Clarksville Counseling Center

06/12/2025

Just gonna leave this here…

05/22/2025

Letting a baby “cry it out” might seem like a way to make them more independent, but science shows this can be harmful—especially during the first six months of life. Babies cry because it’s their only way to communicate. Whether they’re hungry, uncomfortable, or need comfort, ignoring those cries sends a message that their needs don’t matter. Over time, babies may stop crying not because they’ve learned independence, but because they’ve learned no one will come. This emotional detachment can deeply affect their trust and emotional development.

During infancy, the brain is rapidly developing, and nurturing from caregivers plays a major role. Stress from being left to cry for long periods raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with growth hormones and even damage nerve tissues in the brain. This can lead to long-term problems such as anxiety, aggression, and difficulty with emotional expression and social skills later in life. Certain genes related to emotional regulation need nurturing to be activated during this early critical window; without it, those genes stay off, increasing risk of lifelong anxiety and behavioral problems.

Parents play a key role in shaping their baby’s emotional and mental foundation. Responding with love, comfort, and attention doesn’t “spoil” a child—it builds trust, resilience, and emotional stability. Every ignored cry might not just hurt in the moment, but shape a lifetime.

04/04/2025

06/01/2024

“No one does it all.”

I want a hat that says that.

Maybe a shirt that says that.

What the heck,
I want a flag the size of my house that says that.

Because then maybe, just maybe, when I’m feeling like I’m the only one not keeping up in this race, I can look at my hat (or shirt. or flag) and realize that there is indeed no race -

And no one is winning anything.

To be honest, I think we are our own worst enemies, Friends. Because when we are exhausted and just need a break, what do we do?

We haul out our cellphones.

And what do we do on our cellphones?

Go on social media.

And what do we see on social media?

PEOPLE WHO HAVE IMMACULATE HOUSES AND WHO WEAR PINTEREST WORTHY OUTFITS AND WHO ARE DOING ALL OF THESE FANCY SELF CARE THINGS AND WHO ARE OUT ON DATE NIGHTS AND WHO ARE SHARING THEIR LATEST HEALTHY MEAL THAT THEY PREPARED FOR THEIR FAMILY THAT HAS RED PEPPERS IN IT PICKED FROM THE LORDS GARDEN ITSELF.

Phew.
Is it just me, or is it all a lot?

So this is where the hat (shirt. flag) comes in, reminding us that the ones who’ve spent all day preparing that meal maybe don’t have their laundry done. The ones who are out on date night maybe feel guilty for not tucking in their kids at bedtime. The ones who spent their day cleaning their home was maybe too exhausted come dinner time so they ordered in pizza instead.

So that’s it. I’m no longer apologizing to anyone for not doing it all. After all, there’s no need. It’s an unrealistic expectation that we (meaning society) have placed on us, and this is the moment I rebel against it all.

So maybe next time you see someone who is rocking one slice of her life, instead of beating yourself up over the fact that you’re struggling in that area, remember there’s a good chance a different part of her life is struggling, too.

And … Vice versa, my friend.

Because if you see someone struggling in a specific area of their life , instead of judging or housing criticism towards them, maybe smile and think to yourself ‘I bet there’s something in her life that she’s really, really good at.’

We all have a story. We all have a struggle.

And no one is doing it all.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to the washer and the dryer, as we’ve been hanging out all day.

As for the breakfast dishes?

They’re still in the kitchen sink.

Love Always,
Heather

Follow Love Always, Heather for more. x

05/08/2024

05/02/2024

May is Mental Health Month, and you can show your support by displaying a yard sign at your home, business, or house of worship!

Request your yard sign today and join us to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

✅REQUEST HERE: https://loom.ly/x5N0BEc

Pick-up locations and times:
➡️ Clarksville - 143 Industrial Parkway, Clarksville, VA 23927 (Pick-Up time: Friday, May 3rd 8:30am - 5pm)
➡️ Halifax - 424 Hamilton Blvd, South Boston, VA 24592 (Pick-Up time: Friday, May 3rd 5pm-7pm)
➡️ Brunswick - 2087 Lawrenceville Plank Rd, Lawrenceville, VA 23868 (Pick-Up time: Friday, May 3rd 5pm-7pm)
➡️ South Hill - 823 N. Mecklenburg Ave, South Hill, VA 23970 (Pick-Up time: Monday, May 6th 5pm-7pm)
➡️ Boydton - 523 Madison Street, Boydton, VA 23917 (Pick-Up time: Wednesday, May 8th 5pm-7pm)

None of these work? Go to the request form and select the option to be contacted to arrange a time.

✅REQUEST HERE: https://loom.ly/x5N0BEc