Navigating the Holidays: Boundaries, Backup Plans & Emotional Safety

Wise Mind: A DBT Podcast — Holiday Planning SpecialThe holidays can be joyful—but they can also be challenging, triggering, and overwhelming. Changes in routine, eating patterns, social expectations, and time spent with others can stir up big emotions for many people.In this episode, we explore why holiday periods can feel especially difficult and break down the DBT skills that can help you navigate them more effectively. From planning ahead to managing distress in the moment, we focus on practical, realistic strategies that actually work.We introduce the importance of having an escape plan, discuss the early concepts of boundaries, and share simple, usable scripts to help you navigate unwanted or uncomfortable conversations with confidence.As always, we bring a mix of DBT skills, real-life examples, humour, and compassion because learning skills doesn’t have to feel heavy.Whether you’re feeling anxious, unsure, or just want to feel more prepared, this episode is here to support you through the holiday season.👉 All our resources for todays episode and training info and rego is now at ⁠www.wisemindcollective.com.au⁠Contact us: wisemindcollective.com.auOr Instagram + Facebook - Wisemind DBT Podcast Crisis SupportThis space may include discussions that bring up strong emotions or difficult topics. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you're not alone and support is available.If you or someone you know is in crisis, we encourage you to reach out to:Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7)Beyond Blue – 1300 22 463613YARN – 13 92 76 (A 24/7 national support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)Emergency Services – 000 (if you are in immediate danger)Acknowledgment of Dr. Marsha M. Linehan and the Origins of DBTWe honor Dr. Marsha M. Linehan, psychologist and professor who created Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It’s thanks to Dr. Linehan that DBT has become a proven intervention for a range of mental health challenges. Wise Mind A DBT Podcast gratefully acknowledges that DBT is Dr. Linehan’s work, not ours, and we honor her legacy.