Dear Readers,
As therapists, we often remind others to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what matters. But in my own life, especially during the busyness of the holiday season, I realized I needed to take that same advice. I made a conscious choice to pause my weekly writing, step back from posting, and allow myself to be fully present with the people I love.
What I found in that pause was something I return to again and again, gratitude.
And in that stillness, something shifted.
Welcome to this installment of From the Therapist’s Chair, where I share a more personal reflection on presence, self-compassion, and why honoring our own pace is part of the healing journey too.
During Thanksgiving week, I stepped away from posting, writing, and content creation. It wasn’t planned in advance, it was intentional in the moment. I wanted to be grounded in real-time connection, not multitasking my way through family moments or mentally drafting articles in the back of my mind.
The decision felt relieving. Calming. Necessary.
As therapists, we hold space every day for others. But holding space for ourselves is just as important. This break allowed me to do that to slow down and actually feel the gratitude I talk about so often with clients.
My very first tattoo is the word grateful inked into my skin as a reminder to notice and appreciate what’s right in front of me.
This past week, it felt like that word was speaking louder than usual.
Not as a nice idea… but as a gentle nudge back toward presence.
Gratitude is more than an emotion. It’s a practice.
And sometimes the most important practice is stepping away long enough to reconnect with it.
Creating weekly “Ask the Therapist” articles has been deeply fulfilling but it’s also been mentally and emotionally demanding. Writing takes emotional energy, introspection, and time to craft content that is genuine and thoughtful.
Here’s what I realized in the pause:
- Wellbeing supports creativity.
When I slow down, my work becomes richer, deeper, and more aligned with my purpose. - Gratitude grows in stillness.
Presence allows joy, appreciation, and meaning to flourish. - Self-preservation is essential for therapists.
We can’t model boundaries or self-care if we don’t practice them ourselves. - Consistency shouldn’t mean overextension.
Moving “Ask the Therapist” to a bi-weekly or monthly cadence allows me to write from a place of authenticity rather than obligation.
This shift isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing what I love in a sustainable and compassionate way.
As we move further into the holiday season, a time that brings both joy and emotional pressure, I’m leaning into slower rhythms, deeper gratitude, and intentional self-care.
And I encourage you to do the same.
Your wellbeing matters. Your pace matters. You’re allowed to honor both.
Thank you for reading, for supporting this space, and for growing with me.
I’m truly grateful.
This column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Reading this does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you are struggling with anxiety or another mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area for support. If you are in crisis or thinking of harming yourself, please call 988 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room.