How to Schedule Therapy During the Holidays
Why It Feels So Challenging to Prioritize Therapy Right Now…
At Williamson & Associates Counselling in Alberta, we understand between your travel plans, shopping, work deadlines, social events, family gatherings, cooking, handling the kids, and your therapist’s schedule (after all, therapists have holiday commitments, too), making time for your trauma therapy, individual therapy, couples counselling or family therapy appointments can be difficult. You might be glad for a little break while you or your therapist is off. Or you might find taking a break disruptive, as you look forward to the self-care, support and progress from your sessions- especially during this time of year where nearly 50 percent of Canadians say the holidays make them feel stressed. To prepare for a busy holiday season, it's essential to organize your appointments in a way that supports your continuity of healing and aligns with yours and your therapist’s schedule.
…Even Though We May Need Therapy Even More During the Holidays
The weight of past trauma, challenging family or relationship dynamics, unresolved conflicts, or grief may feel more intense during this time. You might find yourself snapping at your partner and children more often or feeling the urge to shut down and withdraw more than usual. Maybe the holidays bring painful memories of trauma you haven’t processed completely, but you might feel unsure how to make the time for therapy.
You might feel more anxious and stressed out than usual, finding it challenging to focus and enjoy the time with your loved ones. Memories of past holidays spent with a loved one who has passed away can make it incredibly difficult to face the holiday traditions and join in the festivities, as the absence of those you’ve lost feels especially heavy during this time.
What to Consider When Deciding Whether To Schedule Therapy During the Holidays in Alberta
The holidays can be a challenging time for many, with stressors like family dynamics, financial concerns, and the pressure to manage various obligations. For clients, especially college students juggling finals, couples in distress, families in conflict or individuals in trauma therapy, maintaining therapy appointments during this period can be important. For others, another appointment may add more stress. However, deciding whether to keep appointments should be a thoughtful process.
Your stage in your therapy process
Consider your stage in the therapy process. Evidence-based practices such as trauma therapy (EMDR, ART), and emotionally focused therapy for individuals (EFIT), couples (EFCT), and families (EFFT) often benefit from consistent weekly sessions to sustain progress. Disruptions to healing can occur if trauma is brought up but not followed up in subsequent weeks. Skipping a week of couples therapy can disrupt progress for couples in distress. On the flip side, some individuals may have reached a point where a brief break makes sense after intensive therapeutic work. It is key for this decision to align with your progress and mutual understanding between you and your therapist.
Pros and Cons Of Keeping An Appointment In Your Schedule
While the holiday season may feel overwhelming, dedicating an hour each week to self-care might be exactly what's needed. Reflect on the holiday connotations for you – whether it brings support or stress – and discuss with your therapist how it could impact your time together. We will likely be checking in with these feelings anyways. Let’s talk through how you would like it to influence our time together!
Your Therapist’s Schedule Around The Holidays
Therapists, like clients, have varied feelings and concerns during this time. Some may maintain a regular schedule, while others take extra days off. Open communication with your therapist is essential to align your needs with their availability during the holiday season.
Your Financial Investments in Yourself and Others
As a private pay practice, we are never ignorant to how paying for therapy out of pocket can feel hard in seasons of added financial stress. Let’s talk about how continuing to invest in yourself can work in a season of giving back to others as well. Please think through the considerations above before putting your mental health on the back burner this holiday season!
Traveling Outside the Province of Alberta
Lastly, and legally, make sure you are communicating with your therapist if you are travelling outside the province of Alberta. Our clinical licenses only allow us to see individuals, couples and families that are physically located in the province of Alberta. Some therapists may have a license in your province of travel as well but this is rare. You are always welcome to reach out via email while you are out of state but we caution that there are confidentiality risks that come with electronic communication. It may also take extra time to receive a response from your therapist depending on their own schedule during the holidays. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the hotline at 988 or visit the nearest emergency room.
We highly encourage you to start talking to your therapist about these considerations now if you haven’t already! We understand the numerous reasons your schedule may be different during this season and we would love to talk through the options with you!
Practical Tips for Scheduling Therapy in Olds, Alberta During the Holidays
Scheduling appointments with your therapist at Williamson & Associates Counselling in Olds, Alberta, takes proactive work on your part.
Plan Ahead.
Book therapy appointments early to avoid the last-minute holiday rush and accommodate vacations or travel plans.
Prioritize your sessions.
Schedule therapy on your calendar just like you would a family dinner or work event. If you go to couples or family therapy, make sure to accommodate everyone’s schedules.
Discuss it with your therapist.
Your therapist will likely have a holiday schedule as well, so discuss setting up your appointments at a mutually convenient time. Check if there is a backup therapist you can contact if needed while your therapist is on vacation.
Switch to online therapy.
Online therapy in Alberta is a great way to avoid the hassle of rushing around between shopping, work events, family gatherings, and your therapist's office. Plus, you won’t have to dread getting stuck in holiday traffic!
Williamson & Associates Counselling assists people all over Alberta by offering therapy to individuals (EFIT), couples (EFCT), teens, and families (EFFT), and trauma therapy, no matter where they are in the province or how packed their holiday schedules might be. Therapy can be a steady anchor during this busy, emotionally charged time, helping you find moments of calm and connection amidst the seasonal buzz without needing to leave your home.
When Therapy is Not Available: Leaning Into Friends and Family
If your usual therapy session isn’t possible due to the holidays, consider arranging to spend time with trusted friends or family members instead. Whether it’s a walk, a cup of coffee, or sitting quietly in their company, being around loved ones during moments you’d usually reserve for therapy can provide a sense of stability and support. While this might not replace your weekly sessions with the therapist, it can provide comfort and remind you that you’re not alone.
Nurturing Your Well-Being During Holidays with Therapy in Alberta
Focusing on your well-being is one of the most loving things you can do this season. Remember that the holidays are not about perfection but about connection, and that includes connecting with yourself.
Williamson & Associates offers compassionate therapy to individuals, couples, teens, and families in Olds and virtually across Alberta, giving our clients the space to feel supported, connected, and grounded.
Take the first step toward prioritizing your well-being this holiday season—reach out to schedule a session today.