Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays: A Guide for Therapists

by Dr. Denise Renye

For therapists, the holiday season and winter months can be both rewarding and challenging. On one hand, many clients, patients and students we work with are in heightened need of support, facing grief, loneliness, family stress, and seasonal affective changes. On the other hand, clinicians often find themselves stretched thin, juggling heavier caseloads while navigating the emotional weight of the season in their own lives.

This is a time when self-care is not just a luxury. Just as we encourage the folx we work with to set boundaries and prioritize their wellbeing, we too must model and practice these strategies for ourselves.

Why this season can be especially taxing for clinicians
The holidays often bring an increase in sessions, crisis calls, and emotionally intense work. Clients may be confronting unresolved family issues, grief, or the pressures of social expectations. The therapist’s role in holding space for this can be deeply fulfilling but it can also lead to emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, or burnout if we are not attentive to our own needs.

Strategies for mindful self-care during the holidays

1. Set clear boundaries
   Decide in advance what your availability will look like and communicate it to clients. Protecting time off, even just small breaks, helps you recharge and maintain your presence in session. If you are traveling for the holidays, set your schedule in advance and give plenty of notice to those you work with. Clear boundaries around your time also reduce stress and help clients feel secure knowing when you are and are not available.

2. Prioritize restorative practices
   Activities such as yoga, meditation, mindful walking, or journaling can be grounding. Even a few minutes daily can make a difference in regulating stress and maintaining emotional balance. These practices help you stay present and attuned to your own needs, which is essential when holding space for others. Over time, consistent self-care strengthens resilience and supports a deeper sense of calm and clarity in both your personal and professional life.

3. Stay connected to your support system
   Therapists often carry the emotional weight of others, which can feel isolating. Regular check-ins with colleagues, mentors, or supervisors provide perspective, validation, and relief. And letting your friends and partner(s) know that you may in need of extra tender, love, and care. Don’t be shy to ask for what you need from loved ones who you can rely on to show up for you.

4. Nourish your body and mind
   Sleep, nutrition, and gentle movement are foundational. During this season, it can be easy to skip meals or overeat, cut sleep short, or overcommit. Treating your body with care sustains your energy and focus. Paying attention to these basic needs also helps regulate mood, manage stress, and maintain resilience in the face of increased demands. Prioritizing these essentials allows you to show up more fully and compassionately for both yourself and your clients.

5. Engage in reflective or creative outlets
   Art, music, writing, or other creative pursuits provide emotional release and replenishment. They also remind us of the joy and meaning outside of clinical work. Engaging in creativity can help process emotions that build up during intense clinical work and offer a sense of play and curiosity. Making time for these activities regularly strengthens emotional resilience and supports overall well-being.

6. Practice self-compassion
   Remind yourself that it is okay to feel tired, overwhelmed, or emotional. Acknowledge your own needs without judgment, just as you do for your clients. Giving yourself permission to experience these feelings allows you to respond to them with compassion rather than suppression or self-criticism. This practice of self-compassion strengthens your capacity to hold space for others while protecting your own well-being.

The holiday season does not have to be a source of stress. It can also be an opportunity to practice what we teach: presence, self-awareness, and compassion. By caring for ourselves, we not only protect our own wellbeing but also show up more fully and authentically for the people who depend on us. Taking intentional moments to pause and reflect throughout the season helps maintain balance and perspective. Engaging in small (medium or large) rituals or routines that bring comfort and joy can provide stability amid the busyness. Remembering that self-care is not selfish but necessary reinforces our ability to be effective and present clinicians.

This season, intentionally slow down, notice your limits, and honor your needs. Even small, consistent acts of self-care create resilience. When we model these practices, we reinforce the importance of self-compassion for our clients and for ourselves. Taking time to check in with yourself regularly helps you recognize when you need rest or support. By prioritizing your wellbeing, you maintain the clarity, energy, and presence needed to provide effective care throughout the season.

If you are a clinician seeking guidance or support in managing seasonal stress, burnout, or complex cases, consider reaching out for clinical consultation. Support and perspective are available so you can continue to show up fully for your clients while caring for yourself.