Seasons of Change: Coping with Life Transitions

Change is a natural part of life. Some transitions are expected and exciting—like starting a new job, getting married, or welcoming a baby. Others, such as moving house, children leaving home, or seasonal changes, can be unsettling. Even when we choose a transition, it can still bring stress, uncertainty, or emotional ups and downs.

At GTA Counselling, I often see clients during these times of change. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore what’s happening, process emotions, and develop strategies to adjust.

Why Transitions Affect Us So Deeply

Transitions disrupt our sense of stability. Human beings thrive on predictability, so when routines or identities shift, it can feel like the ground is moving beneath us. Psychologists call this the “liminal space”—a period where we’re no longer who we were, but not yet who we’re becoming.

This can bring:

  • Excitement and hope (new opportunities, growth, possibilities).
  • Stress and anxiety (uncertainty, fear of failure, loss of old roles).
  • Mixed emotions—feeling happy and unsettled at the same time.

Common Life Transitions Adults Face

Here are some of the transitions that can have a significant impact on mental health:

  • 🎓 Education and Career: starting university, changing jobs, or retirement.
  • 💍 Relationships: marriage, divorce, separation, or becoming a parent.
  • 🏡 Lifestyle Changes: moving to a new city, buying a home, or children leaving home.
  • 🍂 Seasonal Shifts: changes in energy, mood, and routine with the seasons.
  • 🎂 Age and Identity: moving into a new life stage (e.g., turning 30, 40, 50).

How Therapy Supports Transitions

Counselling can help by:

  • Exploring identity during times of change (e.g., “Who am I now?”).
  • Normalising emotions—reminding you it’s okay to feel unsettled.
  • Developing coping strategies for stress, uncertainty, or new responsibilities.
  • Creating balance between letting go of the old and embracing the new.

Many clients say therapy feels like an anchor during transitions—helping them find stability while navigating the unknown.

Practical Tips for Managing Transitions

Even outside of therapy, there are steps you can take to ease transitions:

  1. Acknowledge your emotions—don’t pressure yourself to only feel positive.
  2. Maintain small routines to create grounding (meals, walks, journaling).
  3. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals.
  4. Focus on growth—remind yourself that transitions bring opportunities.
  5. Be patient—adjustment takes time.

Transitions are part of every life, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, they can become opportunities for growth, reflection, and new beginnings.

💬 If you’re going through a transition and would like a safe space to talk, counselling can help.
📍 I offer in-person sessions in Atherton and online across the UK.

👉 Book a session today

GTA Counselling Menu

Seasons of Change: Coping with Life Transitions

Change is a natural part of life. Some transitions are expected and exciting—like starting a new job, getting married, or welcoming a baby. Others, such as moving house, children leaving home, or seasonal changes, can be unsettling. Even when we choose a transition, it can still bring stress, uncertainty, or emotional ups and downs.

At GTA Counselling, I often see clients during these times of change. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore what’s happening, process emotions, and develop strategies to adjust.

Why Transitions Affect Us So Deeply

Transitions disrupt our sense of stability. Human beings thrive on predictability, so when routines or identities shift, it can feel like the ground is moving beneath us. Psychologists call this the “liminal space”—a period where we’re no longer who we were, but not yet who we’re becoming.

This can bring:

  • Excitement and hope (new opportunities, growth, possibilities).
  • Stress and anxiety (uncertainty, fear of failure, loss of old roles).
  • Mixed emotions—feeling happy and unsettled at the same time.

Common Life Transitions Adults Face

Here are some of the transitions that can have a significant impact on mental health:

  • 🎓 Education and Career: starting university, changing jobs, or retirement.
  • 💍 Relationships: marriage, divorce, separation, or becoming a parent.
  • 🏡 Lifestyle Changes: moving to a new city, buying a home, or children leaving home.
  • 🍂 Seasonal Shifts: changes in energy, mood, and routine with the seasons.
  • 🎂 Age and Identity: moving into a new life stage (e.g., turning 30, 40, 50).

How Therapy Supports Transitions

Counselling can help by:

  • Exploring identity during times of change (e.g., “Who am I now?”).
  • Normalising emotions—reminding you it’s okay to feel unsettled.
  • Developing coping strategies for stress, uncertainty, or new responsibilities.
  • Creating balance between letting go of the old and embracing the new.

Many clients say therapy feels like an anchor during transitions—helping them find stability while navigating the unknown.

Practical Tips for Managing Transitions

Even outside of therapy, there are steps you can take to ease transitions:

  1. Acknowledge your emotions—don’t pressure yourself to only feel positive.
  2. Maintain small routines to create grounding (meals, walks, journaling).
  3. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals.
  4. Focus on growth—remind yourself that transitions bring opportunities.
  5. Be patient—adjustment takes time.

Transitions are part of every life, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, they can become opportunities for growth, reflection, and new beginnings.

💬 If you’re going through a transition and would like a safe space to talk, counselling can help.
📍 I offer in-person sessions in Atherton and online across the UK.

👉 Book a session today

GTA Counselling Menu