“ - with preparation, planning, and patience, you can successfully navigate the therapy process during the Christmas season.” - Ricki Gillespie

The holiday season can be a joyous time filled with festivities, love, and family. However, it's not always the case for everyone. For many people, the holidays can be a triggering time, especially when it comes to mental health. As a parent, navigating therapy sessions during this time can be challenging. Whether your child is new to therapy or has been regularly attending sessions, it's important to have an understanding of how to manage mental health during the holiday season. In this blog post, we'll share a guide on managing therapy experiences during Christmas.

Schedule Therapy Sessions Ahead of Time

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be hectic, and scheduling therapy sessions can be challenging. However, it's essential to prioritize your child's mental health by scheduling appointments ahead of time. Discuss this with your therapist to ensure that crucial sessions happen before Christmas or shortly after. You may also want to consider booking sessions more in advance than you may regularly do. December is usually the busiest time of year for therapists for a number of reasons.

Manage Expectations

It's easy to fall into the trap of setting high expectations for the holiday season. For instance, you might expect that things should go smoothly, or you may want your family to function as a "perfect" family. However, this can add pressure and stress, particularly for children. Managing this expectation is crucial to avoid disappointment and overwhelming children's mental state. Instead, focus on small moments where you can connect as a family and make memories along the way.

Create A Plan

The holiday season can also be challenging because it breaks from the usual routine. It's essential to create a plan that will help your child keep up their mental health routines during the holiday break. For example, you can talk to their therapist to develop ways they can practice self-care to ensure that they are doing well. Maybe your children’s regular sports activities aren’t scheduled over the holidays, but you might still want to schedule times for physical exercise that might get overlooked.

Sensory Overload

Christmas can be a sensory overload experience with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. It's not uncommon for children to struggle with sensory issues. We want these added experiences of Christmas to be as pleasant and joyous as possible for all. Often, it's a good idea to talk to your therapist about your child's triggers and work together to develop a plan for this holiday season.

Practice Patience

Finally, being patient with your child and their therapy process can help navigate the holiday season. Understandably, parents want everything to progress smoothly all the time. However, therapy is a journey, and progress can be different during the holiday season. Some days may be better than others, and your child may experience setbacks. Focus on these setbacks as an opportunity to practice strategies or learn something new rather than just a roadblock in life. Being patient through this journey can help your child approach the holiday season with more grace and resilience.

The holiday season can be challenging, especially if you have a child that is undergoing therapy. However, with preparation, planning, and patience, you can successfully navigate the therapy process during the Christmas season. During therapy, it's essential to prioritize your child's mental health and work together with your therapist to develop a plan that works for you. Enjoy the holiday season, make memories, and take time for self-care.

Disclaimer

Our content is for informational and educational purposes and is not a replacement for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're facing mental health concerns, please seek help from a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Every individual's situation is unique, so use the information here at your discretion. While we strive for accuracy, the field of psychology is ever-evolving, and our content may not always reflect the latest research. Please prioritize your privacy by avoiding sharing personal information in comments or interactions. Your well-being is our top concern, so use our content for educational purposes, but remember to rely on professionals for your specific needs.