December Notes of Comfort from CPJ Counseling Services
- CPJ Counseling Team
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Embracing the complexity of the holiday season
As the year wraps up, many people find themselves holding mixed feelings. December often brings sparkling lights, warm gatherings, and meaningful traditions, yet it can also bring pressure, loneliness, or worry that feels heavier in the colder months.
At CPJ Counseling Services, we want this season to feel a little softer for you. Even in a busy month, it is possible to create small pockets of comfort and calm.
A Season That Touches the Heart
Holiday stress can look different for everyone. You might notice your patience getting thinner, your mind jumping from one thought to the next, or old emotions rising when you least expect them.
For example, many people feel tense before family gatherings, even when they love the people they are seeing. The mix of schedules, conversations, expectations, and memories can stir up emotions that do not always fit the cheerful atmosphere. This does not mean something is wrong with you. It means you are human and sensitive to the world around you.
This month, we are focusing on ways to help your nervous system settle so you can move through the season with more ease.
Spotlight on the Safe and Sound Protocol
You may have heard us mention the Safe and Sound Protocol, or SSP. This gentle listening approach uses filtered music to help the nervous system shift toward safety and connection.
During a month filled with stimulation and activity, SSP can quietly support your body in the background by helping you:
Soften physical tension
Recover from emotional overload
Feel more present and steady
Experience social situations with less fear or discomfort
SSP is not about changing who you are. It simply gives your body the chance to feel safe enough to relax and enjoy the moments that matter to you.
Creating Space for Yourself This December
Feeling overwhelmed or stressed means your mind or body is carrying more than it can comfortably handle. It may show up as tension, worry, or feeling rushed.
Here are a few small practices that can help you slow down and reconnect with yourself:
Step outside for a breath of cool air
Allow yourself to say no when you need rest
Notice the moments that feel peaceful
Reach out to a counselor or consider talk therapy with SSP for deeper support
A calmer season is about giving yourself permission to move at a pace that feels healthy and kind.
Meet the CPJ Counseling Team
Mayelyn Matos Medina, MSW
Adults & Seniors | Bilingual Counselor | Trauma-Informed Care
Mayelyn Matos Medina is a bilingual therapist dedicated to helping adults and seniors find healing, resilience, and emotional balance through compassionate, culturally sensitive care.
Cherrelle Davis, LRIC
Young Adults & Teens
Cherrelle Davis supports teens and young adults through compassionate, collaborative therapy that helps them build confidence, manage stress, and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and growth.
Carlissa Fennell, LPC
Teens & Young Adults| SSP Practitioner
Carlissa Fennell is a compassionate therapist and SSP practitioner who helps teens and young adults overcome anxiety and life challenges through holistic, person-centered support.
Jettie Norfleet, LPC
Clinical Supervisor & Integrative Therapist
Jettie Norfleet is an EMDR certified therapist and SSP practitioner who guides individuals through healing, self-discovery, and major life transitions with compassionate, holistic support.
A Message from Our Team
Every clinician at CPJ Counseling Services is here to walk with you through the ups and downs of this season. Whether you are navigating stress, grief, anxiety, or big life changes, you do not have to go through them alone.
Therapy can offer a place to breathe, reflect, and feel understood, especially during the holiday months.
Every journey begins with a single step. Reach out and discover the support and care you deserve. Call 804-322-7185 or visit cpjcounseling.com to get started today.