We all go through life events that leave us forever changed.
These life transitions may happen during or after:
- Divorce.
- Perimenopause
- Chronic health issues, illness, or injury.
- Being diagnosed with ADHD or Autism
- Moving to a new place.
- “Empty nest” when the kids leave home.
- Leaving home for the first time to go to college or begin working.
- Going back to school as an adult.
- Career change, job loss, or being laid off.
- The death of a parent or spouse.
- Loss of a beloved pet.
- Deconstructing religion, questioning long-held beliefs, or leaving a religious tradition.
“I Don’t Know Who I Am Anymore.”
Many of my clients say that they have lost a sense of who they are or who they used to be. Some struggle to identify what their values are, what activities they enjoy, but it’s not due to depression. When we are in the process of shedding older versions of ourselves, perhaps ones we liked and were not ready to give up, there is a deep grief that society often does not acknowledge.
Women especially define ourselves by our social roles: wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, good neighbor, friend.
Americans of any/all genders often define themselves by their work and career: “I AM a ______” nurse/counselor/lawyer/artist/musician/chef/etc.
When those roles change because of divorce, job loss, relocation, or another life event, our sense of self is shaken. Who am I, if I am not a wife? Who am I, if I am not a nurse practitioner? It can be isolating to process these life transitions alone, if you even know where to begin.
Discovery and Reinvention Can Be a Rebirth
Navigating life transitions is scary, but you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a therapist can help you reconnect with who you are at your core, the person underneath all of the roles. If you are struggling to know who you are now, a therapist can help you identify your core values, which in my experience rarely change even if we have lost sight of them! Therapy provides a safe place to question who you are and what you want, without the worry of judgement about your thoughts and feelings that sometimes come with confiding in family and friends. It can be exciting to rediscover your true self and set out on a new path as a new chapter of your life unfolds. While it may not feel that way now, I am passionate about helping people build the life that they want to live!
When to See a Professional For Trouble Adjusting
If you are questioning whether or not you should seek professional help in dealing with adjusting to your new role(s) in life, you can likely benefit from talking with a therapist!
You don’t have to struggle on your own, contact me today to set up aconsultation call.
Hi, I’m Stacey!
I work with women and LGBTQ+ clients who are ready to make tangible changes to improve their lives. My focus is late diagnosed ADHD and autism; anxiety; relationship issues; and self discovery during life transitions. Therapy with me is a safe place in your journey of self discovery, wherever that journey leads.
About me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Holistic Health & Wellness Coach, and Reiki Master. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field and have been working in private practice since 2020. I am an animal lover; love crafting all sorts of different things; and listen to way too many podcasts. You can learn more about me here or contact me if you would like to set up a consultation call to see if we might be a good fit!