JP Counseling

11/29/2025

🌟 The Holidays Can Be Hard on Parents — You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone 🎄💛

As joyful as the holiday season can be, it also brings stress, big emotions, and tough moments for families. If your child is struggling with anxiety, anger, or big feelings during this time of year, support is available.

At JP Counseling, therapist Andrew Staszewski MA, Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified School Counselor, specializes in working with children ages 4–16.

Andrew brings warmth, experience, and a supportive non-judgmental approach to helping kids manage emotions. Helping them build coping skills and feel more confident, especially during stressful seasons like the holidays.

✨ Curious what therapy could look like for your child? Andrew is currently accepting clients and is here to help your child (and your whole family) find calm and connection this season and beyond.

💬 Learn more or schedule a session at JPCOUNSELINGCENTER.org

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help. 💛

11/24/2025

I have a love/hate relationship with the Autumn season. My love for it is due primarily to the stunning changes in the color of leaves and foliage; the beautiful reds, yellows and oranges mixed together is a majestic work of art. Sadly, the combination of cooler weather and increase of rain, cause those beautiful leaves to fall until once full and vibrant tree limbs are bare signifying (my hate) the approaching Winter season. I try to put on my imaginary brakes to hold on to Autumn but living in Pennsylvania, Winter is inevitable. So, I have a choice during seasonal changes; I can complain and fight against the cooler weather, shorter days, pending loss of amazing scenic views, and the approaching cold wintry season and all that it entails OR, I can embrace the changing seasons by living in and appreciating the moment while beginning to prepare for the certainty of Winter.

Relationships are much like seasonal changes. If we could just hold on to the passion, the closeness, the comfort and peace of our relationship. However, the dynamics change; the “honeymoon” is over. Do you find yourself arguing more…sometimes over the smallest of issues? Have your partners habits become irritating? Are you beginning to feel unheard…unseen…lonely…disconnected from your partner? Does the love of your life no longer feels like your best friend? Be honest…has your physical intimacy decreased? Do you feel more like roommates and not committed partners? What happened? When did it happen? Why have we drifted apart? Can we regain what we’ve lost?

The dynamics of relationships fluctuate constantly throughout their lifetime. How you navigate through these “changes” determines the outcome. Following are suggested “navigational” practices:

- Recognize that “CHANGE” starts with ME. What can I do to enhance my relationship with my partner?
- Acknowledge challenges and learn to de-stress by viewing the challenge as an opportunity for growth.
- Avoid comparing your relationship to others. Concentrate on building a relationship that works for the two of you.
- Remember why you fell in love with your partner and begin to date them again.
- Confront differences which were swept under the rug and actively address them which will help build understanding and trust.
- Listen to your partner and reflect back to them what you understand them to say.
- Be emphatic; show that you care.
- Learn your partners Love Language and make a conscious effort to meet their need.
- Agree to disagree understanding that disagreement does not change ones love for each other.
- Create rituals to strengthen your relationship; in-house movie time sitting close and sharing snacks or drinks, taking walks together, holding hands etc.

Embrace the seasons of your relationship through the ups and downs, the good times and more challenging times. Stay focused on your commitment to your partner. Loving your partner is a conscious decision.

Please allow me, Mary C. Hayes, to walk with you through your seasons of relationship. Contact me at JP Counseling Center, Beaver, PA. Call me at 724-494-6750 or at https://jpcounselingcenter.org/request-appointment/

11/14/2025

We’re so excited to be here at the 2025 Beaver County Town Hall Meeting, presented by the Beaver County Drug and Alcohol Coalition!🙌

Today’s event, Hope Lives Here: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery in Action, is packed with powerful sessions — from the impact of social media on substance use and mental health, to the healing power of the arts, recovery stories, and emerging challenges in opioid use disorder.

📍 Community College of Beaver County – Monaca Campus Dome

🕤 Registration began at 8:30 AM and we’re underway until 3:30 PM. Hope to see you all today!

10/27/2025

Mondays with Mary: The Power of Intentional Communication in Relationships 🫂

💬 When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with your mate?
When was the last time you felt truly heard and understood in your relationship?
Have you stopped talking because your partner doesn’t listen?
Because you don’t believe they care?
Because they make you feel small—or you’re just trying to keep the peace?
Studies show that poor communication is one of the leading causes of marital struggles and even divorce. 💔

But here’s the good news — there is help and hope!
The busyness of life often means relationships get pushed to the back burner. Over time, that lack of connection can grow into frustration, anger, and loss of trust.

💡 So how can you rebuild better communication in your relationship?
According to the Gottman Institute, the first step is intentional, non-defensive communication. When couples speak openly and listen with empathy, they can finally see and understand each other on a deeper level.
Here are some practical ways to start:
Recognize that change begins with you.
Accept that both partners carry emotional baggage—insecurities, fears, regrets, and trauma all affect how we communicate.
Be compassionate. Try to understand your partner’s reactions before responding. 💗
Watch your tone and volume—they set the mood for connection or conflict.
Set aside uninterrupted time together. Phones down, TV off, eyes on each other.
Listen closely, respond thoughtfully, and avoid name-calling or hurtful words.

If you’re struggling in your relationship, don’t give up!
Help is available. 💞
Allow me, Mary C. Hayes, to walk with you on your journey toward healing and connection.
📍 JP Counseling Center, Beaver, PA
📞 724-494-6750
🌐 https://jpcounselingcenter.org/request-appointment/

10/19/2025

🧠 Reminder: FREE Virtual Training — October 28, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (ET)

Join Jill Perry-Phillips and Erin Troup for an engaging session on mental health across the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood.

💬 Topics include:
Key mental health challenges and family support strategies.
Attachment, neurodevelopment, and resilience.
Common disorders: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, and more.

👥 Who should attend: Professionals supporting families or caregivers navigating mental health or substance use challenges.

📍 Virtual | Free to Attend 🔗 Register now: https://f.mtr.cool/fpknrtbkdo

✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and impact!

10/14/2025

What’s really happening online? 🤳💭
From teens to adults, social media shapes how we think, feel, and connect — and it’s impacting mental health and substance use across all ages.

Join us for an open, eye-opening discussion that connects the dots and inspires real change. 💬✨

🗓 Beaver County Town Hall Meeting: November 14
📍 CCBC Monaca
🎟 Register now to reserve your seat: Link in comments

Together, we can create a healthier online (and offline) community. 🌐❤️

10/13/2025

Just a reminder of a great event coming up! ⬇️

🧠 FREE Virtual Training | October 28, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join Jill Perry-Phillips and Erin Troup for an engaging presentation exploring mental health across the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood.

Together, we’ll dive into trends in neurodevelopment, resilience, and trauma, and learn practical ways to support individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges.

💬 Topics include:
Key mental health challenges and needs from infancy to adulthood
Strategies for supporting families and caregivers
Understanding how family mental health affects child development
Foundations in attachment and neurodevelopment
Common disorders: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and Neurodiversity

👥 Who should attend: Professionals who work with families and caregivers navigating mental health or substance use issues.

📍 Virtual | Free to Attend 🗓️ October 28, 2025 | 9 AM – Noon

🔗 Click here to register: https://f.mtr.cool/fpknrtbkdo

✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact!

10/13/2025

We’re excited to welcome Nils J. Palma, PhD, LPC, NCC, and EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist, to our team!

Starting today, October 13, Nils is seeing clients. He brings a calm, trauma-informed approach and specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, dissociative identity disorder (DID), and coping skills.

We’re thrilled to have him on board, please help us give Nils a warm welcome!

10/13/2025

Don't miss the 2025 Beaver County Town Hall!
The Beaver County Drug and Alcohol Coalition is bringing together an amazing lineup of speakers and presentations to ignite positive change right here in our community. Hope is alive, and we want you to be a part of it.
Register today!
Registration is required: https://forms.gle/4YVR9ao8oM9bYyMLA

10/08/2025

🧠 FREE Virtual Training | October 28, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join Jill Perry-Phillips and Erin Troup for an engaging presentation exploring mental health across the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood.

Together, we’ll dive into trends in neurodevelopment, resilience, and trauma, and learn practical ways to support individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges.

💬 Topics include:
Key mental health challenges and needs from infancy to adulthood
Strategies for supporting families and caregivers
Understanding how family mental health affects child development
Foundations in attachment and neurodevelopment
Common disorders: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and Neurodiversity

👥 Who should attend: Professionals who work with families and caregivers navigating mental health or substance use issues.

📍 Virtual | Free to Attend 🗓️ October 28, 2025 | 9 AM – Noon

🔗 Click here to register: https://f.mtr.cool/fpknrtbkdo

✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and strengthen your impact!

10/04/2025

Exciting News – New Therapist Joining Our Team!

We’re excited to welcome Nils J. Palma, PhD, LPC, NCC, and EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist to our practice!

Starting October 13, Nils will begin seeing clients. Nils brings a calm, steady presence and a thoughtful, trauma-informed approach to his work.

His areas of expertise include:
🟢Trauma
🟢Anxiety
🟢Depression
🟢Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
🟢Coping Skills

Here’s how Nils describes his approach:

“Change often feels heavy and uncertain. Releasing long-standing habits and beliefs can create fear and resistance, so I move at a pace that honors each person’s readiness, offering steady guidance and encouragement as they work through life’s challenges.”

If you or someone you know is looking for support in these areas, we’re now booking appointments starting October 13.

We’re so glad to have Nils on board, please help us give him a warm welcome!