Everyone experiences changes in their lives, and some changes are harder to deal with than others. Such adjustments are often referred to as life transitions. Each transition comes with its own difficulties, and adjusting to these changes is essential to moving forward. Without adapting to them, a person may face prolonged symptoms of stress and anxiety, which may impact their mood, ability to work, & daily activities. Sometimes these changes are challenging to manage alone. If you find yourself experiencing a high degree of stress, a Heal Talk Therapy clinician can help you deal with your life transition. Contact us for support through your various stages of life.
Typical life Transitions
A life transition is a change from what you were previously accustomed to. Any significant change in life may be considered a life transition (also known as a phase-of-life change). We all face transitions throughout our lives which may be big or small, planned or unplanned, welcomed or unwelcomed. There are many common transitions that people face in life. They can be prompted by a distressing situation, a milestone, or even something exciting. Several examples include:
Someone who moves to a new city may need to adjust to their new life.
Losing a loved one is a life transition that is extremely painful and often requires a lot of mourning, adjusting, and support.
Becoming a new parent, changing your place of work or career type, retiring, or entering or exiting a relationship may also be quite challenging.
Some transitions can be related to age. For example, quarter-life and mid-life crises refer to those phases-of-life when people are in their mid-twenties and forties/fifties, respectively. They typically occur with the realization that a person is not at the point in their life where they expected to be. Often times they are unhappy with their daily lives and desire a greater sense of purpose. This phase-of-life may create feelings of self-doubt, disconnection, confusion, decision paralysis, and adventure-seeking behavior.
Learning to cope with life transitions can be difficult and may require support from a therapist. Counselors at Heal Talk Therapy will make you feel supported and understood regardless of the changes you’re going through.
Manage Grief from Life Transitions
Many life transitions are accompanied with significant feelings of grief or loss. It’s when one chapter closes and a new one opens. For example, you may be getting in a divorce or be facing the loss of a loved one. Finding your new normal takes time. Major life changes often force you through the various stages of grief.
Manage Anxiety from Life Transitions
Feelings of anxiety, stress, and uneasiness are extremely common emotions experienced when adjusting to major life changes. Coping with the discomfort of change often requires personal growth. It can be very difficult to go through these changes alone. A clinician can help you manage your anxiety symptoms and help you cope with these uncomfortable feelings more effectively. Our counselors at Heal Talk Therapy will offer the support you need to handle these difficult emotions.
Get Control of Your Life Challenges.
HEAL TALK THERAPY CAN HELP you:
Adjust to Change
Navigate Uncertainty
Build Resilience
Develop Coping Skills
Process Difficult Feelings
Increase Self-Awareness
Set Reasonable Expectations
Move Forward with Purpose
Turn Pain into Personal Growth
Self-Care for Life Transitions
Practicing self-care and healthy habits daily can help you deal with the uncertainty that comes with change. Therapy + Self-Care lead to better outcomes. Our counselors can help you build healthy habits to support your physical + mental well-being while you are going through a change.
Work With a Therapist
We all experience events that disrupt our happiness. Change can be unsettling and can force us into an unfamiliar and different space. Regardless of what you are facing, we are here to help you through your life transition. Therapy can help you manage your emotions, adjust to the change, and find a new path forward. We will help you turn crisis into personal growth. To discuss how we can best help you, contact us today.
FAQs About Life Transitions Counseling in Illinois
Therapy helps you process difficult emotions, understand what you’re experiencing, and allows you to feel less alone. A therapist can teach coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Counseling also helps you gain insight into patterns that may be making change harder. Over time, therapy can turn a challenging transition into an opportunity for growth.
At Heal Talk Therapy, our compassionate therapists understand that life’s changes can be difficult. You may benefit from seeing a therapist if a life change feels overwhelming, confusing, or emotionally draining. If you’re experiencing persistent stress, anxiety, sadness, or difficulty functioning, therapy can help. Many people wait until they feel “stuck,” but support is often most effective early on. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to get help navigating change.
The impact of a life transition often depends on whether it was a change you chose or one that happened to you. Transitions can involve identity shifts or major losses causing you to feel a lack of control. Unexpected changes, like a sudden job loss, a diagnosis or the end of a relationship, can be especially hard. They catch you off guard, leaving you with little time to prepare for the emotional road ahead. Even positive transitions, like starting a new career or getting married, can bring stress and require adjusting. You are not alone in feeling this way.
When you’re having a tough time adapting, it’s common to feel stuck. This can lead to ongoing feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness that don’t seem to go away. These unresolved emotions can affect your mood, your work and your relationships, making it feel impossible to move forward. If you feel like you’re just treading water, it’s a sign that you need support.
Yes, it is completely normal to experience grief and a sense of loss during life transitions, even when the change is a happy one. Every significant change means saying goodbye to a chapter of your life. Grief can show up as sadness, nostalgia, anxiety, or emotional numbness. It’s okay to grieve the past while you navigate the future. These feelings are a valid part of your journey.
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If you’re looking for therapy in Oak Brook, I highly recommend Heal Talk Therapy. You’ll find not only skilled counselors, but also a warm space that truly prioritizes your well-being. I’ve known Dr. Eleni Malamis for many years, and she has always stood out for her hard work, kindness, and...
Ilene K.
Jill Vogel was my amazing therapist for the last few years who helped me turn my life around. She provided support in navigating a difficult situation in my own family and also helped my husband and I through incredibly difficult years with our family. She helped us navigate substance abuse,...
Sharon L.
I can’t articulate enough how life changing working with Jill V has been for me. I came to her after being diagnosed with a serious, high-risk neuromuscular disease that changed every facet of my life. I was struggling to remain employed in a high-pressure corporate setting and navigate this illness...
Virginia M.
Katie is an amazing therapist. Very professional and caters to your needs during your therapy session. She offers good advice and a listening ear. Highly recommend her!
Kashifa A.
This is a truly outstanding mental health practice. The therapists are not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate and committed to their clients' well-being. The environment is welcoming, supportive, and thoughtfully run, making it a great place for anyone seeking quality care.
Karen G.
Katie is an amazing therapist! I have been seeing her for a few years now and will continue to.
Taylor S.
I worked with Jill Vogel for almost 3 years. She is fantastic! She met me exactly where I was and led me to grow in many ways over our time together. She was an engaged, caring listener and wise therapist somehow knowing how to ask the exact right question at...
Bonnie A.
I've had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Malamis for many years and would highly recommend Heal Talk Therapy as this clinic possesses a team of highly competent, caring, and empathetic therapists. The clinicians do a phenomenal job utilizing evidence-based approaches as they tailor counseling goals with each client's individual...
Athena N.
Dr Eiliana Silva was the first female therapist I've ever had, and I look forward to seeing her whenever I can! She has helped me so much in learning how to cope with depression, anxiety, grieving, and so much more! She tells you straight forward what you need to do...
Chris S.
I’ve been a patient for Dr.Silva for almost a year now, and with her help she’s really changed me for the good. I was at a place where I felt I was at my breaking point but she brought me to steady grounds. Dr.Silva gives a lot of guidance, sympathy,...
Sydney T.
Dr Silva has surpassed my expectations for therapy. She’s amazing, empathetic, and to the point. She’s definitely changed my opinion on therapy and highly recommend her to anyone on the fence about therapy.
Lorena Z.
Jill is an amazing therapist. She is warm and understanding and she truly listens and tries to find options that work best for you. My personal improvement would not have been as successful and manageable without her!
Rachel H.
I highly recommend Jill Vogel, LCSW for anyone seeking therapy and support. Having been fortunate enough to work with her professionally the last few years, I’ve been able to witness how dedicated she is to her clients and how passionate she is about the mental health field. Therapy looks very...
Natalia C.
Natalia Cisowski has been my colleague for several years now, and it's been an absolute pleasure working with her in both inpatient and outpatient settings. What sets Natalia apart is her exceptional warmth and genuine care for her clients. She brings an unparalleled level of sincerity and compassion to her...
Jillane X.
I highly recommend Jill Vogel to partner with you on your therapy journey! Jill has helped me gain so much insight both professionally in my own practice and on a personal level. She brings to the table years of diverse experience, knowledge and skills. Jill provides an emotionally safe environment...
Loree K.
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