Counseling for Growth and Wellness

08/10/2025

https://counselingforgrowthandwellness.blog/2025/08/10/kids-and-bullying/

What is Bullying? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can happen in different forms: Physical bullying – hitting, pushing, or damaging so…

08/03/2025

Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Five Ways to Wellbeing: Nurturing Your Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health is more important than ever. Amidst the hustle and constant digital noise, it’s easy to neglect our emotional and psychological needs. Fortunately, the concept of "Five Ways to Wellbeing" offers a simple yet powerful framework for nurturing mental health and building resilience. Derived from extensive research by the New Economics Foundation, these five actions can significantly boost your mood and overall wellbeing.

1. Connect Human connection is at the heart of wellbeing. Spending quality time with loved ones, having meaningful conversations, or simply checking in with a friend can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a phone call, a coffee date, or a group activity, prioritizing relationships helps combat loneliness and fosters a positive mindset.

2. Be Active Physical activity is not just good for the body—it's essential for the mind. Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood boosters. You don’t have to run a marathon; a daily walk, a yoga session, or dancing to your favorite music can make a big difference. The key is consistency and enjoyment.

3. Take Notice Incorporating mindfulness into daily life can transform your perspective. Take time to notice the world around you—the colors of the sunset, the taste of your food, the laughter of a child. Being present in the moment helps reduce stress and improves emotional regulation.

4. Keep Learning Continuous learning keeps the mind engaged and can provide a sense of purpose. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reading a book, or taking an online course, acquiring new skills or knowledge boosts confidence and self-esteem.

5. Give Acts of kindness, big or small, have a profound impact on wellbeing. Volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a smile can create a ripple effect of positivity. Giving connects us with others and reinforces a sense of community and shared humanity.

Conclusion Mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. By integrating the Five Ways to Wellbeing into our daily lives, we can build stronger emotional foundations, improve our resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives. Start small, be consistent, and remember: every positive action counts.

07/25/2025

🌿 Meet Our Therapist Team – Counseling for Growth & Wellness

Alissa Darnell, LPC, , CCTP, C‑DBT, EMDR‑Trained
Bringing nearly two decades of clinical experience, Alissa offers holistic support rooted in CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care. She empowers individuals and couples to navigate PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and relationship issues in a genuine, non-judgmental space. Her approach integrates counseling, education, and deeply personalized interventions.

Holly Floyd, LMFT, EMDR‑Trained, TCTSY‑F
Combining attachment-based EMDR, CBT, and DBT, Holly guides clients from emotional survival to thriving well-being. She has specialized training in trauma-sensitive yoga and neurodivergent-informed yoga ($40/hr), offering a mind–body merger for deeper healing. Holly serves individuals, couples, families, and adolescents with empathy and skill.

Frances Crawford, LMSW, EMDR‑Trained
With 20 years of experience, Frances builds strong, compassionate therapeutic relationships through a secure and supportive presence. She uses DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing techniques to help clients struggling with chronic pain, complex trauma, personality disorders, co-occurring substance use, depression, and relational challenges. Her training in EMDR supports healing of traumatic memories and reframing negative patterns. Frances’s practice is grounded in empathic listening, psychoeducation, and tailored coaching to promote confidence and emotional resilience.

Holly Turton, M.Ed., LPC, NCC
With a background in school counseling, Holly specializes in a warm, solution-focused, and psychoeducational style—supporting individuals, children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relational tension. Her therapy fosters skill-building, cohesion, and sustainable change through CBT and practical tools.

🎯 Why Choose Counseling for Growth & Wellness?

Exceptional Trauma Expertise: Every therapist is EMDR‑trained and skilled in trauma-responsive approaches to facilitate deep emotional healing.

Evidence-Based Care: Integrated treatments using CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and psychoeducational support tailor care to your unique goals.

Inclusive & Empowering Atmosphere: Our clinicians foster respectful, non-judgmental spaces that honor diverse identities and value systems.

Holistic Options & Scheduling: Trauma‑sensitive yoga sessions available alongside standard therapy. Offering both in-office and telehealth appointments with weekend availability—contact us to inquire about openings.


🧘 Schedule a free consultation today to explore which therapist is the best fit for your wellness goals.

📞 Contact & Booking Details

Location: 1071 Founders Boulevard, Suite D, Athens, GA 30606

Phone: (770) 691‑1146

New Client Openings Available — Reach out to connect with Alissa Darnell, Frances Crawford, Holly Floyd, or Holly Turton and schedule your consultation

07/25/2025

https://counselingforgrowthandwellness.blog/2025/07/25/national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month/

🌻 Celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was officially designated by the U.S. House in 2008 to honor author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell. Since then, every July serves to spotlight the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities in the U.S.—such as cultural stigma, inequality in access, and systemic barriers to care
BComHealth+8NAMI+8Mental Health America+8

Public health institutions including the CDC and NAMI observe this month—with messaging aligned around destigmatization, awareness, and equitable support
CDC
NCHH
🧠 2025 Theme: Turn Awareness Into Action

Mental Health America (MHA) marks July as BIPOC Mental Health Month, with a central message: Turn Awareness Into Action. Their 2025 toolkit offers resources centered on:

Self-care that honors culture, identity, and resilience

Community care through connection, peer support, and safety planning

Advocacy, empowering individuals to push for change in workplaces, schools, and civic spaces


MHA encourages individuals and communities to engage in culturally resonant self-care practices—like storytelling, movement, traditional crafts, and spiritual wellness—as tools to heal and connect
Bay Area Clinical Associates
📋 How to Engage: “Take Care of Yourself,” “Care for Your Community,” “Advocate”

As emphasized by MHA and partner organizations:
Take Care of Yourself

Use the MHA toolkit for guided exercises like naming strengths and healing traditions

Practice rhythm and movement, outdoor time, cultural rituals, storytelling, or spiritual reflection

Take Care of Your Community

Facilitate regular check-ins and mental health conversations

Use shared activities to reduce isolation and build trust within communities

Advocate for Change

Amplify minority mental health needs in local forums, faith groups, and school systems

Use your voice, vote, and storytelling to support equitable policy and access

🧩 Community & Crisis Resources
✅ Immediate Crisis Support

Dial or text 988 to connect with the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 and confidential
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

✅ National & Minority-Specific Organizations
Organization Description & Support
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Offers peer‑to‑peer support, family education, crisis programs, and the annual Minority Mental Health month awareness campaign
NAMI
Wikipedia
NAMI
Mental Health America Hosts the BIPOC Mental Health Resource Center, offers free screening at mhascreening.org, and publishes culturally-tailored toolkits and educational materials
Mental Health America
Bay Area Clinical Associates
Blackline A crisis call line providing support to Black communities (call 1‑800‑604‑5841)
Bay Area Clinical Associates
Naseeha Muslim mental health support line (24/7); call 1‑866‑627‑3342 for culturally sensitive assistance
Bay Area Clinical Associates
Active Minds Empowers youth and young adults via peer advocacy, outreach, and public exhibits like Send Silence Packing
Wikipedia
To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) Provides hope and helps people connect with treatment, recovery resources, and crisis services like Crisis Text Line

✊ Why This Month Matters

Disparities in treatment: In recent surveys, fewer than half of Black adults, and even lower percentages of Asian Americans, received mental health care due to structural and cultural barriers
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
CDC
.

Stigma and silence in minoritized groups can lead to loneliness, lack of help-seeking, and worsening mental health outcomes.

Community-rooted approaches—emphasizing cultural strengths, collective healing, and advocacy—are essential levers for change.

🔧 How Readers Can Make a Difference

Use MHA’s toolkit and share it with your networks and organizations

Post sample messages or graphics from MHA or NAMI on social media with hashtags like , , or

Organize or attend community events, peer support circles, or wellness days inspired by local culture

Share personal stories—they help destigmatize and normalize help-seeking

Advocate for better mental health services that are culturally accessible via local political or civic channels

📚 Additional Resources

Mental Health America – BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit 2025: Worksheets, sample posts, prompts, and PDF materials for advocacy and self-care

NAMI – Bebe Moore Campbell Toolkit 2025: Guidance for awareness-raising and local events, plus multilingual materials
Mental Health America.

CDC Features on Minority Mental Health: Informational background and equity-focused messaging
CDC

Vaya Health Story: Case-based insights into challenges like stigma and crisis access
Vaya Health | Moving forward together

✨ In Conclusion

Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a powerful moment each July to:

Honor cultural resilience and lived experience

Recognize and challenge systemic barriers to mental wellness

Build supportive networks through culturally meaningful actions

Amplify voices advocating for equitable mental health services

11/07/2023

10/04/2022

We now have availability for all our therapists. Please check our website and call for a consultation today. (770) 691-1146

06/14/2022

We have new availability with Alissa Darnell and Holly Turton! Keep an eye out for Holly Floyd’s upcoming availability for Trauma-Informed Yoga.

09/06/2021

EVERYONE can play a role in su***de prevention. Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for su***de.
💚 Know the warning signs and offer support: https://fal.cn/3hUG6
💚 Seek help by calling the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline '1-800-273-TALK (8255)'
***dePrevention

08/17/2020

Our areas of focus;
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Emotional Distress
- Grief
- Personality Disorders
- Relationship Issues
- Trauma (PTSD)

Our treatment focus is based on:
- (CBT) Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- (DBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- (EMDR) Eye Movement
- Desensitization Reprocessing
- (SFBT) Solution Focused Brief Therapy

We are hear to listen. We want to give you the tools to build you up and set you free.