Holiday Boundaries for Therapists
The end of the year can bring a lot of emotional intensity, not just for clients, but for us therapists too. Many clinicians search for guidance on holiday boundaries for therapists because this season often comes with pressure to stay available, maintain productivity, support overwhelmed clients, and somehow enjoy personal traditions at the same time. This time of year requires intentional planning, self-compassion, and firm boundaries so you can care for clients without abandoning yourself.
I’ve learned this firsthand.
I take the week between the holidays completely off. This gives me a chance to reset, catch up on year-end paperwork, and reconnect with the parts of the season that bring me genuine joy. Halloween happens to be my favorite holiday, but I also love the traditions I share with my siblings, nieces, and nephew - and my husband brings a childlike joy that makes this time feel lighter.
Still, taking time off isn’t always easy when you're a therapist. We care deeply. We don’t want to leave clients feeling unsupported. And yet we deserve rest, too. So how do you create holiday boundaries for therapists with providing the care your clients deserve? Here’s what has helped me and what I share with other clinicians.
As soon as December begins, I start reminding clients that I’ll be out the last week of the year. That early transparency prevents confusion and helps set expectations. It also reduces the internal guilt many therapists feel around boundary-setting.
I give clients emergency numbers and review crisis protocols well before my time off begins. For clients who might need more support, I make space for conversations about what to do during the break, and—on a case-by-case basis—I may offer a plan that feels grounding for them while still honoring my boundaries. This approach has helped me maintain healthy therapist holiday schedules without sacrificing client care.
What I’ve found is that one of the easiest ways to protect your energy is to front-load and back-load your schedule. I intentionally open a few extra slots in the weeks before and after my planned time off. Clients appreciate this flexibility, and I feel more supported going into my break.
This strategy reinforces strong therapist time-off boundaries and helps clients feel cared for and planned for—not abandoned.
Protect Your Energy—Professionally and Personally
Because of my disability, I’ve become very aware of my social battery. I try not to schedule two “fun” or high-energy days in a row. I build a rhythm of one day on, one day off. This helps me enjoy my family while keeping my nervous system regulated.
I also set realistic expectations for myself. When paperwork piles up or the to-do list feels endless, I offer myself grace. And I’m fortunate to have a supportive spouse who encourages me not to overload my schedule. Years of being sick have also taught me that loved ones usually understand when I need to adjust plans—and if they forget, I’m comfortable reminding them.
Takeaways for Therapists Navigating the Holidays
Here are a few grounded practices to help you maintain healthy boundaries while still supporting your clients:
Communicate early and often so clients feel informed and supported.
Review crisis protocols in advance to help clients navigate your time off safely.
Adjust your caseload intentionally, adding sessions before or after your break as needed.
Honor your personal limitations—your energy and capacity matter as much as your clients’ needs.
Setting holiday boundaries for therapists is not selfish, it’s essential. You deserve rest, joy, and connection just as much as the clients you care for. When you protect your time and energy, you return clearer, steadier, and more grounded, which ultimately strengthens the care you’re able to provide.
If this season already feels overwhelming, or you want support in creating boundaries with clarity and confidence, I’m here. Reach out anytime. Your well-being matters, too.