Life Transition
Article by M. Joy Young, LCSW, ACSW Portland Oregon
(503) 309-1163
Are you going through a life change like divorce, mid-life changes, career shift, relationship break up, relocation or some other life transition?
Do you feel like you are at a cross roads in your life and not sure what your next step will be?
Are you struggling with finding your identity or sense of self after a major life transition?
Many people go through what is referred to as a “life transition” at some point. In fact our culture celebrates certain life transitions such as school graduations, births, marriages, or a new job. We also mourn some life transitions such as a death or divorce. In some respects a life transition is “just a part of life” and usually does not require help through counseling or therapy.
However, for many a life transition can be extremely stressful, traumatic, or disorienting. It can also bring up deep questioning, fear, uncertainty, and difficulty with readjustment to a new phase in life. Our culture is very complex, stressful, and often insensitive to people’s life struggles and difficulties. It is not uncommon for people to feel their current life challenges go unsupported, ignored, or minimize by the culture and society in general.
If you are going through a life transition and are experiencing
- Depression like feelings
- Disorientation
- Questioning and discomfort
- Restlessness, uncertainty, and other feelings of anxiety
- Feelings of frustration or anger
- Lack of support, minimization, or isolation due to your transition
- Other challenging thoughts and feelings
Then a counseling relationship may be helpful in moving you through a life transition with support, respect, and understanding.
What is most helpful in counseling?
As a professional counselor working with people going through many life challenges I know that a supportive, respectful and compassionate relationship with a trusted counselor or therapist can move people safely through a life transition.
Research shows that the counseling relationship is one of the most curative factors in counseling or psychotherapy. People in counseling with a solid supportive counseling relationship generally feel better.
There are many counselors to choose from but only a few will be right for you. I offer distinctive services that include:
- Holistic health and Wellness approach.
- Connection to your Inner Knowing to help facilitate change that is right for you.
- Consideration of the larger social and environmental context of your life.
- Empathic and non-labeling counseling
- Use of Flower essence upon request
- Use of SoulCollage®
If you are ready to safely and lovingly move through your life transition with respect for yourself and others then contact Joy Young at (503) 309-1163 or email at and let’s talk about beginning a respectful, equitable, and non-pathologizing counseling relationship.
Payment options available via PayPal. Call before you purchase.
