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It’s been a rough year for so many–environmentally, politically, spiritually, personally. Without sugar coating hardship or minimizing the struggle at home or out in the world, I do believe in the power of our experiences to enrich us with the right support. Post-traumatic growth is evidenced by an appreciation of life, ability to relate to others, areas of personal strength, receptivity to new possibilities, and spiritual/existential or philosophical change. I have seen so many examples of this in my clinical work this year and am so grateful to be able to accompany others on their healing paths. Along with private psychotherapy sessions with expecting/new parents and those contemplating parenthood, this year I’ve been privileged to offer in person, integrative arts-based wellness workshops in 7 NYC public hospitals across the 5 boroughs via the NYC Health and Hospitals HHArt of Medicine program and my ongoing partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art. With significant experience working with substance use disorders and juggling work with the domestic demands of raising two very active little ones, I am no stranger to burnout syndrome myself. This work fills my cup and fuels me. I feel blessed to be able to provide creative support and psycho-education on both symptoms and prevention, especially for those in caregiving and helping roles. Thank you for entrusting me with your care and please keep me in mind if someone you know is struggling, as I am accepting new clients based in NJ and NY beginning in 2024. Wishing you a safe and healthy new year. #arttherapy #perinatalmentalhealth #caregiverburnout #holidaystress #resilience #posttraumaticgrowth #healing #emotionalsupport #parenting 
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As we stumble onto the rollercoaster that is the December gift-giving season, just a friendly PSA to all my fellow Head of Domestic Affairs, Master Multi-Taskers, and Superhero Parents: Just because we can do it all, doesn’t mean we have to (or should.) Hallmark-inspired, consumer-driven fantasies around the “perfect” holiday experience, deep-rooted--often patriarchal–-”traditional” gender roles, and perhaps some unconscious desires to either replicate or make up for some lost childhood magic all contribute to the extreme PRESSURE of this time of year. Add flu season, shorter days, year-end work demands, financial stressors, and complex family dynamics to the mix, and we have a perfect cocktail for emotional burnout and all the somatic symptoms (achiness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, frequent illness) that accompany it. So, my advice to not only survive but maybe even enjoy this time of year is simply this: do less and rest more. Delegate wherever possible to lighten the mental load, cut corners, opt out, and give permission to prioritize your own mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs first. This may be easier said than done, but it will all somehow, miraculously get done. Maybe not perfectly, but certainly “good enough” and most definitely yours. Besides, our kiddos benefit way more from balanced, present caregivers than frazzled, ragey balls of stress. So, do whatever you need to do to achieve some semblance of that, and do it guilt-free. Your mental health is worth it. Post by Sharon Itkoff Nacache ATR-BC LCAT LPAT PMH-C Original photograph by Annie Spratt  |
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