In this bonus holiday episode, Abbey & Bethany discuss what to consider for those who are facing the holiday season while carrying grief. Grief can be brought on by many different circumstances, but it often has a similar impact on the brain and body, no matter the specific circumstances. The holidays can be extra hard for those walking through grief. Listen to learn more about this perspective and consider how to support yourself or loved ones during this season. 

In this special holiday episode, Bethany & Abbey discuss various up's and down's and complexities that come with the holiday season: feeling rushed, boundaries with family, new traditions and rhythms, and more! 

In many Christian circles, the topic of Mental Health alone can be trepidatious. Going to therapy? Even more scary! Listen as Abbey and Bethany explore how they view therapy as Christians, and be encouraged how this incredible tool may be used to strengthen one's relationship with God.

Clarifying Notes: 

*When discussing Saul, it is Samuel's ghost that he attempts to call through the Medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28:3-24).

*The Medical condition that Jesus may have experienced is called Hematohidrosis: a rare condition in which an individual sweats blood due to suffering extreme levels of stress. It should be noted that most modern translations of the Bible state that Jesus' sweat "was like drops of blood," which may indicate sweating heavily. Either way, it is clear from the text that Jesus was experiencing high distress. (Luke 22:39-44)

*Proverbs 11:14- "Where there is no guidance, a people falls; but in a multitude of counselors there is safety."

Abbey and Bethany dive into the different types of therapy that prospective clients are commonly seeking. 

About EMDR link:https://www.emdria.org/

Bethany and Abbey discuss the pillars, and the variables, associated with the change process, and what one could expect regarding personal change and growth in therapy. 

The therapeutic relationship is a unique experience. Join Abbey and Bethany as they discuss the common, and sometimes unexpected, aspects of the therapeutic dynamic. 

Resources mentioned: 

-"Daring Greatly," by Brene Brown. 

-"Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life," by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend.

Abbey & Bethany discuss common assumptions, questions, and myths about therapy. What constitutes a "need" for therapy? Can I just rely on my spouse for emotional support? Is there a certain type of counselor that is the best fit? These common questions and more will be answered!

Resource mentioned: Dr. Curt Thompson

In this episode, Abbey & Bethany introduce the concept of coping skills: what they are, their purpose, and how to implement them into your daily life. Rather than seeing coping skills as another thing to add to one's to-do list, they can be creative and personalized. Tune is as we break down the most common and accessible coping strategies!

Resources mentioned:

"Atomic Habits," by James Clear

Information on Sleep

Join Abbey & Bethany as they introduce the concept of emotions. What are emotions? How do they show up in our daily life? Does everyone experience them the same way? Along with identify, we also begin the discussion on processing our emotions.

Feelings Wheel

Get to know the podcast hosts, Abbey and Bethany, as they share more about who they are, what they believe, and the "why" behind The Altogether Well Podcast.