How Therapy Helps You Manage Holiday Stress and Emotional Overload

Stephanie Strouth • November 29, 2025

The holidays can bring stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. Learn how therapy helps you navigate the season with healthier boundaries, balance, and peace.

The Holidays Aren’t Easy for Everyone

While many people look forward to the holidays, others quietly brace themselves.
Family dynamics, financial pressure, social expectations, grief, travel, and disrupted routines can turn what’s supposed to be a joyful season into an emotionally exhausting one.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, anxious, or drained during the holidays, you’re not alone — and there is nothing wrong with you.

Why the Holidays Create Emotional Overload

There are several reasons this season increases stress:

Emotional expectations:
You may feel pressured to “be cheerful,” even if you’re struggling.

Family challenges:
Reconnecting with relatives can bring up old tensions or unresolved wounds.

Financial strain:
Gifts, gatherings, food, and travel costs add up quickly.

Grief and loss:
The holidays can highlight the absence of loved ones.

Overcommitment:
Too many activities, not enough time to rest.

Therapy helps you understand these pressures and respond to them in healthier, more empowering ways.

How Therapy Supports You During the Holidays

At Anchoring Hope Counseling, therapists guide you through:

  • Creating healthier boundaries with family and commitments
  • Managing anxiety around gatherings or social situations
  • Setting realistic expectations to reduce pressure
  • Processing difficult emotions triggered by the season
  • Coping with grief or loneliness
  • Practicing self-care without guilt

You deserve a holiday season that supports your mental health — not one that overwhelms it.

You Don’t Have to Navigate the Holidays Alone

Therapy offers a safe, judgment-free place to talk, decompress, and find clarity.
Even a few sessions can make this season feel more manageable and emotionally balanced.
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From Overwhelmed to Empowered, We’ll Help You Get There

You don’t have to navigate life’s chaos alone. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we guide individuals across Virginia, just like you, who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving. Whether you're seeking therapy, mental health medication, or simply a fresh start, we’re here to help you reconnect with your most authentic self and reclaim your peace of mind.


We Have Physical Locations in Abingdon, Pennington Gap, & Wise, Virginia.

You’re Not Alone, Let’s Start Healing, Together.

What If Peace Wasn’t Just Possible, But Within Reach?

When life feels chaotic or heavy, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what you need. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and help you reconnect with your strength, clarity, and self-worth.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or simply feeling stuck, we offer personalized care that empowers you to take control, feel grounded, and move forward with purpose.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let us walk beside you.

  • We Accept Most Insurances (Not Medicaid/Medicare)

    We accept Anthem, United/Optum, Cigna, and Aetna (plans through an employer, family member, or marketplace).  If you check your insurance portal to see if we accept your insurance, we may not show up on that directory. We do use insurance for individual sessions, but not for true couples/family therapy. If you wish to check your benefits prior to scheduling, you may complete a profile HERE. Call us at 276-298-5034 if you have additional questions. We also provide counseling at a private pay rate and can check your out-of-network benefits for policies we are not in network with. Unfortunately, Medicaid/Medicare does not have out-of-network benefits and will only pay for in-network providers. We are NOT in network with Medicaid/Medicare. 

  • 24/7 Support with Our Exclusive Mental Health App

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  • Comprehensive Care with On-Site & Virtual Medication Management

    Now offering psychiatric medication services through our compassionate board-certified PMHNP, available in-person in Abingdon and Wise, and by telehealth for clients across Virginia, including Pennington clients. Whether you're exploring treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma, you’ll receive personalized care that puts your voice first—never rushed, always respected.

  • A Truly Holistic Approach to Mental Health

    From Soundbed sessions and local wellness discounts to counseling, supervision, and engaging seminars, our services go beyond the norm. We care for the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, so you can experience lasting change, not just temporary relief.

10,000+

Therapy Hours Completed

89%

of Clients Achieved Their Goals

3

Physical Locations In SWVA

1,000+

Clients Recommend AHC

Exclusive Benefits for Your Holistic Well-Being

As part of our commitment to your overall well-being, we offer more than just counseling and medication management. Enjoy exclusive perks like free access to our Anchoring Hope app, discounts with our trusted partners, and savings on transformative Soundbed sessions. We believe in a holistic approach to care, ensuring that you receive a truly unique and enriching experience every step of the way.

Perks to Support Your Journey

We understand that true healing involves more than just the time spent in session. That's why we provide our clients with awesome extras designed to enhance your overall experience. From tools to manage everyday stress to special offers that promote relaxation and wellness, our perks are crafted to meet your unique needs. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we’re here to ensure that your path to well-being is as smooth and supportive as possible. With us, you have access to:


  • In-house mental health medication management services
  • Free access to our Anchoring Hope app for coping skills
  • Special discounts with our trusted partner companies
  • Savings on relaxing Soundbed sessions


Our perks are designed to complement your counseling journey, providing additional tools and resources to help you achieve lasting peace and balance.


Psst! Not a client and still want the app?

Purchase it on the Apple app store!

Remember those “what color are you” quizzes?

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