The Idea of the Week
When we come up against grief, we may think that grief is this heavy ball that we have to push through or find our way around it. We may tend to think that grief is something we have to learn to move on from no matter how heavy it is or how it tries to pull us back. But, in this 15-minute video, Nora McIrnerny encourages us to shift our approach to grief: We don’t “move on” from grief. We move forward with it.
❝And when I talk about Aaron, I slip so easily into the present tense, and I’ve always thought that made me weird. And then I noticed that everybody does it. And it’s not because we are in denial or because we’re forgetful, it’s because
the people we love, who we’ve lost,
are still so present for us.❞
—Nora McIrnerny, TED
The Practice of the Week
As we carry our grief forward through the holidays, we must also be mindful of our own capacity for the holidays, the events, and even the everyday life activities. Some events may take more energy than they usually do, or we may not have the physical, emotional, or mental capacity to carry through with activities or traditions. So, let’s look at the ways we can incorporate self-care practices into our day.
This 5-minute article shares 9-self care Tips for Grief and includes a FREE Grief Sensitive Holiday Planner worksheet.
- Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace.
- Check in with your physical health, too.
- Practice sleep hygiene.
- Eat healthy and stay hydrated!
- Breathe mindfully.
- Move your body.
- Connect with others.
- Express and create.
- Meditate.
Another important self-care practice is to Set Expectations and Boundaries During the Holidays. In an eleven-minute video, Kati Morton provides tools and communication strategies that will help you manage expectations and boundaries with your family and loved ones.
How do you help a grieving friend? We often think the way to help someone in grief is to help them move on from it and to take on the job of cheering them up. But this short 4-minute video shares one way to support your grieving loved one: acknowledge the pain.
When we help our loved ones, we can struggle with words. What are you supposed to say to support your loved one in grief? In this 11-minute video, Kati Morton shares 7 things NOT to say to someone who is grieving and what to say instead.
Thank you for sticking with us for our grief during the holidays newsletter series. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook and Instagram page!
News of the Week
A friend and colleague wrote a great book for teens and parents of teens! Karen Conlon, LCSW asked us to pass this on and we can recommend it wholeheartedly!
🎉IT’S FINALLY HERE
AND YOU’RE INVITED!
📕 “The Teenager’s Guide to Adulting Skills and Life Hacks: Learn the Practical, Social and Communications Skills That Will Help Boost Your Self-Confidence, Manage Emotions and Increase Independence.”
♥️ One of my favorite things about this journey is having had my own teen daughter be a part of this project. She was both my most fervent critic and supporter, as she acknowledged that this is a book she “would actually read.”
While this book was written with teens in mind and speaks to them, I encourage any parent or adult who has a teen in their lives to check it out.
It is my pleasure to invite you to become a Pre-launch Reader/Reviewer and receive the book for 💯 FREE! In exchange, I only ask that you provide an honest review when the book launches on Amazon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ around December 15th (I will send out a reminder).
Click on the link below to fill out a very short form and immediately download your PDF Advanced Reader Copy!
Creative Tarot Workshop
Embark on a journey of connection and discovery in this 2-hour workshop! Immerse yourself in a sense of community, delve into the rich history of tarot, and craft a personalized tarot power card to take home—your source of ongoing inspiration, guidance through a current issue, or to expand your life exploration!
February 11, 2024
12-2pm
Cost: $55
Located at Breathing Space Psychotherapy, 3455 Erieville Road
Erieville, NY
Paint & Process
Young Adult Support Group
for Ages 18-24
Art-making is often therapeutic and a wonderful way to relax and process the events going on in your life. Join Melissa, LCAT, LMHC, and Kayla, MHC-LP, for this young adult support group and chat while you create art.
Meg Tobin, LMHC is now an End of Life Doula!
End-of-life doulas provide emotional and physical support, education about the dying process, preparation for what’s to come, and guidance while grieving. Though Meg is not doing traditional doula work, she will work with end-of-life clients and their families utilizing ketamine.
DID YOU KNOW?
OVS may be able to help if you have unreimbursed crime-related expenses, such as medical bills, counseling costs, and funeral expenses, or assist with loss of earnings or support. They can help pay for therapy for crime victims, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy!
Another Upcoming Retreat
Unlocking Your Mind:
A Journey to Self-Discovery
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Retreat
Two Ketamine Journeys—lots of deep dives into experiential therapy incorporating meditation, writing, art making, yoga, and other body-centered modalities. Step away from the stressors of daily life and fully immerse yourself in the therapeutic process. We will use Ketamine and experiential therapy to break through the stuck places to find more freedom, pace, and motivation!
Zoom Preparation Session: Thursday, January 25th from 6-8 pm.
In-person: Thursday, February 1st from 4-9 pm.
In-person: Friday, February 2nd from 8:30 am-8 pm.
In-person: Saturday, February 3rd from 9 am-5 pm.
In-person: Sunday, February 4th from 8am to 9am.
Zoom Integration Session: Thursday, February 8th from 6-8 pm.
You may be able to finance the retreat. Use the QR Code below to see if you prequalify!
Are you ready to elevate your team’s well-being?
Breathing Space Psychotherapy can offer your company a partnership to provide personalized support for every member of your company. Our counseling team offers confidential and expert guidance to help navigate both personal and professional challenges.
Are you ready? Contact Jackie at [email protected] to explore tailored solutions for your team. Together, we’ll create a support contract that reflects our commitment to a healthier, more resilient, and thriving workplace.
The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
