The successful way to deal with any transition is to first acknowledge the change!  We all like to feel we are in control, and the best way to be in control of sometimes the uncontrollable is to stop and assess where are we emotionally, rationally and physically. 

Transitions are life’s way of asking us to review our present way of being, are we adjusting to changing circumstances, whether it be, getting up earlier in the morning, or starting work again after being on holiday to our youngest child leaving for university, or a divorce or the loss of a loved one. 

Every life transition asks us to let go of a past way of thinking or doing, so if you are required to get up earlier going to bed earlier might be the adjustment you need to make and a rescheduling or dropping of previously done activities. 

But some transitions are not so easily dealt with as the above example and might require very difficult adjustments as we endure intense feelings of fear, doubt and uncertainty or we may not experience the feelings so clearly but if we take a look at our activities, face book or TV or eating is taking a lot more of our time than before the transition.  While this is natural to some extent, if you cannot move through this phase, these feelings can often overwhelm you, sending you spinning out of control into emotional and life turmoil.  Many times, people can turn to drugs or alcohol or the computer to numb or cope with the anxiety and stress of these transitional times!

What can the client expect out of counselling?

The client can expect a safe, non judgmental place to explore where you are in the five main domains of human functioning, the Physical, Emotional, Rational, Volitional and Spiritual domains. It is important to take time out to stop and hear what your body is saying to you.  It is difficult sometimes to stop and explore on your own, the counsellor will give support and try to unravel what is making this particular transition so uncomfortable and or painful. 

The initial assessment is always 1 ½ hours long to explore what is happening and then it is usually suggested to review after 6, one hour sessions, if the client wants to continue.  Depending on what the issue is, and how clear it is the way through, after one or two sessions, the client may decide they have enough clarity to deal with it on their own, it really depends on the issue and what resources the client has to deal with the issue.