Help and Hope Counseling

01/11/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HR2ZVdp64/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Our brains were not wired for constant city noise, phone alerts, and everyday noise pollution.

All that sound keeps the body in a low-level stress mode, even when nothing is happening.

Natural sounds like birds, wind, and running water help the brain slow down and reset.

Camping gives the mind space to settle and feel calm again.

01/01/2026

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12/27/2025

Insight Timer has a 31 day challenge starting Jan 1st to help you make those little choices that lead to big change. Check them out here:

The best meditation app with the world’s largest FREE library of more than 260k guided meditations, 17k teachers & the world’s most loved meditation Timer.

12/24/2025

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Neuroscience has made something very clear. Being yelled at does not just hurt feelings. Brain imaging studies show it activates the same neural regions involved in physical pain. The brain does not separate emotional threat from bodily harm in the way adults often assume.

When a child is yelled at, the nervous system shifts into survival mode. Stress hormones rise, heart rate increases, and the brain focuses on protection rather than learning. This response is automatic and biological. It happens before reasoning or self control can engage. In that moment, the child is not absorbing guidance. The brain is trying to stay safe.

Repeated exposure to harsh tone reinforces this pattern. Over time, the brain wires itself to expect threat during conflict. This is what researchers refer to as trauma wiring. It does not require extreme situations. Consistent verbal aggression is enough to condition heightened stress responses and emotional shutdown.

Many parents were raised with yelling and view it as discipline. Science shows something different. Calm tone combined with firm boundaries activates brain regions responsible for regulation, memory, and trust. Children learn best when they feel safe, not scared.

Voice tone acts as a regulator for a child’s nervous system. A steady, controlled voice helps the brain return to balance faster after stress. This builds emotional resilience rather than fear based compliance. Discipline delivered through connection supports long term self control far more effectively than volume ever could.

Understanding this removes guilt and replaces it with awareness. Change does not require perfection. It begins with noticing tone and choosing regulation over reaction.

Children remember how safety felt long before they remember words. Calm guidance shapes brains that feel secure enough to grow strong.

12/23/2025

Your words matter. Your words to your self, your spouse, your kids. Check this out!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/20/2025

On Dec. 2, 2025, the DOJ charged five men with leading “Greggy’s Cult,” a Discord-based child exploitation ring that targeted minors as young as 11 across Discord, Roblox, and gaming platforms.

The DOJ charged five men with running "Greggy's Cult," a Discord child exploitation ring that allegedly terrorized minors through blackmail and coercion tactics.

12/20/2025

As you consider giving your children access to game stations this holiday season, do it mindfully.

Roblox is introducing age checks to the gaming platform's chat feature.

12/19/2025

These are great for the coffee table or your prayer/meditation space.

I’m excited to share that On My Behalf: Volume II is moving steadily toward completion! The final edits and design work are underway, and the book should be available early in the new year. Grateful for the support and encouragement from so many of you as this project comes to life. More about the...

12/15/2025

https://www.eatingwell.com/cold-plunge-benefits-8348427

Cold plunges could give you more than chattering teeth. Find out the potential benefits and downsides of these famous ice baths, according to experts.

12/10/2025

We are very excited to announce that Jennifer VandeWeg, LCSW is now a part of the Help and Hope Counseling Team in our Sierra Vista, AZ offices!

WELCOME ABOARD JENNIFER!

Jennifer R VandeWeg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Sierra Vista, AZ, 85635, (520) 317-7580, As an employee of Help and Hope Counseling, I have 15 years experience working with individuals and families across all life stages with a focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment. I'm a 10 year...

12/06/2025

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11/29/2025

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