Helping Women Navigate Challenging Life Transitions
Going through life transitions can come with a sense of loss and a lost identity. These grieving components, at times, are not addressed by individuals or are swept under the rug due to societal expectations. Women often have to put others first and neglect their own emotional needs. Which leads to the challenges that come with life transitions compounded.
At times, women may have tried to find a way to move forward but are stuck. They don't know how to move forward in their feelings as they are lost. In fact, they don't know how to create a plan that works and implement it. They're still trying to find themselves and heal. In this blog, Sunrise Counseling will discuss ways to help women navigate challenging life transitions.
Apply Problem-Solving Skills
With the help of a women's therapist, women going through difficult transitions can apply problem-solving skills to their current circumstances. This way they can implement a self-change plan to help them move forward. For example, estrangement from adult children means moving away from the "why" questions and understanding that you cannot control what your adult children do or say.
Make a Commitment to Yourself
All you can do is make the commitment to yourself to move forward in life for your own well-being. Your problem-solving skills were used to realize you can't change anything with your child but only how you chose to react and move forward. This can help you let go of unrealistic expectations of the situation and make a realistic plan going forward.
Using Values to Guide Priorities
When it comes to life transitions such as divorce and retirement, grieving the loss and navigating the transition requires identifying the values that have guided your life decisions up until this point. By identifying these values, you can clarify if these are values you still align with. This will help inform how you reorient your life view and prioritize your goals. For example, if the value of the connection is a driving force for you, then it may be wise to examine how you can use that value to continue your connection with people, such as becoming a mentor or volunteering.
Identify the Advantages of the Change
As a therapist, when I work with women going through a divorce or retirement, I assist them in identifying the advantages of the change in their life circumstances. They are now able to make their own decisions, develop hobbies or personal interests and activities, and become more fulfilled. They no longer have to do what they want on another's time or terms. This is an opportunity for freedom, independence, and exploration of the passions that have been pushed aside.
Restore Balance
In therapy, I often talk with my clients about identifying life changes they can make that will help restore the balance in their lives. Sometimes, this is just using their time differently and making the smallest changes. They can use the time they would spend with their estranged child to do something for themselves. Or, if they are retired, spend the time they would be at work doing something they always thought about doing but never had the time for. Slowly changing how you use your time can make a big difference if you're no longer allowing it to serve another's purpose. It can help create distance between you and the situation, which is a form of self-care. It also allows you room to grieve and heal, while also looking toward the future with a sense of hope and purpose.
Change Your Routine
If you know that certain times of the day, or days of the week are more difficult for you, then it is important to identify what your routines are in those times and change them. Changing your routine can help you think differently about that time. It resets your brain and can help you cope better with the situation. It allows your brain to experience the new routine you are creating because it does not know what to expect.
Strive for Proper Nutrition, Sleep, and Exercise
Striving for proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise is a way to ensure you are taking care of yourself and have the energy to tackle the day. On the days when you are feeling low, try to do something that makes you feel good in a healthy way. This can be going out and spending time with friends or even talking to them over the phone. It can help reduce the feeling of isolation and give you much-needed support.
Focus on Spiritual Development and Volunteering
Another great way to find positivity in your life is to focus on your spiritual development. This is another form of self-care as it can help you focus on yourself and your own growth. It is important to take time for yourself, as this will help mend the hole where you believe something has been taken away from you. You can also explore volunteering and give back to your community or even the world.
Volunteering will help reinforce a positive self-identity.
It helps to boost your self-esteem in times of grief when there may be times you could be engaging in negative self-talk.
It helps you realize that you have something to offer and can still make a difference in the world. As a therapist, I understand the importance of helping my clients transition gracefully from one chapter in their lives to the next. Supporting them in making the changes they need to grieve but moving forward is a crucial part of the healing process. By assisting them, they are able to grieve, cope, and move forward in their lives with the tools and resources they need.
Gain Support and Assistance with Women's Issues in Dallas, TX
We all hit rough patches. Life transitions that cause grief and concern are difficult to navigate. Our goal is to be your partner as you address the grief and changes that result from this rough patch in your life. With your small changes, new beginnings are just around the corner. To start Therapy for Women’s Issues in Dallas, TX, follow these steps:
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists that specializes in women's issues
3. Start moving forward with your new beginning!
Other Mental Health Services in Dallas, TX
Women's Counseling is only one of the mental health services we offer you at Sunrise Counseling. Our therapists understand that your transition was difficult and that you may need additional help. We provide a variety of services to clients from our Dallas TX-based therapy office and the surrounding areas including but not limited to the following
Adjustment difficulties due to various life changes
Depression
Teen Therapy
Social Difficulties
Attention Difficulties
Self-esteem issues
Body image
Parent training
LGBTQ+ Concerns
Grief and Loss
Career concerns