Using IFS to Navigate Life Transitions
The term “life transition” may bring to mind the sudden, dramatic shift into the great unknown we endure as young adults. But life transitions take many forms and happen at every stage of life. Common examples include pursuing higher education, moving, changing careers, getting married, getting divorced, becoming a parent, and retiring. Such turning points tend to evoke an array of emotions that can be overwhelming.
Often, people turn to therapy for help managing their overwhelm. Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic modality that is particularly well-suited to navigating life transitions in two ways: through Parts Work and Self Leadership.
Read More
Navigating Life Transitions as an HSP
Life transitions, whether by choice or circumstance, are commonly followed by conflicting feelings. Moving to a new city may bring joy and sorrow. Advancing in one’s career can bring fear and excitement. Entering a new decade of life can unearth gratitude and worry. Divorce or a breakup can be followed by relief and sadness.
In addition to conflicting feelings, another common thread amongst all life transitions is change. For Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP), change may result in feeling shaken up and overstimulated. This is due to being highly attuned to the shifts in one’s environment. What once may have felt familiar and secure begins to feel unstable and chaotic. For HSPs going through life transitions, it is possible to be in a relationship with one’s sensitivity through change — one that feels less distressing and overwhelming.
Read More
I Didn’t Expect To Feel This Way: Unanticipated Feelings Amidst Life Changes
Mixed emotions come with even the most joyous of shifts.
When this reality goes unacknowledged, we can feel ashamed of our fears, disorientations, grief, etc. Being curious about the different emotions in us helps us move forward.
In his book, Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes, author William Bridges writes,
"... change is situational. Transition, on the other hand, is psychological. So it is not those events, but rather the inner reorientation and self-redefinition that you must go through to incorporate any of those changes into your life."
Read More
You Hate Your Job. Now What?
It's common to feel trapped and dissatisfied in your job. Perhaps you find your work unfulfilling or unimportant, you're in a toxic and unsupportive work environment, or your job demands too much time. You may be interested in trying something new but concerned about the job market, so you stay put. Many legitimate factors may prevent someone from leaving their job. But before you give up, I encourage you to be curious about your situation and consider what is at the root of your dissatisfaction.
Read More
![74 [Converted]-02.png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b2ab66e75f9ee77b85431ad/1620761682426-P4M5BQH61X4D2ZHS7A8W/74+%5BConverted%5D-02.png)
