Navigating the Holidays with Kate Turner, LPC

Although the holidays are a beautiful time, they can also be
difficult for many reasons. Whether it’s unmet expectations, not
having the picture-perfect Christmas, or dealing with tricky
family dynamics, this period can cause struggle, stress, and
shame. Joining us today to talk about how to navigate the
holidays is Licensed Professional Counselor, Kate Turner who has
recently closed her private practice and will be joining us at
Mosaics of Mercy in 2021! In this episode, we talk about
reframing expectations and getting to the true meaning of
Christmas. Yes, gifts and cookies are great, but if they are
causing so much stress and taking you away from your family, is
all this trouble really worth it? Kate talks about communicating
expectations with your family and how this will likely lighten
your load. Another stressful part of the holidays is scheduling,
which is why it is so important to set boundaries early on. We
hear about how to gently yet firmly communicate our
non-negotiables, and why we need to fill our cup before we make
any commitments. Our conversation also touches on managing our
expectations of others and remembering to laugh during this time.
Stay tuned until the end for a special song to ring in the
festive season!





Key Points From This Episode:


Some exciting news: Kate is joining Mosaics of Mercy as a
family navigator and school liaison!

How our mindset about what Christmas means to us impacts our
perception of this time.

Why we should not compare our celebrations to others’.

Katie’s advice on how we can reframe our expectations,
particularly during this difficult year.

Ask yourself how you want to feel at the end of the festive
season and work back from there.

How family dynamics can affect this period and the importance
of setting clear boundaries.

We have more time to make decisions than we think we do.

What those of us who have children or loved ones in treatment
can do this festive season.

Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t!

How we can reflect and work on our expectations of others
during the holidays.

Tips on how we can be gentle but firm in communicating our
boundaries.

Remember to find things to laugh at during this time; it
brings us closer together.



 


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Kate Turner on LinkedIn


Kate Turner Counseling


Kate Turner on Twitter


Sam Allberry


Yellowstone


Loving My Actual Christmas


The Best Yes


National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation


Elf


Song For My Children


Mosaics of Mercy