Starting over is the psychological process of reconstructing identity and life project after a significant rupture (relationship, work, health, country). It is not "blank slate and new account": it is integrating what was lived as learning while building a new chapter with meaning.
Concept origin
Tedeschi RG, Calhoun LG. (1996). The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(3), 455-471. doi:10.1007/BF02103658 · Bonanno GA. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience. American Psychologist, 59(1), 20-28. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.59.1.20
Therapeutic approach
CBT works on reconstruction by identifying previous and changed core values, exploring the post-event personal narrative. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) works on commitment to values in the new life stage.
Related concepts
Want to put this into practice with concrete tools?
Explore resources →This content is informational and does not replace consultation with a mental health professional. If you are going through a difficult time, speaking with a specialist can make a real difference.