Coping With Change in the Fall: Finding Balance in Times of Transition

Every September, I find myself pausing when I walk through Burlington and see the first leaves turning along the lake. The greens slowly give way to shades of amber, red, and gold. People stop to take photos, children collect the brightest leaves, and for a moment the change feels beautiful.

Coping With Change in the Fall: Finding Balance in Times of Transition by Angelica Esposito | EMDR Therapy in Burlington and virtually across Ontario

However, change in our own lives rarely feels that easy. When routines shift—whether it’s kids going back to school, a new workload after summer, or the quiet that comes after a busy season—we often feel unsettled. The same change that looks natural in the trees can feel overwhelming inside us.

For many people, fall is a season of transition. Parents juggle new schedules. Newcomers to Canada face the reality of shorter days and a faster pace of life. Professionals return to full workloads and feel pressure to reset their goals. Beneath the surface, anxiety, sadness, or even grief can arise.

I often remind my clients that there’s wisdom in the trees. They don’t resist change—they lean into it. Each leaf transforms at its own pace, and together they create something remarkable. Likewise, we don’t need to rush our own transitions. Naming our feelings, slowing down with small daily rituals, and allowing ourselves compassion can soften the harder edges of change.

If you’re struggling this season, therapy can be a space to pause and reflect. At AE Therapy in Burlington, I work with individuals navigating anxiety, cultural adjustment, and major life changes. Together, we explore not just the challenges, but also the opportunities that come with transition.

🍁 As the leaves remind us, change is inevitable—but it can also be beautiful. If you’d like support as you move through your own season of change, you’re welcome to book a free consultation.