TEN WAYS A THERAPIST CAN SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

An excerpt from "Ten Ways a Therapist Can Survive the Holidays," a 27-page ePamphlet by Anne Dibala, M.D., The Recovery Coach™, available here. The holiday season seems to make many individuals feel that they are under additional stress. Those who are in the helping professions are often asked, “How do you handle the stress of dealing with all those folks who bring their problems to you?”For those of you who have been in the field for a number of years, and for those of you who are just beginning in these truly rewarding endeavors, let me offer a recipe for a joyful and rewarding holiday season as we all endeavor to stay sane, sober, peaceful, and truly happy during these times. 1.Remember the spirit of the season.2.Remember your core values.3.Nurture yourself.4.Maintain your boundaries.5.Remember that you are a multidimensional being – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.6.Honor your commitments and promises to yourself and others.7.Find the good in every situation. Either we like the situation, or we can learn something from it.8.Find and share at least several good laughs per day.9.Share hugs – give and receive them – more at this time of year. Hugs are great spirit massages.10.Listen and follow the advice you give to your clients.Excerpt from 1. Remember the SeasonDo you remember how you felt when you were a child and anticipating the excitement of knowing that Christmas was coming? There was electricity in the air. Your parents, the adults that you saw bustled around, shopping, laughing, and carrying packages in their arms. Santas rang bells in front of Salvation Army basket, and there might even have been a Salvation Army member playing Christmas carols on a trumpet. Even grown ups ... [cont'd. To purchase entire 27-page ePamphlet, go here.