Although the Institute is on hiatus until the beginning of March, it's a pleasure to stay connected to you through our newsletter.  I hope the holidays have been joyful for all of you.  Sadly, I have witnessed the stress that so many of my clients feel as they struggle to balance the pressure of gift giving with limited finances, and the obligations of family time with the emotional strain of overexposure to dysfunctional relatives. What should be such a special and spiritual time of year is often wrought with anxiety, guilt, exhaustion, depression, loneliness, or anger.  Our clients need extra support and comfort during the holiday season, and their therapeutic relationship with us can be especially meaningful and healing this time of year.

As we begin the New Year, it is a wonderful opportunity for all of us-clients and clinicians alike-to reconnect with and clarify our values and priorities, focusing on what's really important in our lives. I believe this includes: a connection and closeness to healthy, safe, loving people; a commitment to make meaningful contributions to our communities; an increased emphasis on self-compassion and self-care; an obligation to advocate for those in need; a conscious awareness of being kind to others; and a willingness to continue in our self-actualizing journey through creative, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive growth.  In that spirit, this month's newsletter will focus on how to embrace our New Year's resolutions with optimism and success.