The Fear of Change
13 January 14:30H POSTED BY JAMES OGLE, MSW, LCSW
Even though it is exciting to graduate from high school or get married, for many people life transitions can be difficult. It turns out, there is some truth to the phrase ‘you can never go home again.’ A person may feel melancholy when going through a life transition because they are making a permanent change. Moreover, a person might feel apprehensive about the future because they may fear failure. For example, even though one accepts a promotion, they may fear that they will fail at their new responsibilities. As a result of the fear of failure, a person may choose to play it safe and avoid making a transition.
When I work with a person who is experiencing a life transition, I first help them process the aspects of their life they would give up if they make the change. Then, I help them process any failures they may experience if they proceed with the transition. Additionally, I help people evaluate what they may gain if they make the transition.
Furthermore, I help the person process what they would gain from the transition and if it is worth the risk of failure. Finally, I help the person explore how they might feel if they succeed at this transition. I have found that a person tends to be willing to take risks and move forward through a transition if they are able to visualize how their life may improve after they make a change.
James Ogle, MSW, LCSWJim Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College. Having grown up in the North Shore area, Jim brings a familiarity of the community to the practice. He has been with Attention to Wellness for over a year and has over 16 years’ experience working with both adolescents and adults.
Jim has provided treatment in a variety of clinical settings to adolescents, adults, and families experiencing depression, anxiety, conduct issues, and other mood disorders. He brings six years’ experience working in court systems with youth on probation who were at risk of being removed from their home, and their families. Jim also brings experience providing anger management and drug counseling groups within multiple schools. Currently, Jim also works at a high school providing social work services to students who have an Individualized Education Program.
Jim’s approach with both adolescents and adults incorporates techniques from strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT/DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy to help clients identify and eliminate barriers that inhibit them from achieving their goals.
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