First City Counseling

02/02/2026

In today’s political climate, staying informed can come with a real emotional cost. Constant exposure to political news is linked to higher stress, anxiety, and negative emotions—especially when disagreements spill into personal relationships. While these emotions can motivate action and civic engagement, they can also take a toll on mental and physical health.
Research shows that emotional regulation strategies (like reframing thoughts, mindfulness, or purposeful breaks) improve well-being, but may reduce the intensity of political involvement. This creates a trade-off: deep engagement can increase stress, while intentional self-protection supports mental health.
The takeaway? Staying informed doesn’t have to mean burning out. Sustainable civic engagement happens when we set limits, balance news with restorative activities, practice emotional regulation, prioritize sleep and movement, and step back when political content becomes overwhelming. Awareness and self-care can—and should—coexist.

02/02/2026

02/01/2026

Men are often less likely to seek counseling services, even when those services can be life-saving. Several barriers contribute to this, including:

• Limited education and awareness around mental health
• Reduced access to mental health resources, such as living in rural areas, limited technology, or lack of transportation
• Increased stigma surrounding men seeking mental health support, often rooted in harmful stereotypes about strength and emotional expression

By recognizing and understanding these barriers, we can help reduce stigma and encourage more men to seek the support they deserve.

01/31/2026

With school back in session, prioritizing stress management is more important than ever. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being plays a key role in academic success, including focus, learning, and test performance.

Some effective ways to manage stress include:

• Getting adequate sleep (aim for 8 hours or more each night)
• Engaging in regular physical activity, such as yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, or jogging
• Practicing meditation or deep-breathing exercises
• Maintaining social connections
• Making time for hobbies and activities you enjoy

Taking care of yourself throughout the school year supports both your well-being and your success.

01/29/2026

Tomorrow at Frank Callen Boys & Girls Clubs

01/29/2026

This Saturday. 5 spots still open…

01/29/2026

As the new year begins, setting New Year’s resolutions can be a helpful way to focus on self-improvement and build consistent, achievable habits.

Research shows that only a small percentage of people maintain their resolutions beyond the first few months. Instead of setting goals that feel overwhelming or unattainable, consider breaking larger goals into smaller, realistic steps that can be achieved over shorter periods of time.

For example, if your long-term goal is to run a marathon, start by setting short-term goals such as jogging one mile, then gradually increasing to two miles and beyond.

Wishing you a happy new year and success as you work toward your goals—one step at a time.

01/27/2026

January is Mental Wellness Month.
Use this time to build intentional, healthy habits that support both your mind and body throughout the year. Small, consistent choices can make a meaningful difference. Consider practices such as:

• Reading a book instead of scrolling on your phone
• Taking a walk when feeling frustrated or overwhelmed
• Seeking counseling services to support emotional wellness and learn effective coping strategies
• Prioritizing self-care during times of stress

Mental wellness is a journey; start where you are and take it one step at a time.

01/25/2026

🎨 Calling All Young Artists in Pooler!

The City of Pooler is inviting elementary and middle school students ages 5–14 who live in Pooler to participate in a fun art contest. Selected artwork may be featured in the City’s 2026 Comprehensive Plan update!

📅 Submission Deadline: February 2, 2026

✨ Why Participate: A great opportunity for kids to showcase their creativity and help shape Pooler’s future

👉 Learn More & Submit Artwork: https://www.pooler-ga.gov/news/public-notice-the-city-of-pooler-is-looking-for-young-artists/

01/25/2026

January is National Hobby Month.
Hobbies play an important role in supporting mental health and overall well-being. Some of their benefits include:

• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Providing a healthy distraction for individuals experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, or suicidal thoughts
• Offering a positive coping strategy to help manage urges related to self-harm

There are many hobbies that are both cost-effective and beneficial for mental and sometimes physical health. Finding activities you enjoy can be a meaningful way to support your wellness.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

01/08/2026

✨ Now Accepting Referrals: Teen Autism Group ✨
We’re excited to announce an upcoming group therapy program for teens with autism (ages 12–18) at First City Counseling. This group offers a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming space for teens to build social and communication skills, practice emotional regulation, and connect with peers in a structured environment.
The group will meet every other Friday evening and will begin once we have a full cohort of 6–8 participants, with the goal of starting late January.
📩 Referral partners: Please direct referrals or inquiries to
ashley@firstcitycounseling.com
📍 Savannah, GA | In-person
📞 (912) 604-0263
🌐 www.firstcitycounseling.com
Feel free to share this post or the flyer with families who may benefit.

01/08/2026

While we are not expecting snow with this weather system, the cold temperatures will be very real, and no one in our community should have to endure them without a warm, safe place to go.

We are deeply grateful to our community partners, Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, The Salvation Army of Savannah, GA, Union Mission, Come As You Are Ministries, who continue to step up, open their doors, and work alongside us to ensure our neighbors have shelter, support, and care during this cold weather.

Together, we are doing what does best: looking out for one another.