Even the happiest and chillest of families has their fair amount of stress around the holidays. I haven’t worked with a client yet that didn’t have a range of emotions about the upcoming gatherings, events, and family dynamics that rise to the surface during the holiday season. There’s typically a variety of personalities, planning styles, rigid versus flexible ways of operating, and then there’s crazy Aunt Sally. But there’s always a way to reframe and plan ahead to make the most out of your holiday gatherings and find joy in your wild family interactions. Check out our latest blog to learn more.
Read MoreDoes 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.
Read MorePreparing 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.
Read MoreMost therapists choose a specialty based on a combination of personal experience and professional interest. In this week’s blog, I am sharing my story about postpartum anxiety, how you can recognize it in yourself or a loved one, and sharing why you should get help sooner than I did. About 10% of new moms suffer from postpartum anxiety, which is different than postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, and it can be scary. Intrusive thoughts are often a new experience for people, and they don’t know how to recognize or talk about them. They can be distressing, but hiding it won’t help. I hope to encourage you to get the help you deserve by sharing my story, because you’re worth it.
Read MoreDo 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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