The intense holiday season is upon us, a time where deep feelings and memories are stirred. I recommend that patients focus on the origins and ancient meanings of these special days. Let us together light the candles on Winter Solstice to remind ourselves that it is the darkest day of the year, but in the tiniest of increments the light will strengthen and lengthen each day thereafter. Bring in the scented boughs and put on your socks. Kindly wrap yourselves and those you love with blankets, sweaters, and throws. Go for long walks outdoors to deeply take in the changes of the seasons. Open to a fresh, empty page of a new journal, and write. Write about who you are now, what you want to be, and what you must let go of to do so. Find the guiding star you wish to follow over the coming months, until the small, green leaves of spring bring us again to the growing season.

The Fall is upon us, with cooler days and still cooler evenings. As the light shifts to an autumnal golden glaze, it is the time for long, contemplative walks. Many people find themselves drawn inward to reflect on the past year, some choosing to enter therapy as the days grow shorter. It is the time of harvest.

A journal is a place of harvest and reflection. It is a tremendous tool in therapy, deepening and focusing the process. If you are thinking of beginning therapy, try to start this task in advance. You will quickly see which issues are the most important to you at this time and what longer term goals you would like to work towards. It is a practice from which you will reap great rewards and learn a great deal about yourself.