Coping With Transitions- Written by Practicum Therapist Taylor Whittall

Taylor is a practicum counsellor at Talking Helps Heal in Cranbrook, a former competitive athlete, and educator.

Coping With Transitions

For many of us, summer signals freedom: sunny skies, vacations, and a break from routine. But beneath the surface, it can also mark the end of something- and that can feel uncomfortable, even unsettling.

As a counselling practicum student and former competitive athlete, I’ve seen how this season brings quiet changes that many people struggle with, even if they don’t talk about it out loud. And I’ve lived it myself.

When my college volleyball career ended, I felt a deep loss of identity. I wasn’t just graduating- I was losing a part of myself. For years, being a volleyball player had given me structure, purpose, and a clear direction. Suddenly, that part of me was gone. I remember thinking, If I’m not a volleyball player anymore, then who am I?

That experience stuck with me. And even now, every time a school year ends and summer begins, I feel echoes of that same uncertainty. I often find myself asking: What now? How do I slow down and enjoy the quiet when I’m so used to always moving forward? The change in pace, the space to rest, it’s a gift, but it can also be disorienting.

And I know I'm not alone. Research shows that times of transition- like the shift from one season to another, especially when roles change- can elevate stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression (Arnett, 2000; American Psychological Association, 2023). Many people experience a “letdown effect” when the adrenaline and structure of busyness fade, leaving space for emotional fallout we didn’t expect.

Maybe you’re a student wrapping up the school year and feeling anxious about what’s next. Or perhaps you’re an athlete finishing a long season or saying goodbye to teammates. Maybe your seasonal job is winding down, or your kids are home for the summer and suddenly your daily rhythm is out the window. Even joyful things- like a long-anticipated vacation or graduation, can come with uncertainty attached.

Why Transitions Are So Emotionally Charged

Change, even when chosen, asks us to let go of something familiar. We lose a sense of predictability and control, and that can stir up old insecurities or uncomfortable feelings. Our brains tend to crave certainty, so when our environment shifts (even temporarily), we often respond with worry, self-judgment, or by trying to rush into the next thing.

For athletes, students, parents, and professionals alike, summer can spotlight these vulnerable moments:

• The loss of identity tied to a role (student, player, teacher, worker).

• The sudden lack of structure or social connection.

• Worry about the “next step” when plans aren’t clear.

• Feeling like you should be enjoying the break, but aren’t.

You’re not alone if you’ve felt off lately and can’t quite put your finger on why.

Making Space for the Messy Middle

The in-between phase where one chapter ends but the next hasn’t begun, is a valid emotional space. And it deserves compassion.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to rush to fill the void. Sometimes the best thing we can do during transitions is to pause, acknowledge, and care for the parts of ourselves that feel uncertain or lost.

Support Can Help You Navigate the Shift

If you’re finding it hard to adjust, or feeling anxious, aimless, or emotionally stuck, talking to a counsellor can help. Therapy offers a non-judgmental space to sort through what you’re feeling, explore your identity, and find grounded ways to move forward, even when the future feels uncertain.

As a practicum counsellor at Talking Helps Heal, I’m currently accepting new clients. I work with youth, athletes, and adults who are navigating life transitions, body image challenges, and identity changes.

Whether you're stepping out of the school year, a sports season, or a relationship that once defined you, this could be a powerful time to pause, reflect, and build clarity for what’s next.

Taylor Whittall, Practicum Counsellor at Talking Helps Heal. Taylor authored this blog post.

Written by Taylor Whittall.