In case you blinked and missed it—the holiday season has arrived without warning.

Coca-Cola has AI penguins proclaiming "Holidays are Coming," Starbucks' red cups go live today, and a glass bear tumbler is becoming the internet's emotional support cup for the season. For therapists, it’s that special time when many clients juggle family scripts, financial strain, and pressure to perform joy.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, here are a few major stories from this week and how they might show up in the room.

In Tuesday’s off-year elections, Democrats swept competitive gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, and Zohran Mamdani became New York City’s first democratic socialist mayor. California voters approved Proposition 50, allowing Democrats to redraw congressional districts.

Many analysts described these elections as a referendum on President Trump’s second term. Economic concerns—particularly affordability—dominated voter priorities across all three races. For clients across the political spectrum, election results can trigger strong emotional reactions tied to identity, values, and safety.

Political wins and losses carry emotional weight far beyond policy—they tap into core beliefs about safety, justice, and belonging.

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Louisville International Airport on Tuesday evening, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The plane, carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel, crashed into nearby businesses, causing a massive fireball and prompting a state of emergency.

When rare but catastrophic events occur, our social media-heavy environment often highlights them due to the sensationalism of the content, whether users want to see them or not. Clients may absorb vicarious trauma through repeated exposure to disaster imagery and rolling news coverage—even if they have no direct connection to the event.

Catastrophic events trigger collective emotional responses that ripple far beyond those directly affected. Therapists can help clients work through media-driven anxiety without dismissing the genuine tragedy.

It’s a big season for streaming—just in time for hunker-down weather and the most magical (or stressful) time of year. Stranger Things’ fifth and final season debuts in three parts; Taylor Sheridan’s Landman Season 2 returns this month; and The Paper, a workplace comedy from The Office creator Greg Daniels, is gathering buzz as it debuts on NBC.

Shared media consumption—especially during the holidays—can serve as a low-stakes bonding activity for families navigating tension, estrangement, or simply looking for connection. For individuals, comfort shows and returning favorites offer predictability and an emotional outlet during chaotic times.

Shared media experiences can be bridges—or buffers. Help clients use them intentionally, especially during high-stress holiday gatherings.

According to the American Counseling Association, the Counseling Compact launched earlier this year, allowing licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines in 39 participating states. That means no more separate licenses in each state. Similarly, PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) is active in 40 states for psychologists and the Social Work Licensure Compact, enacted in 22 states, will supposedly be operational by 2025 or early 2026.

For years, clients—especially college students and remote workers—have lost access to their therapists when crossing state lines. Interstate compacts address this barrier, allowing continuity of care and expanding access to specialized providers. For therapists, this means the ability to serve clients who relocate, travel, or live near state borders without navigating expensive and time-consuming multi-state licensing.

Interstate compacts are quietly revolutionizing mental health care access. Therapists who understand and utilize these systems can better serve clients as they move—and expand their own practices.