from the Couch

The holidays can stir up loneliness, grief, and quiet pressure to “be joyful.” In this week’s Notes from the Couch, we explore the layers of grief — not just loss through death — and how small joys can bring steadiness in an unsteady season.

 The holidays can bring love and connection — and also guilt, tension, and pressure to “just go along.” Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about protecting your peace. You get to decide who and what gets a seat at your table.

This season can bring both joy and heaviness — gratitude mixed with grief, connection alongside loneliness. You don’t have to wait until life feels polished to reach out for help. Therapy isn’t for the “put-together” version of you — it’s for the human one.