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: 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...

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...

Play Therapy: Speaking Your Child's Language

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...

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.

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...

As a parent, it's natural to worry when your teen's behavior changes. But how do you know if they need counseling? In this insightful JCAC podcast short, Ginny Vose, APC, and Erica Gregory, LMFT, discuss the signs that indicate it might be time to seek professional help for your child. They explore the impact of significant life changes such as divorce, moving, and mental health concerns, offering guidance for parents who are unsure about the next steps.

Key Indicators for Counseling:

Changes in Behavior, Mood, and Personality: Sudden or drastic changes in your child's behavior, mood, or personality can be a red flag. T...

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.

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...

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.