The holiday season, filled with joy and celebration, can also bring about a whirlwind of emotions and stress. For many, this time can highlight feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or even conflict within families. However, employing the skills learned from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can provide crucial tools to navigate this challenging period with a greater sense of balance and well-being. By focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, individuals can create a

By ABL Staff For many of us, the holidays are synonymous with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. Yet, for others, they can also spark anxiety and stress, especially when it comes to family dynamics. The notion of returning home can evoke a complex mix of emotions—excitement mingled with dread, nostalgia intertwined with unresolved tensions. Navigating these family interactions can be challenging, particularly when dealing with relatives who may not contribute positively to our mental well-being.

Continuing with the theme of gratitude for this month, another topic that comes up often as the holidays draw near is grief, specifically, how do we have gratitude when grief feels overwhelming? The holiday season often amplifies our emotions, accentuating both joy and sorrow. For those navigating grief, the contrast can feel particularly sharp. Yet amidst the pain, there exists an opportunity to cultivate gratitude, which can serve as a balm for the heart and

By ABL Staff Life has possibly felt overwhelming lately (i.e. dealing with post-election emotions, the time change, winter setting in) and during these moments, it’s easy to succumb to feelings of hopelessness. Whether it’s a personal crisis, loss, or the weight of daily stressors, finding gratitude may feel impossible. However, shifting our focus to gratitude can serve as a powerful tool to regain perspective and foster resilience. It allows us to connect with the positive

By ABL Staff As winter blankets the landscape in a frosty embrace, the importance of finding balance between outdoor adventure and indoor comfort becomes ever more essential. This harmony is beautifully captured in the Norwegian concept of “Koselig,” which embodies the feelings of warmth, togetherness, and coziness that are so vital during the colder months. The cold may drive us indoors, but stepping outside into the brisk air can provide exhilarating experiences that enhance our