online christmas support group
plan and prepare
for christmas with (or without) dysfunctional family
what we will explore together
Spending Christmas with family
Smoked turkey, Brie & apple chutney
Spending christmas without family
Hummus, grilled vegetables & halloumi cheese
Or unsure what to do?
Seak with onions, bacon & cheddar
Who We Are
This isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of what we believe in. We’re here to create work that matters, led by a shared commitment to quality and care.
how the group will work
1. Group check-in
We'll begin by checking in with how you're feeling about Christmas approaching, what you hope to get from attending the group, and whether there's anything in particular you'd like some support with or input from others with during the group.
2. Open group discussion and peer support
We'll open up the conversation to share experiences, ideas and practical ways of navigating Christmas with or without family. This is an opportunity to hear different perspectives, learn from one another, reflect on what has worked well before (or hasn’t) and explore approaches that you might try moving forward.
3. Group check-out
We'll finish by checking out with how you're feeling at the end of the session and reflecting on anything you'd like to take away, put into practice or leave behind as you prepare for Christmas.
the christmas group is:
A therapist-led support group to plan and prepare for Christmas, with or without your family of origin.
An opportunity to reflect on previous challenges at Christmas and how to approach things differently without relying on family members to change.
A place to explore practical strategies for managing boundaries, expectations, guilt and difficult family interactions.
A chance to think about what you want from Christmas and make choices that take your own needs into account.
A camera on event to help create connection and safety within the small group and group participation is encouraged to help you get the most out of it.
A supportive space to share your feelings about Christmas (fear, dread, resentment etc) and connect with others who understand that Christmas can be complicated when family relationships are difficult.
the christmas group is not:
A therapy group. We won't be processing feelings, exploring past experiences in depth or working therapeutically with unresolved issues.
To blame and complain about family members. The focus will be on you, your feelings, needs and how you can approach Christmas differently this year to protect yourself and minimise disappointment.
Telling you what to do. There is no expectation to spend Christmas with family, go no contact, forgive anyone or reconcile. You get to decide what is best for you.
About creating the perfect Christmas. The aim is to help you prepare for Christmas realistically with the family you have (or haven’t) rather than meet idealised expectations of what it ‘should’ look like.
A crisis support service. This group isn't suitable for people who are currently in crisis, expereincing mental health issues which may be destabilising by talking about the topics raised or need a higher level of individual support.
Meet Harriet
Harriet Gleeson is a relational-developmental integrative psychotherapist who has been working in private practice for the past five years, offering online individual and group therapy, workshops and talks. She specialises in supporting adult children of dysfunctional family systems to understand how their childhood has shaped their adult relationships, while creating opportunities for reparative relational experiences by healing unmet developmental needs.
Support from a therapist who gets it
Alongside her professional experience, Harriet brings an understanding of the complexities of family relationships from her own life. Harriet is estranged from her family of origin and has limited contact with extended family, giving her a personal understanding of the challenges that can arise when navigating complex family relationships and estrangement, particularly around Christmas.
feedback from other groups
“Do it! This is such a wonderful opportunity to belong to a supportive, compassionate group and learn a lot about yourself in the process.”
“I joined because I wanted a feeling of connection and belonging in a safe space. I feel like I gained this in ways that I couldn't imagine before starting the group. I am so glad I signed up.”
plan + prepare: christmas support group
A 90 min therapist-led online support group for adult children seeking support to plan and prepare for Christmas with or without dysfunctional family members
Tuesday 24th November at 6-8pm UK time
£40 (or £30 early bird until 1st Nov)
Only 8 spaces available