Changing Roles & Sense of Self

The roles that help define us can change as our work, relationships, families, health, and circumstances evolve. When a familiar role ends or a new one begins, our sense of who we are may shift with it. Navigating these transitions involves understanding what a role has meant, recognizing what remains part of us, and developing a sense of self that can accommodate who we are becoming.

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Psychologist | Author | Expert on Life's Transitions

Exploring how we understand, navigate, and integrate the changes and challenges that shape our lives.

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