Transitions/ Life Changes
Since the beginning of our existence… our life is full of small and big changes…Most of them occurred in a natural and continuous way, without much reflection from us…and frequently we didn’t even realized their amplitude. However, sometimes we realize that our usual way of looking into things has changed, and we can even get surprised!
Changes are not confined to our inner world…they also take place in our body and in many areas of our life (professional, social, family, health, environmental). Sometimes, it’s not easy to face all these transformations…let go of the old and adapt to a new reality…It’s a process that, sometimes, can be very demanding emotionally, but integrating change is a crucial aspect for our well-being.
Anthropologically, societies conceived a series of rituals or ceremonials to facilitate the process of adaptation to important changes in our lives. In other words, to help us making the transition from what used to be to what is going to be. However, nowadays we have to face many situations that don’t include the presence of this ritual aid, or it may reveal itself as insufficient to help us.
Transitions inherent to human development (Stages of human development, according to age, which are characterized by specific developmental tasks), can have some problems or even be blocked. When difficulties are not exceeded, can lead to great psychological states of suffering and loneliness, and the psychotherapist's help can be an asset in facilitating the resolution of the situation.
Some examples of transition situations are: a fruitful stage of adolescence which itself contains several transitions; passage from adolescence to adulthood; situations breakup of a love relationship; leaving parents’ home; entrance to college; entry in the work market; changing jobs; unemployment; retirement; pregnancy; motherhood; wedding; divorce; widowhood or death of a loved one; a disease; aging.