How do we navigate family gatherings and conversations after such a divisive year? This is the question I’ve been asking myself—and it turns out, so have many of you. That’s why I invited therapist Miranda Barker to share her expert advice on handling tricky dynamics this holiday season. We talk about everything from setting boundaries and managing political tension to embracing joy and self-care. Miranda even lays out a four-step game plan you can customize to feel confident and prepared. Trust me, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Topics covered:

• How to navigate challenging family dynamics during the holiday season.
• Setting boundaries to protect personal well-being.
• Managing the added stress of political polarization.
• Using humor and creativity as tools for mental health care.
• Developing a personalized four-step game plan for holiday survival.
• Approaching difficult conversations with empathy and mindfulness.
• Strategies to defuse heated discussions and maintain positive relationships.
• Insights into maintaining personal integrity while managing disagreements.

Here are some actions you can take whether you have 5 minutes or 50:

• If you have 5 minutes, read this article called “How to Handle Holiday Politics with Grace: A Survival Guide.” 
  • https://rosemaryravinal.com/how-to-handle-holiday-politics-with-grace-a-survival-guide/
• If you have 50 minutes, read through the 4-step plan we outlined in the episode and make your own game plan for the holiday season. As a reminder, the steps were:
  • #1: Set realistic expectations
  • #2: Establish boundaries
  • #3: Take care of yourself
  • #4: Embrace mindfulness and gratitude

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Connect with Miranda!
Ellie Mental Health: https://elliementalhealth.com/
Listen to Therapist Thrival Guide podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/therapist-thrival-guide
Watch Therapist Thrival Guide show: https://www.youtube.com/@therapistTHRIVALguide
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-barker-msw-licsw/

Helpful resources Miranda has written:

• How to cope with political anxiety
• Surviving the holidays and dealin

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• Email us at [email protected]

Until next time, muah!

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