How to Help Your Anxious Child 

By Theresa Westfall, MS, LPC, NCC of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

Parenting is an adventure—both rewarding and challenging. What works for one child may not work for another, and no child comes with an instruction manual. Navigating the complexities of parenting a child with anxiety can feel overwhelming. In my experience working with children and families, I’ve seen how parents often grapple with their own feelings while trying to help their anxious child.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection ~ Understanding Test-Taking Anxiety

by Erin Mills MSW, LCSW  of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

Anyone who has experienced test-taking anxiety knows how debilitating it can be! And anyone whose child experiences test-taking anxiety knows how stressful and heartbreaking it is to watch. Experiencing anxiety when taking tests or quizzes occurs in 40% of students of all ages and negatively impacts performance and overall well-being.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection: Deciding on Medications

by Katie Butler APRN of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

One of my favorite phrases is “storms don’t last forever.” Life presents challenges that can impact our day-to-day functioning. These ups and downs should be transient. But if mood changes persist, anxiety is overwhelming, or attention and focus is poor, psychotropic medications should be considered.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection: Helping teens and young adults build successful launching skills.

by By Neitcha Thomsen MSW, LCSW, CCATP of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

Parents work to support the successful transition of their children throughout the milestones of their lives. They are there to encourage the baby to walk, the child to tie their shoes, feed themselves, ride a bike, and other things that are steps into the bigger world.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection: Boundaries as a tool for healing and growth.

by By Neitcha Thomsen MSW, LCSW, CCATP of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

In my work as a therapist, empowering and supporting families affected by mental illness through their journey of recovery has been one of my top goals. I have found that healthy boundaries can be one of the most supportive and challenging steps to implement as parents.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection: Why Taking a Walk in the Woods Might be the Best Thing for Your Mind

by Bre Curtain, MS, NCC, APC  of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

As a therapist deeply invested in the holistic approach to mental health, I’ve observed a fascinating phenomenon: the profound impact of nature on our psychological state. Being fully immersed in nature can have a significant impact on our nervous system, heart rate, cognitive pace, and the quality of our thoughts.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection: Breaking Free from Shame

by Meredith Metscher, MPH of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

Shame is a universal part of the human experience and yet, it lies in the shadows, often undiscussed. It is important to make the distinction between shame and remorse. Remorse can be a healthy part of someone’s emotional experience. It can help you reevaluate your thought patterns and behaviors when they cause problems and hurt others or yourself.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection: Is it Tech Use or Abuse?

by Ross Mills, MS, NCC of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

Is it Tech Use or Abuse?

Technology is ever-present in our lives. Everyday items like phones, laptops, tablets, and video games are used daily by individuals of all ages. Advancements in technology have enhanced how we communicate, entertain ourselves, and work, making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.… Read More »

The Mental Health Connection: What to Know About Disordered Eating vs. Eating Disorders

by Megan McKinney, LMSW of Atlanta Specialized Care for The Aha! Connection

In the age of dieting, thin ideals, and injectable weight loss drugs, dialogue around body shape and size is just as prevalent as ever. Through social media, conversations with friends, and even from medical providers, many people are feeling the pressure to change how they look in order to meet societal standards.… Read More »