Supporting You Through Change with ACT, CBT, and Mindfulness

Life is full of transitions—some expected, others entirely unexpected. Whether you're navigating the uncertainty of early adulthood, moving through the emotional terrain of midlife, or adjusting to changes in relationships or family roles, these transitions can bring both opportunity and overwhelm. As a licensed psychologist based in Denver, CO, I specialize in helping adults respond to change with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

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Many of my clients come to therapy during periods of transition not because something is "wrong," but because something important is shifting. They may feel burned out, anxious, lost, or unsure of how to move forward. If that resonates with you, you're not alone—and you're in the right place.

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Understanding Life Transitions

Life transitions are periods of significant change that can impact your identity, relationships, routines, and emotional well-being. While transitions are a natural part of life, they often bring uncertainty and stress.

 

Common life transitions include:

• Starting college or graduate school

• Beginning or changing careers

• Getting married, entering a serious relationship, or navigating dating

• Becoming a parent

• Divorce or relationship loss

• Empty nest or children leaving home

• Midlife shifts in purpose, identity, or priorities

• Relocation or geographic moves

• Loss of a loved one or friend group

 

Even positive changes can feel disorienting. Therapy can help you process your emotions, find direction, and reconnect with what matters most.

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Special Focus: Early Adulthood

I have a long-standing professional and personal interest in supporting emerging and early adults (late teens through 30s). My doctoral dissertation focused on the "Quarterlife Crisis"—a term that reflects the unique developmental challenges of this stage. From college and graduate school to career choices, relationships, and questions of identity, early adulthood is a time of significant decision-making and growth.

 

Whether you're navigating independence, managing family expectations, or exploring your future, I help young adults build coping strategies, reduce anxiety, and move toward the life they want with confidence.

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Areas of focus for early adults include:

• Academic and career performance

• Anxiety and decision fatigue

• Perfectionism and self-worth

• Dating and relationships

• “Adulting” and life skills

• Emancipation and independence

• Financial stress and responsibility

 

For college students: I offer teletherapy services to students across Colorado and beyond. Many of my clients have continued care with me through transitions in location or school, finding online therapy to be confidential, flexible, and effective.

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Navigating Midlife and Identity Shifts

Midlife brings its own unique set of transitions. Often, individuals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond begin reevaluating their career paths, relationships, and sense of purpose. They may face burnout, chronic stress, or feel disconnected from who they once were or want to become. For many of my female clients, we are also navigating together the impact of hormonal changes related to perimenopause and menopause.

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Midlife therapy often includes:

• Exploring values and priorities

• Addressing burnout and chronic overwhelm

• Managing emotional changes (e.g., mood shifts, irritability, anxiety)

• Navigating health or hormonal changes

• Reconnecting with meaning and vitality

 

Using evidence-based approaches, I help you identify what is no longer working—and what could support your growth in this new chapter.

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Relationship Changes: From Commitment to Separation

Transitions in relationships can be among the most emotionally charged experiences we face. Whether you're entering a new relationship, considering marriage, experiencing divorce, or adjusting to an empty nest, these shifts can stir up feelings of loss, confusion, and vulnerability.

 

Therapy can help you:

• Understand your emotional responses to relationship change

• Clarify your needs and boundaries

• Rebuild identity after loss or separation

• Explore commitment and compatibility

• Move forward with strength and self-respect

 

You don’t have to navigate these transitions alone. Therapy offers a safe, reflective space to explore what’s next.

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How ACT, CBT, and Mindfulness Support

Life Transitions

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

 

CBT helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to your distress during transitions. It focuses on:

• Recognizing and reframing negative self-talk (e.g., “I’m failing,” “I should be further along”)

• Developing practical coping skills for managing anxiety, indecision, or fear

• Improving emotional regulation and daily functioning

 

CBT is especially effective for treating anxiety and burnout during times of transition because it gives structure to experiences that can feel overwhelming. For example, college students may struggle with academic pressure, social comparison, and identity uncertainty. CBT provides tools to break down overwhelming problems into manageable parts, helping young adults challenge all-or-nothing thinking and develop realistic action plans.

 

In midlife, individuals may grapple with feelings of regret, self-doubt, or worry about the future. CBT helps uncover and shift underlying beliefs such as "It's too late to change" or "I’ve missed my chance," and replaces them with more adaptive, empowering perspectives. Similarly, for those experiencing hormonal changes or shifts in mood and energy, CBT can help reduce catastrophizing and promote routines that support emotional and physical well-being.

 

CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and effective in helping you regain a sense of control and clarity.

 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

 

ACT supports you in relating to difficult thoughts and emotions with more flexibility and compassion. During life transitions, ACT can help you:

• Accept the discomfort of change without letting it define you

• Stay present, even when the future feels uncertain

• Reconnect with your values—what matters most to you

• Take committed action, even when it feels hard

 

At the heart of ACT is the principle of psychological flexibility—the ability to stay open to your internal experience while still making choices that align with your goals and values. Life transitions often bring emotional upheaval, uncertainty, or loss of identity. ACT helps you notice those internal reactions without becoming overwhelmed or stuck. Instead of avoiding discomfort or waiting for clarity to magically appear, ACT encourages you to engage with the present moment and make choices that reflect who you want to be.

 

Instead of getting stuck in analysis paralysis, ACT helps you move forward in meaningful ways.

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Mindfulness-Based Strategies

 

Mindfulness supports you in grounding yourself during periods of stress, uncertainty, and emotional upheaval. Mindfulness practices used in therapy include:

• Breathwork and body awareness

• Guided meditation

• Present-moment focus and nonjudgmental observation

• Self-compassion and inner calm

 

By learning to respond rather than react, mindfulness helps you feel more steady—no matter what phase of life you're in.

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What You Can Expect in Therapy

 

Therapy for life transitions is not about telling you what to do—it’s about helping you discover who you want to be. Sessions are collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your specific goals. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, burnout, confusion, or simply want a place to reflect, therapy offers structure, support, and a sense of empowerment.

 

Together, we will:

• Identify what’s changing and how it’s impacting you

• Explore your thoughts, emotions, and internal narratives

• Clarify your values and priorities for this season of life

• Develop concrete strategies to support your well-being

• Build confidence in navigating uncertainty and change

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Q: Do I need to be in crisis to start therapy for a life transition?
Not at all. Therapy is a powerful tool for navigating change—whether you're struggling or simply seeking clarity and direction. Many people begin therapy to process shifts in identity, values, or life circumstances.

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Q: How long will I need therapy?
The length of therapy depends on your goals, the nature of your transition, and your personal preferences. Some people benefit from a few months of focused work, while others engage in longer-term support.

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Q: Can you help with multiple overlapping transitions?
Yes. It's very common for transitions to intersect (e.g., career change + relationship shift + parenting stress). We’ll explore the full context of your experience.

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Q: Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions for adults in Denver, Boulder, and throughout Colorado. I also provide services to clients across 42 states in the U.S. via PSYPACT licensure.

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Q: How do I know if we’re a good fit?
You can reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll discuss your goals and determine whether working together feels like the right step.

 

Change is inevitable—but suffering doesn’t have to be. Therapy can help you meet this moment with presence, clarity, and strength. Let’s begin.