Introduction Educators and proponents of adult learning theory understand that adults can experience significant events in their lives that can lead to a process of transformation that challenges or changes pre-existing values, beliefs and behaviours. This process of transformation can occur at any point in an adult's life, including when learning to live with a chronic illness and disability. The purpose of this article is to introduce health care providers to the possible process of transformation during rehabilitation. Content The authors present a suggested model of the process of transformation in rehabilitation, one developed as part of a larger metasynthesis qualitative research project related to rehabilitation, physical health, chronic illness, and disability. The article proposes how this model could be helpful for health care providers when interacting with adults learning to live with chronic health conditions. Conclusions The process of transformation provides insight regarding the complexity of patients' experiences learning to live with chronic health conditions. The article concludes by identifying future directions for practice and research.