As summer slows down and fall picks up, many people notice a shift – not just in their schedules, but in how they feel about themselves. That’s because transitions often shake up more than our routines, they challenge our sense of identity.
So, what does this look like?
For Teens & Students
- “Who am I in this new school or program?”
- Balancing pressure, friendships, and self-discovery
- Adjusting to independence or living away from home
For Parents
- “Who am I now that my child doesn’t need me as much?”
- Coping with an emptier house or shifting roles
- Redefining identity beyond parenting
For Professionals
- “Who am I if my work no longer feels fulfilling?”
- Facing burnout or questioning work goals
- Juggling work, family, and personal identity all at once
Even if these transitions seem expected or positive, they can still leave us feeling unstable. And that’s normal. Life transitions challenge our sense of predictability and identity. And even when we want the change to happen, it still requires us to adapt – mentally, emotionally, and physically. Sometimes, change can also bring up a sense of loss or grief. Making space for something new often means letting go of something else – and that can stir up all kinds of emotions.
How to Support Yourself or a Loved One Through Change
- Name the transition: saying “I’m in a transition, it’s okay to feel this way” can ease the pressure.
- Lower expectations: you don’t have to have it figured out right away.
- Anchor in what’s steady: routines, relationships, or values.
- Release comparison: your pace of adjustment is valid.
- Seek support: Therapy can offer you a safe space to explore these shifts, clarify your values, and rebuild confidence in who you’re becoming by learning different skills and strategies to cope with discomfort.
Feeling the impact of change isn’t a sign that something is “wrong” with you – it’s proof that you’re growing and evolving which can also be uncomfortable to navigate. Learning to cope during uncertainty and times of transition is a valuable for our overall experience, as life changes are guaranteed to happen to all of us.
Patricia Di Giorgio, MA, RP (Qualifying), is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO. She provides evidence-based, compassionate psychotherapy to adolescents and adults, drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, and IFS. Patricia works under the supervision of licensed psychologists and brings a warm, collaborative, and holistic approach to every session.