JFCS Dupont Counseling Group

04/02/2026

SUPPORTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF KINSHIP CARE

Did You Know?

When children cannot safely remain with their parents, extended family members often step forward to provide care. These relatives may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings who offer familiarity and connection, which are deeply important during times of uncertainty.

Even when children are placed with relatives, the transition can bring many emotions for all involved. Supportive counselors, teachers, and trusted caregivers can help families talk through feelings of confusion, grief, loyalty conflicts, or anxiety as they build resilience and adjust to new routines and family roles.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about one-third of children in foster care nationwide are placed with relatives rather than non-relative foster homes. This research shows that kinship care can offer meaningful stability while helping children maintain important family bonds and a sense of identity.

At Dupont Counseling Group, we ensure that when relatives step up as caregivers, children and their families receive the guidance and critical resources they need to heal, grow, and feel safe. To learn more, visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.org. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source: https://bit.ly/4upgMuW

03/19/2026

Our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, M.Ed., NCC, LMHC, PMT recently joined anchor Jennifer Waugh on the WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX Morning Show to discuss a recent surge in sports betting.

RESISTING COMPULSIVE GAMBLING STARTS WITH SELF-AWARENESS
"If you're already struggling, then March Madness could distinctively be a perfect storm for you. Know your habits. If patterns are left unaddressed, and they're unhealthy, that's not helpful. Before the tournament starts, it might be a good idea to talk with someone, a friend, a family member to get some help, before those types of situations happen that you cannot control."

Legalized gambling has been approved in the state of Florida since 2023. According to a recent report by The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, between 2023-2025, calls to Florida's Gambling Helpline jumped 138%. Compulsive gambling often increases during March Madness, the time of year when the tournament bracket is announced for NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Basketball teams.

Watch the full discussion:
https://bit.ly/4lNOwy7

If you or someone you know may be struggling, support is available. Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn how you can connect with one of our licensed therapists at Dupont Counseling Group.

03/12/2026

PROMOTING CHILD SAFETY IN DIGITAL SPACES

Did You Know?

According to a 2022 study by Pew Research Center, nearly half of teens in the US (about 46%) report experiencing some form of cyberbullying. Incidents tracked in the study ranged from hurtful name-calling to online harassment and threats.

At Dupont Counseling Group, we know that safety isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, relational, and connected to how young people engage with their world. Trauma can affect their confidence, emotional health, and sense of safety both online and in real life. Here are a few ways families can strengthen online wellbeing together:

🔹 Talk openly and regularly about your child’s digital experiences, without judgment.
🔹 Set clear and compassionate boundaries for device use and interactions.
🔹 Watch for emotional changes that could signal distress or withdrawal.
🔹 Reach out early — our counselors Are here to help you navigate these challenges with care.

When kids feel safe, both offline and in digital spaces, they are better equipped to grow, heal, and thrive. If you have questions or need guidance, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Learn more about how we support children and their families at https://jacksonvillecounseling.org. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source: https://bit.ly/3ZsbtN7

03/04/2026

CAREGIVERS NEED CARE TOO

Counseling is not only for those in crisis, but also for caregivers and loved ones who need support, too.

Supporting someone else through life’s challenges can be exhausting. CDC statistics show about 1 in 5 U.S. adults (around 20%) are caregivers, often for older family members with chronic conditions. In addition to a decline in physical health, caregivers face significant mental health challenges such as higher rates of depression, all which is the result of prolonged stress without adequate support.

If you’re a caregiver, our licensed counselors at Dupont Counseling Group can help you manage stress, and prevent physical and mental burnout by helping you identify boundaries, restore balance, and reconnect with what sustains you.

Burnout is not a personal failure, nor does it come from a lack of effort. And with the right help, you can regain the emotional resilience to be there for your loved ones when they need you the most. To discover the ways our licensed counselors can help you navigate this kind of overload, visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.org today. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source: https://bit.ly/4azH2vb

#904

03/02/2026

Our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw recently joined a group discussion on First Coast Connect about how the sideline presence and off-field pressure from toxic parents are increasingly spoiling youth sports.

SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUTH SPORTS

"Pressure points can look like a lot of tension on the sidelines. If you're on the field or on the court, you're seeing your parent pace up and down, you're seeing those non-verbal cues where they're grabbing their head, they're throwing their hands in the air, clenching their jaw. And they may actually be going over to the coach or the referees, having these banters, but those conversations are unfriendly, they turn into distinctive arguments. So this observation from a child is amplified, that causes internal pressure for them. Then there's confrontations from other parents. Then there's the ride home, the post-game analysis, all of which really builds unrealistic perfectionism."

Recent studies have shown that when young athletes perceive a higher frequency of parental pressure and directive behaviors, they report significantly higher levels of burnout, anxiety, anger, and controlled motivation and lower levels of autonomous motivation. This suggests that negative parental behaviors can meaningfully affect athletes’ psychological experience in sports.

Watch the full discussion on the First Coast Connect YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1gjoFMYGEA

When adults lead with balance and perspective, kids benefit. For support in fostering healthier environments for young athletes and families, visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more.

02/27/2026

Our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Dupont Counseling Group, joined The Morning Show this week as families in the St. Johns County school community are mourning the loss of a 12-year-old student who was struck and killed near campus. In a follow-up interview, she talked about ways to help support children through grief, and to remind caregivers that presence, patience, and reassurance matter more than having the perfect words.

HELPING FAMILIES NAVIGATE GRIEF

"Acknowledging that the day is not the same as it was the day before, you're allowed to do that as a parent. Before they walk in the door, prompt yourself on how you feel, do just a gentle check-in. Because in order to show up for our children, we do want to make sure that we're taking care of our own needs."

When children witness sudden or frightening events in their community, even when the loss is not personal, they can experience fear, sadness, anxiety, or grief as they try to make sense of what they saw or heard. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, about one in four U.S. children will experience at least one traumatic event by age 16, and when parents check in with themselves, manage their own stress, and create a calmer home environment, they help children feel safer and better able to process difficult emotions and heal.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4rKYVNq

If your child is struggling after witnessing a traumatic event, and you're unsure how to talk with your child about grief or fear, compassionate guidance can help. Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn how our licensed counselors can help make those conversations easier.

02/26/2026

A community is grieving after a 12-year-old Patriot Oaks Academy student in St. Johns County died in a tragic dirt bike crash. Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Dupont Counseling Group, joined The Morning Show on Wednesday to help families understand how children may experience grief and how caregivers can support them through conversations, routine, reassurance, and connection.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN THROUGH GRIEF AFTER TRAGEDY

"People should look for those physiological symptoms, parents really want to be on alert. If you start to see your child experience stomachaches, headaches, can't sleep, their appetite starts to change, that anxiety starts to picks up. Grades may start to fall. Pay attention to those responses, especially when they start to isolate. Get around one another, have an open conversation with your children, because those symptoms are nothing to disregard. Ask your child, 'How are you feeling?' and check in."

Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that more than two-thirds of children experience at least one traumatic event by age 16. When a sudden death touches a school or neighborhood, children often feel that loss deeply, even if they did not know the individual personally. Events like this can affect how children feel, think, sleep, and cope, especially during the middle school years when emotions and identity are still developing.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
http://bit.ly/46XYree

Grief does not follow a timeline, and every child responds differently. What matters most is knowing help is available. If your child is struggling, or if you are unsure how to support them during this time, compassionate guidance can make a meaningful difference. Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more.

02/25/2026

STRONGER STUDENT WELL-BEING SUPPORTS ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Did You Know?

Academic stress isn’t just part of school, it affects students’ mental health and academic performance. Studies show that high academic pressure is strongly linked to anxiety, depression, burnout, reduced motivation, and even lower grades. When students struggle under overwhelming workloads, tests, and expectations, the impact on both well-being and success in the classroom can be significant.

These stresses are real, common, and experienced by students of all ages. Seeking support is not a weakness. It is an important step toward healthier well-being and stronger academic outcomes.

If a young person you love is feeling overwhelmed, help is available. Visit jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more and take the first step toward support and balance. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12551670/

02/18/2026

THE HIDDEN MENTAL HEALTH COST OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP

Did You Know?

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a 2025 study indicates that economic hardship does not just strain finances, it takes a serious toll on mental health.

The depression rates among low-income U.S. households earning under $24,000 rose to 18.3%, driven by chronic stress, job insecurity, unsafe living conditions, and financial instability. These pressures are often compounded for marginalized groups, including racial minorities facing systemic barriers, or people balancing challenges such as caregiving, income disparity, and gender-based inequality — challenges whose mental health impacts can last a lifetime.

Mental health support should never feel out of reach. If you or someone you love is struggling, compassionate help is available. Visit jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more and take the first step toward support and healing. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12358166/

02/12/2026

This week, our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw recently spoke with news anchor Melanie Lawson from The Local Station / News4JAX about how to recognize attachment types as signals of healthy relationships.

STRONG CONNECTIONS SUPPORT MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

"Research shows a healthy relationship comes from being able to be in an emotionally supportive conversation with someone. When relationships are positive, they build emotional resiliency. When they're not good, they become an insecure attachment situation that builds psychological stress over time."

Relationships are often seen as a bonus, but research shows they play a critical role in long-term wellbeing and mental health.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4rpKzSf

Strong connections help us thrive, and we're here to help! For support with building healthier relationships in your life, visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com to learn more.

02/11/2026

INDIVIDUAL MENTAL HEALTH AS A STRONG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Did You Know?

Mental health support strengthens more than individuals, it strengthens families and communities. Counseling has a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the therapy room.

A recent study out of Tulane University suggests that addressing individual needs strengthens the entire social fabric of a community, while neglecting them creates wider societal challenges throughout. Adults who received mental health treatment reported improved functioning and quality of life across multiple areas.

When individuals receive mental health support, families, workplaces, and communities benefit overall. And Dupont Counseling Group is proud to be part of that impact.

Learn how our licensed counselors can help you along your mental wellness journey at https://jacksonvillecounseling.org. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Source: https://bit.ly/4pmgSzM

02/05/2026

Our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw recently spoke with news anchor Melanie Lawson from WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX, where she advised what to watch for when using AI mental health tools.

THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF AI MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS

"Adults and children alike use AI technology. It's at their fingertips, and so it's easily accessible, especially for teens. With AI technology, there is no human connection. It is a severe risk to think that it's going to look at the empathy and the deeper issue that might be going on with that person."

From mood-tracking apps to chatbots that offer journaling prompts and stress advice for busy moms and families, mental health professionals are raising red flags to help us understand both the aid and the risks that can occur with using AI mental health tools.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4thV2R4

For resources and mental health services that can help you and your loved ones, please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more info.

AI tools are popping up everywhere — from mood-tracking apps to chatbots that offer journaling prompts and stress advice for busy moms and families, that can sound like a dream: faster access, lower costs, and support anytime you need it. But mental health professionals are also raising red flags....