December '24 Edition
- Rachel Miller
- Dec 1, 2024
- 7 min read
"Wisdom comes with winters."
– Oscar Wilde
Embracing the Longest Night:
Finding Light and Renewal in the Winter Solstice
Back in the 1990’s I used to work for a Holistic Healing community organization in the South Bronx where every year we would honor and celebrate the winter solstice. Reams of blue fabric in different oceanic shades would be brought out to decorate the space. Crystal bowls filled with water would be set out to remind us that our bodies are about 60% water, and much like water if it does not move or changed, can become stagnant and cloudy. This visual cue helped us to focus on the quality of water that we wanted for ourselves in the upcoming winter; whether it be clarity, stillness or healthy vitality. The association with winter and water was deliberate and comes from Chinese Medicine and the 5 elements theory.
Rockland County Counseling is also a practice that focuses on holistic healing and we believe in utilizing different approaches and methods to bring healing to the mind, body and spirit. Being in tune with the change of the seasons is important as how we take care of our bodies and minds during these cold, dark months needs to shift as well. This year, the Winter Solstice falls on Friday December 21, 2024 and many cultures associate the Winter Solstice with the “rebirth” of the earth. Because of the position of the earth in relation to the axis of the sun, it is the shortest day and longest night of the year. After the solstice, the amount of light in the sky becomes greater day by day, thus, it is becomes a welcoming of light into the world again and opens the way for Spring, hence, the rebirth.
This idea brings up some valuable questions for reflection and can inspire actions to invite into our daily routines. How are you intentionally bringing “light” into your life? What brings you joy? What do you need to feel healthy and grounded? Is it rest? Is it slowing down? Is it starting something that you’ve been avoiding? What is dimming your light and conversely, what can be done to let that go if it no longer is helpful to you? Stress, unhealthy relationships, flimsy boundaries and unproductive habits can rob our focus from the present moment and the power of choice we all have.
It is important to realize that by nature winter is a season of slowing down. This may conflict with the commercial expectations of the holiday season and the need to be “perfect”. Take a moment or two in December to acknowledge that you are doing the best you can and that is enough. Celebrate yourself and all you’ve accomplished and/ or survived in the past year. You deserve to be nurtured and cared for; take a moment to do that for yourself. For me that means stretching or making myself a cup of ginger tea. Take some time to be grateful for all that you have and if that is lacking, you can be grateful for the possibility of change and your power to make that happen.
- Tania
Therapist Spotlight
Who is Tania?
If the pictures haven’t already given it away, Tania is the embodiment of an adventurous spirit. She is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience, and she brings depth and authenticity to every therapeutic relationship she nurtures. A lifelong learner, Tania is always exploring new ways to contribute to the vibrant community we’ve cultivated at Rockland County Counseling Services. Curious to learn more (& we know you are)? Keep reading to dive into our Therapist Spotlight Q&A and get to know her better!
Q&A
What inspired you to become a therapist?
Becoming a therapist was a natural conclusion to my own mental health journey of and self-discovery. As most of us on planet earth, I suffered the consequences of trauma and self-neglect and lived with depression and anxiety for many years. I was convinced that there was something wrong with me. Growing up in the 80’s/ 90’s there was not much language or education around conditions such as social anxiety, body dysmorphia and anxiety. These feelings led me down a path of learning so I can understand my own mind better and ultimately, help others do the same. I’ve had many wonderful mentors throughout the years and always sought to live as they did, in their own definition of personal power, courageous in their lives and generously giving of themselves to help balance out the negative in this world.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the field of psychotherapy?
My journey in the field of psychotherapy began with the Covid 19 lockdown of 2020. I was slated to start working in a private practice in Queens, NY but then the world shut down and I had to begin my practice remotely. I began working with teens, adults, immigrants, couples and adults; all struggling to make sense of the world as we all were and having the volume turned up on any existing issues that they were able to mask with work, going out and other distractions that ceased to exist during this time. I learned how to navigate the telehealth space and used tools such as mindfulness practice, art therapy using the zoom whiteboard and writing with my clients. Doing therapy during this time was a great support to myself as helping others during this difficult time helped me stay grounded and gave me something productive to do.
What’s your favorite part of being a therapist?
My favorite part of being a therapist is holding space for people to feel and think whatever they need to without judgements or stigma. I love being a support to people on their journey and share the tools and wisdom that have helped me. I love people and it always amazes me how everyone is so unique and yet, so many things we share in common. I love teaching and learning about how our brains, emotions and thoughts work and how we can improve our health using different modalities such as nutrition, movement, creativity and of course, talk therapy.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach in three words?
Present, humorous, honest.
What do you think sets your therapy practice apart from others?
I like to dig in and get to work with my clients and use sessions to actively work on challenges using exercises, breathing techniques and direct questions. And I love to laugh with my clients in session. Laughter is so healing.
What do you think is most important when building a strong therapist-client relationship?
Being authentic. Being present and giving full attention. Listening to what is being said and what is not being said. Starting where the client is and identifying strengths.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your work as a therapist?
Spending time with friends and family, dancing, going to the gym, going out in nature, walking my Maltese and Poodle, writing poetry.
Do you have any hobbies or practices that help you unwind after a long day? Journaling, yoga, Reiki, watching cooking and fashion videos on YouTube.
If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you would be doing?
College Professor, Aesthetician, or working in hospitality in the Caribbean
What’s one piece of advice you give to all your clients?
Everything you think is not to be believed.
How do you stay updated and inspired in your field?
Reading, listening to podcasts (love the Huberman Lab, Therapy in a Nutshell, Mel Robbins podcast) taking workshops and seminars.
What’s a mental health myth you’d like to debunk?
You can be too old to change.
Coffee or tea?
Café con leche!!
Morning person or night owl?
Neither morning person or night owl, lol.
What’s your favorite book or movie related to mental health?
Girl Interrupted. Good Will Hunting.
Describe your perfect day.
I love traveling so my perfect day would be exploring Spain.. eating tapas, sightseeing during the day, and a Flamenco bar at night.
About Tania
Embrace Psychotherapy provides online therapy and life coaching for individuals with PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, substance abuse, and other daily challenges. Feel supported in finding balance and peace.
Having a Hygge Holiday
With its serene coastal views, majestic mountain peaks, tranquil lakes, sprawling farmlands, and the best city in the world right at our fingertips, New York truly feels like a playground. It’s easy to fall in love with our landscape during the warmer months—and if you’re a fan of snowboarding, winter might even feel like a bonus. But let’s be honest: those 4 p.m. sunsets and below-freezing temperatures can be a challenge.
If you’re among the 20 million people who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly known as SAD), you know just how tough the winter months can be.
What better way to combat the winter blues than by learning from a culture that has turned embracing the colder months into an art form? Enter hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), a Norwegian/Danish concept that embodies feelings of happiness, contentment, and well-being—centered around the quality of coziness. It’s a perspective shift that can make surviving those Northeast winters a little more bearable.
Since hygge doesn’t have a direct translation and might feel a bit abstract, let’s explore a few examples to bring this cozy philosophy to life.
Create a Cozy Environment
Transform your home into a winter haven with soft, ambient lighting—think candles, fairy lights, or a warm, glowing lamp. Add plush blankets, comfy throw pillows, and soft rugs to make your space irresistibly inviting. Natural elements like wood accents, potted plants, or wool fabrics can add an extra touch of warmth and charm.
Savor Warm Comforts
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in heartwarming treats. Sip on a steaming mug of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or mulled wine while snuggled under a blanket. Fill your home with the cozy aroma of homemade soups, stews, and baked goods that nourish both body and soul.
Wrap Yourself in Layers
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of bundling up on a cold day. Slip into your favorite oversized sweater, pull on a pair of wool socks, and keep a soft scarf or cozy blanket handy for an extra layer of warmth and comfort.
Step Outside and Explore
Don’t let the cold keep you indoors—embrace it! Go for a peaceful walk, admire the beauty of snowy landscapes, or play like a kid again by building a snowman. The fresh air and serene scenery can be just as refreshing as any cozy indoor moment.
Cultivate Connection
Hygge is best enjoyed with others, so invite friends or family to share the magic. Host a game night, a movie marathon, or a simple gathering with hot drinks and homemade snacks. These moments of togetherness bring a unique warmth to even the coldest winter days.
Community Resources
The Therapy Shelf
Wanna know what's on our therapists' book shelf?
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