In this reflective and practical episode, Dr. Jen breaks down the holiday chaos therapists face—not just with clients but also within their own families, workloads, and personal lives. She offers simple, actionable steps to create a season that feels spacious, joyful, and manageable.
Key Themes in This Episode:
- Increased Client Needs & Emotional Labor: Supporting clients through their holiday stress without depleting yourself.
- Handling Cancellations: Practical strategies for clear policies and managing gaps in income during the holiday shuffle.
- Planning for Financial Dips: Tips to smooth out income fluctuations and plan ahead for slower months.
- Personal Holiday Stress: Why adjusting traditions and setting boundaries can help you reclaim joy in the season.
- Year-End Admin Burnout: Ways to tackle renewals, insurance headaches, and deductible resets without feeling overwhelmed.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Reframing Holiday Stress:
- The drama in our minds about December is often a predictable cycle.
- Recognizing the patterns (with clients and family) helps reduce overwhelm.
- Boundaries and Planning:
- Map out your holiday season. Where are the breaks?
- Be intentional about setting limits with clients and family.
- The Four Pillars of Brain Health:
- Dr. Jen shares her pillars—movement, nutrition, sleep, and connection.
- Simple ways to check in with yourself and get back to basics.
- Why neglecting these needs during the holidays leads to burnout.
- Celebrating Joy and Novelty:
- Breaking free from the monotony of midlife with small, joyful experiences.
- Building simple traditions or moments of joy that anchor the season.
Key Quote:
"If you feel burned out, stretched thin, or untethered this holiday season, pause and ask: What do I need? Spaciousness? Connection? Rest? When you listen to your body, you’ll find the answer."
Reflections on Burnout and Connection:
Dr. Jen opens up about how the pandemic disrupted her relationships and the sadness that comes with losing connections. She offers reassurance that rebuilding relationships, even small steps like sending a text, is possible and worth pursuing.
Dr. Jen’s Quick Brain Health Checklist for Therapists:
- Movement: Aim for joyful movement like walks, yoga, or a tennis match (that's me ya'll).
- Nutrition: Focus on adding nourishing foods like berries, leafy greens, and omega-rich choices.
- Sleep: Prioritize rest, even if it means adjusting routines or asking for help.
- Connection: Reconnect with loved ones, friends, or pets. Relationships are healing.
Practical Takeaways:
- Schedule mini breaks throughout December to recharge.
- Reflect on how you want to feel after the holidays and build habits to get there.
- Identify one or two non-negotiable moments of joy or novelty to make the season special.
Resources:
Spread the Message:
Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a therapist friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Let Dr. Jen know what you need most this holiday season by dropping her a message.
