The holidays are often painted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for caregivers, this season can bring an entirely different emotional landscape. In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Muskat, a therapist who specializes in caregiver mental health, to unpack the complex layers of supporting a loved one with dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), or other health challenges during the holiday season. Together, we explore the emotional weight of caregiving, the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday, the resurfacing of grief, and the exhaustion that comes from trying to hold everything together. You’ll hear insights on navigating anticipatory grief, setting boundaries, managing burnout, and finding small, meaningful moments even when traditions change. Most importantly, this episode offers validation, compassion, and practical support for anyone feeling stretched thin or unseen during the holidays. Follow Stephanie Compassion in Caregiving Listen to Caregiver Compass on Spotify Follow us on social media: @outisdethetherapyroompod If you're looking for a therapist and live in Ontario, feel free to visit our website here or contact us , to work with one of our team members. If you reside outside of Ontario, a quick Google search will help you find a therapist near you!
