Autumn: A time for change

Autumn is a time of change and reflection, and comes before growth.

When out walking recently on one of my favourite woodland trails, I came across a large fall of leaves on the ground and it really hit home for me that autumn was here; I also started to think about change.  

The beauty of the leaves turning red, orange and yellow stirs awe and fascination in me and the crisp crunching under my feet as I walk through them always brings back a childlike joy.  

At the same time, the bare tree branches that remain are a reminder for me that change and loss often go hand in hand. Change can come about because something happens outside of our control, such as a bereavement, or because we choose it, like accepting a new job. When we are bereaved, there is of course the loss of your loved one, but there can be so many other secondary ones, such as that of your identity and your imagined future. Even if change comes about out of choice and we are excited by it, it can still feel bittersweet. I remember from my own experience being thrilled by a new job opportunity but at the same time being sad about no longer seeing friends because I would be moving away. 

Seeing the empty trees also made me think about how much like spring comes after autumn and winter, personal growth can come out of difficult times. From sharing and reflecting on what has happened to us, we can learn about ourselves and our relationships and grow as individuals. Sometimes though we can get stuck or it can be difficult to do it alone, and we need the help of a therapist to start moving forward again. Much like a plant needs the right conditions to grow and with the help of a skilled gardener can flourish, working with a therapist like me can help you to not only recover but fulfill your potential. 

If you are going through a difficult time, have experienced loss, or are thinking about change and would like help, please get in touch, and we can face this time together.