Coping with Grief During the Holidays
2023 Edition
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
OCD & Anxiety
Ketamine Therapy
VR Therapy
Caroline Goodhines
Postpartum Therapy
OCD & Anxiety
Depression
Ashlee Jacobs
Teens
Trauma
Depression
Learn more →
Jordyn Kaprowski
Grief
Teens
Postpartum Wellness
Learn more →
Jailene Irizarry
Identity Development
Self-Esteem
Stress
Learn more →
Paulina Del Pino
Family & Teens
Trauma
Depression
Learn more →
Just like we did last year, we’re here to offer support to those coping with grief during the holidays. As therapists and fellow grievers, we’re here for you. If you’re grappling with the absence of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or any profound loss, this time of year can be particularly challenging. Our hope is to normalize grief during the holidays and help you find your way through this holiday season with self-compassion & love.
Normalizing Grief During the Holidays
Before we dive into our holiday survival tips, it’s important to recognize and normalize the wide range of grief experiences that many of us face during this time of year. The holiday season, often portrayed as a time of unbridled joy and family gatherings, can be particularly challenging for those who are grieving. Whether it’s the first holiday without a loved one, or even several years on, the festive cheer can sometimes deepen the sense of loss and loneliness.
Heightened Emotions
The holidays can act like an amplifier for your feelings. You might find yourself more tearful, irritable, or nostalgic. These intensified emotions are a normal part of grief during such a significant time.
Changing Traditions
You might find that old traditions no longer bring the same joy, or they may now carry a sense of sadness. It’s okay to change, adapt, or even skip certain traditions if they feel too painful this year.
Social Withdrawal
The desire to withdraw from social gatherings is common. You might feel out of place amidst the festive spirit, or simply not have the energy to engage in celebrations.
Mixed Emotions
It’s normal to experience a confusing mix of emotions – moments of joy interspersed with sadness or guilt. Enjoying yourself does not diminish the love you have for the person you’re grieving.
Physical Symptom
Grief can manifest physically, especially during stressful times like the holidays. You might experience changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, or a general sense of fatigue.
Yearning and Reminiscing
The holidays can bring back memories and a strong sense of longing for what was. Reflecting on past holidays with your loved one is a common way grief presents itself.
Strategies for
Coping with Grief During the Holidays
As we move into our holiday survival guide, remember that these tips are not about eradicating grief, but about finding ways to manage and cope with it during a time that can be particularly challenging. Your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to approach the holiday season in a way that honors both your loss and your need for self-care.
Now, let’s explore some strategies to help you navigate the holiday season with a heart full of grief…
Let's Not Pretend Grief isn't Sucking the Air out of the room.
The festive season can intensify feelings of loss and sadness. Acknowledging this is crucial. Don’t pressure yourself to conform to the typical holiday cheer. It’s like squeezing into a too-small sweater – uncomfortable and unnecessary.
Coping with Grief Through New Traditions
Honoring a lost loved one can be a therapeutic way to cope. Start a new tradition in their memory – light a candle, play their favorite holiday tune, or attempt their legendary (yet perhaps not-so-tasty) holiday recipe. It’s a meaningful way to keep their spirit present.
Comfort in Simplicity
Find solace in simple, cozy activities. Wrap up in a blanket, enjoy a warm drink, and allow yourself to just be. Embrace your emotions, whatever they may be, in your personal ‘Grief Burrito.’
Saying"No" Is A Part Of Coping with Grief
You’ll likely receive numerous invitations to holiday gatherings. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to decline. If you do attend, plan an exit strategy. Knowing you have the option to leave can make staying more manageable.
Laughter Amidst Tears
Grief can be overwhelming, but it’s okay to find humor in life’s absurdities. Laugh at silly holiday movies, quirky sweaters, and even your emotional ups and downs. Joy amidst sorrow is not disrespectful – it’s human.
Reach Out To Loved ones
Don’t hesitate to lean on friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your loved one or your feelings can be incredibly cathartic. It’s like releasing pressure gradually to avoid an emotional explosion.
Coping with Grief?
Our Online Grief Counselor Can Help
Final Thoughts on
Coping with Grief & Loving Yourself Through It All
Grieving during the holidays can feel like an unwelcome, lingering guest. Yet, it’s also a reflection of the deep love and connections you’ve experienced. Honor your emotions, practice self-care, and remember it’s okay to experience a mix of sadness and happiness. You’re not alone in this journey. May this holiday season bring you moments of peace and comfort.
Coping with grief during the holidays is a deeply personal experience. Remember, it’s okay to seek professional help if you find yourself struggling. Your mental health is important, and support is available.
Here’s to finding your way through this season with grace, love and self-compassion.
FAQs about Online Therapy at
Mind by Design in New Jersey
Where are you located? I need a therapist near me
We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page might answer your questions about your insurance information, cost and OON coverage.
What are out-of-network benefits?
Visits our FAQ About Insurance to learn more about OON coverage for mental health services. We can also check your benefits for you. When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement.
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
- Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
- Your therapist respects boundaries
- You’re moving towards your goals
- You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life - Your self-esteem is getting better
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.