Transitional Living: What is it? | Therapeutic Consulting

What Is Transitional Living?

“Adulthood is like looking both ways before you cross the street

and then getting hit by an airplane.”

– Emma Davis

What is transitional living?

Several blogs could be written to answer this question because it is so broad. “Transitional”, meaning a period of transition, is the common motive among all the many programs worldwide. All of them are created and designed to support individuals from one life situation to another, or transtitional living.

Transitional programs are known to include:

Young adults transitioning into adulthood and wanting structure and coaching.
18 year olds that have aged out of foster care and into independent living.
Individuals leaving incarceration and into a life of freedom.
Individuals of whom have completed a substance use recovery program and want to stay sober.
Individuals getting back into life and work after being homeless.
Young adults wanting to learn passions and direction for life.
Young adults wanting education and life experiences of which they wouldn’t normally get at home.
Individuals transitioning from a boarding school into an independent life.
Individuals transitioning from mental health treatment into an independent life.
Individuals transitioning from a hospital into going back home.
Teens or young adults wanting more life experience before committing to college.
Individuals wanting vocational training in a highly supportive environment.
Individuals wanting therapy, coaching, health and guidance into their next transition.
Individuals with autism wanting to live independently.
Individuals of whom are struggling with executive functioning and want to live independent successful lives.

Because transitional programs can incorporate just about anything you want and in environments of just about anything you want, here are some examples to give some perspective.

Scenario Example 1:

A 24 year-old young man graduated from a four month substance recovery residential program. He had grown and changed so much, yet like any person in recovery, he knew the chances of using substances again was high. He wanted to stay sober desperately. So he chose a transitional program in a town far away from his old friends whom were still using substances and he also chose a program that had others around his same age. Most of all, he wanted to be around others that valued recovery and took it seriously. Although he’s clear on his career direction, he wanted a supportive and peer supported environment while he was transitioning back into independence.

Scenario Example 2:

A young woman, has just turned 18 and aged out of the foster care system. She chooses a transitional living program located in the town where she thinks she might want to go to a trade school or college. She lives in an apartment complex of which most of the residents are also clients. This can set her up to easily make friends. The program provides optional activities every weekend. This young woman receives trauma therapy to help her work through the traumas from foster care. In addition, she receives one-on-one goal setting coaching. Until she decides if she wants to go to college, job searching help and coaching is part of her program pan. When she feels more confident to live independently, she will leave the program.

Scenario Example 3:

A 19 year old whom made perfect grades in high school got into the college of his dreams. He found cannibis in college and liked it. He liked it so much and used it so often, that he became very depressed and anxious. His depression and anxiety got to the point of which he hardly ever leaving his dorm room. He started risky behavior and his grades plummeted. Even though cannibis helped his anxiety, he was more anxious than ever. This student picked a program with lots of therapeutic support. He wanted and needed daily help in navigating his “inner complexities”, of which are freezing him up and ruining his college life. He engaged in daily individual and group therapy to give and understanding as to why he had been making so many poor choices. This young man has every intention of going back to the college of which he took a break, however without strong mental health, that would be a waste of time, money and effort. A short stay in this transitional program will get him back on track.

The specific nature, structure, styles and location of transitional living programs vary widely, but the overarching goal is to assist individuals in navigating significant life changes and to successfully transition into the life in which they want.

The best programs are ones that prioritize a creative and individualized goal setting plan for each individual person.

If you or a loved one is interested in knowing more about transition program options, you may schedule a complimentary discovery call with a consultant here.