Family: Friend or Foe?
A Free Zoom on December 15th at 11:00am PST
We see them everywhere this time of year. Idyllic holiday scenes in movies, television, advertising and social media… Beautiful visions of family togetherness…. Baking cookies, shopping, laughing, holding hands, sitting around a dinner table, acts of gifting and generosity, kind gestures, warm smiles, loving moments and cooperating for a greater good…
These whimsical depictions feature families that exude peace, grace, joy, and unconditional love, support and caring for each other. It’s blissful, perfect and wonderful…but is it real?
Is your family like these fantastical depictions?
Or do you actually fill with dread at the mere prospect of being with your family? Are you already plotting your coping strategies for “getting through” the holidays?
As a licensed clinical psychologist and empowerment coach who is an expert in the field of addiction and trauma...
I see people every day who are not exactly “looking forward” to the holidays with family. Or if they do, they are often sadly disappointed with the actual results. They walk away from interactions with family with less joy, hope, and promise. They are often frustrated, angry, and upset when even considering long stretches of forced “family time.”
They feel judged, diminished, and unhappy around family, often feeling just like they did when they were young, with the same unhealthy dynamics and interactions, and ongoing fears and resentments. Their families are often pressure cookers of criticism, feuding, and distress in which viewpoints and personalities collide in total discomfort. Instead of being the star in their own quaint holiday stories…they are running for cover in holiday horror films!
I know that this can be tough time of year, folks. Especially when you are comparing yourself (and your family!) to these perfect images of what could or should be…
Join us for this Free Zoom!
December 15 at 11:00am PST!
What tips, tools and techniques are available to have some ease…
Possibly a bit more joy…and maybe even little fun with family
this holiday season and beyond?
What would truly make all of this easier for YOU?
What if true caring is allowing yourself and your family to be just as they are
without having to change them in any way? Wouldn’t that be a lot more fun?
