Surviving Holiday Family Drama in Recovery
Episode Overview
Identify safe individuals within your family circle before gatherings. Prepare mentally for family interactions and potential triggers. Save deep conversations and amends for one-on-one settings. Consider creating new traditions that support your recovery. Balance family obligations with personal needs for emotional wellbeing.
It's hardest to heal in your family of origin because you're so emotionally invested in them.
If the thought of holiday family gatherings fills you with dread, then this episode of The Recovered Life Show is a must-listen. Hosts Damon Frank and Kristina Dennis, seasoned sober coaches, welcome Kyle Miller, a licensed clinical professional counsellor, to discuss the complexities of family drama during the festive season. The holidays can be a pressure cooker for those in recovery, as old patterns and roles within family dynamics resurface, leading to heightened tensions.
Kyle shares his expertise on how to navigate these challenging situations, offering practical advice on setting boundaries and recognising early warning signs of conflict. Kyle emphasises the importance of preparation and self-awareness. He suggests identifying safe individuals within your family circle and planning strategies to maintain your emotional wellbeing. With a touch of humour, he compares the experience to being a football player thrown into a game without practice.
The key, Kyle explains, is not striving for perfection but being ready for the unexpected. Communication is another focal point, with Kyle cautioning against over-sharing during holiday gatherings. He advises saving deep conversations and amends for quieter, one-on-one settings. This approach helps avoid triggering old family dynamics and allows you to enjoy the moment. The episode wraps up with Kyle discussing the significance of creating new traditions that support your recovery journey.
He encourages listeners to question longstanding holiday practices and consider what truly works for them. As you listen, you'll find yourself reflecting on how to balance family obligations with your own needs. Tune in for insightful tips on surviving the holiday season without losing your sobriety or sanity. It’s an opportunity to learn how to make the holidays a time of connection rather than conflict.