Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Redlands Counselling Service
- Matthew Vincent
- Dec 15
- 3 min read
By Matt Vincent, Counsellor – Redlands Counselling Service
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the many stories, struggles, and strengths that have passed through my counselling room in 2025. This season offers a moment to pause—not just to celebrate, but to acknowledge the resilience, growth, and quiet courage that so many of you have shown me.
Whether this year brought healing, hardship, or a mix of both, I want to extend a heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. May this season bring rest, connection, and a sense of renewal.
Reflecting with Intention
The end of the year is more than a calendar milestone—it is an invitation to pause. This season offers a moment to reflect with intention: to celebrate the joys we’ve experienced, to acknowledge those we have lost, to recognise opportunities missed, and to honour the life we have lived.
Reflection is not about dwelling in regret or clinging to perfection. It is about gently holding the fullness of our experience—the triumphs and the trials—and allowing them to inform the path ahead.
When we take time to reflect with intention, we create space for:
Gratitude for the moments that brought light and connection.
Compassion for ourselves in times of struggle or missed opportunities.
Remembrance of those who are no longer with us, keeping their presence alive in memory.
Hope for the year to come, grounded in the lessons of the past.
This practice of intentional reflection helps us step into the New Year not with pressure, but with clarity. It reminds us that growth is found in both joy and sorrow, and that every lived moment contributes to the story of who we are becoming.
Looking Ahead with Gentle Intentions
The New Year often arrives with pressure to reinvent ourselves. But in my practice, I’ve seen that meaningful change rarely comes from grand resolutions—it comes from small, intentional steps.
As you look ahead to 2026, I invite you to consider:
Connection over perfection. Focus on relationships, not flawless outcomes.
Self-care as a priority. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Growth through reflection. Ask: What did I learn this year? What do I want to carry forward?
Compassionate goals. Choose intentions that honour both your needs and your values.
Intentions like “I want to be kinder to myself,” “I want to reconnect with someone I miss,” or “I want to slow down and breathe more deeply” are powerful. They don’t demand perfection—they invite presence.
Navigating the Holidays with Care
For many, Christmas is a time of joy. For others, it’s a season of mixed emotions. Family tensions, grief, financial stress, or loneliness can surface unexpectedly. If this season feels heavy, please know you’re not alone.
Here are a few gentle reminders I often share with clients:
It’s okay to set boundaries. You don’t have to attend every event or engage in every conversation.
Grief and joy can coexist. Missing someone doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy moments of connection.
You’re allowed to feel what you feel. There’s no “right” way to experience the holidays.
Reach out if you need support. Connection helps—whether it’s with a friend, a counsellor, or a support line.
At Redlands Counselling Service, we’re here to support you through the complexities of this season. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
A Season of Renewal
Christmas reminds us of the power of presence—being truly with one another. The New Year invites us to step into possibility, to embrace fresh beginnings, and to carry forward the resilience we’ve built.
Whether your goals are big or small, remember: progress is made in steps, not leaps. Every act of kindness, every moment of self-care, every boundary honoured is a victory worth celebrating.
Consider reflecting on:
What challenged me this year?
What helped me cope?
What am I proud of?
What do I want to leave behind?
What do I want to carry forward?
These reflections can help shape your intentions for 2026 in a way that feels grounded and authentic.
A Personal Note
I’ve had the privilege of walking along side you, witnessing the quiet strength people carry—even in the most difficult times. I’ve seen courage in vulnerability, growth in grief, and healing in connection.
To every client, colleague, and community member who has walked through our doors or reached out this year: thank you. Your trust, openness, and commitment to growth inspire me daily.
From all of us at Redlands Counselling Service, we look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2026
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Warm regards,
Matt Vincent Counsellor – Redlands Counselling Service
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