Why the Holidays are a Great Time to Start Therapy

The holiday season, often a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, can also be a source of stress, overwhelm, and reflection. Between family gatherings, travel, financial pressures, and year-end evaluations, the holidays can bring a mix of emotions that leave some people feeling burnt out or disconnected. While it may seem like an odd time to focus on psychotherapy, the holiday season is one of the best times to start a therapeutic journey. Here’s why:

6 Reasons Why the Holidays Are a Great Time to Start Therapy

1. Time for reflection

The end of the year naturally encourages reflection. We evaluate our past year, consider our achievements, our struggles, and think about the person we want to become in the upcoming year. Starting therapy during this period allows you to process these reflections with a professional, setting a clear intention for growth in the new year. Whether it’s addressing unresolved issues or gaining clarity on what you want to change, therapy can guide you through this introspective season with supportive tools and insights.

2. Increased stress and anxiety

The holiday season can be a source of stress, whether it's due to the pressure of gift-giving, financial concerns, or the need to meet high expectations. Therapy provides a safe space to talk about these stressors and learn coping strategies to manage anxiety and pressure.

3. Dealing with loneliness

The holidays are often portrayed as a time for family and togetherness, but not everyone has family nearby or the resources to celebrate with others. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Therapy can help you process these emotions and explore ways to connect with others or cope with solitude.

4. Navigating family dynamics

Family gatherings during the holidays can sometimes bring up unresolved conflicts or tensions and require you to engage in dysfunctional family dynamics. Therapy can help you develop healthier communication strategies, set boundaries, and manage any conflicts that may arise during family interactions.

5. Coping with grief and loss

For many, the holiday season can bring up feelings of grief, especially if you've lost a loved one recently or are reminded of past losses. Therapy provides a space to grieve, reflect, and process feelings of sadness, while offering tools for coping with the emotional weight of the season.

6. Managing expectations and perfectionism

The holiday season can create unrealistic expectations of joy and perfection, leading to burnout or disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Therapy can help you manage expectations, set realistic goals, and focus on what truly matters, rather than feeling pressured to create an idealized version of the holidays.

Getting Started with Therapy During the Holidays

I specialize in therapy for narcissistic abuse recovery and trauma healing. I utilize a combination of therapeutic modalities such as EMDR therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Inner Child Therapy to help you become unstuck and begin living the life you want. Contact me today to get started with Online Therapy, offered for anyone residing in Georgia or Tennessee.