With the holiday season fast approaching, we are pleased to note that one of NOVO's very own, Becky Gosain, will be delivering a free presentation on behalf of the Geneva Library Foundation on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 7-9 p.m.
Her session, in the Meeting Room of the Geneva Public Library, 127 James St. in Geneva, is called "Creating Healthy Family Memories."
Here are excerpts from a news release prepared by Cynthia Wade:
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Turn over a new leaf this holiday season to decrease your stress. It’s time to let go of our Norman Rockwell and Martha Stewart expectations. How realistic are they, anyway?
Holidays can be a time of extremely high stress, which can lead to anxiety and depression. How can we learn to shift our expectations to those that are more realistic?
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Perhaps coming to grips with the fact that picture-perfect holidays are not in your future can start the ball rolling. Those expectations are only for magazine covers. Wrap them up in a pretty holiday gift box with a sparkly bow and stick it way back in your closet.
Make 2013 the year where you start to de-stress your holidays.
How can this be achieved?
*Think about where unrealistic expectations come from. Your own parents? Family members? Yourself? Society? High expectations lead to disappointment. When expectations are unrealistic, we may as well call them “planned disappointment.”
It is time to revamp what is realistic for your own health and sanity.
*Be aware of feelings about holidays. Address sad or negative memories and feelings so they are not swept under the rug. Understand that you can consciously make changes to incorporate a healthy attitude going forward. Highlight positive memories and try to build upon those.
*Set realistic and clear expectations for the holidays. What can you realistically fit in? Spread out visits with family. Plan out what you can ahead of time. Be aware of your own limits.
If you weren’t a “Martha Stewart” cook the other 364 days of the year, it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to pull off a fancy holiday meal that is magazine cover-worthy. Learn to say “no” and ask for help.
Be sure to take care of yourself by getting sufficient sleep, eating healthy and utilizing some stress management techniques.
Becky Gosain holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and has been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) since 1998. She has been serving the mental health community since 1994 in a variety of settings. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults and families throughout her career.
Gosain is on staff at NOVO: Renewing Joy in Life, a St. Charles based resource offering counselors and therapists available to help you achieve your life’s goals and get you back on the right track, renewing joy in your life. They believe everyone deserves to be happier.
Novo was founded by Dr. Vicki Alden, Ph.D. LCSW. She holds a MS degree from Loyola University, a Ph.D. from the Institute for Clinical Social Work and has 30+ years of experience. She has provided services in a variety of settings including an inpatient mental health center, community mental health centers, and medical center outpatient clinics.
More information can be found at www.novocounsel.com.
The evening will include a short reception, introduction of the Geneva Library Foundation, presentation of the speaker, and a question-and-answer session.
This is a free event. Reservations are not required, but suggested. You can register by visiting www.genevalibraryfoundation.org, where you will find a link to register.
