Life Transitions

Major life transitions, whether they are anticipated or unexpected, can disrupt our sense of identity, stability, and emotional well-being. These periods of change often involve a reorganization of roles, relationships, and internal narratives. Even positive transitions may evoke stress, grief, or uncertainty as we adapt to new realities.

At Rise Psychology, Dr. Lauren Helm provides evidence-based therapy to support those who are navigating significant life changes. Her approach integrates psychological insight with practical strategies to help clients make sense of their experience, regulate emotional responses, and realign with their values during times of transition.

Clients often seek support for transitions such as:

• Career shifts, job loss, or professional burnout

• Relationship changes, including separation, divorce, or commitment

• Adjusting to parenthood, fertility challenges, or evolving family roles

• Grief and bereavement following a loss

• Geographic relocations or cultural transitions

• New medical diagnoses or changes in physical health

• Developmental transitions, including emerging adulthood and midlife reevaluation

These transitions frequently challenge one’s sense of agency, purpose, or belonging. Individuals may encounter a range of emotional responses, including sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, or a pervasive sense of disorientation. Therapy offers a structured and supportive context to explore these reactions and cultivate adaptive ways of coping.

Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices, Dr. Helm assists clients in:

• Processing the psychological and emotional impact of life changes

• Re-examining identity, values, and direction in the context of transition

• Building coping strategies for uncertainty, loss, and complexity

• Strengthening emotional regulation and resilience

• Developing self-compassion and a coherent sense of self

• Exploring opportunities for meaning-making and personal growth

Rather than aiming to return to a previous version of life, therapy encourages clients to engage more fully with the present and author a future that reflects their evolving priorities and capacities.

Dr. Lauren Helm offers a thoughtful and compassionate approach to navigating transition—recognizing both the challenges and the potential for psychological growth. Her clinical work is grounded in a deep respect for individual complexity and the importance of context, including cultural, relational, and developmental factors.