Holidays don’t always arrive with the feelings we expect. Sometimes they bring grief, complicated family dynamics, a sense of disconnection, or a quiet ache that’s hard to name. This extended Notes from the Couch explores what it means to honor those shifts — to let yourself notice what steadies you, to try something new, and to redefine what this holiday can look like for you.

If this season feels heavier than you anticipated, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Whether it’s reaching out to me or any mental health professional you trust, support is always an option — especially when the load feels too heavy to carry alone.