JCAC's Blog & Podcast

Jun
27

When Behavior Issues Are a Cry for Help: How Play Therapy Can Help



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...


Jun
26

What’s Happening to Me? Understanding Hormonal Changes After Birth


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...


Jun
26

How to Build Healthy Self-Esteem in Your Teen: A Guide for Parents


TOPIC: How to Support Your Teen’s Self-Worth: Tools Every Parent Should Know


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


WRITTEN: June 26, 2025


WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028



Parenting a teenager today comes with a unique set of challenges—many of which weren’t as visible a generation ago. Thanks to the rise of social media, increasing academic pressure, and shifting cultural standards, more teens than ever are struggling with low self-esteem, lack of confidence, body image issues, and anxiety. These issues can deeply affect a teen's mental health, relationships, and ability to thrive in everyday life. As a parent, you can’t control the world they’re grow...


May
26

7 Common Communication Barriers in Relationships and How Couples Therapy Can Fix Them



Communication is the heartbeat of every healthy relationship—but it’s also where many couples struggle the most. Whether it’s misunderstandings, emotional shutdowns, or constant arguments, poor communication can leave couples feeling disconnected, frustrated, and unheard.


The good news? You’re not alone—and help is available.


In this blog, we’ll break down the 7 most common communication barriers in relationships and explain how couples therapy can help you and your partner rebuild trust, improve understanding, and strengthen your emotional connection.



💬 Why Communication Is So Important in Relationships


At its core, communication isn’t just about talk...


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
14

The Power of Couples Counseling: Strengthening Relationships Through Therapy


The Secret to Getting Your Marriage Back and Avoid Divorce! | Marriage Master Class Ep 1






Love is central to our life, yet we're not very good at it. Why?! ​​In this series, Marriage Counselor, Erica Gregory, will walk you through the same process she walks a couple through counseling to save marriages from divorce.




Relationships are beautiful, but they can also be challenging. Whether you’re newly in love or have been together for years, every couple faces ups and downs. When conflicts arise, communication breaks down, or emotional distance grows, couples counseling can be a valuable tool to rebuild and strengthen your relationship.


What Is Couples Counseling?


Couples counseling, also kno...


Sep
20

Uncovering Postpartum Depression: A Midwife's Perspective - JCACounseling Podcast (LIVE)




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Click here to watch! https://www.youtube.com/live/sNjdAoiOQKY?si=oigSQVXZFnHRaawU



Recogni...


Sep
18

Navigating Grief and Loneliness in Relationships | JCACounseling Podcast Short


In this insightful JCACounseling Podcast Short, therapists Rachel and Erica explore the impact of grief on relationships, particularly how it can lead to feelings of loneliness and strain a marriage. They provide valuable insights into the emotional challenges couples face when dealing with loss and offer practical advice for maintaining connection during these difficult times.



Grief and Loneliness: How Grief Can Impact Your Marriage | JCACounseling Podcast Short






Grief & Loneliness: Rachel and Erica begin by discussing how grief can create profound feelings of loneliness. They delve into the emotional isolation that often accompanies loss and its effects on individuals and relationships.


Coupl...


Sep
11

Understanding Grief: Navigating the 6 Stages | JCACounseling Podcast Short


In this JCACounseling Podcast Short, our counselors break down the many facets of grief, guiding you through the traditional 5 stages and introducing a potential 6th stage. We explore how understanding these stages can empower you to navigate the complex emotions of loss.



Explained: The Many Facets of Grief & the 5 Stages of Grief + A 6th! | JCACounseling Podcast Short






Defining Grief & Ways of Experience: Grief is a profound emotional response to loss. This segment explores the nature of grief and how individuals experience it in various ways, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of its impact.


Unpacking the Five Stages of Grief: We discuss the widely recognized five stages of grief, ...