Southern + Associates Christian Counseling & More

Southern + Associates Christian Counseling & More Owned by Brad Southern, LPC. He received his M.A. in Professional Counseling from Amridge Universit

Becoming parents often brings both joy and new challenges to a relationship. While the arrival of a child can deepen emo...
08/29/2025

Becoming parents often brings both joy and new challenges to a relationship. While the arrival of a child can deepen emotional bonds, it also introduces pressures such as less sleep, limited time together, and differing expectations, all of which can impact mental health and emotional connection. These shifts may lead to more frequent disagreements or feelings of loneliness and disconnection if not addressed. Healthy communication—through active listening, expressing feelings with “I” statements, and making intentional time to talk—plays a vital role in maintaining closeness and reducing conflict. Couples who view this stage as a new phase rather than a setback are better equipped to adapt, share responsibilities, and sustain intimacy, even if it looks different than before. Nurturing the relationship with small acts of care, planned time together, and openness about needs supports not only the couple’s bond but also overall mental well-being during the demanding season of early parenthood. www.southern-associates.com

Massage therapy has demonstrated promising benefits for enhancing balance and mobility in older adults. An NIH-supported...
08/28/2025

Massage therapy has demonstrated promising benefits for enhancing balance and mobility in older adults. An NIH-supported study showed that a single 60-minute full-body massage significantly improved both static and dynamic postural control—evidenced by reduced sway and displacement velocity—and positively influenced neurological and cardiovascular factors such as heart rate and blood pressure, all of which contribute to greater stability in seniors. In another RCT, targeted massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles led to statistically significant improvements in balance tests like the One-Leg Balance and Timed Up and Go, further underscoring its potential for immediate functional gains. Broader evidence from NIH news publications highlights additional systemic effects: massage promotes parasympathetic activation, reducing stress and pain hormones while enhancing relaxation and immune function. Meanwhile, massage-therapy literature—such as that from professional therapy departments and organizations—emphasizes its capacity to increase blood flow, relieve muscle stiffness, improve joint flexibility and range of motion, and reduce pain, all of which facilitate smoother movement and better gait in older individuals. www.southern-associates.com

Between the ages of 5–8, children are learning independence, navigating friendships, and developing a stronger sense of ...
08/27/2025

Between the ages of 5–8, children are learning independence, navigating friendships, and developing a stronger sense of self, but their relationship with their parents remains the most powerful influence on their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. A parent’s warmth, attentiveness, and consistency reflect God’s love and provide a foundation of security that helps children face challenges with confidence. At this age, kids may seek approval, wrestle with strong emotions, and look to peers or role models for belonging, yet they still need their parents’ guidance and affirmation. By tuning in to their feelings, sharing meaningful moments, and setting positive family rhythms—like meals, prayer, and play—parents not only strengthen connection but also model Christ-like love, patience, and grace. In turn, this nurtures resilience, empathy, and a sense of identity rooted in both family and faith. Simply put: when children know they are safe, seen, and loved at home, they are better equipped to grow into the person God created them to be. www.southern-associates.com

Romans 8:37 is a powerful declaration of the believer’s position in Christ. When Paul says we are “more than conquerors ...
08/23/2025

Romans 8:37 is a powerful declaration of the believer’s position in Christ. When Paul says we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” he isn’t simply saying we can survive difficulties—he’s saying we overwhelmingly triumph, not by our own strength but through the victory Jesus has already secured for us. This verse sits within a passage where Paul lists trials, persecution, danger, and hardship, yet insists that none of these can separate us from the love of Christ. The phrase “more than conquerors” suggests not just scraping by but living with confidence, hope, and assurance even in the face of suffering. It means that every challenge, rather than defeating us, becomes an opportunity to experience God’s power and love more deeply. Ultimately, Romans 8:37 reminds us that the love of Christ is stronger than any obstacle, and because of Him, victory is already ours.

Parents, household chores aren’t just about keeping a tidy home—they’re a powerful way for kids to learn life skills, te...
08/22/2025

Parents, household chores aren’t just about keeping a tidy home—they’re a powerful way for kids to learn life skills, teamwork, and responsibility. From toddlers picking up toys to teens cooking meals, age-appropriate chores help children develop independence, confidence, and a sense of contribution to the family. Sharing household tasks also lightens the load for parents, reduces stress, and frees up more time for fun together. With encouragement, clear expectations, and a little gratitude, chores can become less of a burden and more of a blessing for the whole family.

Research shows that massage therapy can provide a level of relief for those experiencing low-back pain, particularly acu...
08/21/2025

Research shows that massage therapy can provide a level of relief for those experiencing low-back pain, particularly acute or subacute cases. Massage has been found to ease discomfort, promote relaxation, and improve mobility—making it a valuable non-drug option for managing pain. Clinical guidelines from the American College of Physicians include massage as a treatment choice for acute and subacute low-back pain. For many, incorporating massage into a care plan may offer a safe, holistic way to reduce tension and support healing. www.southern-associates.com

Healing is not something we have to “earn” through effort or perfection. Trauma can convince us that we should be doing ...
08/19/2025

Healing is not something we have to “earn” through effort or perfection. Trauma can convince us that we should be doing better before we deserve comfort or care, but the truth is that we most need support when we are suffering the most—not when we’ve reached a certain standard, “tried hard enough,” or made enough progress. True compassion recognizes that our worthiness of help is not conditional on performance, but is an inherent part of our humanity.

Perspective shapes the way we experience life—what feels like an ending can actually be a new beginning. Discomfort sign...
08/18/2025

Perspective shapes the way we experience life—what feels like an ending can actually be a new beginning. Discomfort signals growth, rejection can redirect us to something better, and fears often become some of our greatest teachers. When we shift from “I have to” toward “I get to,” or from “it’s too hard” to “I am capable,” we reclaim our power and resilience. Problems become challenges, failures turn into lessons, and pain transforms into strength. Even when we feel like giving up, perseverance reminds us that progress is possible. Perspective doesn’t erase struggle—it empowers us to see opportunity within it.

Many people think the command not to take God's name in vain is just about not using His name when swearing or joking, b...
08/16/2025

Many people think the command not to take God's name in vain is just about not using His name when swearing or joking, but it’s much deeper than that. The original Hebrew word means to carry or bear, not just say. So, when we call ourselves Christians, we’re carrying God’s name with us everywhere—at work, at home, online, and in conversations. It’s not just about our words, but how we live. Taking His name in vain means treating it lightly—claiming to follow Him without actually living like it. It’s not about being perfect, but about showing respect and honoring what His name truly represents in everything we do.

Communication is a key component of a relationship. This quote highlights that it is very much like maintenance for a ca...
08/15/2025

Communication is a key component of a relationship. This quote highlights that it is very much like maintenance for a car—if you neglect it, things will eventually break down. Just as a car needs regular care to keep running smoothly, relationships require ongoing effort to talk openly, listen, and understand each other. Without that consistent, intentional attention, small issues can pile up, leading to bigger problems over time. www.southern-associates.com

Massage therapy can help promote body awareness and mindfulness by encouraging individuals to reconnect with their physi...
08/14/2025

Massage therapy can help promote body awareness and mindfulness by encouraging individuals to reconnect with their physical selves in a calm, intentional way. As the body relaxes under therapeutic touch, clients often become more attuned to areas of tension, pain, or emotion that they may have previously ignored. Over time, this practice can support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and promote overall mental and physical well-being. www.southern-associates.com

Trauma in children is not solely the result of being hurt, but of facing that pain in isolation. When a child experience...
08/13/2025

Trauma in children is not solely the result of being hurt, but of facing that pain in isolation. When a child experiences distress without the comfort, understanding, or presence of a supportive adult, the wound goes deeper—shaping how they process emotions and view the world. It’s a reminder that our presence, empathy, and willingness to walk alongside a child in their struggles can be just as healing as addressing the hurt itself. www.southern-associates.com

Address

1519 Rainbow Drive
Gadsden, AL
35901

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+12564598255

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Southern + Associates Christian Counseling & More posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Southern + Associates Christian Counseling & More:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram