The Dr. is in! How to Handle Holiday Stress

December is the much-anticipated time of each year as the holidays continue to come alive. The traditional aspects and the joyous pace of what occurs during this festive time typically is where families spend much time together. The time of year is a good source to bring up the topic of Family Therapy.

by Jeremy Furham, LPC

To inspire healthier communities through compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment; science-driven education; and trusted, accessible resources.
Lukin Center
Driven by Science. Led by Compassion

The holiday season is upon us again!  Holidays can bring great joy, excitement, and love.  At the same time, they may be overwhelming for adults and children alike, and cause disruption within the family system.  Parents are burdened with increased pressures of planning, shopping, visiting, cooking, and navigating complicated dynamics, while children feel the effects of routine adjustments and overstimulation. Holidays are particularly difficult for families in need, or those have experienced loss.

Please tell us about Family Therapy and how it can help?

Family therapy, as well as individual therapy, can be helpful in organizing, managing, and coping with the slew of unique thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may emerge during this season.  Family therapy provides a calm, safe space to explore dynamics, improve communication, and learn skills to improve overall functioning. Having the opportunity to gain control over thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through therapy can be especially useful at a time when one’s environment feels more chaotic than usual.  Children better understand what is expected of them, as parents learn to manage their own expectations. This can make family time more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone involved.

How can Evidence Based Treatments provide patients with positive results? For example, how does Motivational Interviewing play a key role in the process? 

Therapists and parents may use the technique of motivational interviewing to acquire insight and awareness into children’s experiences, and to work with them to adjust any maladaptive reactions to these experiences. A Nurtured Heart approach can help parents learn to better support positive behaviors in their children, and focus less on any problem behaviors.

Any other advice? 

After the holidays, family therapy can be used to debrief events and gatherings, process  any tension or conflict, discuss any feelings of loss or sadness, and help families reset for the new year.

Lukin Center — Westfield Office
128 S. Euclid Ave.
Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 509-8336