Life transitions are periods of change that may alter our roles, routines, or sense of identity. They can include events such as becoming ill, receiving a diagnosis, starting or ending a relationship, changing career, retirement, parenthood, bereavement, or shifts in family dynamics. Transitions may be planned or unexpected, welcomed or deeply unsettling, and even positive changes can sometimes bring emotional strain.

Times of transition often challenge our sense of stability and continuity. Familiar ways of understanding ourselves and the world may no longer fit, leading to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, grief, or loss of direction. People may notice changes in mood, confidence, relationships, or their ability to cope, particularly when transitions involve multiple pressures or occur alongside illness, stress, or past unresolved experiences.

Transitions can affect us on both conscious and unconscious levels. They may stir earlier experiences of change, separation, or vulnerability, and can bring up questions about meaning, identity, and the future. When these experiences are not acknowledged or supported, individuals may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves and others.

Therapy can offer a thoughtful and supportive space to reflect on life transitions and their impacts on us, giving people the space to explore what is changing, what may be being left behind, and how to adapt in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. Therapy can help individuals make sense of complex emotions, strengthen emotional resilience, and find new ways of relating to themselves and their circumstances during times of change.