In my work, I often guide clients through the Adaptation Type framework – exploring their current situation, recurring issues, and coping strategies.
In psychology, adaptation refers to the cognitive and behavioral processes that help individuals adjust to new information, environmental challenges, or personal stressors. Once we recognize these patterns, they become clearer.
Understanding your own way of adjusting brings not only clarity but also compassion – both towards yourself and others.
Example of a Counseling Session:
A client, feeling exhausted and stuck, described herself as ‘constantly holding everything together,’ yet feeling drained, unappreciated, and unfulfilled. Unable to make a decision she sought insight into her character.
Thorough conversation revealed traits typical of a particular Adaptation Type – someone who is always giving, nurturing, and solving everyone else’s problems. While this served her well in her career as a teacher, it left little room for her own needs.
Her upbringing, which involved caring for a health-challenged mother, aligned with her innate tendency to over-give, nurture, and constantly worrying about whether she was doing enough. Saying ‘no’ was difficult and setting boundaries felt almost impossible.
Creating awareness and acceptance of her Adaptation Type was her first step toward understanding the root of her behaviors. Instead of criticizing herself or falling into self-doubt, we explored ways to overcome perceived limitations – developing new ways to assert herself while staying true to her nature.
Creating Balance and an Energy Shift
Grounding exercises tailored to her Adaptation Type, along with learning to set boundaries without guilt, helped her restore her vitality instead of pouring from an empty cup.
By the end of the session, she said, ‘finally feel seen. It’s like someone gave me the map I’ve been missing.’
Every Adaptation Type has its gifts and its stress points. Counseling helps bring these into harmony – so you can thrive, not just cope.
Do you resonate with these characteristics, or are you more the opposite—analytical and structured?
Find out more please click at: CrossRoads and Adaptation Types
