How Counseling Can Help With Big Life Changes

They say there are only two things in life you can count on: death and taxes. I would add a third: changes. Every person goes through changes in life. And some of those changes can be significant. Whether you are graduating, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship, you may find dealing with change to be stressful. But there is good news. Counseling can absolutely help you navigate these big life changes so you can make the absolute best decision for you. Here are some ways counseling can help with big life changes: Managing Expectations There’s the change itself, and then there’s what we expect life to be during and after the change. Often we can feel stress when reality does not align with our expectations of reality. Counseling can help you manage your expectations so that the transition is peaceful and realistic. A Positive Framework Change means one door closes as another one opens. But many people put all of their focus and attention on that closing door. Focusing on an ending can make us feel depressed and anxious. A counselor can help you focus on the new opportunities ahead of you. This can improve your state of mind, which will ultimately help you make the most of the current situation. Self-Care For many of us, change means burning the candle at both ends and not taking care of ourselves. Counseling can remind us (as many times as needed) that we need to make our physical and mental health a priority during this transition. Now that you see some of the ways counseling can help you through the biggest changes in your life, it’s time to find a counselor who can help you find insight and fresh perspective. If you’d like to explore counseling further, please reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Hi, I’m Mark McAlpin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working as a group facilitator and primary therapist in addiction treatment settings for the past three years and have worked at the Detox, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, and Intensive Outpatient levels of care. I hold a BSBA and an MBA from the University of Denver, and a MSW from Florida State University. I am currently working on a certification in clinical hypnosis and I am a member in good standing of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. I have experience treating clients with mood disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, and ADHD. I have worked with individuals struggling with grief and loss, and others wrestling with shame, guilt, remorse, and self-image deficits. I am compassionate and empathetic and my personal struggles and life experiences augment my clinical skills and contribute to my effectiveness as a listener and a therapist. I have experience as a Stephen Ministry Leader and instructor for St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, Florida. Stephen Ministry’s mission is to provide compassionate and supportive lay care to people suffering from common but challenging life difficulties. I am a social worker and a therapist because it is a way to honor the many people who have helped me to cope and heal in my times of distress and I believe doing so fulfills a duty to be of service to God and my fellow human beings. Learn more about Mark: https://caringtherapistsofbroward.com/staff/mark-mcalpin/ SOURCES: https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/six-ways-counselors-can-help-clients-dealing-with-major-change/ http://creativeresolutionsinc.com/2021/07/20/how-counseling-can-help-you-through-life-changes/   https://bestdaypsych.com/adjusting-to-big-life-changes/