Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays: The Role of Individual Counseling

Loneliness during the holidays is a common experience, and individual counseling is here to provide the understanding and support you need. If you find yourself feeling lonely amidst the end-of-year holiday rush, know that you’re not alone. It can be a challenging time, especially when dealing with mental health issues. Take Charge Inc. offers individual counseling sessions to help guide you through these difficult times and assure you that your feelings are valid and manageable.

Individual counseling is a process where a trained therapist or counselor works one-on-one with clients to help them explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Individual counseling can be a valuable tool for coping with loneliness during the holidays, a time that often amplifies feelings of isolation for many people. Did you know that half of all people report feelings of loneliness and isolation most of the time? Loneliness can be categorized in two ways: situational or internal. Situational loneliness is typically when environmental or social factors increase social isolation; internal, however, is when an individual recognizes disconnection. Being lonely can increase mental health concerns and sometimes even cause physical illnesses.

People may feel lonely during the holidays for various reasons, often rooted in emotional, social, or situational factors. Media and societal norms frequently portray the holidays as a time of happiness, family, and abundance. When someone’s reality doesn’t match this ideal, they may feel inadequate or alone. The holidays can also trigger grief for people who have lost loved ones, as the season often involves traditions and memories tied to those who have passed away. In these times, it’s essential to have a support system and utilize individual counseling to help. Here are some ways individual counseling can help during the holidays:

• Providing Emotional Support – Counseling offers a nonjudgmental environment where clients can openly discuss their feelings of loneliness and holiday-related struggles. A therapist can validate those feelings, helping clients understand that their emotions are normal and manageable.
• Identifying Underlying Causes – Therapists play a crucial role in helping clients identify the root causes of their loneliness, such as unresolved grief, family estrangement, or unmet expectations during the holidays. By understanding these triggers, clients can work on strategies to address them, whether through communication, forgiveness, or self-reflection. This process empowers clients, giving them a sense of control over their emotions and experiences.
• Reframing Negative Thoughts – Therapists can help clients identify and reframe negative thoughts that exacerbate loneliness, such as “Everyone else is happy except me.” Counselors guide clients in focusing on what they have rather than what they lack, encouraging a gratitude mindset.
• Developing Coping Strategies – Counselors can help clients create a daily routine that includes self-care, physical activity, and mindfulness practices to reduce feelings of isolation. Clients can learn techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to cope with holiday stress and sadness.
• Addressing Grief and Loss – For those experiencing loneliness due to the loss of a loved one, counseling provides a space to process grief and honor their memories. Therapists can guide clients in creating meaningful new holiday traditions to help fill the void left by loss.
• Enhancing Self-Compassion – Therapists encourage clients to treat themselves kindly and reduce self-criticism, particularly when loneliness overwhelms them. This emphasis on self-compassion can make clients feel more supported and less alone in their struggles.
• Setting Realistic Expectations – Therapists help clients set realistic expectations for the holidays, avoiding the pressure to conform to societal ideals of the season. Clients can explore what the holidays mean to them personally and create celebrations that align with their values and preferences.

Individual counseling provides a supportive framework for navigating the complexities of loneliness during the holidays. By addressing emotional, psychological, and practical aspects, therapy empowers individuals to cope with their feelings, foster meaningful connections, and find joy and purpose in the season—on their own terms.

At Take Charge, Inc., we offer a range of individual counseling services to help you cope with loneliness during the holidays. Terri Dichiser, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas and Missouri, provides counseling both in person and through teletherapy for clients throughout the Kansas City metro area, including but not limited to Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Leawood, Lenexa, and beyond. Knowing that you are not alone is essential, and getting the help you need to cope with loneliness is one of the most valuable self-care opportunities you can give yourself, especially during the holidays. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Take Charge or call (913) 239-8255.