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...

TOPIC: The Teen Guide to Self-Esteem, Body Image, and Anxiety: Tools for a Healthier You

POST BY: Lillie Bamberg, LPC - CLICK HERE TO SEE HER BIO

WRITTEN: June 26, 2025

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028

You’re Not Alone: Understanding Teen Self-Esteem

If you're a teen who feels insecure, anxious, or uncomfortable in your own skin, you’re not the only one. Millions of teens struggle daily with low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and body image issues—and it can feel overwhelming. Add in pressure from school, family, friends, and social media, and it’s no surprise that teen mental health is more important than ever.

But here’s something you should know: it’s okay to...

TOPIC: How to Cope with Body Changes After Being an Athlete

POST BY: Makenna Vacek, Masters Level Clinical Intern - CLICK HERE TO SEE HER BIO

WRITTEN: June 26, 2025

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028

From being an athlete competing regularly, working out multiple hours a week, having some meals provided and then suddenly you are done with athletics. It can be a really big jolt from being basically a full time athlete to being free from that and having to figure out your identity but also deal with a lot of change. One of the biggest changes that my athletes come to me about sometimes is their body and exercise.

As we know, bodies change all the time as we get older and grow and go through life events. ...

TOPIC: Postpartum Hormones Explained: What’s Happening to Your Mind and Body After Birth

POST BY: Mikayla Minehart, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist - CLICK HERE TO SEE HER BIO

WRITTEN: June 26, 2025

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028

If you’ve recently had a baby and find yourself crying more than usual, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering, “Why don’t I feel like myself?”, you are not alone, and you are not broken. The truth is your body and brain are going through massive changes. And at the heart of it all? Hormones.

As a therapist certified in perinatal mental health, I’ve worked with many women who are shocked by how much their mood, energy, and emotion...