The Psychology of Navigating Change: The 3 Phases We Move Through

In this episode of The Why Me Podcast, host Brianna Spurgeon explores the psychology of navigating unexpected change and the emotional and mental phases people move through when life shifts in ways they didn’t choose. Drawing on her background in strategy and transformation within large organizations—as well as her personal experience facing a long-term health diagnosis—Brianna breaks down how humans naturally respond to disruption, from initial shock and resistance to learning, orientation, and eventual integration.She reflects on how corporations invest heavily in structured change management systems to guide employees through uncertainty, while individuals in everyday life are often left without a framework or support system when facing personal upheaval. Through this lens, she introduces a simple three-phase model of change that helps listeners better understand what is happening internally during moments of fear, confusion, and transition.Brianna also discusses the psychological risks of information overload during uncertain times, including how comparison and exposure to extreme narratives can distort perception and increase anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of discernment, grounding information in personal context, and staying connected to what is actually true in one’s own experience.In the final phase of the episode, she highlights the process of integration and rebuilding—how people begin to reshape daily routines, redefine priorities, and live more intentionally within new circumstances.This episode offers a grounded and relatable framework for anyone navigating change, as well as for those supporting others through it, providing insight into how understanding the psychology of change can bring more clarity, compassion, and steadiness during life’s most uncertain moments.