Navigating Life Transitions

Life Transitions Support and Therapy in Toronto

What are Life Transitions?

Life transitions are periods in life where there is a major change in an individual’s lifestyle. These changes can be positive or negative, expected or unexpected, but they are often stressful times. While some individuals have little difficulty adjusting to change, others may find it particularly difficult and even distressing. Life transitions can include:

• Starting a new school

• Leaving for university/college

• New marriage or divorce

• Becoming a parent

• Buying a house

• Changing jobs

• Accidents or illness

• Significant loss of anything important (i.e. a person, pet, job)

• Retirement

There are many effective virtual and in-person treatments in Toronto that can help children struggling with adjusting to life transitions.

What are Common Signs of Difficulty Adjusting to Life Transitions?

Children who are having difficulty adjusting to life transitions may show the following signs:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Headaches, stomach aches

• Changes in appetite

• Low energy, fatigue

• Increased feelings of anxiety

• Difficulty controlling emotions

• Difficulty developing relationships

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Difficulty concentrating

• Socially withdrawn

• Signs of anxiety, depression

How to Support Children Adjusting to Life Transitions?

• For instructions:

  • Establish a routine and create a visual schedule for the child to follow throughout the day

• For social skills:

  • Use role-play and videos to teach the child assertive communication skills 

• For emotional regulation:

  • Allow the child to use a transitional object (i.e. small toy, drawing) which they can carry with them throughout the day and in various situations to provide a sense of consistency

  • Teach the child self-regulation strategies and create a list that they can use when they feel overwhelmed (i.e. colouring, deep breathing)

Life Transitions Support for Families

For individuals and families in Toronto struggling with life transitions, there are a variety of in-person and virtual treatments that may be beneficial, including:

• Programs and groups for kids that focus on behaviour and self-regulation

• Individual and family therapy

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Social skills training

• Emotional regulation training

• Parent training for behavioural management for kids