How to Navigate Relationships During the Holidays

Each of us has a multitude of relationships. The first is the one we have with ourselves. We have relationships with our biological family, chosen family and friends, pets and the list could go on. We at SteadyNYC strive to support our individual clients and relationship clients to develop healthy relationships that allow for a balance of sorts to be struck amongst them. To strike that balance we have to be willing to be curious about the origins of our relationships that we often have little control over, as well as, how we participate in our current experience. Because that we have a bit more agency over.

HOLIDAY JOYS & PRESSURES

Holiday time, especially in the United States, can be quite prescriptive about how we should behave and feel in many of our relationships. It is also a time when many of us come into contact with members of our families that at other times of the year, may be kept more at a distance. Many traditions during this time of the year focus on bringing people together. There can be great beauty and fulfillment in experiencing our connection to others. There can also be a great deal of tension and discomfort. 

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

During this time of year especially, we are often working with clients to do their best to be realistic with themselves and their expectations of others. As a practice that focusses on relationship and attachment trauma, our clients are often striving to be present to what is without the additional weight of what was and can’t be changed. Clients want to choose who and how they spend this holiday time and if needed tolerate feelings of disappointment or even judgement from others if they don’t make the choice someone else wants.

REMINDERS

• be realistic
• it’s ok to make mistakes
• feelings are not facts
• remember to breath

HOW THERAPY HELPS

Clients are utilizing therapy often as a touch stone, a way to consistently ground int one’s experience and truth. Clients are identifying self-compassionate strategies to resource oneself to reduce the discomfort or anxiety that often emerges during closer or more frequent contact with folks who we have complicated relationships with. We are working with couples to navigate different holiday or cultural traditions and expectations. We are supporting the grief that the holiday’s can activate as an anniversary of an absence or a loss. We at SteadyNYC strive to create a practice that welcomes the enormous range of emotional experiences that goes hand in hand with the holidays. If you or your relationship needs support to navigate the holidays, contact us.