A new phase of life such as becoming a parent, can bring great joy. But other changes, such as ending a relationship or being diagnosed with a long-term illness, can bring heavy emotions such as stress, anxiety, sadness, and depression. For many people, therapy is helpful when dealing with these feelings.
It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, some intensely, when adjusting to significant life changes. While there is nothing wrong with self-reliance, trying to “tough it out” isn’t usually the best answer. Our mental health professionals can help you deal with immediate feelings and adapt better for the future.
Working with our trained counselors for phases of life therapy sessions in Honolulu will help anyone in Oahu. You can attend at our offices or meet by telehealth appointment from anywhere.
What are Examples of
Life Phase Changes?
- Divorce is one of the most stressful moments in life, even if you’re on good terms with your former spouse. It’s a moment where you may feel and deal with hard emotions.
- Job Stress is something you may be dealing with every day. If you’re laid off or suddenly your responsibilities change, it can touch off anxiety, worry, and depression.
- Retirement is meant to be enjoyable, but no longer going to work every day can be jarring. The transition to a different routine after a lifetime of going to work is a major life-phase change.
- A Major Illness Diagnosis can touch off feelings of fear, anxiety, and often depression. Working with a therapist provides emotional support as you adjust to the news.
- Becoming a Caregiver to a Loved One is important but stressful. It’s natural to, at times, feel trapped, anxious, or depressed. You need support as you’re helping a loved one.
- First-time Parenthood is a joyful occasion but brings new responsibilities and stresses. Life is forever changed, and learning to maintain an adult life while parenting is essential.
- Becoming Empty Nesters is surprisingly affecting for many people who have spent much of their lives as parents raising children. You may enjoy more free time but feel sad or lonely at times.
How Does Therapy for
Phases of Life Help?
The right therapeutic environment is vital, and our trained, professional phases-of-life therapists in Honolulu will create a supportive experience. It begins with getting to know you, learning about the life changes you’re going through, and understanding their effect.
The short-term goal is to help you find relief and feel better. The long-range objective is to help you develop skills to live more comfortably in your new life paradigm. You’ll benefit from counseling in several important ways:
- Provides a safe space to process your feelings
- Helps you understand how life changes affect your well-being
- Creates a treatment plan for your needs
- Learn new coping skills, improve your sense of self
Each of us adapts to significant life changes at a unique pace. There are no “rights or wrongs,” and therapy can help you adjust more comfortably. If you’ve been feeling off balance emotionally since a major life change, it can be wise to begin work with a professional counselor sooner rather than later.
Are There Signs I Need Therapy?
Everyone’s experience is unique, but some common signs can occur around the time of life phase change. They can include feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, worry, and persistent hopelessness. Generally, they will be connected to the changes that have occurred in your life.
There is no reason to avoid your feelings; the psychotherapeutic process gives you a safe space to express and work through them. It takes time to adjust successfully to significant life changes.
Our Wellness Counseling therapists work with people from many walks of life and are sensitive to your needs.
If you’ve been living with anxiety or discomfort emotionally, seeking professional help and guidance can bring relief. You’ll learn ways to find happiness and satisfaction in your new life phase.
Can I Adjust to
Life Phases on My Own?
Some people adjust easily to life-phase changes, while others find it challenging. How well you do may also have to do with other circumstances in your life and other responsibilities you may be shouldering. One of the things to be aware of is whether any other parts of life are affected by the feelings you’re experiencing and if they are distracting or happen too often. You may benefit from therapy if you answer yes to some of those warning signs.
Phase of life therapy can help if you’re feeling disoriented or as though your sense of self has been affected. You may also feel some or all of these:
When you begin counseling sessions, they will include opportunities to describe your experience, voice your feelings, and talk about your life. All will help develop a personalized treatment plan to guide you in the therapeutic process. It will also consider any complicating factors that may affect you.
Treatment Methods for
Life Phase Adjustment
Our experienced mental health counselors will get to know you and make a careful assessment before developing a treatment plan for phases of life therapy. There are multiple options, some of which may be combined and will be well-suited to your needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is talk therapy that provides highly effective treatment for life-phase adjustment and many other needs, including depression, anxiety, and sadness.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
DBT is based on cognitive behavioral therapy and helps people experiencing intense feelings. It is a form of talk therapy and teaches new coping skills.
Solution Focused Behavioral Therapy
SFBT can be short-term and focuses on helping you overcome complicated feelings and finding solutions.
Phase of life problems can vary widely, and working with an experienced therapist who can treat you with the most helpful approach matters. Our counselors will take time to understand your needs and make a thorough initial assessment.
Why is Life Phase
Counseling Important?
When a phase of life lasts for many years, we develop behavioral patterns and become accustomed to them. Or we build lives such as having a family we’ve always wanted. When one of those phases comes to an end, even if it is known well in advance, there is a period of adjustment.
Some new life phases, like becoming the caregiver for a loved one, can arise quickly and unexpectedly. They profoundly change our lives and have a long-term effect; it’s natural for them to trigger heavy feelings and emotional responses in some people.
Regardless of the type of life phase change you’ve experienced, psychotherapy can help you deal with your current feelings and make a healthy long-term adjustment for the future.
Do I Need Therapy After a Life Change?
Decisions about when or whether to seek help are personal ones and vary by individual. Phases of life counseling is a good idea if you have persistent feelings of insecurity or self-doubt stemming from a change in your life – regardless of whether the change was by choice or out of your control.
If you’re having feelings of hopelessness or worrying and they’ve occurred since a life change, the two may be connected. A therapist can help you understand your feelings and work through them.
Many clients are impressed by the difference counseling can make in their lives during times of transition. Having a trained therapist to work with can help ease your mind.
Conclusion:
Phases of Life Therapy in Honolulu
If you’re struggling to become comfortable with major changes that have occurred, phases of life therapy can help; scheduling an initial consultation is an excellent way to get answers to your questions.
- Discuss any heavy feelings you may be experiencing and how to transition to a new life phase.
- Get immediate and long-term support; learn coping strategies; improve your sense of self.
Our Wellness Counseling therapists in Honolulu have years of experience and have worked with many people experiencing life phase changes. You can attend sessions in person or by telehealth appointment.
Contact Info
We’re open Monday through Saturday and ready to help you.
General Office Hours: Monday – Fridays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
