JCAC's Blog & Podcast

May
12

How Play Therapy Can Help Your Child Overcome Behavioral Issues and Emotional Struggles



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 ...


May
05

Postpartum Mental Health Counseling: Moms, You Deserve Support


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






Pregnancy can be overwhelming, and it's important to remember you're not alone. In this video, Janice Collins, CNM, and Erica Gregory, LMFT, discuss why asking for help and finding support is crucial for your well-being during pregnancy. Join them as they explore practical tips for self-care and how to lean on others to thrive during this journey.




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...


Apr
28

Individual Counseling: Empowering Change and Growth Through Psychotherapy


AM I DEPRESSED? Or Just Sad? Depression Explained in Detail By A Licensed Counselor






Counselor, Erica Gregory, explains what depression is by outlining the 9 key symptoms of depression. Erica has worked with depressed children, teens, and adults, and uses her experience with real clients who have depression to explain the difference between feeling sad or down and clinical depression or medical depression.




Life’s challenges often leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed, whether it’s dealing with emotional distress, life transitions, or mental health struggles. Individual counseling offers a safe, supportive space to help you process, heal, and find clarity. At Johns Creek and Alphare...


Apr
07

Play Therapy: Helping Children Heal and Thrive Through Therapeutic Play


Play Therapy: Speaking Your Child's Language






Counselor, Erica Gregory, talks about what play therapy is, how it works, and what to expect from a play therapist. She explains why play therapists use play as a form of therapy, the benefits for your child, and what the first 4 play therapy sessions look like.




Childhood is a crucial time for emotional and psychological development. However, children may struggle to express their thoughts and emotions, especially when dealing with anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, or grief. Play therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that allows children to communicate, heal, and grow in a way that feels natural to them—through play.


What is Pla...


Sep
23

Fostering Safe Communities: Addressing School Violence & Suicide - JCACounseling Podcast (LIVE)


Join us for a critical community conversation in response to recent tragedies in Sugar Hill and Winder, GA, including a suicide by cop and a school shooting. Suicide and school violence are preventable, and it's vital to know how to take action. In this live podcast, we'll discuss how to proactively address mental health crises and keep our community safe.






Topics include:



  1. Suicide prevention strategies

  2. Supporting teens and children through anxiety and fear

  3. Preventing school violence

  4. Recognizing warning signs and talking about suicide and violence with loved ones


Led by licensed mental health counselors Erica Gregory, LMFT, and Mandi Allison, LCMHC, and hosted by JCACounseling and Clear Path Counsel...


Aug
23

Helping Kids Heal: Post-Narcissistic Divorce Strategies | JCACounseling Podcast Short


In our latest episode of the JCAC podcast, Dr. Neil Monette dives deep into the complex journey of supporting your children after leaving a narcissistic spouse. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the challenges of transitioning to a healthier family dynamic.








The Impact on My Children- Leaving a Narcissistic Spouse | JCACounseling Podcast Short







The Decision to Leave: Making the choice to leave a narcissistic spouse is incredibly tough, especially when children are involved. Dr. Monette explores the emotional weight of this decision and highlights the profound long-term benefits of removing your children from a harmful environment.


Understanding the Impact on Children: Child...


Jun
30

Tech-Savvy Parenting: Ensuring Your Child's Online Safety | JCACounseling Podcast Short


As parents, navigating the digital landscape with our children can be daunting. In this insightful JCAC podcast short, counselors Erica Gregory, LMFT, and Ginny Vose, APC, offer invaluable guidance on setting boundaries and ensuring online safety for your children.




PARENTS: How To Keep Your Children Safe On Technology | JCACounseling Podcast Shorts







Boundaries, Safety, & Technology Oh My!


The battle all parents face is how to establish boundaries with technology and keep their children safe online. Gregory and Vose delve into practical strategies and essential tips for navigating this complex terrain.


Screen Time Education for Children


Understanding the impact of screen time is crucial. This se...


Jun
28

Transforming Teen Tantrums | JCACounseling Podcast Short


In this insightful JCAC podcast episode, Ginny Vose, APC, and Erica Gregory, LMFT, delve into the challenges of managing temper tantrums in teenagers. They explore the similarities between tantrums in young children and adolescents, offering valuable strategies for parents to support their teens through dysregulated moments using Co-Regulation.




How To Manage TEEN Temper Tantrums | JCAC Podcast Short







Understanding Teen Tantrums:


Teenage tantrums can be as challenging as those experienced during early childhood but manifest differently due to adolescent development and emotional complexities. Recognizing these behaviors is crucial for effective support.


Key Insights from the Podcast:


Staying Calm...


Jun
27

Empowering Children through Family Transitions: Unlocking Secrets | JCACounseling Podcast


In our latest JCAC podcast episode, the hosts explore the complexities of family transitions and their profound impact on children. By examining the emotional and psychological shifts that accompany significant family changes, we aim to provide parents with the tools to support their children during these challenging times.


Ginny Vose APC, Counselor with JCACounseling follows up a lecture she gave at Brandywine Elementary School on Positive Parenting. She addresses the key questions parents asked her after the lecture. We wanted to unpack each important question in detail on parenting, safe technology use, fostering values, assistant in your child's development, among many others.




Positive Pa...


Dec
18

Mindful Motherhood: Prioritizing Mental Health for Stay-at-Home Moms



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What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment without judgment, a valauble tool for stay-at-home moms facing the challenges of motherhood.



Understanding Mindfulness in Motherhood


Mindfulness helps mothers navigate day-to-day chaos with calmness. It fosters a meaningful connections with their children. By being present in the moment, you're able to build memories, but also reduce overwhelming yourself by allowing yourself as mom to focus on one task at a time. Overall, mindfulness helps relieve stress, provide mental clarity, and promote self-compassion, all contributing to the wellbeing of stay-at-home moms in their fulfilling journey of raising ther...