the end of the tunnel.” This is where you want to really focus on the control in the present and what you realistically can do in the present. Anxiety often makes us worry about the future, while depression can keep us stuck in the past. When we look at it this way, what’s keeping us in the present moment of control? This is what typically gives us negative responses to transitions. We also have written another blog post about how life transitions can trigger past trauma and anxiety; read it here if you’d like.
Let Yourself Feel Emotions and Give Yourself Time to Grieve
Transitions symbolize the change of some sort, and with change, the beginning of something good sometimes signifies the end of something, be it good or bad. Allow the feelings you’re experiencing to flow. You have every right to feel what you feel, but please remember that feelings are check-ins of our bodies to understand what we need; they’re not always facts about what’s happening in reality.
You need to give yourself an ample grief period or time to grieve for whatever the end was for you. If you’re familiar with the stages of grief, I want to emphasize that the stages aren’t like a video game where you advance from one level to the next. Rather, they’re more like cycles where one day, we might feel we’re going through the anger or bargaining phases, and the next day, maybe we might feel we’re going through the acceptance stage only for the cycle to repeat. This is normal.
Find Safety and Familiarity in Support
Often when change happens, it can feel overwhelming to the point where we are desperate to cling to safety and stability. This may mean creating a routine for yourself or watching an old tv show you’ve already seen or doing old fun activities you used to do with friends. Transitions and growth often can’t and shouldn’t be done alone or on your own. This doesn’t mean that you need to “drag someone down in the mud with you” to suffer, but it does mean that support is extremely important. Lean on the friends and family who you feel uplift you and have your best interests at heart.
Begin 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 navigating life transitions in a healthier way!
Other Services Offered with Miami Vibes Counseling Center
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!
