Heartfelt Counseling

01/19/2026

When I was a teacher I’d see so many teens put their academic and/or sports lives first- often at the expense of their mental health. This was so worrying, but I was glad that the art room, and art- making, was a space where they could find some relief, respite, and (hopefully) some empowerment.

I’m still offering those things today, only it’s from an expressive arts therapy space. If your teen needs support and unique strategies for prioritizing their mental health, please call or e-mail for a free consultation today.

nami.org

01/19/2026

Join Case Manager Naomi Thompson, MSW, VSS, as she co-facilitates Mental Health First Aid training on January 28 at our clinic.

Learn how to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges, while gaining practical tools to support those in need.

✔ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
✔ Free lunch provided
✔ Certificate upon successful completion

🔗 Register here: https://milvetacademy.org/mhfa/

01/14/2026

Good grief?? We say it when we’re frustrated, shocked, or overwhelmed—but I can't imagine someone saying this when they're actually grieving, can you? Hi, I'm Sara, and I'm an expressive arts therapist (and retired art educator!) located in downtown Jacksonville.

Grief isn’t good or bad. It’s human. It’s a response, not a problem to fix. I think that too often there is a rush to push grief away, to "hurry up" and feel better, or to be "done" grieving. Grief isn't like that, is it?

I invite you to join me for a six week therapeutic grief group. Group members will express their grief, explore shifts in identity, and process grief using an exploration of metaphors, symbolism and narrative. I'll be using expressive arts therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, polyvagal-informed regulation, and somatic awareness.

Reach out soon to reserve your spot. More information on the website, or you can call 910-467-4338 or email sara@heartfeltcounselingnc.org

Space is limited to 10 participants.
The 6 week group begins meeting on February 18th from 6-7:30pm.
Sessions are $45 each billed weekly.

01/07/2026

Healing isn’t grand resolutions — it’s tiny choices repeated with care.... drinking water, taking a deep breath, journaling, having a nap, or just stepping outside to move for a few minutes.

I gave up on New Year's Resolutions years ago.... but I do still try to make tiny changes. I ALWAYS need to remember to drink more water!

What’s one small win you’re proud of today? I'd love to know.

Warmly,
Sara

01/06/2026

If the holidays were painful this year — because of grief, conflict, finances, illness, or loneliness — I see you.

You don’t have to pretend it was magical.

Grief doesn’t take time off for the holidays. And healing doesn’t follow the calendar.

At Heartfelt Counseling, I offer a safe space to talk, create, breathe, and rebuild — at your own pace.

You’re not alone.

Very warmly,

Sara

12/21/2025

From today forward, the days will get longer. In this busy holiday season, remember to breathe and take time for yourself.

If this season feels heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone.

The NAMI HelpLine is here for you. Call 1-800-950-6264 or text 'NAMI' to 62640.

11/03/2025

We have a few spots left in our girls therapy group that starts this Wednesday, November 5th. Please call or email for information.

10/14/2025

Expressive Arts Therapy for Girls with ADHD begins in November. Please call or email for more information!

10/04/2025

Beautiful.

08/26/2025

Now accepting new clients! Sometimes there are just no words…. and Expressive Arts therapy provides options.

Starting soon- a small sized group for children who have a diagnosis of ADHD and a group for teens struggling with depression and anxiety. More information coming shortly- please email Sara at heartfeltcounselingnc@gmail.com to be contacted if you’re interested in learning more!

06/21/2025

I love to make art, read, and I try not to beat myself up *too much* when I make mistakes! 😊 I’m curious- what do YOU do to practice self-compassion and self-care?

Missed a deadline? Flubbed a presentation? You could beat yourself up—or you could show yourself a little compassion and move forward.

Learn how self-compassion and self-forgiveness can boost your well-being: https://at.apa.org/bqx

06/20/2025

If you are a parent and would like to learn more about the mental health effects of screen use that we are seeing, I highly recommend “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt.

Editorial: Addictive screen use in adolescents poses significant mental health risks beyond total screen time, necessitating targeted interventions.

https://ja.ma/3SUI1Mv