Allisha Curtis 7/17/25 Allisha Curtis 7/17/25

Navigating Life Transitions: From College, Relationships, and Everything In Between

*****DISCLAIMER*****: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Reading this blog does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area. If you are in crisis, please contact 911 or your local emergency services.

All views expressed are those of the author, based on professional experience and training as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and Florida. Please consult with a qualified provider for guidance specific to your needs. No outcome is guaranteed.

Life doesn’t always come with a manual, especially when it comes to big life transitions. One minute you’re unpacking boxes in your college dorm, the next you’re walking across a stage in a graduation cap wondering, “What now?”

Whether you're starting college, leaving it, ending a relationship, or watching friendships shift and fade—transitions are part of life’s rhythm. But that doesn’t make them easy. If you’re in the middle of a big change, here’s a reminder: it’s okay to feel messy, unsure, or even a little lost.

Let’s talk about it.

🎓 Leaving for College: Exciting and Terrifying

Starting college is one of the most celebrated life changes for young adults—but also one of the most misunderstood. Yes, it can be exciting and full of promise, but it can also be lonely, overwhelming, and full of questions like:

“Who am I now?”
“How do I make new friends in college?”
“What if I miss home more than I expected?”

This chapter invites you to grow, stretch, and figure things out one awkward dining hall conversation at a time. College transition tips: It’s okay not to have it all together. You’re building something new—be gentle with yourself.

🎓 Graduating College: The High-Five No One Prepares You For

You’d think finishing college would feel like winning, right? But for many, graduation brings a weird cocktail of excitement, anxiety, and a sprinkle of identity crisis.

Suddenly:

Friendships feel more distant.
You might not know what’s next.
You’re no longer “in school”—but not quite fully planted in your career either.

This is a major life transition after college that asks you to trust yourself more than ever. You don’t need all the answers. You just need the courage to take one step at a time. It’s not a straight path—it’s a zigzag, and that’s okay.

💔 Relationship Changes: Love and Loss in Transition

Whether it’s a breakup, a friendship that’s fading, or the end of a situationship you thought might turn into more, relationship transitions hit hard.

You might wonder:

“Did I outgrow them?”
“Do they even care anymore?”
“What does it say about me that this ended?”

Here’s the truth: change doesn’t always mean failure. Sometimes, people are only meant to walk with us for part of the journey. It still hurts—but that doesn’t make it wrong. You’re allowed to grieve what was and be hopeful for what’s next.

🤝 Friendships Shifting: When Your People Change

Friendship breakups and changes are real—especially in our twenties. The friend you called every night in college may now live across the country, juggling a career or a new relationship. Texts get shorter. Calls get fewer. You might feel left behind.

But this is also a time to welcome new connections—people who match who you’re becoming, not just who you were. Some friends stay forever. Others make a beautiful cameo. Both matter.

🌱 So How Do You Actually Cope With Transitions?

Here are a few reminders for anyone facing emotional life changes:

Feel it fully. Don’t rush to “move on.” Let yourself feel the weirdness, the sadness, and even the joy.
Talk about it. Call a friend. Write it out. Or get support from someone who listens without judgment.
Redefine your identity. You are not just your degree, your relationship, or your job. You are you—and that is always evolving.
Give it time. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. You’re allowed to stumble, circle back, or start over.

🧭 Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Not Know What’s Next

Life transitions are less like tidy chapters and more like plot twists. They challenge you, change you, and sometimes lead you exactly where you didn’t expect—but needed—to be.

So if you’re in the middle of a shift right now, know this: You’re not broken. You’re becoming.

Need more support through your transition? I offer resources and conversations to help you navigate the “in-between” moments of life. You don’t have to do this alone.

#LifeTransitions #CollegeToRealLife #GraduationFeels #FriendshipChanges #BreakupHealing #Adulting101 #GrowthSeason #YoungAdultLife #ChangeIsHard #EmotionalWellness #NavigateTransitions #NewBeginnings #MentalHealthAwareness #TwentiesLife #CollegeLifeAdvice

Allisha Curtis 6/20/25 Allisha Curtis 6/20/25

Burnout in Women: You’re Not Lazy — You Might Just Be Really, Really Tired

Have you ever looked around at your to-do list, the laundry, the texts you haven’t answered — and just felt… stuck? Like your body and brain are too tired to even begin?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Why can’t I just push through like I used to?”
Or “What’s wrong with me?”

If so, I want you to know this:
You’re not lazy. You might be exhausted, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. And if that’s the case, you’re not alone.

🌿 What Burnout Can Look Like

The word burnout gets used a lot, but it often doesn’t fully capture what someone may be going through. Some people describe it as a fog or a heavy weight. Others say it feels like they’ve run out of fuel, even when they’re technically getting enough sleep.

Here are some common signs people often talk about when they’re feeling stretched too thin:

Struggling to focus or stay motivated
Feeling emotionally flat or easily overwhelmed
Physical tiredness that rest doesn’t seem to help
Increased irritability or tearfulness
Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
Wanting rest, but feeling guilty for taking it

If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. These are things many people, especially women and caregivers, experience when they’ve been under too much stress for too long.

💡 Why It Can Be Especially Hard for Women

Women , and people raised to take care of others , often carry a lot:

Emotional labor in families and relationships
Expectations to be “the strong one”
A mental checklist that never stops
Pressure to be kind, productive, and available at all times

For some, past experiences or cultural/family roles can make it feel difficult to say no, set limits, or ask for help. Over time, constantly showing up for others without enough space to rest or be cared for can take a real toll.

And if you’re also navigating chronic stress, health concerns (like PCOS), parenting, trauma, or grief it makes sense that you might feel worn down.

This isn’t about weakness or failure. It may simply be a sign that something in your life needs care and attention , including you.

🙏 If You Come From a Faith Background

In some faith spaces, people are taught to pray harder or “stay strong” through tough times. While spiritual strength can be deeply meaningful, it can also feel isolating when you’re struggling emotionally and don’t know where to turn.

But rest is sacred too.
Even Jesus took time away from the crowds. Even He napped during the storm.

If rest feels wrong, or if you’ve been told that asking for support is a lack of faith it may be time to gently question that. Your body and your soul both deserve care.

🧠 What Can Help When You’re Running on Empty

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few things that many people have found supportive:

1. Name What’s Going On

Even saying “I’m really tired and overwhelmed right now” can be a powerful first step.

2. Allow Small Moments of Rest

Not just physical rest, but also emotional and mental. This could look like deep breathing, sitting in silence, turning off your phone for 10 minutes, or simply doing nothing without guilt.

3. Rebuild Connection With Your Body

Gentle movement, stretching, grounding exercises, or just noticing how your body feels can help support your nervous system and bring you back to the present.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

That could be a therapist, a friend, a spiritual leader, or someone who sees and hears you without judgment. Sometimes, just being able to say “I’m tired” out loud can start the healing process.

🌼 You’re Not Lazy … You Might Just Be in Need of Care

You don’t have to be in crisis to deserve support.
You don’t have to “prove” your exhaustion.
You don’t have to do this all alone.

At Mailles to Wellness, I offer space for women and non-binary folks who are navigating stress, overwhelm, and big life transitions. Therapy can be a place to slow down, breathe, and figure out what healing might look like in a way that honors your story, your faith, and your needs.

📅 [Book a free consultation here]

💬 Questions People Often Ask

Can therapy help with burnout or emotional exhaustion?
Many people find that therapy provides a safe space to explore what’s behind their exhaustion; whether it’s stress, life changes, past experiences, or a combination of things , and to figure out what kind of care and support they need.

What’s a good first step?
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Small steps like setting a boundary, asking for help, or resting without guilt are a great start.

🕊️ A Final Word

Whatever you're carrying, I want to remind you:
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to need help.
You are allowed to show up for yourself, too.

Whether you call it burnout or just a heavy season — you don’t have to keep pushing through it alone.

If you’d like support from someone who understands, I’d be honored to walk with you.

📩 [Reach out to connect]

Allisha Curtis 6/18/25 Allisha Curtis 6/18/25

Embracing Life’s Transitions with Grace and Self-Compassion

Life has a way of shifting beneath our feet sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once. Whether you're starting a new job, navigating a breakup, becoming a parent, facing an unexpected diagnosis, or supporting a loved one through illness, transitions can stir up a mix of emotions that are often hard to put into words.

Even positive changes can bring moments of grief. And the harder changes like experiencing health challenges or walking alongside someone you love who is struggling—can shake your sense of stability and leave you feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or deeply tender.

As a therapist, I often remind my clients: just because it's hard doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Change, even when it’s needed or inevitable, can feel heavy. You’re not alone in that.

Here are a few gentle reminders to carry with you through this season of change:

🌿 It’s Okay to Feel Everything at Once: Joy, fear, gratitude, sadness, frustration, hope they often show up together. Especially when health is involved, you may feel like you're constantly balancing between “being strong” and wanting to fall apart. Let both exist. Your feelings are valid.

🌿 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone: Whether you’re managing your own health, caring for a loved one, or processing a life event, reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom. Therapy, community, prayer, or even a simple daily check-in with yourself can be powerful anchors.

🌿 Small Steps Are Still Steps: When the future feels uncertain, focus on the next small thing. A phone call. A deep breath. A nourishing meal. These gentle acts of care matter especially in seasons when you feel like you're just trying to keep your head above water.

🌿 Release the Pressure to “Bounce Back”: You’re allowed to move slowly. You’re allowed to not be okay. Healing emotional, physical, or spiritual is not linear. Let yourself be human.

🌿 There Is Still Room for Hope: Even when life doesn’t go as planned, even when the diagnosis comes or the relationship ends or the future shifts there can still be moments of peace. Connection. Growth. Meaning. You're not lost you’re becoming.

If you’re in a season of transition know that you’re seen. Honor your resilience, your softness, and your need for rest.

You are allowed to grieve, to hope, and to ask for help.

🌱 Reflection Prompt:
What is one thing you need today, emotionally, physically, or spiritually as you navigate this transition?

If you're looking for a supportive space to process life’s changes, I’d be honored to walk with you.
👉 Schedule a free consultation or reach out to connect.

Allisha Curtis 6/3/25 Allisha Curtis 6/3/25

Dear Soon-to-Be College Freshman: You’re About to Begin Something Big

Dear Soon-to-Be College Freshman: You’re About to Begin Something Big

Let’s just take a breath for a moment, because wow — here you are. High school is wrapping up, and everyone keeps asking, “Are you excited for college?” You smile and nod, because yeah, there is some excitement. The idea of decorating your dorm, picking out classes you actually get to choose, making new friends, maybe even leaving your hometown for the first time — it all sounds like an adventure.

But if you’re being honest, maybe there’s also this weird undercurrent of nervousness running alongside the excitement. Maybe it creeps in late at night or when you're alone with your thoughts. What if college isn’t what you expected? What if you miss home more than you thought? What if everyone else seems to adjust faster than you?

If this sounds like you — I want you to know something right now: you’re not broken, behind, or dramatic. You’re just human. And transitions like this one? They bring out all the feelings.

You're Not Alone in This Shift

So many incoming freshmen feel this way, even if no one’s really talking about it. It’s hard to move from a place where you know the halls, the routines, the people — to one where everything is new. It’s not just a new environment, it’s a new version of yourself you’re stepping into.

Some days you might feel unstoppable — confident, full of energy, ready for what’s ahead. And other days, the weight of change might feel a little heavy. That’s okay. Both experiences are part of the process. You don’t need to have it all figured out to move forward.

Let’s Talk About Tools — Not Perfection

You don’t need to wait until things feel hard to take care of yourself. Here are some gentle tools you can start practicing now:

Emotional Check-Ins: Create a routine of asking yourself, How am I, really? Your answer might shift day to day, and that’s normal. You can journal it, say it out loud, or even text it to a trusted person if that feels easier.
Set Boundaries with Compassion: You’ll have lots of new opportunities — clubs, social invites, study groups. Learn how to say “yes” when it feels right and “no” when you need rest. That’s part of self-respect, not isolation.
Create a “Comfort Toolkit”: Think of things that help you regulate when you’re overwhelmed — a playlist, cozy socks, photos from home, a favorite scent, a breathing exercise. Keep them close.
Find Connection (Not Just Social Media): It’s easy to scroll and feel like everyone’s adjusting faster than you. But real connection happens offline — in quiet chats with your roommate, group projects, or joining that club even if you feel awkward at first.
Know When to Ask for Support: It’s not weakness to reach out. Whether it’s a trusted adult, a counselor, or a therapist — having someone to talk to can help you stay grounded in the middle of big emotions.

You Deserve Support That Grows With You

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I wish someone could just walk through this with me…” — that’s what therapy can be. I work with teens and young adults who are navigating these exact kinds of transitions — the messy, beautiful, confusing ones. Together, we explore tools that feel good to you, build confidence, and help you navigate college not just as a student, but as a whole person.

Whether you’re excited, unsure, nervous, or all three at once — you don’t have to figure it out alone. This new chapter is a big one, and you deserve space to grow, process, and feel supported every step of the way.

If you or someone you know is preparing for college and could use support during this transition, feel free to reach out. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where your story matters — and your growth is the goal.

Here’s to the beginning of something beautiful.

Allisha Curtis 5/28/19 Allisha Curtis 5/28/19

What Is Therapy (Really)? My Take on Finding the Right Fit

It all begins with an idea.

If you’ve ever wondered what therapy actually is or if it’s something you could see yourself trying you’re not alone. As a licensed therapist supporting clients in Massachusetts and Florida, I often hear questions from people who are curious, unsure, or new to therapy.

This post is just my personal perspective on what therapy can look like and how to start finding a therapist who feels right for you.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, just a gentle guide based on my own experience working with clients through anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and faith-based concerns.

What I Believe Therapy Is

In my view, therapy is a supportive space where you can be honest, explore what’s going on in your life, and feel heard without judgment. It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about having a space to grow, reflect, and process life’s challenges with support.

People come to therapy for many reasons. Some want to heal from trauma, manage anxiety or depression, or work through family and relationship issues. Others just want a place to feel more grounded or learn new coping tools.

I see therapy as a useful tool not a quick fix, but something that can help you better understand yourself and feel more equipped to face life with clarity and care.

Every Therapist is Different

No two therapists are exactly the same. Some are very structured, others are more relaxed. Some therapists, like me, offer faith-based therapy and are trained in approaches like EMDR or trauma-informed care. Others may focus more on specific techniques or take a different approach.

What matters most, in my opinion, is that you feel safe, seen, and respected. That connection can really shape the experience.

How to Find a Therapist That Feels Right

Here are a few things to consider when you’re looking for a therapist in Massachusetts, Florida, or anywhere else:

Do you want someone who understands trauma or childhood experiences? Look for trauma-informed care.
Is it important that your therapist honors your faith or spiritual beliefs? Faith-based therapy might be a good fit.
Would you feel more comfortable with someone who shares your background or lived experience? That’s valid, too.

You deserve to feel supported in therapy, and that starts with finding someone who feels like a good match.

Helpful Resources to Start Your Search

Here are some therapist directories I often recommend:

On sites like Psychology Today, you can filter your search by location (like “Therapist in Massachusetts” or “Online therapy in Florida”), specialty, identity, and more.

Some therapists offer a free consultation or phone call so you can get a feel for whether their approach works for you. It’s okay to ask questions and take your time.

A Personal Note

This post reflects my own outlook as a licensed therapist offering online therapy in Massachusetts and Florida. I believe therapy can be a supportive, healing space when you’re ready for it.

There’s no pressure to have it all figured out before starting. You’re allowed to be unsure. You’re allowed to ask questions. You’re allowed to go at your own pace.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be sharing more thoughts and resources soon—for anyone curious about therapy, healing, and what it looks like to care for your mental health while staying true to your values.

Looking for a trauma-informed or faith-based therapist in Massachusetts or Florida? Contact me here to learn more or schedule a consult.