Grief is not always about death. It can also show up after the end of a relationship, a shift in identity, a change in family dynamics, or the loss of a future you thought you would have.
Life transitions and grief can reshape the way you see yourself, your relationships, and your place in the world.
Sometimes these changes are expected, like starting or ending a relationship, changing careers, moving, or becoming a parent. Other times, they come through loss, uncertainty, or experiences that leave you feeling unsteady in ways you didn’t anticipate.
At Orange Tree Psychotherapy, we offer life transitions therapy and grief counseling for adults in Phoenix and throughout Arizona through both in-person therapy and telehealth sessions. Our work together is grounded, compassionate, and paced according to what feels manageable for you.
We also provide affirming, inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent clients, and anyone navigating identity-related transitions, relational change, or complex grief experiences.
What Life Transitions Can Feel Like
Even positive changes can feel overwhelming. Life transitions may involve:
Feeling uncertain, stuck, or directionless
Anxiety about the future or “what comes next”
Identity shifts or questioning who you are becoming
Relationship changes or shifts in family dynamics
Burnout or emotional exhaustion during periods of change
Difficulty adjusting to new roles or expectations
Life transition therapy can help you slow down and make sense of what is shifting internally and externally.
What Grief Can Feel Like
Grief can feel messy, unpredictable, and out of your control. It may feel confusing or lonely, and it does not look the same for everyone. Grief may include:
Deep sadness, longing, or emotional waves that come and go
Numbness or feeling disconnectedAnger, guilt, or regret
Difficulty concentrating or staying present
Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
Feeling like life has shifted in a way that is hard to name
Grief counseling offers space to process loss without rushing your experience or forcing closure. Grief is not something you move on from, but something you learn to move forward with as you adjust to life after loss.
How We Help
Therapy for life transitions and grief at Orange Tree Psychotherapy is gentle, collaborative, and grounded in your lived experience. There is no “right way” to move through change or loss.
Instead, we support you in:
Making sense of what has changed and how it is affecting you
Processing grief at your own pace, without pressure or timelines
Exploring identity shifts and emotional responses to change
Building emotional support and regulation during uncertain periods
Finding meaning, stability, and grounding in the midst of transition
Our therapists draw from trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, and relational approaches, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic therapy when appropriate.
Who This Is For
We work with people navigating both expected and unexpected life transitions, including:
Career shifts or academic transitions
Relocation or major life adjustments
Loss of a loved one
Identity transitions or personal growth periods
Family or relational estrangement
You do not need to have the “right words” for what you are experiencing. Many people come to grief and life transitions therapy simply feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not like themselves.
In-Person & Online Life Transitions & Grief Therapy in Arizona
We offer life transitions and grief therapy in Phoenix, with in-person sessions available at our Midtown location. We also provide secure telehealth therapy throughout Arizona.
What It’s Like to Work With Us
Therapy here is slow, thoughtful, and grounded in respect for your process. We don’t rush grief, and we don’t try to force clarity before you are ready for it.
Instead, we create space to explore what this transition or loss means for you, emotionally, relationally, and personally, at a pace that feels safe.
Getting Started
If you are moving through a transition or experiencing grief, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
You can take the next step in whichever way feels most comfortable:
We’re here when you’re ready.
Meet the Therapists Who Support This Work
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![A young woman with long, wavy, reddish-brown hair and blue eyes wearing a black top, standing in front of an abstract background with warm colors and brushstrokes.]()
Ashlee Traasdahl, LAC (she/her)
Anxiety, Depression, Adolescent mental health, LGBTQIA+ / Identity, Religious trauma and faith transitions
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![A woman with turquoise and green hair, glasses, and tattoos, wearing a white t-shirt and black pants, smiling with her hands clasped.]()
Ashley Lawrence, LPC, BC-TMH (they/she)
Trauma-informed care with a focus on LGBTQIA+ affirmation and healing
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![A woman with long brown wavy hair and a bright smile standing outdoors in a park with green trees and sunlight in the background, wearing a blue dress.]()
Caitlin Rudgear, LPC (she/her)
Supporting self-worth, body image healing, and trauma recovery
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![A woman with curly brown hair smiling, wearing a floral shawl over a grey top, sitting in front of a beige wall and a tall lamp with a beige lampshade.]()
Julia Rambeau, LPC (she/her)
Exploring identity, relationships, and meaning through a holistic lens
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![Headshot of a smiling man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a light denim shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred background of greenery and trees.]()
Nicholas Rudgear, LPC (he/him)
Helping clients navigate ADHD, depression, and shame-based patterns
