TOPIC: Play Therapy & Child Mental Health

WRITTEN: August 4, 2026 by Tiffany Kim

WILL BE REVIEWED: August 2029

Children experience complex emotions, but they do not always have the words or developmental ability to explain what they are feeling. Anxiety, sadness, stress, trauma, and life changes can be difficult for children to process through conversation alone. This is where play therapy provides a unique and effective approach to helping children communicate, heal, and grow.

At JCAC in Alpharetta, Georgia, our child therapists use developmentally appropriate, creative approaches to help children express emotions, build coping skills, and feel understood in a safe therapeutic environment.

What...

TOPIC: Play Therapy & Child Counseling

WRITTEN: August 4, 2026 by Mackenzie Clark

WILL BE REVIEWED: August 2029

Children don't always have the words to explain what they're thinking or feeling. Instead, they often communicate through play, imagination, creativity, and behavior. That's why play therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for helping children process difficult emotions and experiences.

At JCAC in Alpharetta, Georgia, our child therapists create a safe, supportive environment where children can express themselves naturally, develop healthy coping skills, and build emotional resilience through play.

What Is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a specialized form of couns...

TOPIC: Child & Teen Therapy

WRITTEN: August 4, 2026 by Krishna Nayar

WILL BE REVIEWED: August 2029

Children and teenagers often communicate their emotions differently than adults. While some openly express what they're feeling, others may show their struggles through changes in behavior, withdrawal, anger, or difficulty at school. Looking beyond those behaviors is one of the most important parts of working with children and adolescents.

At JCAC in Alpharetta, Georgia, our therapists understand that every child and teen has a unique story. Rather than focusing only on behaviors, therapy helps uncover the emotions, experiences, and challenges that may be contributing to them.

Why Therapy for Child...

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: 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...