Just in time for the holidays, a local counselor will be presenting a talk on creating healthy family memories at the Geneva Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
Becky Gosain of St. Charles-based NOVO: Renewing Joy in Life, will be leading the free session from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the library, 127 James St.
Her talk, sponsored by the Geneva Library Foundation, is subtitled “Norman Rockwell Holidays: How Realistic Are They Anyway?”
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“It’s time to let go of our Norman Rockwell and Martha Stewart expectations,” said Gosain, who has been serving the mental health community since 1994 and works with children, adolescents, adults and families.
Holidays, she noted, can be a time of extremely high stress, which can lead to anxiety and depression. In her presentation, she will be sharing how to shift our expectations so they are more realistic.
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The evening will include a short reception, introduction of the Geneva Library Foundation, Gosain’s presentation, and a question-and-answer period.
Among the points Gosain will convey:
*Think about where unrealistic expectations come from. Your own parents? Family members? Yourself? Society?
“When expectations are unrealistic, we may as well call them ‘planned disappointment,’” said Gosain. “It is time to revamp what is realistic for your own health and sanity.”
*Be aware of feelings about holidays.
Address sad or negative memories and feelings so they are not swept under the rug. At the same time, understand that you can consciously make changes to incorporate a healthy attitude, including highlighting positive memories to build upon.
*Set realistic and clear expectations for the holidays.
What can you realistically fit in? Spread out visits with family. Plan what you can ahead of time and be aware of your own limits.
“If you weren’t a ‘Martha Stewart” cook the other 364 days of the year, it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to pull off a fancy holiday meal that is magazine cover-worthy,” Gosain said. “Learn to say ‘no’ and ask for help.”
*Take care of yourself by getting sufficient sleep, eating healthy and utilizing some stress management techniques.
Since 1998, Gosain has been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She has been serving the mental health community since 1994 in a variety of settings, including a community mental health center, specialized foster care, an inpatient psychiatric hospital and employment as a behavior therapist by the parents of an autistic child.
Throughout her career, she has worked with children, adolescents, adults and families.
She is on staff at NOVO: Renewing Joy in Life, whose counselors and therapists help people achieve their goals and get back on the right track. The practice is at 104 S. Second Ave. in St. Charles and online at www.novocounsel.com.
For the presentation, reservations are not required, but suggested. You can register by visiting www.genevalibraryfoundation.org, where there is a registration link. For more information, contact Cynthia Wade at 708-989-4439 or CynthiaKayWade@aol.com.
