A Thanksgiving Message of Gratitude From Central Counseling Services
As we approach Thanksgiving, all of us at Central Counseling Services want to take a quiet moment to say something simple and deeply sincere: Thank you.
In the busyness of the season—between managing schedules, preparing meals, navigating family dynamics, and trying to hold onto a sense of calm—it’s easy for gratitude to get buried under the noise. But gratitude is at the heart of the work we do, and this time of year always brings it to the surface in a special way.
We are grateful for you.
For every person who walks through our doors, logs into a telehealth session, reaches out for the first time, or returns after some time away — you entrust us with something incredibly important: your mental health. That trust is not something we ever take lightly.
Why Your Trust Means So Much
Seeking help is an act of courage.
Whether you are starting therapy for the first time, returning after a pause, or continuing your long-term work, reaching out shows strength and vulnerability in equal measure.
Every day, we witness people doing brave things:
Setting boundaries for the first time
Exploring pain they’ve carried for years
Rebuilding relationships
Learning to rest
Choosing themselves after putting everyone else first
These moments may happen quietly, but they are powerful. And they inspire us more than you know.
Mental Health During the Holidays
The reality is that this season can be complicated.
The holidays come with pressure:
Pressure to feel joyful
Pressure to “hold it together”
Pressure to show up for everyone
And for many, the holidays also bring grief, loneliness, financial strain, or memories that resurface unexpectedly. If you’re feeling any of these things, you’re not alone. Truly.
Therapists, counselors, interns, and staff at CCS witness the full range of human experience every day — and the holidays are no exception. If this season is feeling heavy, tender, or overwhelming, your feelings make sense. If it’s feeling peaceful or joyful, that’s real, too. There is no “right way” to experience the holidays.
Three Gentle Tips for Navigating Holiday Stress
While we can’t remove every stressor, we can offer a few tools that are both grounding and simple.
1. Create Small Moments of Stillness
You don’t need a full meditation practice to reset your nervous system.
Just 60 seconds of slow breathing or pausing before you enter a room can help.
Try this:
Inhale gently for 4 seconds
Hold for 2 seconds
Exhale for 6 seconds
Do it once. If it feels good, do it twice.
Your body will respond.
2. Set One Boundary That Protects Your Peace
Boundaries don’t have to be dramatic.
Sometimes they sound like:
“I’m stepping outside for a minute.”
“I’ll join you a little later.”
“I’m not available for that conversation today.”
Pick one boundary that makes your holidays feel a little lighter.
Small shifts add up.
3. Lean Into Joy in Micro-Doses
Joy doesn’t have to be big.
It can be:
A warm cup of coffee
A walk with the dog
A favorite song
Ten minutes of quiet in the car before going inside
A hug from someone who loves you
Micro-joys ground us. They remind our nervous systems that good things still exist — even in stressful seasons.
To Our Clients: You’re the Heart of What We Do
You’ve let us sit with you in your highs and lows.
You’ve allowed us into the chapters of your story you don’t always share with others.
You’ve given us the privilege of witnessing your healing, your courage, and your growth.
That is a gift.
Some of you have worked with us for years.
Some of you are brand new.
Some come once in a while, and some come weekly.
Every single one of you matters.
We want you to know:
We celebrate your progress
We honor your resilience
We hold hope with you when hope is hard to find
We walk beside you, not in front or behind
Being part of your journey is something we genuinely cherish.
To Our Community: Thank You for Lifting Us Up
We are also grateful for Riverside, Murrieta, and the surrounding communities that support what we do — the schools, doctors, nonprofits, and families that recommend us, trust us, and collaborate with us.
Your partnership helps us reach more people, offer more services, and expand access to mental health care in ways that make a real difference.
As We Head Into Thanksgiving
We hope you take a moment — just one — to breathe, rest, or notice something good.
Not because the holidays require gratitude, but because you deserve a pause.
You deserve a moment to feel grounded.
You deserve moments of ease.
You deserve support, softness, and space.
If you need us over the holidays, we’re here.
If you need to return in the new year, we’re here.
If you’re not sure what you need yet, we’re here for that too.
From our entire CCS family to you and yours:
Happy Thanksgiving.
May the season bring peace, warmth, and moments of joy — big or small.
And most of all, thank you for trusting us with your story. It means more than you know.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
Riverside County: 24-hour crisis line (951) 686-4357