It can be difficult to make the transition from being a teenager to becoming an adult. All of a sudden, important choices about your future, career, and relationships are expected of you that could change the course of your entire life. You might feel disoriented, uneasy, or overpowered. Since everyone progresses at their own rate, feeling this way is totally normal.

You may be learning independence, decision-making, and responsibility in ways that are entirely new to you. You might feel obligated to have every aspect of your life planned out, including your career path, where you want to live, how to balance your personal relationships, and even whether or not to start a family. It’s like being thrown into a game where no one bothered to explain the rules.

It’s normal to doubt your identity and purpose through this phase of your life. Who exactly are you? What values do you hold? What do you want out of life besides what society, your parents, or your teachers might expect of you? Being an adult requires self-discovery, and it’s normal to not immediately know the answers. In fact, a lot of adults keep asking themselves these questions and making changes all throughout their lives. In therapy, we can help you find clarity and move forward with confidence one step at a time!

Stepping into a new role or field can be daunting. You might be anxious about fitting into a new team, meeting expectations, or dealing with new tasks. It’s normal to feel like an outsider at first or to worry about making errors. You’re stepping into an unfamiliar environment with new responsibilities, colleagues, and expectations. The first few days and weeks can be overwhelming, as you try to learn the ropes, familiarize yourself with company culture, and figure out how to make meaningful contributions. New jobs can also bring upheaval to your life if they require a new commute, schedule, or even a relocation.

Imposter syndrome (feeling unqualified even though you are) can start to creep in during the transition. It’s completely normal to feel this way, and seeking support in therapy can help you move through it with confidence.

One of the most difficult transitions one can go through in life is losing a loved one. It feels like a deep wound that affects every area of your life. You feel lost and confused because the world as you once knew it has changed. You might feel a variety of things at this time, including sadness, rage, confusion, fear, regret, and guilt. These emotions can be debilitating and come on suddenly, sometimes all at once and other times one at a time.

Everyone’s journey through grief is different; there’s no ‘right’ way to grieve and no timeline for the healing process. You might have days when you feel you’re making progress, only to wake up the next day feeling like you’re back at square one. This back-and-forth is natural and a part of your healing process.

Your grief is a testament to the love you had for the person you lost, and it’s possible to mourn that loss while also finding joy in life. In therapy, we listen to you, sit quietly with you, and walk with you through your grief.

A new baby’s arrival is so exciting, but it also brings with it a major life transition that can occasionally feel too much to handle. All of a sudden, you are in charge of another person who is totally dependent on you. As you adjust to your new role, your routines, priorities, and even your identity may change. You might experience a range of emotions, including love, joy, fear, and possibly a sense of loss for your former way of life.

Sleep deprivation, hormone shifts, and the constant demands of a newborn can be stressful. It can cause a shift in your relationship with your partner that you didn’t expect as well. If you’re feeling persistently low, anxious, or overwhelmed, know that postpartum mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, are common and treatable. In therapy, we can help you identify and manage the biggest causes of the stress you are experiencing.

After years of working, transitioning to retirement can be a shock. You may feel a loss of purpose or identity, or worry about how to fill your newfound time. It’s perfectly normal to experience a mix of emotions, from relief to apprehension, and even sadness. Remember, retirement is a time to rediscover yourself, explore new interests, and relax. It’s okay to take time to adjust and find your new routine.

Going through a divorce or separation can be one of the most stressful and emotionally challenging life events, as it completely changes the life you had envisioned for yourself and your children. You might start to second guess your past choices and future plans because it may feel as though your entire world has just been shaken. You might experience extreme grief, fear, rage, and loneliness.

All of these emotions are normal. it’s okay to feel grief for the relationship and the shared dreams that came with it. Everyone heals at their own pace, and in therapy, we make space for you to process your emotions in a way that makes sense to you.