Perimenopause is a time of significant change and transition in a woman’s life, both physically and emotionally. During this period, women may experience fluctuating hormones, changes in their body, and emotional upheaval, which can create a sense of disconnection from their previous self. In my counselling practice, I use a combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support women navigating these challenges. IFS helps explore the internal family of parts, understanding how different aspects of the self may respond to perimenopausal shifts, including fear, resistance, or loss. By identifying and nurturing these internal parts, women can build a compassionate and integrated relationship with themselves as they go through this transformative time of changing roles and identity.

Your changing roles

Role transitions, such as changes in caregiving responsibilities or evolving relationships with partners and children, can be particularly challenging during perimenopause. The transition to “empty nest” syndrome, for example, or shifts in familial expectations, may cause feelings of grief or anxiety. Bowen Family Systems Theory can be particularly useful in exploring family dynamics and understanding how patterns of behavior or emotional reactivity have been passed down through generations. This framework provides insight into the ways family members respond to perimenopausal transitions, whether it’s a daughter’s changing role or a partner’s confusion about the shifts in intimacy. Through Bowen’s approach, women can work to detach from unhealthy family patterns and establish healthier boundaries and communication strategies that foster connection.

Your changing identity

Identity shifts are another crucial aspect of perimenopause. For many women, this time prompts a reevaluation of who they are outside of caregiving, work, or other roles they’ve previously identified with. Feminist therapy highlights the importance of recognizing how societal expectations around gender, aging, and women’s roles impact self-worth and personal growth. Through this lens, we explore how perimenopausal women can reclaim or redefine their sense of identity in the face of societal pressures. This therapeutic approach empowers women to challenge restrictive cultural narratives about aging and embrace this phase as an opportunity for self-discovery, self-compassion, and transformation. By integrating these therapeutic approaches, women can navigate perimenopause with greater clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.

If you are navigating role transitions and identity shifts that can come with perimenopause, I’m here to help using my compassionate and strengthening approach. Please reach out, or book an appointment.