handling the holidays boundary guide

The holidays are upon us!

Everything imaginable is flavored with pumpkin, the stores are playing Christmas music, the decorations are up… And you’re filled with anxiety and dread. Instead of just surviving the holidays this year, learn to enjoy them with your sanity and humor intact!


Fun autumn activities such as baking for self-care #selfcare #fall #autumn

Does the thought of spending the holidays with your family make you anxious and full of dread?

Perhaps there’s a pit in your stomach or you’re exhausted due to worrying, overthinking, headaches, or back pain.

Toxic family members can suck the joy and excitement right out of the holidays. Do you have a mother who’s always got something critical to say about your appearance or the way you’re raising your kids? Or maybe you have a demanding mother-in-law who’s always making snide remarks under her breath, a brother who loves to rile everyone up with his political commentary, or an aunt who always drinks too much and starts acting inappropriately.

If you have a difficult or toxic family member, you know that the holidays are the most challenging time of year.

Handling the Holidays Toolkit

coping with difficult family during the holidays

Here’s what’s included

  • a 56-page digital workbook (full of concrete exercises) designed by a licensed psychotherapist to help you cope with challenging people and regain a sense of calm and contentment

PLUS 3 bonus worksheets to help reduce stress:

  • Boundary-Setting Worksheet (traditions vs. obligations)
  • 25 Coping Mantras
  • Holiday Gratitude Journaling Pages

AND 2 meditations (in both written and audio formats):

  • Meditation for Dealing with Difficult People
  • Meditation for Coping with Holiday Stress

Take a closer look at what you’ll learn in each module

Recognizing your triggers and distorted thoughts

Module 1

  • How to identify your holiday triggers
  • Why monitoring your stress level is key to staying healthy
  • The role that false beliefs and distorted thoughts play in keeping you stuck
  • How to change your false beliefs and regain a sense of control

Module 2

  • Why you overreact and underreact to difficult people
  • How anticipating challenges can help you cope
  • How to get in touch with your feelings and why it matters
  • How to ask for what you want and need
  • Why you need to pick your battles
Healthy communication and assertive holiday communication
Setting realistic expectations during the holidays

Module 3

  • How expectations can lead to feeling disappointed and resentful
  • Ways to become aware of your expectations
  • How to figure out if your expectations are realistic
  • How to set realistic expectations

Module 4

  • Why boundaries are a form of self-care and how to set them
  • How to balance taking care of others and taking care of yourself
  • How self-compassion can help you cope with holiday challenges
self-care and self-compassion workbook

Give yourself the gift of a more peaceful and joyful holiday season!
Purchase your copy for $25 $22

Now with all fillable worksheets. No need to print!

Professional Use: If you are a therapist, coach, physician, or educator, or wish to use this e-book as the curriculum for a therapeutic or educational group, please purchase a professional version. A professional version allows you to make copies or distribute the content to your clients, patients, or students.


About Dr. Sharon Martin

I’m a licensed psychotherapist practicing in California. I specialize in helping individuals overcome codependency, perfectionism, and self-criticism so they can embrace their authentic selves and build happy, healthy relationships. I’m passionate about spreading the word that everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect – and there’s no need to feel guilty about taking care of yourself!

I am the author of The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism and The Better Boundaries Workbook and write the blog Conquering Codependency for Psychology Today.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore my website. The Start Here page is a great place to begin!

Sharon Martin codependency perfectionism expert

calm and peaceful holiday support group

FAQ’s

Q: Who is this toolkit for?

A: Handling the holidays is for adults who feel stressed, overwhelmed, and alone in coping with challenging or toxic people during the holiday season.

Q: Will I receive a print copy of the workbook?

A: No, this is a digital download. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a link to download the book. It’s a 56 page PDF (+ bonus materials) that you can easily print or read on your computer or device.

Q. Do I need a printer?

A: No, all answers can be completed electronically. There’s no need print anything.

Q: When will I receive the toolkit?

A: You’ll receive it immediately (usually within 5-10 minutes).

Handling the Holidays includes:

56-page Workbook

25 Coping Mantras

Meditation for Dealing with Difficult People

Meditation for Coping with Holiday Stress

Audio Versions of Both Meditations

Gratitude Journaling Pages

Instant Access $25 $22 (personal use)

Professional Use: If you are a therapist, coach, physician, or educator, or wish to use this e-book as the curriculum for a therapeutic or educational group, please purchase a professional version. A professional version allows you to make copies or distribute the content to your clients, patients, or students.

Testimonials

“One of the many qualities that I admire and respect about Sharon is her clinical expertise and commitment in helping individuals reduce anxiety, especially individuals with difficult family members. Sharon has a rare combination of compassion, clarity and solid tools in supporting the people she works with through her therapy practice and her wonderful online courses and materials.” -Mari A. Lee, LMFT, CSAT

“I love Sharon Martin’s work on healing codependency and childhood issues. Her online work has made a significant impact in the recovery community and those wanting to heal from codependent issues. I’ve followed her work for years and have found her work on boundaries and childhood wounds incredibly valuable both personally and professionally. If you get a chance to work with her – don’t wait. You’ll learn valuable tools that will make a huge difference in your relationships!” -Michelle Farris, LMFT

“Sharon Martin was a speaker for our Overcoming Codependency Online Conference recently, and our audience absolutely loved her! She discussed the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, and what I found most fascinating was her stressing the importance of not only physical boundaries but emotional and mental boundaries. Sharon also shared incredibly helpful insights about codependency, and strategies to help people learn to love and accept themselves and create healthy, loving, thriving relationships.” – Ande Anderson, MS, RD, Co-Founder of AVAIYA

Important Notice

This is a digital product. Upon purchase, you will receive an email with instructions and links to download the affirmations, boundaries e-book, journal prompts, and meditation. Please promptly download them and save them to your computer. Saving them on a smartphone is not recommended.

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