life transition

counseling

tulsa oklahoma

As we journey through life,

we encounter various transitions. During our early years, especially childhood, we swiftly progress through developmental stages, and these moments are often celebrated with joy and excitement by our loved ones.

However, as children enter adolescence, a new challenge arises for both parents and teenagers: finding the right balance between protection, care, trust, and the development of independence. This transition can introduce a sense of conflict, not just within the parents but also within the teenagers themselves. Unfortunately, turning eighteen doesn't necessarily signify the end of challenging life transitions; in fact, it often marks the beginning of even more significant changes.

are you experiencing…

  • Feeling anxious about an upcoming event

  • Worry or fear when you think about making a big life change

  • Having trouble making decisions

  • Racing thoughts that won't stop

  • Changes in your sleep patterns (maybe sleeping too much or having trouble falling asleep)

  • Differences in your appetite (eating more or less than usual, or not enjoying food)

  • Feeling less motivated

  • Struggling to handle daily tasks

  • Having a tough time adjusting to new situations

  • Thinking about the past a lot or wishing things were different

  • Finding it hard to see the positive side of current situations

  • Wondering how to talk to friends, family, or coworkers about big changes

  • Feeling lost or like you can't control what's happening around you

When you become an adult,

you'll face some similar changes in your life. These changes can include things like:

  • Going to college

  • Deciding on a major

  • Starting your career

  • Becoming financially independent

  • Getting married

  • Becoming a parent, and more

When life transitions are marked by conflict

or leave us feeling less fulfilled, they can erode our self-trust.

For instance, let's say you're going through a major career change. During such times, we tend to reflect on previous decisions and transitions in our lives to seek some sense of predictability in what can be an uncertain situation. Questions like "What will happen?" "How will this affect my future?" "Is this the right choice?" or "Will this make me happy?" can swirl around in our minds as we sift through patterns in our memories. When these patterns suggest that you shouldn't trust your own responses, feelings, or judgment, these questions can become overwhelming.

Every one of these changes has the potential

to bring both happiness and moments of disappointment. As you move through these transitions, it's entirely normal to sometimes feel like you're not quite sure where you're headed or what choices to make.

Here's the good part: When you have positive experiences during these transitions, they teach you something important. They teach you to believe in yourself and your ability to make good choices. This belief helps you keep making decisions for yourself. You can use the positive experiences you've had as building blocks for the future, which will make you more confident about expecting good outcomes in new situations.

When you work with a therapist at exhale counseling

you'll learn how to identify the positive aspects of your past and how to build upon them. It's often easier to recall negative outcomes or emotions, which can have a stronger impact on us than positive ones if we let them. Through a collaborative partnership with your therapist, you'll develop techniques tailored to your unique personality, helping you better manage stressful situations. This way, you can regain trust in yourself and your ability to navigate life's transitions.