Awaken Counseling

09/27/2025

Recently, Megan Heller-Foley from Awaken Counseling connected with Baylee Moats of Family First Adolescent Services. When professionals in mental health come together, it’s more than networking—it’s about building bridges that support healing, growth, and shared purpose. We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and strengthen the continuum of care for those we serve 💙

09/24/2025

Just because you think it, doesn’t mean it’s true.

You don’t have to buy into every thought you have. Our minds can lie — and often do. Instead of automatically believing every thought, try simply noticing it:
👉 “Oh, there’s that thought again.”
👉 “I’m having a thought about X.”

By labeling thoughts without buying into them, you create space to choose how you respond.

09/22/2025

Last week, some of our Awaken Counseling therapists had the privilege of having lunch with the amazing staff at Kate’s Club. 💙 We learned more about the incredible services they provide to children and families who are grieving and explored ways we can partner together to connect our clients with the resources they need most. We’re so grateful for the chance to build these community connections!

https://www.katesclub.org

09/21/2025

September is National Su***de Prevention Month. This month — and every month — we want to remind you that you are not alone. We want to raise awareness, break the stigma, and remind our community that your life matters, and help is always available. At Awaken Counseling, we're here to listen, support, and walk alongside you through the darkness. Reach out to schedule an appointment today.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out. Support is available 24/7:

🩵 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
💬 Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
🌐 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org/help
***dePreventionMonth

09/18/2025

🌿🐑✨ Thank you to Lanise Shortell and Life House Atlanta for inviting our Awaken Counseling team to a truly unique and healing experience — Llama Yoga!

Our team members who attended participated in a somatic yoga therapy session centered on grief, surrounded by the calming presence of llamas. 🧘‍♀️🐾

The combination of gentle movement, mindful breath, and connection with animals created a powerful reminder of how important it is to slow down, connect, and allow space for healing.

We are so grateful for this opportunity to experience firsthand the restorative impact of animals + yoga on body, mind, and spirit. 💙

09/16/2025

Sometimes it feels like you’ve tried everything - deep breathing, grounding skills, journaling, meditation - and yet the anxiety is still there.

The truth is, anxiety doesn’t always vanish on command. And that’s okay.

What if instead of fighting it, you practiced allowing it?
What if you gave yourself permission to carry that unsettled feeling in the background while still moving forward with what matters most to you?

This is the practice of embracing uncertainty. It is choosing to live a values-driven life even when anxiety is still there.

➡️ Focus on meaningful activities.
➡️ Let anxiety be present without letting it control your choices.
➡️ Remember: courage is not the absence of fear—it’s moving forward even with fear in the room.

You are stronger than your anxious thoughts!

09/15/2025

We had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Armbruster from Metro Atlanta Psychiatry in Smyrna for lunch. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about his practice and share about ours. Collaborations like these allow us to better support our clients through strong partnerships and a team approach to care. 💙

09/12/2025

Feeling anxious? It might be your nervous system calling for some TLC! Here are a few techniques to help calm your mind and body:

1. Deep Breathing
Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. This slows your heart rate and activates the body’s relaxation response.

2. Grounding Exercises
Try the “5-4-3-2-1” technique: name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. This brings you back to the present and out of your thoughts.

3. Cold Water on the Face
Splashing cold water on your face or holding a cold compress can “reset” your nervous system and lower your heart rate, helping to reduce the intensity of anxious feelings.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Tense and then relax each muscle group from head to toe. This practice calms the body and mind, releasing any tension caused by anxiety.

5. Slow, Gentle Movement
Go for a slow walk or try some light stretching. Gentle movement can shift your body from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-digest” mode.

6. Practice Mindful Touch
Place a hand on your heart or hold a small object and notice its texture, weight, and feel. This small, mindful practice can signal safety to the nervous system.

Remember, these are tools to help you find balance in anxious moments. 🌱 Small shifts in how we respond to anxiety can make a big difference

09/10/2025

🌊 Grief doesn’t follow a straight line—it moves like the tide.

One moment you're fine, the next you're overwhelmed. Why does grief come in waves? Read our latest blog which explores the emotional, physical, and neurological reasons behind the ebb and flow of sorrow—and how to ride those waves with compassion and resilience.

Grief has its own rhythm. One moment, you’re able to go about your day, maybe even smile or laugh. Then, without warning, a memory, a song, or even just quiet

09/08/2025

💡 When Kids Act Out, Try Connection Before Correction 💡

When your child or teen is showing unsafe or maladaptive behaviors, it’s easy to jump straight to consequences. But often what they really need is connection. Acting out is usually a signal that something deeper is going on.

Instead of asking “How do I stop this behavior?” try asking:
“How can I connect with them right now?”

Here are a few simple ways to build that bridge:
✨ Schedule a lunch or coffee date — just the two of you.
✨ Find an activity you both enjoy — a walk, a game, baking, shooting hoops.
✨ Spend time together without an agenda, simply being present.
✨ Use curiosity instead of judgment — “Help me understand what’s going on for you.”
✨ Validate feelings while keeping safe boundaries: “I see this is hard. I’m here with you.”

Connection doesn’t mean letting go of structure or boundaries — it means pairing them with warmth, presence, and understanding. That’s how communication reopens and relationships grow stronger.

09/06/2025

We are proud to be a sponsor of Blessed Trinity Athletics. We'd like to wish the student-athletes the best of luck this school year. Go Titans! 🏆👏

Thank you for supporting the Titans, Awaken Counseling!

09/04/2025

We’re excited to be recognized in the Digital Program at Blessed Trinity Catholic School! 💙

Awaken Counseling is proud to sponsor Blessed Trinity and support the importance of mental health in our community. Thank you for letting us be part of such a wonderful school family!