Holiday Therapy - Enjoying the Small Things

This post is sponsored by Talkspace.

By far, one of the best decisions I made in 2019 was getting our butts into therapy. I wrote about it earlier this year–and yes, we still go–but I cannot stress enough how helpful therapy has been for our family. We started therapy not because there was any sort of crisis, but because I believe in dedicating time and effort to taking the very best care of our mental and emotional health as much (if not more!) as we dedicate time and effort to taking care of our physical health.

I don’t go the gym or seek support for my physical health because there’s some sort of problem–I do it for maintenance and because it feels so good to actively pursue the best version of myself. The same holds true for therapy. It’s like a gym for your emotions! Tools, guidance, constructive questions from trained professionals who help us uncover the things that need to be uncovered and push us forward in our relationships–we are so much better communicators with therapy!

Therapy is, indeed, a gift we’ve given ourselves–one for which we’ve budgeted and created time, space and vulnerability. But it’s also a gift we give those we love because they benefit from our commitment to healthy relationships. In this season’s gift-giving theme, I can’t think of a better gift than therapy, especially during a time of year when emotions are high and the pains of our past seem to rise to the surface. Therapy appointments can be a challenge for many though as they require time, money, commitment and often an hour off work every time you go. Have you heard of Talkspace? I had heard of the app through ads on some of my favorite podcasts, was interested in how it worked and recently had the chance to try it. Talkspace is an online therapy platform, making licensed therapy more accessible to more people in ways that fit their lifestyle. Users receive confidential support of a licensed therapist through a user-friendly and HIPAA-compliant app. It’s affordable, convenient and provides support for mental and emotional health when you need it (and let’s face it–we all need it, all of the time!).

Once I signed up, after a short introduction, a therapist “manager” asked me some questions to find the best therapist fit for me. I was given several choices of therapists including their background, experience and professional certifications. I went through two rounds of therapist selections until I chose the therapist I felt best fit my needs, and she’s been wonderful. We still see our regular marriage therapist, but I wanted a little personal emotional support through the holidays to help me balance my sentimental heart with intellect and some smart tools to help me stay present and moving forward.

Talkspace gives lots of options for communication with your therapist. You can send voice memos, set up video chats and send messages through the app.

Here’s the great thing–if you’re traveling over the holidays and headed into emotional land mines, staying with family in high energy situations, on the road while you carry some pretty heavy stuff–Talkspace is there for you, and you can take it with you. The most important thing you can do for yourself while you think of everyone else this holiday is to protect your mental health.

I am so grateful for the growth our family has made this year with therapy. As many self help books I’ve read, podcasts I’ve listened to and smart friends who have guided me along the years; there’s nothing like the support from professional therapists who’ve been trained in supporting mental and emotional health.