Family Counseling Associates

08/29/2025

For some families, talking about mental health might be an everyday occurrence. For others, it may be unfamiliar and feel a little awkward. But the more you talk about it, the more comfortable it will feel. This goes for both you and your loved ones. 👪 👨‍👩‍👦

1. Remember what being a teen is like
Teenagers are going through a time of change. They may be getting their first job, learning to drive, hanging out with friends more and spending less time with parents. These are all common adolescent experiences.

2. Watch for cues
Teens may bring up mental health topics on their own. They might mention what a friend is going through or how they're feeling themselves. This is a cue that your teen might be feeling mental health pressure. They might be ready to talk about it with you.

3. Respect differences
There's a good chance you and the teen or young adult in your life will have different opinions about political, social or other topics.Try to respect their different views. This can help you build trust and make them more open to talking.

Wanting to know more about your mental health?
📲 Find care at: http://spr.ly/61812rm57 or call 1-877-OBC-0013

08/29/2025

Meet the Team! 🍃
Megan Cahill, LICSW

🌳My name is Megan Cahill and I work in the Andover, MA office of FCA.

What populations do you serve?
Adults 18 and older.

What do you specialize in?
I see clients coping with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and grief/loss. My background in medical social work has also allowed me to work with a variety of individuals around issues of adjustment, communication difficulties, and family dynamics.

Where does your interest in mental health come from?
I began my undergraduate education in nursing but, when I met the social worker at the assisted living facility I was working in at the time, I quickly realized that I was more interested in making an impact for others emotionally and being able to provide more of the individual support and attention it takes to do so. My experiences working in medical settings from a young age allowed me to observe the mental and emotional impact that issues such as acute and chronic illness, grief, and loss can have on those experiencing them. This led me to complete my undergraduate degree in psychology and go on to earn a master’s degree in social work which further strengthened my passion for mental health.

What’s a fun fact about you?
My favorite form of self-care is running and I’ve run 3 marathons with hopefully many more to come!

Want to get in touch? 🤝
www.fca-andover.com

08/27/2025

Meet the Team! 🍃
Kaylen Mawdsley, MS

🌳Kaylen (she/her) is a mental health provider at Family Counseling Associates who is experienced in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and family systems. She provides therapy services through a client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach. She understands being vulnerable and seeking help can be intimidating, but shows someone's resiliency and willingness to improve.

Kaylen strives to provide a nonjudgemental, empathetic, and person-centered space that allows each client to be their true self. She values the importance of the therapeutic relationship as life can have difficult moments (past or present) and works collaboratively with clients to assist in navigating through these moments as well as empowering clients during good moments. She emphasizes meeting the client where they are at and tailoring her approach based on each client’s needs.

Want to get in touch? 🤝
www.fca-andover.com

08/25/2025

The lazy days of summer are over. Returning to school brings back busy schedules. For some kids, the new year can also bring worries. They may be concerned about their new teacher or about the workload. They could be stressing about who they’ll sit with at lunch. Or they could feel anxious about making the leap to middle school or high school. 🌻

Normalize your child’s feelings. Let your child know that their feelings are OK. Tell them that new things can feel scary. Plus, it’s natural to be jittery about a new school year, no matter how old they are. As you’re talking, you can share a time that you felt nervous about something, too. Be sure to focus on the positive: It was a little hard at first but then everything turned out fine.

You can also remind them about the good things that come with a new school year. They’ll learn new things and make new friends. Maybe they’ll also get some new privileges, too, such as a later bedtime or a later weekend curfew (for older kids).

And don’t forget the power of new school supplies. Buying new notebooks, pencils and other school supplies is fun for kids. Set aside time to pick out things together, then get their homework space set up. You can even decorate it together. That will help them see that you’re excited, too.

Wanting to know more about your mental health?
📲 Find care at: http://spr.ly/61812rm57 or call 1-877-OBC-0013

08/22/2025

Meet the Team! 🍃
Holly St. Cyr, LMHC, LCMHC
Psychotherapist – Andover, MA

🌳Being a therapist who sees her own therapist, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance of not having to go through life’s challenges alone- whether you’re navigating stress, grief, trauma, or major life changes. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, I have over 7 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Art Therapist.

Want to get in touch? 🤝
www.fca-andover.com

08/21/2025

Meet the Team! 🍃
Grace Walker, LICSW
Psychotherapist – Newburyport, MA

🌳Grace Walker is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who specializes in therapy for adults, young children, and families. Grace offers collaborative, compassionate, and practical support to help clients build emotional regulation, strengthen relationships, and bring more calm and connection into everyday life.

🌳Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, parenting stress, perinatal mood concerns, neurodivergence or life transitions, Grace provides grounded tools that support real-life change.

Want to get in touch? 🤝
www.fca-andover.com

08/18/2025

Meet the Team! 🍃
Briana Tricomi, LMHC
Psychotherapist – Beverly, MA

🌳 I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Salem State University. My pronouns are she/her/hers.

🌳I offer an integrative and holistic approach to therapy, drawing from Person-Centered, Interpersonal, Cognitive Behavioral, Strength-Based, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology frameworks.

🌳I aim to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where individuals feel seen, accepted, and empowered to explore their experiences and inner world. Each person brings their own unique histories, cultures, complexities and ways of being into the room, and I strive to honor, respect and hold space for every part of a person’s whole.

Want to get in touch? 🤝
www.fca-andover.com

08/11/2025

Youth can find a lot of educational, fun and inspiring content online. But they also may come across unsettling, inappropriate and distressing content that can impact their mental health and wellbeing. 👧 👦

1) Define boundaries. Limit exposure to news coverage and social media use. Let them know they can talk to you about what they see, so they have a supportive outlet. Also, consider blocking sites you prefer they don’t see or think may trouble them.

2) Share information. Talk with your child about the news, explaining things at a level appropriate to their age. Listen and answer any questions they may have. Also, let them know it’s OK to ask questions and encourage them to do so. The more questions they hold inside, the more they might wonder, worry and let their imagination spiral to worst-case scenarios.

3) Be as truthful as possible. Answer their questions to the best of your knowledge and ability, and in a way they can understand. If you do not know the answer, that’s OK. Tell them you don’t know. You also could use this as an opportunity to teach them useful “media literacy” skills by showing them how to find information from a reliable source.

4) Be patient. Until a child fully comprehends the situation or feels reassured, they may ask the same question or similar questions several times. This is natural. By remaining calm and compassionate, you can help them sort it out and feel less stressed.

Wanting to know more about your mental health?
📲 Find care at: http://spr.ly/61812rm57 or call 1-877-OBC-0013

08/08/2025

🌟 Give yourself space to change. Whether you’re heading off to university, moving to a new city or starting a job, you don’t have to know everything right now. Expect to grow and shift as you experience life.

😁 Make good choices. You need to look out for yourself. That includes considering the consequences of your actions, like staying out late the night before a major exam or splurging when you’re on a tight budget.

✍️ Understand you’re a work in progress. You may legally be an adult, but your body, mind and spirit continue developing well into your early 30s. Don’t be afraid to ask for help thinking through tough decisions or difficult feelings.

👨‍💻 Stay connected. Regularly keep in touch with trusted adults who can offer support and valuable advice.

🥗 Take care of yourself. Practice self-care for better health and wellbeing. That includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods and being active.
Wanting to know more about your mental health?
📲 Find care at: http://spr.ly/61812rm57 or call 1-877-OBC-0013

08/07/2025

Meet the Team! 🍃
Traci Connor, LMHC
Psychotherapist – Andover, MA

🌳Traci is a dedicated mental health therapist with a passion for supporting individuals through life’s challenges. She earned two master’s degrees in counseling. The first from Seton Hall University and the second from Cambridge College. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Traci has over 20 years of experience working with a variety of populations that range from adolescents to adults. She engages with clients to develop tailored strategies and encouraging resiliency and growth.

Traci enjoys spending time traveling with her husband and two adult children. You can find her walking her Bernese Mountain Dog and practicing Pilates. Self-care is important!

Want to get in touch? 🤝
www.fca-andover.com

Family Counseling Associates' clinicians provide a wide range of mental health services including counseling, medication management, and psychological testing. We are located in Andover MA, Beverly MA, Danvers MA, Burlington MA, Bedford NH and Exeter NH!

08/04/2025

International Youth Day is celebrated around the world every year on August 12. The United Nations’ goal is to give youth a voice in how communities and the future are shaped. In honor of this important day, let’s explore ways to nurture and raise awareness for youth mental health and well-being. 🧒 👟

Quick Stats:
-1 in 7 adolescents are affected by mental illnesses
-50% of mental illnesses begin by age 14

People with mental illnesses can and do lead active, productive lives, showing that these conditions can affect individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life. It’s important to understand that seeking professional help is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone deserves the support they need to thrive.

👉 Complete 3 activities each week on your own or with an adolescent in your care:
http://spr.ly/6180fdPiy

Wanting to know more about your mental health?
📲 Find care at: http://spr.ly/61812rm57 or call 1-877-OBC-0013

08/01/2025

Preparing for transitions: Back to School 🎒 ✏️

🍎 Be empathetic
One of the most important ways to support your child is to consider their perspective. Sure, they may be excited to graduate to a new level, do new activities and meet new people. But they also are likely to feel nervous about the uncertainty change brings. Will they like their new teachers? Will they miss their current friends? Will they remember where the restroom is? Will they be able to manage the schoolwork? Will they feel accepted?

🍎 Recognize signs of stress and anxiety
Change is tough for most people at any age. Moving grades or schools can bring anxious thoughts and stress. Younger children might tell you through changes in behavior. They might get clingy, act out, withdraw or misbehave. They also might show their feelings through drawings and role-play with toys.

🍎 Encourage communication and expression
When they begin sharing what’s on their minds, do your best to listen and give them space to feel what they feel. As a caregiver, you can help them process their thoughts and emotions — and find comfort in the process. Use gentle, age-appropriate prompts to help guide them to think through their feelings and worries.

🍎 Empower decision-making
Giving them age-appropriate choices can also help them feel more in control. For a younger child, it could be picking a book to read or choosing their favorite snack. For an older child, it could be letting them choose their own outfits or supplies. For an adolescent considering universities, it could be narrowing the options based on practical criteria — such as admission requirements, cost, location, fields of study, their interests and cultural or familial considerations — and letting them make the final decision.

Wanting to know more about your mental health?
👉 Find care at: http://spr.ly/61812rm57 or call 1-877-OBC-0013