Gratitude and Grief: Navigating the Holidays with Compassion and Online Support
The Season of Gratitude, And the Weight It Can Bring
November is often called the “season of gratitude.” Social media fills with thankfulness posts, dinner tables are set with care, and families come together to celebrate.
But for many Nebraskans, this season also carries something heavier – grief, loss, and memories of people or times that can’t be brought back.
It’s okay if gratitude feels complicated right now. At Blue Elephant Counseling, we want you to know that you can hold both, thankfulness and sadness, love and loss, hope and heartache, and still be healing.
Why Gratitude Can Feel Hard After Loss
When you’ve experienced loss or trauma, holidays can trigger unexpected emotions. You may notice:
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Feeling numb or disconnected, even around loved ones
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Irritation or guilt when you “should” feel grateful
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Missing someone deeply and feeling their absence everywhere
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Overwhelm from family gatherings or social expectations
Grief doesn’t take holidays off. And pretending to feel “thankful” when your heart aches can make you feel even more isolated.
You’re not broken for feeling that way. You’re human.
How Online Counseling Supports You Through the Holidays
Whether you’re grieving, processing trauma, or just trying to keep your balance through the holiday season, online counseling in Nebraska offers flexibility and connection when you need it most.
Here’s how it helps:
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Private, judgment-free sessions from your home or quiet space.
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Flexible scheduling during the busiest time of year.
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Evidence-based approaches like EMDR and trauma-informed CBT to help you process difficult emotions safely.
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Accessible statewide, whether you live in Omaha, Grand Island, or rural Nebraska.
You don’t have to wait until after the holidays to feel better. Healing can start now—right where you are.
👉 Learn more: Is Online Counseling Really Effective?
Reframing Gratitude
If gratitude feels forced this year, try reframing it:
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“I’m thankful for the strength that’s carried me this far.”
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“I’m grateful for moments of calm, even if they’re brief.”
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“I’m thankful for the people who show up when I need them most.”
Gratitude doesn’t have to be loud or public. Sometimes it’s as quiet as taking a breath and saying, I made it through today.
Healing in Your Own Time
At Blue Elephant Counseling, we understand that healing after trauma or loss isn’t linear. Some days are peaceful; others feel like starting over. Online therapy makes it possible to meet with a compassionate, trauma-informed counselor from anywhere in Nebraska—so support is always within reach.
Our team includes licensed clinicians, EMDR-trained providers, and interns offering low-cost or free sessions for those without insurance. Whether you’re ready to dive deep or just need a safe space to talk, we’ll meet you where you are.
You Can Be Both Healing and Hurting
This Thanksgiving season, if you’re feeling the tension between gratitude and grief—take a moment to remind yourself that it’s okay to be both.
Healing doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means finding support, honoring your story, and taking one small step toward peace.
💙 Let’s talk about it.