Midlife Transitions

After having experienced many of the milestones of life - perhaps including a career, relationships, marriage and children, success and failure - may women have the opportunity to confront and embrace who we really are in mid-life.

During this period, life may take on a sense of urgency for many. It is no longer about satisfying parents or cultural expectations, but rather about defining and living one's own journey. Marriage may be enriched or confronted, career may be reevaluated, self-care may be assessed. For women, mid-life carries its own power. What do I really want for my kids? For myself? Is a spiritual life important to me? If so, what kind of practice is meaningful? Do I know how to love another adult? How do I continue to thrive as I age and face natural biological changes?

For some, the mid-life period is tumultuous and disruptive, while for others it is a time for introspection. Individuals may consider therapy at this time due to depression, anxiety, marital conflict, or simply a sense of emptiness. Therapy may be useful for addressing the presenting problem, understanding the mid-life issue that fueled this problem, and attending to the individual's sense of identity.