Renee Austin,

Change can be hard, even when we know it’s coming. Many people feel anxious or worried when facing a life transition—whether it’s something expected, like graduating and moving on to the next chapter, or something unplanned, like a divorce or sudden job loss. Planned or not, these changes can leave us feeling overwhelmed, mentally scattered, persistently worried, or even seeking excessive reassurance from others.

If you struggle with anxiety during times of change—or expect you might—a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help. CBT focuses on noticing and reframing negative thought patterns. When we change how we think, we often reduce the intensity of the feelings that come with those thoughts. DBT builds skills for calming the body, regulating emotions, and staying mindful—helping us step out of worry and rumination.  Together, CBT and DBT offer you a strong toolkit for easing anxiety around life transitions.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Millersville University, where I received foundational training in CBT and DBT for treating anxiety and navigating life transitions. Since beginning my work in outpatient therapy in 2018, I’ve been helping people build anxiety management skills and move through change with greater confidence. I have also pursued additional intensive training in DBT to deepen my expertise in this approach.

If you’re going through a life transition—or know one is coming—and you’re looking for support with the anxiety and worry that comes with it, CBT and DBT might be exactly the tools you need. My goal is to help you rediscover who you are and recognize what you’re truly capable of, even when anxiety tries to convince you otherwise. When you learn to trust and believe in yourself again, life’s transitions can start to feel a lot less overwhelming.