Jill Proudfoot Counseling, LLC

02/06/2026

01/11/2026

New neuroscience research shows that children save their hardest emotions for their mothers because their nervous system physically changes in her presence. Brain scans reveal that when a child is reunited with their mother during moments of stress, the stress circuits in the brain deactivate up to five times faster compared to being comforted by anyone else. As the stress response drops so quickly, the emotions that were held inside finally spill out, leading to crying, meltdowns, or sudden emotional release.
This happens because a mother acts as a child’s primary “regulating force.” Her voice, touch, scent, and presence trigger deep biological responses that calm the amygdala and signal safety to the nervous system. Once the body no longer feels threatened, the child can let go of the emotional weight they had been carrying, even if it appears as overwhelming feelings.
Researchers emphasize that this behavior is a sign of secure attachment, not misbehavior. It means the child feels safe enough to express what they suppressed while managing the outside world. Mothers often witness the hardest emotions not because they cause them, but because they are the safe space where healing begins.
This insight reminds parents that emotional closeness plays a powerful role in a child’s neurological development. A mother’s presence literally reshapes how the brain processes stress, proving that love and connection are among the strongest regulators of a child’s emotional world.

12/11/2025

Grateful to be in connection with this great therapist and share in the playfulness and light brought to healing trauma!⭐️🧡☮️

11/24/2025

Behind every tantrum or act of defiance is usually a story — one of unmet needs, overwhelm, or unspoken hurt.

When we pause long enough to see the story instead of just the behavior, everything changes.
Because nine times out of ten, what’s underneath won’t make you angry — it will break your heart.

Lead with empathy. Respond with connection. 💛

10/09/2025

This group provides the best trainings!⭐️🌟💫

When parents are empowered to become co-therapists, a lot can happen!

This live online training will show you how to partner with caregivers to resolve traumatic memories and repair attachment wounds.

What you’ll learn:
🔹 How to take in-depth attachment histories for caregivers and kids
🔹 How to educate parents about dissociation and engage hostile parts
🔹 How to use play-based animal archetypes to extend the preparation phase
🔹 Strategies to integrate EMDR with play therapy across all 8 phases

📆 November 17–19, 2025
🖥️ Live Online | 💵 $299
🎓 15 CEs | 15 EMDRIA CEs | 11 Play Therapy CEs

🔗 Save your spot: https://playfulemdr.com/upcoming-trainings/

10/08/2025

What if we replaced the word "addict" with: “A human being who suffered so much that he or she finds in drugs or some other behavior a temporary escape from that suffering"?

07/19/2025

On this day in 2016, Sierah Joughin went missing. Her story shook our community—but it also sparked a movement.

Through heartbreak, her family turned tragedy into purpose. Because of Sierah, communities are stronger, youth are safer, and awareness is growing.

We honor her by continuing the work—advocating for safety, educating others, and empowering the next generation.

Join us in carrying her legacy forward.

06/09/2025

Facts...
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06/09/2025

I had a sweet little angel 🪽🧡 come visit the playroom today. It’s not often I get baby visitors!

04/26/2025

Credit:

Correction is part of parenting. But when a child doesn’t feel connected to you, correction can feel like rejection. When connection is built before correction is ever needed, it makes those harder moments easier to navigate.

That’s why connection needs to happen long before correction ever does.

Build it in the calm, everyday moments:
✔️ Ask to join them in their play—before they even invite you.
✔️ Sit beside them while they color and say, “Tell me about this one.”
✔️ Make eye contact and smile when they walk in the room.
✔️ Share a laugh, a snack, or a story—even for just 5 minutes.

These small choices tell your child: “You matter to me—even when nothing’s wrong.”

Then, when something does go wrong:
✔️ Sit down at their level and say, “I’m here to help you through this.”
✔️ Ask, “Can you tell me what happened?”
✔️ Remind them, “You’re not in trouble. You’re learning. I’ll walk with you through it.”

Because when your child feels secure in your presence, they can handle your correction without feeling rejected.

Connection isn’t a reward for good behavior. It’s the foundation that makes growth possible.

12/30/2024

https://cvent.me/EVBeEg