46: Therapy Was Going Great… Then Auntie Showed Up

The holiday glow can flip into a pressure cooker the second you step through a familiar door. In this episode, we dig into why even steady healing can wobble at home, how old family dynamics reactivate like muscle memory, and why one simple comment can launch you straight back to age sixteen.We talk about the “home script” that pulls you into past roles—and how to rewrite it. You’ll get practical boundary phrases that actually diffuse tension, language that redirects without apology, and simple tools to keep your nervous system from burning out when the people who installed your buttons start pushing them.We cover the essentials: The holiday trigger trap and why it feels sudden Pre-planning your visit (including what you’ll skip) Identifying allies and setting exits without guilt Micro-resets you can use in real time (breath, movement, sensory anchors) Reframing regression as context—not failure Building in recovery time so you come back to your life clear and steadyWhether your season includes Thanksgiving tables, Boxing Day traditions, Christmas gatherings, or Kwanzaa plans, this conversation helps you stay grounded while still enjoying the food, the warmth, and the stories worth keeping. Healing doesn’t mean never being triggered—it means meeting those moments with awareness, structure, and self-respect.If this one hits home, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs backup, and leave a quick review. Got a topic you want us to tackle? Send it our way. You can always find Jen on IG, TikTok, and Twitter at @JenFryTalks, or on LinkedIn at Dr. Jen Fry.