Adjusting to Change

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Amersham
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Amersham

Very few people enjoy constant change. On the whole, we get comfortable with familiar surroundings, known expectations and the people that we are used to having around us. We find ourselves completing the same routines and habits, because they are what we’ve got used to.

Life Changes

As we progress through life, we have to adapt and change. We meet new people that impact on our lives, we take on new responsibilities and we age.

Life events such as having a child result in huge changes to your financial situation, career, independence and future plans. We may have always wanted children and feel delighted to have a new member of our family, yet struggle with returning to work after maternity leave or with the loss of a social life.

Thousands of others are dealing with the same scenario, but at times of change you can feel isolated, guilty for your true feelings and unsure about where to go for support.

A Desire to Change

Sometimes we seek out change. We recognise that it is time to stir things up a bit because we’re bored with undertaking the same things day in day out. We may decide that it is time to apply for a new job, to move house, to take time out to study or travel, to end an unhappy relationship. We see the grass is greener elsewhere and we want to move to pastures new.

Even when we have actively made a decision to change, we can experience moments of doubt. We can spend time questioning whether we’ve made the right decision and our fears can be compounded by the opinions of others. At times we need a positive influence who can help us dispel our inner voice, so that we can have the self-belief to follow our chosen path.

It certainly takes bravery and courage to follow through with our plans, yet after initial wobbles, we are often rewarded with the sense of achievement and opportunities to develop and grow.

Enforced Change

If it is a challenge to adapt to change when we have made the decision for ourselves, it is no surprise that enforced change can be viewed in a very negative light. An accident that has left us unable to do what we were previously capable of, the death of a loved one, the need to move in order to find work are all examples of change that can be incredibly difficult to accept.

If we are fearful of where change will lead us, if we resent the disruption and feel a sense of loss about what we are leaving behind, the process of change can be incredibly stressful. It can be difficult to look at the positives when you are unsure what will be expected of you and whether you can cope.

Managing Change

Adapting to change is a necessary life skill and whether it is part of our natural development, a desire to change or something imposed on us, we can make the transition if we have the right support.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an effective form of counselling that helps people to come to terms with change. It encourages people to challenge and question their thoughts, to see things from different perspectives, to recognise their ability to cope and to improve their self-belief.

If you are struggling with change and feel that you could benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Amersham based Cognisant PDC is here to help.