Every year, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we have an opportunity to review our lives, our relationships, and the moments that bring us meaning. But Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the party- and shopping-sprint that ends with Christmas, and it’s easy to rush past the deeper sense of gratitude to which Thanksgiving invites us. But if we listen carefully, we can hear the Spirit of Thanksgiving calling to us: “Remember… remember.”
That’s what the practice of thanks-giving truly is—an intentional noticing, a conscious remembering of undeserved benefits we’ve received. This simple act can transform our mental health, strengthen our well-being, and reconnect us to the people who support us.
Gratitude and Emotional Healing
In therapy, most patients and clients aren’t seeking help because they feel overwhelmingly grateful! Instead, they may be facing depression, relationship challenges, or emotional pain from family, friends, work, or daily life. This time of year can amplify both joy and struggle, and therapists understand just how important compassionate support can be.
For some clients, the practice of gratitude must be introduced gently. I’m often hesitant to “prescribe” gratitude practices too early because some clients have been hurt by other people-helpers who skipped validation and jumped straight to “You should feel grateful.” Most patients first need their feelings recognized and accepted. Once that emotional space is created, cultivating gratitude can bring clarity, peace, and balance.
In his book Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier, psychologist Robert Emmons notes that positive emotions can “undo” physiological stress responses. Gratitude becomes a therapeutic tool—a natural form of emotional reset that restores balance.
In times of difficulty or happiness, gratitude reminds us that goodness still surrounds us. Gratitude becomes a stabilizing force when you’re navigating relationship stress, and sometimes starting or re-starting therapy can help jump-start your practice of gratitude.
Three Gratitude Practices for Thanksgiving
Whether you’re navigating stress or simply hoping to rediscover joy in your life, here are three practices to help you reconnect with a thankful heart:
1. Reflect on the People Who Support You
Sit with a warm drink and a blank page. Begin listing the people—past or present—who have shaped your life. Keep noticing your feelings as you write: the beginning, the middle, and the end of this reflective moment. You may discover a renewed sense of appreciation for the clients, families, friends, mentors, or companions who have walked beside you. (For extra credit, you can text, call, or write a note of appreciation, or even visit one person from your list.)
2. Share Gratitude in Community
Gather with a small group—this could be family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers. Take turns sharing the stories behind the names on your list. Passing gratitude from person to person creates connection, healing, and emotional support. You may want a box of tissues nearby—these moments can be powerful.
3. Focus Your Gratitude Upward or Outward
The medieval theologian Meister Eckhart once said, “If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ it would be enough.” Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, try expressing thanks through words, writing, movement, silence, or celebration.
Say it quietly. Shout it joyfully. Write it in your journal. Let your gratitude take shape in whatever form feels authentic.
The Thanksgiving Challenge
Between now and Thanksgiving Day, I invite you to try one intentional practice of gratitude. Gratitude can help stabilize emotions, improve relationships, and support your overall well-being. Together, we can make this Thanksgiving a celebration filled with gratefulness, compassion, peace, and renewed hope.
Happy Thanksgiving — and may you feel grateful for each moment.
