Change is one of those things that is a constant in life.

And change is also something that many people find very challenging.

For those who need additional support around change, or who find it very overwhelming, it can sometimes help to take the focus off what is different.

“Tell me what’s staying the same”, is a mantra that can help to ease the uncertainty about change. It focuses on what is still predictable and what is still routine.

The “what’s staying the same” strategy can help provide comfort and a sense of stability.

Try using the strategy in the following ways:

• When a change is anticipated, create lists or picture books of what will stay the same – use the lists or pictures to provide certainty as you’re practising the new or transitioning into the unfamiliar.
• As the change is in the process of happening, look for (and talk through) things that are similar or familiar in the new (what’s staying the same).
• After a change has occurred, have the lists available (of everything that has stayed as it was before the change happened) for reflection or for comfort when needed.

When we focus on what’s staying the same, we can help to create predictability around the change.

Written by Elissa Plumridge