Managing Holiday Stress: How Teen Therapy Can Help During Thanksgiving Break
- Quique Autrey, LPC
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
The Thanksgiving holiday can be a special time filled with family, food, and fun traditions. But for many teenagers, this time of year also brings extra stress. School schedules change, routines are interrupted, and family expectations can feel overwhelming. At the Neurodiversity Center of Katy, we understand that holidays can be tough—especially for teens who are already dealing with social pressure, anxiety, or sensory overload.
In this blog, we’ll explore why Thanksgiving can be stressful for teens and how teen therapy can offer support, confidence, and coping skills.
Why Teens Feel Stressed Around Thanksgiving
Even though teens get a break from school, the holiday season can bring new kinds of stress:
1. Changes in routine
Teens often feel grounded by their regular school schedules, activities, and friendships. When holiday breaks begin, that structure disappears. For neurodivergent teens—especially those with ADHD or autism—routine changes can feel overwhelming and disorienting.
2. Family expectations
Many teens worry about being judged by relatives. Questions like “How’s school?” or “What are your plans for the future?” can create pressure. Some teens may also feel anxious about family conflicts that tend to surface during gatherings.
3. Social overload or loneliness
For some teens, crowded gatherings are exhausting. For others, Thanksgiving reminds them of the friendships and connections they wish they had. Whether there’s too much socializing or not enough, emotions often feel intensified.
4. Sensory overload
Thanksgiving often includes loud conversations, new smells from cooking, bright lights, or travel. For neurodivergent teens, this sensory overload can lead to emotional shutdowns or meltdowns.
How Teen Therapy Helps Teens Develop Coping Skills
Teen therapy creates a safe space for teens to express their feelings, understand their stress triggers, and learn tools to manage holiday challenges. A therapist can help teens:
Identify and name the emotions they are feeling.
Build coping strategies for overwhelming situations.
Learn grounding techniques for anxiety or sensory overload.
Set healthy boundaries—like taking a break or stepping outside when things feel too intense.
Therapy helps teens understand that stress is normal and that they are not alone.
Teen Therapy Strategies for the Thanksgiving Holiday
Here are a few coping tools therapists often teach teens:
✅ Create a “holiday game plan”
Before family events, the teen and therapist can talk about:
Who will be there
What to expect
Where to take breaks if needed
Knowing the plan helps the brain feel safe.
✅ Use simple grounding skills
Techniques like deep breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, or stepping outside for fresh air can help reduce anxiety quickly.
✅ Communicate personal boundaries
Teens can learn scripts like:
“Thanks for asking, but I’d rather talk about something else.”
✅ Build self-care into the day
Journaling, listening to music, going for short walks—these help teens reset before getting overwhelmed.
Teen Therapy at the Neurodiversity Center of Katy
At the Neurodiversity Center of Katy, we specialize in supporting neurodivergent teens—whether they have ADHD, autism, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Our therapists help teens:
Build confidence in social situations
Understand their emotions and needs
Learn practical, real-life coping skills
Navigate family stress without shutting down
We meet teens where they are. No judgment. No pressure. Just support.
If your teen struggles during the holidays, we’d love to help.
Ready to Help Your Teen Stress Less This Thanksgiving?
The holidays don’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools and support, your teen can enjoy the break—and feel more in control.
👉 Visit neurodiversitycenterofkaty.com to schedule an appointment
or contact us today.
Your teen deserves peace, confidence, and support—during the holidays and beyond.
Getting Started With Therapy
Reach Out – Schedule a free phone consultation or set up your teen’s first session. Our team will guide you step-by-step so the process feels simple and stress-free.
Create Connection – We’ll match your teen with a caring therapist who takes time to truly understand them—no judgment, just support and active listening.
Support Growth Over Time – Through regular therapy, your teen will learn coping skills, improve communication, and build a stronger sense of self-confidence.
At the Neurodiversity Center of Katy, we believe every teen deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of growth. We walk alongside your family each step of the way, helping your teen move toward a calmer, more empowered future.
Therapy Services Available at The Neurodiversity Center of Katy
At the Neurodiversity Center of Katy, we offer a variety of services tailored for everyone. Our offerings encompass:
Our dedicated team is eager to share their knowledge and insights on neurodiversity. For more information, please follow our blog or reach out to our office.
About the Author
I'm Quique (say it like "key+kay"), the co-founder and lead therapist at The Neurodiversity Center of Katy. Working with neurodivergent individuals is my passion. My clients often tell me that they find it easy to relate to me and appreciate my blend of expertise and down-to-earth advice.
For over two decades, I've dedicated my career to supporting neurodivergent individuals. My journey began in youth ministry, transitioned into teaching at a high school tailored for neurodiverse students, and ultimately led me to therapy.
My personal encounter with psychological challenges deeply informs my work. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in my youth and later grappling with OCD as an adult, my therapeutic journey was transformative. It was through engaging with a skilled therapist that I learned to navigate my challenges productively. This experience was so impactful that it propelled me to support other men facing similar neurodiverse challenges.
I'm known for my vibrant personality and my knack for establishing genuine connections with neurodiverse clients. My therapeutic approach is engaging, focused on solutions, and tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.
Outside of my professional life, I'm a family man, blessed with a loving wife, four children, and two dogs—a pug and a French bulldog. My hobbies include writing, podcasting, exercising, watching TV, and spending quality time with friends.
Feel free to contact me. I would love to know how I can support you on your therapy journey.
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