As we enter the holiday season, many of us feel a complex combination of emotions that can overwhelm and affect our relationships. Anxious and depressed feelings can occur as a result of the thoughts about family gatherings, increased workloads, and the hustle to find that perfect gift for someone dear to us. These challenges are common to many of today’s couples and can cause considerable discomfort which manifests itself in an increase in fighting and even poor physical health. The therapists at Texas Relationship Therapy are highly trained to help those experiencing distress individually and in their relationships.
For our GLBTQ clients, we understand that holidays can be particularly stressful due to the relationship’s “out” status and acceptance of this status by others, including family. GLBTQ couples have varying degrees of being out and these differences can cause a high level of disturbance in the relationship between partners and family members. In addition, the overwhelmingly bitter election has left many in the GLBTQ community feeling disillusioned and defeated. Visiting with family members who have differing political views can feel especially antagonistic. Have you worked out with your partner or significant other how you as a couple will work together to face these challenges? If you are not currently in a relationship, do you have a support system that can help you if you are struggling with problems stemming from the election?
I look forward to hearing about these challenges and working closely with you to come up with strategies that will help lessen the negative impact that can occur if the problem is just ignored. We can create a safe space to confront issues and come up with coping skills that can make this time of year a little more comfortable and perhaps even merry.
