In a world that’s constantly shifting — with new roles, changing industries, global uncertainty, and evolving identities — one thing is certain: change is inevitable. But while change may be external, transition is internal. And it’s often far tougher than we expect. Whether it’s a promotion, a career pivot, parenthood, or relocation. Transitions challenge how we see ourselves and how we relate to the world around us. These moments, while full of potential, can also be accompanied by fear, self-doubt, or a loss of direction. This is where Transition Coaching comes in.
What Is Transition Coaching?
We’ve all heard of executive coaching, life coaching, and leadership coaching — but transition coaching is unique. It’s designed specifically for those at a pivotal life or career juncture. The intention is to help individuals reconnect with their core values, and rediscover their inner
strength — while navigating uncertainty with intention and clarity.
Transition coaching is ideal for:
- New leaders stepping into expanded roles
- Parents re-entering the workforce
- Professionals navigating redundancy or retirement
- Individuals switching industries or moving countries
Transition coaching is about supporting growth — not just surviving change, but thriving through it.
The 3 Phases of Transition
Transition coaching draws from psychology — particularly the work of William Bridges (1991), who outlined three critical internal phases people navigate during change:
- Ending / Letting Go: This initial phase involves detaching from old identities, routines, and familiar comfort zones. It’s a time where feelings of grief, sadness, anxiety, and even resistance can surface as individuals grapple with what they are leaving behind. Recognising and acknowledging these emotions is a vital first step in the transition process.
- Neutral Zone: Often feeling like an in-between space, this phase can be characterised by uncertainty, confusion, and a temporary loss of direction. However, it’s also fertile ground for reflection, experimentation, and profound self-discovery. It’s a time to explore new possibilities without the constraints of the old.
- New Beginning: As individuals navigate the previous two phases, a sense of new purpose, renewed energy, and an evolved identity begins to emerge. This phase marks the integration of the change, but it’s crucial to remember that it builds upon the experiences and learnings of the ‘Ending’ and ‘Neutral Zone’.
Most people want to skip to the “new beginning” — but this is where the magic happens. Transition coaching honours all stages, helping clients feel supported in the discomfort and confident in taking the next step. Embracing each phase of transition not only leads to personal growth but also unlocks the potential for transformative change.
Practical Tools for Navigating Transition
As coaches, we frequently encounter clients at pivotal moments in their lives—facing change or dealing with uncertainty. Our role is to provide clarity, compassion, and confidence throughout the process. Here are some topics we would cover when coaching clients through transition, along with examples of how they are applied:
- Identity Mapping: We explore identity shifts together. For example, we might explore past roles and significant life events, identifying the core values and skills that were present in those experiences and how they might evolve in the current situation. This work often surfaces new values, motivations, and self-concepts that are ready to emerge.
- Future Self Dialogue: This involves guided visualisation and questioning to help clients connect with their aspirations and envision their successful future state, fostering motivation and clarity amidst uncertainty. We might ask, “What does success look and feel like in your new situation?” This invites clients to access their own inner wisdom and develop a forward-looking mindset during uncertain times.
- Journalling: Weekly reflection practices to help clients stay grounded. Regular reflection using prompts like:
• What am I letting go of?
• What’s emerging for me?
•What do I need most right now?
These help clients process their emotions, identify emerging patterns, and track their progress through the transition. - Strengths Reconnection: Transitions can rattle self-trust. We often guild clients through exercises that highlight their past achievements and inherent strengths. For instance, we might ask them to recall a challenging situation they overcame and identify the key skills and qualities they relied upon. We revisit core strengths and past successes to remind clients of the inner resources they already hold even when everything else feels uncertain.
- Celebrating Small Wins: Acknowledging and celebrating even seemingly minor accomplishments builds momentum, reinforces positive changes, and helps maintain a future-oriented perspective during what can feel like a long and challenging process. This builds momentum and keeps the coaching space affirming and future-orientated.
Benefits of Transition Coaching
Engaging in transition coaching offers numerous advantages for individuals navigating significant change:
- Increased clarity and direction during times of change.
- Enhanced self-awareness and understanding of personal values.
- Improved resilience and ability to navigate uncertainty.
- Faster and smoother integration into new roles or life stages.
- Greater confidence and self-trust.
- Development of effective coping mechanisms.
- Unlocking potential for personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
In our dynamic world, transitions are not just inevitable; they are opportunities for profound growth and self-discovery. Transition coaching provides the dedicated support, insightful frameworks, and practical tools to navigate these pivotal moments with greater awareness, resilience, and intention. By embracing each phase of the journey, individuals can not only adapt to change but truly thrive, emerging stronger and more aligned with their authentic selves and future aspirations.