Life Transitions

What are Life Transitions?

Life transitions are any significant changes in your life that are overwhelming. They can be expected or come as a surprise, and can be negative or positive. But whether they are positive or negative, they often produce stress in some way. Some of the most common life transitions include switching schools, moving, divorce or a change in relationship status, getting a new job, losing a job, a new child, or the loss of a loved one. 

Often, receiving extra help and care during these life transitions can make them easier to deal with. Learning new coping and stress management skills can ensure you’re able to handle your current transition and ones to come in the future. 

Life Transitions We Can Help With

At Cottonwood Psychiatry, Dr. McGuire can help you cope with and manage your thoughts and emotions during any and all big life transitions. Some examples of transitions she has helped patients through include:

• Divorce or major breakup
• Loss of a loved one
• Becoming a parent/pregnancy
• Health changes
• Changes in career
• Graduating from school
• Retirement
• Moving to a new place
• And more

Help with Life Transitions

Therapy

Seeking therapy during transitional periods of your life is not only normal; it’s smart. With one or more sessions with Dr. McGuire, you can gain insight and perspective on your new change and learn coping strategies you may not have thought of before. She can guide you through this new transition and even help you understand yourself better. Whether you need advice or guidance, she has years of experience helping her clients through their most difficult transitions. 

Medications

While not always necessary, some life transitions and your reactions to them may require temporary medication. If you’re struggling with intense feelings or a change in behavior due to a life transition, a medication may help you get through a difficult time more easily. 

Coping Skills

Whether in therapy or at home, practicing certain coping skills can be a great way to help you deal with your life transitions. With everything from journaling to mindfulness to meditation and yoga, there are lots of skills you can learn and put into practice to make the transition process a whole lot smoother. 

Schedule a Consultation

You don’t have to struggle through life’s transitions alone. With the help of Dr. McGuire, you can have a partner in your journey. To learn more or to get started today, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. Call our Denver office or message us via our online contact form.

Dr. Colleen McGuire

Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Psychiatry with a background in Anthropology and Music from the University of New Mexico, pre-med studies in Denver, and a medical degree from Touro University in California. She completed her residency at the University of Colorado, serving as Chief Resident, and has held key roles such as Attending Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Denver Health, as well as working in various inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. Dr. McGuire specializes in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, utilizing therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Known for her empathetic, client-centered approach and strong collaborative relationships, she is licensed in multiple states and enjoys mentoring nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Outside of work, she is a classical pianist, swimmer, and animal lover who values personal growth and creativity.

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