JCAC's Blog & Podcast

Aug
08

Bowen Family Systems Theory: Understanding Family Patterns and Improving Relationships Through Therapy




TOPIC: Bowen Family Systems Theory: Understanding Family Patterns and Improving Relationships Through Therapy


WRITTEN: July 24, 2026 by Audrey Cornell


WILL BE REVIEWED: July 2029



Family relationships can have a powerful impact on how we communicate, handle conflict, manage stress, and experience relationships throughout life. If you find yourself repeating unhealthy family patterns, feeling overwhelmed by family conflict, struggling with anxiety related to relationships, or carrying emotional experiences from childhood into adulthood, Bowen Family Systems Theory may help you better understand these challenges.


At JCACounseling in Alpharetta, Georgia, our therapists use evidence-based approaches...


Jul
28

Midlife Matters: Why More Women Are Choosing Therapy During Life's Biggest Transitions


TOPIC: Midlife Matters: Why More Women Are Choosing Therapy During Life's Biggest Transitions


WRITTEN: July 28, 2026 by Jessica Grabowski


WILL BE REVIEWED: July 2029



LEARN ABOUT JESSICA


LEARN ABOUT INDIVIDUAL THERAPY



You've built a life. Now it's time to ask: Is it still working for you?





Jun
26

Is My Child’s Anxiety Normal? Signs Your Child May Need Therapy




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...


Jun
19

Is My Child Just Going Through a Phase? How Play Therapy Helps Children Create Lasting Emotional Change




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...


May
19

You’re Not Alone, Mama: Support for the Fourth Trimester and Beyond



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...


Oct
20

🌿 Connection With A Purpose: A Free Community Mental Health Event


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...


Jun
26

Guide for Teens: How to Build Self-Esteem, Improve Body Image, and Manage Anxiety


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...


Jun
26

Embracing Body Changes: A Guide for Athletes


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. ...


Jun
26

Therapy for Outpatient Level Eating Disorders: Teens and Adults


TOPIC: How to Stop the ED Voice: Therapy That Helps with Eating Disorders


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


WRITTEN: June 26, 2025


WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028



Eating disorders are complex — anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders, are extremely challenging. They can be life-threatening and have a vast amount of emotional consequences.


Eating disorders can feel like an internal war - a battle between control and chaos and the body and the mind.


Living with an “ED”, eating disorder, voice in your head is incredibly challenging... and in so many different ways. Whether it is a consistent fear of
ga...


Jun
26

Transition from High School to College Athletics: How to Be Mentally Tough and Resilient Through Big Life Transitions


TOPIC: Building Mental Toughness: Navigating the Transition from High School to College Athletics with Resilience


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


WRITTEN: June 26, 2025


WILL BE REVIEWED: June 2028



Many high school athletes aspire to the day they step on campus repping their new school gear and get to take their playing to a higher level. While this is an exciting time for them, it also comes with a whole new set of demands and experiences as they transition. Sometimes it is the first time away from home, maybe expectations of playing time are different, coaches may be harsher, maybe you just went from being the best on a team to now hardly not...