Posts tagged preparing for the holidays
The Joy of Giving: Acts of Love in Your Relationship
The Joy of Giving: Acts of Love in Your Relationship
Couples TherapyErika Labuzan-Lopezcouples therapy expert, couples traditions, couples therapy exercise, couples therapy, couple rituals, successful couples therapy, marriage counseling, fight for your marriage, Holidays, holiday stress, preparing for the holidays, communication patterns, Communication, sharing your feelings, giving space, giving gifts, acts of love, joy, joy of giving, acts of love in your relationshipComment
How to Navigate Traditions and Chosen Family this Holiday Season

Does your family have set traditions, or do you change it up every year? Are you energized by thinking about the holiday gatherings you have on your calendar, or does it feel draining to decide what dish everyone is bringing to the potluck? Everyone does the holidays differently, and I enjoy sitting with clients learning how people approach it, but also reflecting back how they feel and present when discussing the upcoming events of the season. Our therapist Sky Yeater shares how she has worked with her partner to navigate family difference, traditions, and the introduction of chosen family-which may take priority if that’s what brings you joy. Read the full blog to learn more about navigating traditions while experimenting with different ways to do things around the holidays, and with the people you actually want to be with.

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TherapyErika Labuzan-Lopeztherapy, holidays, holiday stress, preparing for the holidays, family stress, family gatherings, talking to family, chosen family, traditions, rituals, Communication, communication skillsComment
Why Self Care During the Holidays is Essential-Not Optional

Preparing for the holidays can often feel like an endless to-do list, going through the motions of what your family or others expect you to do, and stressing yourself out trying to find the perfect ugly sweater for each day of the week for your kids. Taking care of yourself is more important during the holiday season than any other time of the year, and the good news is you don’t have to do anything extra! Goodness knows you have enough on your plate. Read our latest blog to learn how you can integrate intentional self care into your daily activities, and how to use these skills to help yourself feel cared for and energized during this holiday season.

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TherapyErika Labuzan-Lopezself care, self improvement, Holidays, holiday stress, preparing for the holidays, stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, Communication, communication skills, intentional living, intentionsComment
'Tis the Season for Perfectionism

Do you feel pressured to have a perfect holiday? What’s it like to see those picture perfect food spreads and manicured lawn decor on your social media feed starting in November? Oftentimes we get wrapped up in the details, worrying what other’s will think, and making everything perfect that we lose sight of what we could actually enjoy out of the holidays. If making the perfect buffet brings you joy, by all means do that! But if any of the activities you’re engaging in is distracting from your pleasure this holiday season, check out this blog for some ideas on how to kick perfectionism to the curb and reengage in what’s important to you.

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TherapyErika Labuzan-Lopezrelational perfectionism, Holidays, holiday stress, preparing for the holidays, anxiety, comparisonComment
Transparent but Vague: A Mantra to Get You Through the Holidays

Mantras, Mantras, Mantras…a great way to help you get through tough stuff. Holidays are hard for everyone for many different reasons. Who couldn’t use some additional coping skills for their toolbox?

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Therapy, Infertility, Couples Therapy, ParenthoodErika Labuzan-Lopezholidays, holiday stress, preparing for the holidays, couples therapy, Infertility, transparency, vulnerability, honesty, kindness, vagueness, being open, difficult conversations, family stress, questions Comment