Life is full of change, some sudden, others slow and subtle. A move abroad, the end of a relationship, a career shift, a shift in identity or direction… even when these changes are chosen, they often carry an unexpected emotional weight: grief.
We tend to associate grief with the loss of a person.
But grief also appears when the life you imagined is no longer the life you’re living.
It arises when you go through transitions that alter your identity, your sense of security, or your imagined future. These moments can leave you feeling disoriented, emotionally heavy, or like you’re mourning something invisible to others.
These reactions aren’t signs of weakness.
They’re signs that something meaningful has changed.
Recently, I spoke about this “hidden grief” on the CulturExchange podcast: how major transitions shape our identity, our sense of belonging, and the quiet emotional currents beneath change.
Listen here:
When Change Hurts: The Hidden Grief of Life Transitions
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/podcast/episode/19a6a145/36-when-change-hurts-the-hidden-grief-of-life-transitions-with-christina-babich
Grieving the Life You Thought You’d Have
Maybe you imagined you’d be married by now, have children, or feel more grounded in your career. Maybe you’ve relocated and miss the familiarity of home, the friendships you left behind, or the cultural belonging you once took for granted.
These losses are quiet, but they’re real.
And they can be just as painful as any tangible loss.
Letting go of the life you expected can feel like a personal failure — but it’s not. Grief is a natural, healthy response when a version of your life that once felt stable, possible, or within reach suddenly shifts.
Naming this grief is often the moment something inside you starts to settle.
Grief During Change Isn’t Always Obvious
Grief during transition doesn’t always look dramatic.
Often, it shows up quietly — easy to mistake for “stress” or “being overwhelmed.”
You may be grieving a life transition if you notice:
- Feeling numb, flat, or disconnected
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Restlessness or feeling out of place
- Sudden waves of sadness, irritation, or anxiety
- Withdrawing from people or routines
- Feeling unsure of your direction or identity
- Increased self-criticism or comparison
- Fatigue or changes in sleep or appetite
These responses are common when life shifts.
In our work together, we make sense of what you’re carrying and help you find steadiness again.
Therapy for Life Transitions: A Space for Processing and Growth
In our work together, we look at what has changed, what you’re holding, and what still matters to you. You don’t have to navigate these transitions alone — we create space for grief, uncertainty, and the parts of you trying to adapt and stay grounded.
I draw from ACT, CBT, and DBT to understand your inner landscape and support you as you move forward:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps us reconnect with your values and make room for hard emotions.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps us gently examine the thoughts that keep you stuck and rebuild clarity.
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) strengthens your ability to regulate intense feelings and care for yourself with compassion.
Our work is about helping you grieve what was, honour what remains, and move forward with intention and self-trust.
Rebuilding Identity After Change
Transitions often shake the foundation of how we see ourselves. You may find yourself asking:
- “Who am I now that this relationship/job/city is gone?”
- “What’s next for me?”
- “Will I ever feel at home again — in this place or in myself?”
These questions are deeply human.
Grief doesn’t mean you’re stuck — it means you’re becoming.
Therapy gives you a grounded, steady space to explore these identity shifts and move forward with integrity, authenticity, and renewed meaning.
You’re Allowed to Grieve and Grow
Grief and growth often happen side by side.
You can mourn what was while still opening to what’s next.
You can feel sadness and hope at the same time.
By making space for your feelings, challenging old beliefs, and reconnecting with your values, you begin to build a life rooted in your own evolving truth — not external timelines or expectations.
This is the heart of transition work:
honouring what was, while building toward what can be.
Further Listening
If this resonates, you may enjoy my full conversation on the CulturExchange podcast about hidden grief, identity shifts, and emotional resilience during big life changes:
When Change Hurts: The Hidden Grief of Life Transitions
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/podcast/episode/19a6a145/36-when-change-hurts-the-hidden-grief-of-life-transitions-with-christina-babich
If You’d Like Support
If you’re navigating a major transition and want a grounded space to process everything you’re carrying, you’re welcome to reach out.
You can book a brief consultation to see whether working together feels like the right fit. www.christinababich.com/contact-me
