Sarah Murgia-Lewis, Clinical Psychologist
Whether it’s a career pivot, the end of a relationship, an emptying nest, or a personal reinvention, life transitions in our 30s, 40s, and 50s are as inevitable as they are transformative. As a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working with women navigating these chapters, I can assure you: change may feel like loss at first, but it also holds profound potential for growth.
The Emotional Weight of Change
Women are often the emotional anchors in their families, careers, and communities. That makes transitions uniquely complex for us. When my clients first come to me during times of change—be it divorce, menopause, or re-entering the workforce after years of caregiving—they often describe feeling unmoored, even invisible.
These feelings are valid. Women, particularly in midlife, often carry a disproportionate amount of stress related to role overload and shifting identity. If you’re feeling this way, you are not alone—and you are not broken.
Reclaiming Identity During Transitions
One of the most powerful things you can do during any major life shift is pause and ask yourself: Who am I becoming? Not who was I, or who should I be—but who is emerging now?
Many women discover that what felt like an ending is actually an invitation to live more authentically. That might mean setting boundaries for the first time, exploring creative passions, or even redefining success outside of traditional expectations.
In therapy, we use tools like narrative reframing and mindfulness-based approaches to help women reconnect with their inner wisdom. These are not just coping strategies—they are pathways to empowerment.
Giving Yourself Permission to Evolve
Culturally, there’s a narrative that women in midlife are supposed to be settled. But many of the women I work with are just beginning to unfold into their fullest selves in their 40s and 50s. We need to normalise this evolution.
Here are a few reminders I often share:
You’re allowed to change your mind. About what you want, who you love, what you do, and how you spend your time.
You’re not behind. There is no race, and no one path. Your journey is yours alone.
You deserve support. Whether from a therapist, a friend group, or an online community, connection is a healing force.
If you’re considering professional support, this guide can help you understand your options for therapy and mental wellness. I have found using compassion and humour are important in supporting women in their transitions.
Closing Thoughts
Transitions are not detours from your life—they are your life. And while they may come with uncertainty, they also offer the extraordinary chance to return to yourself. You are not too old. It is not too late. In fact, you are right on time.
With compassion,
Sarah Murgia-Lewis
Clinical Psychologist
