TOPIC: Bowen Family Systems Theory: Understanding Family Patterns and Improving Relationships Through Therapy

WRITTEN: July 24, 2026 by Audrey Cornell

WILL BE REVIEWED: July 2029

Family relationships can have a powerful impact on how we communicate, handle conflict, manage stress, and experience relationships throughout life. If you find yourself repeating unhealthy family patterns, feeling overwhelmed by family conflict, struggling with anxiety related to relationships, or carrying emotional experiences from childhood into adulthood, Bowen Family Systems Theory may help you better understand these challenges.

At JCACounseling in Alpharetta, Georgia, our therapists use evidence-based approaches...

TOPIC: Ending Negative Cycles and Improving Communication in Relationships: How Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Helps Couples

WRITTEN: July 17, 2026 by Ashlee Park

WILL BE REVIEWED: July 2029

Relationships can sometimes feel like a dance where two people are moving to different rhythms. Even couples who deeply love each other may find themselves stuck in repeated arguments, feeling misunderstood, disconnected, or unable to communicate their needs effectively.

When conflict becomes a pattern, many couples begin to wonder: Why do we keep having the same arguments? Why do I feel unheard? How can we reconnect?

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based couples therapy approach that hel...

TOPIC: Midlife Matters: Why More Women Are Choosing Therapy During Life's Biggest Transitions

WRITTEN: July 28, 2026 by Jessica Grabowski

WILL BE REVIEWED: July 2029

LEARN ABOUT JESSICA

LEARN ABOUT INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

You've built a life. Now it's time to ask: Is it still working for you?

TOPIC: Why Is My Child Acting Out? Understanding Behavior and What It Really Means

WRITTEN: July 3, 2026

WILL BE REVIEWED: July 2029

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY THERAPY AT JCAC

It can be confusing and overwhelming when a child suddenly begins acting out—having frequent meltdowns, showing anger, refusing to listen, struggling at school, or withdrawing from family and friends.

Many parents find themselves wondering: “What changed?” or “Why is my child behaving this way?”

While it’s easy to view these behaviors as defiance or “bad behavior,” children are often communicating something deeper that they do not yet have the words to express.

Behavior Is Communi...

TOPIC: Is My Child’s Anxiety Normal? Signs, Causes, and When to Seek Therapy

WRITTEN: June 26, 2026

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2029

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY THERAPY AT JCAC

It’s normal for children to experience worries, fears, or nervousness from time to time. However, when anxiety begins to interfere with daily life, relationships, school, or emotional well-being, it may be a sign that additional support could be helpful.

Many parents wonder: “Is this just a phase, or something more?”

The truth is that childhood anxiety doesn’t always look obvious. It often shows up through behavior, physical complaints, or avoidance rather than clear verbal expression.

What Childhood An...

TOPIC: What Is Play Therapy? How It Helps Children Process Emotions and Create Lasting Change

WRITTEN: June 19, 2026

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2029

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY THERAPY AT JCAC: https://www.alpharettajohnscreekcounseling.com/play-therapy-for-children

As parents, it can be difficult to know when a behavior is simply a developmental phase and when your child may need additional support.

You may notice more tantrums, frequent meltdowns, increased anxiety, difficulty separating from you, withdrawal from family or friends, trouble at school, or sudden changes in mood. Many parents wonder:

"Are they just acting out?"
"Will they grow out of this?"
"Should I be worried?"

The truth is that children do...

When Your Child Is Struggling: Why Specialized Play Therapy Matters

As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child struggle.

Maybe your child is having emotional outbursts after a divorce. Perhaps they are anxious about school, overwhelmed by friendships, or struggling to focus and regulate their emotions. You may find yourself wondering, "Is this just a phase?" or "Does my child need counseling?"

At Johns Creek and Alpharetta Counseling, we understand that children rarely walk into an office and say, "I'd like to discuss my feelings today."

Children communicate differently than adults. They process experiences, emotions, fears, and relationships through play. That's why Play Therapy i...

TOPIC: Postpartum Support Group for Moms: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

POST BY: Mikayla Minehart, LPC, NCC, PMH-C, EDIT-C - CLICK HERE TO SEE HER BIO

WRITTEN: May 19, 2026

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2029

No one talks enough about how emotionally complex postpartum life can be.

One moment you may feel deep love and gratitude, and the next you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, disconnected, or unlike yourself. The transition into motherhood is huge, and even when it’s beautiful, it can also feel incredibly hard.

Many moms silently wonder:
“Why am I struggling?”
“Why do I feel so overwhelmed?”
“Why does everyone else seem to handle this better than me?&r...

At Johns Creek and Alpharetta Counseling (JCAC), we believe connection changes everything. When individuals are equipped with the tools to recognize, assess, and cope with mental health challenges, they’re more likely to reach out for help and support others in doing the same. That’s the heart behind our annual Connection With A Purpose event — a day dedicated to mental health awareness, education, and community connection.

💛 Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, October 25
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Milton Community Center
🎟️ Admission: FREE (Register to receive a free meal ticket)

To register, visit Connection With A Purpose Tickets

This free family-friendly ev...

TOPIC: Behavior as Communication: The Power of Play Therapy

POST BY: Grace Lee, AMFT - CLICK HERE TO SEE HER BIO

WRITTEN: June 27, 2025

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028

As a therapist who uses child-centered play therapy, I frequently meet families who come into my office feeling overwhelmed, confused, and often defeated. Their child has been acting out, maybe through throwing tantrums that last for hours, refusing to follow rules, being aggressive toward siblings or classmates, or suddenly withdrawing. These behavior issues often leave parents asking, “What are we doing wrong?” or “Why is my child like this?”

First, let me reassure you: you are not alone, and you are not fai...