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...

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: Adoption Is Lifelong: Counseling Support for Every Stage of the Journey

POST BY: Lyla Mills, LMSW - CLICK HERE TO SEE HER BIO

WRITTEN: June 26, 2025

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028

True adoption-competent counseling is hard to find. First, understanding the different types of adoption and the nuances that are attached to them is key. Examples of some of the different types are: International adoptions, domestic adoptions which is a category that can be broken down into several more categories —> foster to adopt, open/closed adoptions, transracial adoptions, and kinship adoptions.

Then, after beginning to understand the types, comes understanding just how much adoptees hold onto and h...

TOPIC: The Overlooked Side of ADHD: High Achievement, Hidden Struggles, and Healing Through Therapy

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

WRITTEN: June 26, 2025

WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028

As a child therapist, I’ve had the privilege of working with many bright, driven, and talented young people. Some of them are top of their class, win awards, or excel in multiple areas—from academics to the arts to athletics. And yet, beneath their accomplishments lies a daily internal battle that most people don't see.

These are the high achievers with ADHD.

When Success Masks Struggle

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is often stereotyped as affect...

When a child faces behavioral issues, emotional struggles, or experiences anxiety and grief, it can be incredibly challenging for both the child and their family. The feelings of helplessness and confusion are natural, but the good news is that there is a highly effective form of therapy designed to help children navigate these difficult emotions and behaviors: Play Therapy.

In this post, we will explore how play therapy works, why it’s beneficial for children facing behavioral challenges, and how it can help children process their emotions, overcome anxiety, and cope with grief. Let’s dive into how play therapy can be a game-changer for your child's emotional well-being.

What Is ...

Pregnancy Self-Care: How to Find the Support You Deserve | JCACounseling Podcast Short

The journey to motherhood is a remarkable experience, but it can also come with emotional and mental health challenges. After childbirth, many new moms experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, or stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Post...