Stepping Stones Counseling Services, PLLC

04/26/2026

Happy Birthday, Veronique! We’re so grateful for you. Hope your day is as wonderful as you are! 🎉

04/24/2026

Many children are not reacting to what is happening now - they are reacting to what has happened before. Trauma changes how a child’s brain and body respond to stress. Their nervous system stays on high alert, scanning for danger, even when they are safe. This is why small situations can lead to big reactions. What looks like anger, avoidance, shutdown or people-pleasing is often a trauma response - fight, flight, freeze or fawn. These are not choices. They are automatic survival patterns shaped by past experiences such as neglect, abuse, loss or ongoing instability.

When adults see behaviour without understanding trauma, children can be labelled as challenging or attention-seeking. In reality, many are trying to cope with fear, shame, overwhelm or a deep need to feel safe. Real support starts when adults respond with calm, consistency and connection, not punishment. Feeling safe in relationships is what helps the brain settle and allows children to learn, trust and regulate again.

Free CHILDREN’S TRAUMA RESPONSES WHEEL – FIGHT, FLIGHT, FREEZE, FAWN BEHAVIOUR POSTER

LIKE the photo and comment "TRAUMA" and we will send you a message with a link to a free PDF of this resource.

04/10/2026

Trauma-Informed Insight Series:
The Difference Between Discipline and Punishment

Discipline and punishment are not the same—and the difference matters.

Punishment focuses on control.
Discipline focuses on growth.

Punishment asks: “What rule was broken?”
Discipline asks: “What skill is missing?”

One creates short-term compliance.
The other builds long-term change.

If we want better behavior, we can’t just react—we have to teach.

Because behavior is communication… and every response is a lesson.

04/09/2026

Happy birthday! We’re so grateful you’re part of our team. We hope you have an amazing day! 🎉

04/07/2026

Cheers to another year of greatness! Happy birthday to an amazing coworker who makes our work a whole lot brighter! 🎉

03/13/2026

🎉 SHOUT OUT to Heather Brady! 🎉
Heather passed her licensing exam! Congratulations on this huge accomplishment! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off. We are so proud of you and excited to celebrate this milestone with you!

02/01/2026

Monday 2/2/2026 Both Western Branch and Franklin locations will be closed. All sessions will be virtual only due to road conditions. Thank you, please stay safe and warm.

02/01/2026

When a client experiences shame, they live in constant fear of being rejected. And they become trapped in the avoidance strategies they create to escape the pain.

02/01/2026

Franklin location: Due to road conditions, all sessions will be held virtually Monday 2/2/2026.

Thank you, and please stay safe and warm.

01/30/2026

Such good information on this podcast! If you're divorced and have kids stuck you and your ex, where there is a lot of anger and aggression, tune in for tips on how to help your kids become more resilient in the face of these circumstances!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUGow1oEWZn/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

01/29/2026