The holidays are upon us!

Norman Rockwell families are shown constantly but our own families may be quite different...

Here are some quick ways to start to look at unrealistic, hurtful or extreme family expectations you may have about the holidays. You will feel less stress if you manage these expectations.

1) Examine your holiday expectations by writing them out---both thoughts and feelings. Look at your expectations of yourself, others and the ones you believe they have about you. Acknowledge and accept your expectations without expecting others to agree or approve. Then you can begin to adjust them. Too negative expectation are hurtful too. Look at my article "Holiday Expectations" for more details.
2) Try not to think in "all or nothing" terms during the holidays about any new behaviors or communication you experience. Let others have their feelings and thoughts as well.
3) Call or email if you have depression, anxiety, and/or substance abuse issues. These make you at risk for deepening depression and can be treated successfully.

Barbara Massey LMFT

ParkPlace Counseling Center

541-245-9610 ext. 3

bmasseypcc@hotmail.com