Not much in life is guaranteed, but I think most would agree that change is inevitable.

While many embrace and even thrive on creating change, others fear it and do everything in their power to avoid it. Regardless of where you fall on the ‘comfort with change scale,’ research shows that being able to perceive that we have choices enables us to recognize the areas where we do have agency in our lives. It is powerful to recognize that while we may not be able to control our circumstances, we do have choices about how we respond to change.

Sometimes, it is necessary to reach out for support from a mental health professional to improve our coping skills and increase our ability to deal with change.

Some common issues related to life changes that individuals may seek mental health counseling for include:

Starting a new job

Moving

Divorce or family problems

School issues

In addition to the family, such as having a baby or adoption

A new pet or the death of a pet

Caring for aging or ill parent(s) or family members

Contracting and recovering from an illness, such as COVID-19

Life changes due to a pandemic including quarantine and isolation

Work challenges and stressors

A recent health diagnosis

Bereavement and grief associated with the loss of a family member, friend, or coworker

Recovery from an accident

“Change is inevitable; growth is optional,” said John Maxwell, the popular author of leadership books. For many reasons, many of us have gotten into patterns of thinking and behaving that prevent us from recognizing that we have what it takes to deal with life’s challenges. We may face challenges adjusting to the changes in our lives due to past experiences that have not been resolved, or we may not yet have the skills to deal with the transition at hand. Either way, counseling with a licensed professional, such as a mental health counselor, clinical social worker, or psychologist, can help you discover how to move forward in the healthiest way possible.

Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” has been proven effective in treating life transition or adjustment issues. Often, a blended approach of several therapeutic modalities proves beneficial. Additionally, experiential (incorporating expressive tools and activities) therapies, such as art or play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), can help one identify root issues that may be contributing to challenges with coping.

If you or a loved one are feeling stuck or challenged with a significant life change, help is available. Kristine offers several therapeutic options and will work with you to determine the best approach to assist you in reaching your goals. Reach out to Kristine by calling 386-473-1062 for a free consultation. Take this step toward healing for yourself today.

As a licensed therapist with private practice in DeLand, Florida, and St. Joseph, Michigan the option of online counseling is available to anyone who lives in the states of Michigan and Florida.

In addition to in-person counseling Kristine offers an online therapy option.  Online counseling may not the best option for everyone. Reach out to discover whether face-to-face or online is the best fit for you and your journey.