In the glow of a soft, misty holiday eve, as snow dusts the windows and clients bustle in and out with tales of holiday stress, there’s one thing every therapist knows: the holiday season can be both magical and draining. Just ask Jack Skellington and his friend Sally, both therapists in Halloween Town, who’ve set out to make the most of their season while keeping the “holiday wind-down” from sneaking in!

Jack’s Holiday Plan – Keeping Client Engagement Strong

Jack Skellington, ever the visionary, knew that the key to a joyful season was keeping his clients committed and present, even when the holiday rush called their attention elsewhere. He pulled out his ghostly planner, jotting down ideas to keep everyone (himself included) on track through season.

“If the clients are to stay engaged,” Jack murmured, “then I must be both gentle and firm in my reminders.”

So Jack began by planning early, opening discussions about holiday schedules, attendance, and cancellations. He reminded clients of his policies, setting clear expectations but leaving room for the usual seasonal surprises.

Enforcing the Policies (With a Touch of Holiday Spirit)

Jack chuckled as he thought back to his first late-canceling client of the season. He’d let the fee slide, of course, but only as a one-time festive gift. Leaning forward, he’d said, “No worries this time, but let’s just take a moment to review our policy so there aren’t any surprises if it happens again.”

By balancing empathy with boundaries, Jack ensured clients understood that consistency was key, even during the holidays.

The Ghostly Checklist – Keeping Consistency

For each client that visited, Jack had his checklist in hand, ensuring they stayed focused on their goals through the season. He wrapped up each session with a short review:

• “How are you feeling about your progress?”

• “What would you like to focus on as we wrap up the year?”

• “What boundaries could help you navigate the season?”

Jack noticed that with these little reminders, his clients saw the value in each session and felt inspired to keep attending, holiday busyness and all.

Flexible Scheduling for the Season’s Spirited Needs

Jack knew that flexibility was the potion to make this season work for everyone. He set up early mornings and later evenings, and even some virtual sessions for clients who couldn’t make it into Halloween Town for in-person appointments.

To keep things smooth, Jack also held a few “standing” weekly spots for clients who needed the reliability of a routine. “Consistency is key,” he’d say, “and knowing they have a spot keeps them coming back.”

Sally’s Scenarios – Helping Clients with Holiday Challenges

Sally, Jack’s fellow therapist and ever-supportive friend, had her own insights into the holiday season’s challenges. She watched as clients shuffled in, sharing tales of family feuds, holiday blues, and the strange emptiness that could accompany festive gatherings.

Here’s how she helped a few clients with these tricky dynamics:

Family Boundaries and Holiday Gatherings

Sally knew her client Sarah dreaded the season’s family gatherings. With a kind smile, she’d suggest: “What if we planned a few small boundaries together? For example, you could take breaks as needed or step out for air when things feel tense.”

She even prepared Sarah with phrases like, “I’m stepping outside for a moment, but I’ll be back,” to help her find her voice in the holiday chaos.

Overcoming the Holiday Blues

When Mark, feeling isolated and blue, came for his session, Sally listened deeply. Then she gently suggested, “Maybe this is the season to create new traditions. It doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s holiday.” She encouraged Mark to try a simple ritual – lighting a candle, connecting with friends, or even volunteering – to build meaning in his own way.

The “Carpe Diem et Noctem” Reminder – Every Session is a Gift

Jack and Sally both agreed: each session was precious, especially during the holidays. They reminded clients to make the most of their time in therapy, whether it was the first session or the fiftieth.

“Carpe diem et noctem!” Jack would say with a grin. “Seize the day – and the night – and let’s make this session truly count.”

Keeping Clients Engaged with Holiday Reminders and Texts

As Jack’s clients left his cozy therapy room, he’d gently remind them about next week’s session and make sure they had set up their text reminders. “Consider it a holiday gift from me to you,” he’d laugh, “a little nudge to keep us on track.”

And Then, the Self-Care – A Little Time for Jack and Sally

With their holiday checklist complete, Jack and Sally looked at each other and nodded. It was time to plan a few moments for themselves, too. They penciled in breaks, family time, and even a few nights by the fire in the town square. After all, they knew that their well-being was essential to the success of their work.

They set clear boundaries for their availability, and when clients asked, they modeled these self-care practices. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” Jack would say to anyone who needed the reminder.

Marketing Reminders for Clients Seeking Extra Support

Jack and Sally crafted a few messages to reach clients in need of a bit more support through the holiday season:

“The holidays are complex – therapy offers a space to process the season’s joys, pressures, and everything in between.”

“Struggling with family gatherings or holiday blues? Therapy helps you cope in a way that’s true to you.”

These notes would go out to let clients know they weren’t alone and to remind them that therapy was there to support them through every season, even the complicated ones.

Key Takeaways from Jack and Sally’s Holiday Wind-Down Checklist

Here’s How to Keep Clients Engaged this Holiday Season

1. Plan Ahead with Policies and Attendance Reminders: Begin early discussions about holiday plans and remind clients of attendance policies. This includes a policy of no more than three cancellations in a six-month period, with up to three late cancels allowed (waiving the first one as a gesture, and then full fee thereafter).

2. Regular Check-Ins and Goal Reviews: Use end-of-session, monthly, or 90-day check-ins to review short- and long-term goals, showing clients the value of consistent attendance. These check-ins reinforce the importance of each session and keep clients motivated.

3. Ensure Text/Email Reminders are Active: If authorized, set up text or email reminders for sessions. This simple step can help clients stay consistent through the busy season.

4. Assign In-Between Activities: Provide manageable, in-between activities that align with clients’ everyday rhythms, like journaling, setting small boundaries, or a calming ritual. These help clients stay engaged in their work between sessions.

5. Offer Flex Scheduling Options: Accommodate clients’ needs by offering early morning, evening, or virtual sessions, making it easier for them to prioritize therapy during busier times.

6. Reserve a Consistent Session Day and Time: Holding a client’s specific day and time each week fosters a routine. Clients are more likely to attend if they know they have a “standing appointment” rather than a shifting schedule.

7. Collaborative Scheduling for High-Need Times: During busy seasons or stressful transitions, work with clients to pre-schedule extra sessions or plan shorter, focused check-ins. This anticipates and adapts to their schedules, helping keep attendance steady.

8. Emphasize the “Carpe Diem et Noctem” Approach: Remind clients that every session matters, whether it’s the first or the fiftieth. Highlighting the importance of “seizing the day and the night” helps clients see each session as a valuable opportunity.

9. Encourage Client Ownership of the Process: Engage clients in planning session goals and content. When clients have a hand in steering the process, they are more invested, which reduces cancellations.

10. Provide Regular Updates and Check-Ins: Use the holiday season as an opportunity to reach out to former clients or check in with current clients who may have missed sessions. Sometimes, a nudge helps clients remember the support therapy offers, especially during challenging holiday moments.

11. Establish a Clear Waitlist Protocol: Have a simple, transparent waitlist process for clients who want extra sessions or may be willing to fill last-minute cancellations. Let clients know how the list works—whether first-come, first-served, or based on urgency.

12. Offer Flexibility with Short-Notice Sessions: Inform clients on the waitlist that openings may become available on short notice. Clients who are open to flexible timing can often fill these last-minute spots effectively.

13. Lean into the “Holiday Hush” with Planned Time Off: Embrace the natural wind-down by planning time off for yourself, allowing both you and your clients a chance to recharge. This intentional rest can enhance both therapist well-being and client engagement when sessions resume.

Jack and Sally finished their holiday wind-down checklist with smiles and a sense of accomplishment. They knew that with a few gentle reminders, flexible options, and self-care, the holiday season could be both balanced and bright – for themselves and their clients.

Written by Jen Hyatt, a licensed psychotherapist at Storm Haven Counseling & Wellness in Temecula, California.

Disclaimer: The characters and elements referenced in this blog post, including mentions of Jack Skellington, Sally, and themes inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, are the intellectual property of their respective creators and entities. These references are used purely for illustrative and educational purposes to explore concepts related to mental health, client engagement, and self-care during the holiday season. This blog post is not affiliated with or endorsed by the creators, owners, or affiliates of The Nightmare Before Christmas. All content is intended to provide general insights into therapy practices and seasonal wellness.

The information provided in this blog post is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional mental health advice.