December 2006
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATES!!

In this newsletter:
1) Fast Help: Combating Holiday Stress
2) Therapist Q&A
3) Clinic Announcements

1) Combating Holiday Stress
It's that time of year again. The time of year when the spirit of joy, love, happiness, and peace is in the air. The time of year to enjoy family, friends, and for many, a time to reconnect spirititually and put into perspective our own lives as well as our relationships with others. During the holiday season, we often hear the words "peace on earth." During this time of year, many find themselves in a state which is far from peaceful. Folks often find they have too much to do to get ready for the holidays, and not enough time in which to do it. For example, we need time to shop for those on our lists, find the time to visit with those close to us, attend holiday programs for our children, attend holidays functions of employers, not to mention dealing with the financial strain that the holidays can impose.

You may ask yourself "How can I make the holidays special for my loved ones without missing out on the peace and joy myself?" Here are some useful tips to keep in mind around the holidays:
1) Prioritize. It can be helpful to make a list of what is necessary for you to accomplish in preparation of, and during the holidays.
2) Don't overschedule yourself. There are enough things going on during the holidays to keep us busy every moment. Spending time with family and friends is important. However, you don't want to feel like you are running constantly. Keep in mind that you can arrange time with others after the holidays if you feel there is a strain on your time.
3) Be mindful of your financial situation. If you have a limited budget, do not feel pressured into buying gifts for everyone. Tell your children if you are unable to afford all that is on their wish list. Consider making gifts instead of buying gifts if you feel obligated and your finances are limited. Oftentimes, just spending time with others is the best gift we can share. Trying to make others happy at your financial expense can cause undue stress on you after the holidays when the bills arrive. Reaching out can be the best gift of all.
4) Don't take on family problems. People often become stressed out when spending time with family members due to unresolved problems or conflicts. Help yourself by not taking on the problems of others and avoid contributing to any tension.
5) Take time out for yourself. Reflect on what the holidays mean to you. Spending quiet time at home or attending religious or spiritual services are a few examples of how you can regain perspective on what is important to you. Only if we feel inner peace and joy can we share this with others.
6) Ask for help from others. If you feel stretched too thin during the holidays, ask for assistance from those around you. This might include asking for help with wrapping gifts or putting up decorations, or preparing the holiday meal. Remember, in this season of giving, that it is alright to accept help from others.

2) Therapist Q&A
This time of year is most difficult for those who have experienced the recent death or loss of a loved one. Those people ask how they can feel any joy during the holiday season. Remember during this time that you have been through a great loss and it's important to take care of yourself first and not to put undue pressure on yourself. Allow yourself to grieve in any way you need to. There is no right or wrong way to grieve; grieving is an individual process. Grieving in private can be helpful. However, do not spend all of your time alone. Rather, allow others to be around you during this time. Allow others to share their memories of the loved one with you. It can help your healing process by offering a memorial of your loved one during the holiday season, either through a formal service or to a charity or organization your loved one supported. Play a favorite piece of music that your loved one enjoyed or share photos of your loved one with others. Light a candle in their memory. By honoring their memory, we can feel surrounded by their spirit, which can be very comforting.
Remember that if you feel overwhelmed with grief and unable to cope during the holiday season or at any other time, that professional help is available.

3) Clinic News
We're pleased to announce that Gary's clientbase is quickly growing! Gary is also offering a free 30-minute face-to-face consultation for any prospective clients for a limited time. If you know of someone who's been considering counseling, this is a great introductory way to try it out. For more information on Gary and his specialties, please click on: http://www.clinical-psychology-associates.com/gary.htm

Also, if you are a client of Ann or Paul and were thinking of making an appointment for the New Year, we encourage you to do so. Since both of them take some vacation during the holidays, January books up quickly, so call or email early if you'd like an appointment.

Happy Holidays!