Allison Norman Allison Norman

When You Don't Feel Real: Understanding Depersonalization as an Anxiety Symptom

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like you were staring at a stranger? Or found yourself going through daily life feeling completely disconnected from your own body, as if you were watching yourself from the outside?

If these experiences sound familiar, you may be dealing with depersonalization—one of the most frightening yet misunderstood symptoms of anxiety. Despite how isolating and terrifying it can feel, depersonalization is actually a common response to overwhelming stress that affects millions of people seeking anxiety therapy.

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Allison Norman Allison Norman

Finding Home Again: How Life Transition Therapy Helps Philadelphia Newcomers Navigate the Challenges of Relocation

Moving to Philadelphia brings excitement and opportunity, but relocating to any new city involves profound emotional challenges that extend far beyond the logistics of packing boxes. As someone who has navigated multiple moves throughout my life for education and family, I understand the disorientation that comes with starting over in an unfamiliar place – from finding your way through new neighborhoods to rebuilding your sense of home and belonging.

Life transition therapy offers essential support during this vulnerable time, addressing not just the practical aspects of relocation but the deeper psychological and physical responses that accompany uprooting your life. Our holistic approach combines somatic therapy, DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic techniques to help Philadelphia newcomers process the complex emotions of relocation while building resilience for their new chapter. Whether you're struggling with the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets or grappling with deeper questions about identity and belonging, life transition counseling can transform your Philadelphia move from an overwhelming disruption into an opportunity for meaningful growth and connection.

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