Guest: Abigail Malit, LAC – Licensed therapist at Tree of Life Counseling Center, specializing in working with individuals, couples, and families in long-term recovery from substance use.

Topics Covered:

• Holiday Stressors in Recovery: Common triggers like social pressure, family dynamics, loneliness, and financial strain.
• Mental Health Challenges: How heightened emotions and societal expectations during the holidays can impact mental well-being, particularly for those in recovery.
• Setting Boundaries: Tips for declining invitations or setting limits at events that may be too triggering.
• Strategies for Sobriety:
  • Bring a sober buddy to social gatherings for support.
  • Plan an exit strategy to leave if a situation becomes overwhelming.
  • Create new traditions that support a sober lifestyle, like volunteering or spending time with a supportive community.
• Self-Care Practices: Maintaining routines that help reduce stress, like meditation, exercise, and other wellness activities.

Building a Support Network:

• Connecting with support groups can strengthen recovery and offer understanding peers. Recommended organizations include:
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Narcotics Anonymous
  • SMART Recovery
  • Refuge Recovery
  • National Helpline

Professional Support: If holiday stress feels unmanageable, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for additional support.

About Tree of Life Counseling Center:

• Located in Princeton and Freehold, NJ, Tree of Life Counseling Center offers care from 50+ clinicians. Visit treeoflifecc.org/start-today or call 732-393-8391 for more information.

Key Topics:

- The impact of holiday expectations on mental health

- Tips for prioritizing self-care during the holidays

- Coping strategies for loneliness, including volunteering and virtual gatherings

- Managing financial stress and gift-giving pressures

- Navigating challenging family dynamics and setting boundaries

Join us as we explore how to cultivate mental well-being during this complex time of year. If you or someone you know is struggling, it may be time to reach out for professional support.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

5:45 Holidays as a Child vs. Holidays as an Adult

7:20 Event Planning & Family Dynamics

14:53 Gift-Giving Expectations

17:44 Body Image & The Holidays

22:40 Practical Therapeutic Tips

30:49 LGBT+ Individuals and Family Dynamics

37:19 Conclusion

Guest: Shaina Davis, LCSW, LCADC, ACS, Clinical Director at Tree of Life Counseling Center

Topics Covered:

• Overview of maternal mental health, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety.
• Practical strategies for new mothers, such as self-care, building a support system, and setting realistic expectations.
• Discussion on the viral TikTok by @nursehannahbh, which highlighted the struggles of postpartum life and sparked both criticism and support online.
• The impact of societal expectations on new moms and the importance of empathy.
• When to seek professional help during pregnancy and postpartum.

👉 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:03 Welcome Shaina Davis, LCSW

05:41 The Pressure to “Do It All”

09:07 Practical Strategies for Overwhelmed Parents

11:54 Parental Guilt and Building a Support System

17:53 Balancing Competing Priorities (Work, Family, etc.)

22:03 Workplace Accommodations for New Parents

27:48 How Therapy Can Help New Parents

29:30 Defining your Own Identity

32:07 Listener Call-In

38:17 Conclusion

🌳 Tree of Life Counseling Center

• Serving Princeton and Freehold, NJ
• Offering mental health support with over 50 experienced clinicians
• Schedule an appointment at treeoflifecc.org or call 732-393-8391