JL Counseling

08/10/2025

✨ Planning a C-Section? You Can Still Have a Doula! ✨

Many people think doulas are only for vaginal births, but the truth is—our support is just as valuable during a planned cesarean! 💛

As your doula, I can:
🤍 Help you prepare emotionally & practically before surgery
🤍 Guide you in creating a gentle/family-centered c-section plan
🤍 Support you & your partner before, during, and after birth
🤍 Assist with postpartum recovery, baby care, and feeding

A c-section is still your birth, and you deserve to feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.

Schedule your free consultation to learn how I can help you have a positive c-section experience.

07/14/2025

JL Counseling had a magical time this weekend at the Postpartum Support International Annual Conference right in the heart of the bayou — down in New Orleans! 💜💚💛

Just like Tiana from Princess and the Frog, we believe in hard work, healing, and helping dreams come true — especially for mamas navigating the beautiful, messy, and powerful journey of motherhood.

👑 Surrounded by incredible advocates, providers, and changemakers, we left inspired, empowered, and reminded that every mom deserves support, strength, and a little bit of magic.

From clinical insights to community care, we’re bringing the “nola sparkle” back to our work at JL Counseling. 💫✨

Because when you wish on a star and back it up with action… you change lives. 💛👶🏽🌙

05/21/2025

✨New Blog Post!✨Having Trouble Saying “No”??? This is for YOU!!!! Click in for a FREE SURPRISE!

Boundaries Aren’t Barriers—They’re BridgesMany of us were raised to believe that being agreeable, self-sacrificing, or “easygoing” makes us good people—especially when it comes to family. But what if I told you that always saying “yes” is a fast track to burnout, resentment, and disc...

05/14/2025

Them: “Why Didn’t She Just Leave???”

Us: 👇🏽

The disturbing details emerging from the P. Diddy trial and Cassie’s testimony have triggered a familiar question in the public discourse: “Why would someone stay in a relationship like that?”

At JL Counseling, we want to pause and address this with compassion, facts, and support.

The truth is: leaving an abusive relationship is not easy — especially when the abuser holds power, money, or influence. Abuse isn’t always physical. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual. And often, it follows a predictable pattern called the Cycle of Abuse, which includes:

🟣Tension Building: The victim feels like they’re walking on eggshells.

🟣Incident: An abusive episode occurs — physically, emotionally, or sexually violent.

🟣Reconciliation: The abuser apologizes, minimizes the abuse, or blames the victim.

🟣Calm/Honeymoon Phase: The abuser may act loving, promising to change. The victim may begin to hope again.

Over time, this cycle erodes self-esteem and safety. Victims often stay because of:

🟣Fear of retaliation or being harmed
🟣Financial control or isolation from support systems
🟣Shame, guilt, or confusion
🟣Believing the abuser will change
🟣Concern for children or family members

What Can You Do to Help?
🗣️We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Avoid asking “Why didn’t you leave?” and instead say “I’m here for you.”
🗣️Believe them: It takes courage to speak out.
🗣️Offer support without pressure: Leaving is a process. Help them feel in control of their decisions.
🗣️Know the resources: Share local and national hotlines and services.

If you or someone you know is in danger or needs help, please contact:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
or text “START” to 88788

Let’s replace judgment with empathy. Survivors deserve to be believed, supported, and safe.
—
At JL Counseling, we are here to help you heal, reclaim your voice, and find safety—on your terms.

05/01/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
At JL Counseling, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health—and everyone deserves the support and tools to thrive.

Whether you’re navigating motherhood, managing anxiety, or just trying to keep it all together—your mental well-being matters. This month, let’s break the stigma, start the conversation, and prioritize healing.

Here’s how you can participate:
✔️ Schedule your therapy session
✔️ Check on a friend
✔️ Set boundaries
✔️ Rest without guilt
✔️ Speak kindly to yourself

Let’s build a mentally healthy community—together.

04/29/2025

Your Village Matters… But So Does Respecting the Parents

Having a village — grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended family — is one of the greatest blessings a child (and parent) can have. Support systems give our children extra love, wisdom, and memories that last a lifetime. 💝

🗣️But here’s the truth we don’t talk about enough:
A healthy village respects the authority of the parents. ‼️

When family members criticize, undermine, or do what they want anyway against a parent’s wishes, it doesn’t just “spoil” the child — it confuses them and damages their trust and relationship with their parents over time.
Usurping your loved one’s authority with their child is never okay.

Examples of Healthy Support:
• A grandparent asking before giving a child sweets instead of just handing them out after bedtime.
• An aunt encouraging the child to follow Mom’s and Dad’s rules even when they are visiting her home.
• An uncle offering advice privately to the parent without scolding or judging them in front of the child.

Examples for Parents to Set Boundaries:
• Calmly stating, “We don’t allow [specific behavior] and we expect that boundary to be respected when our child is with you.”
• If boundaries are crossed, lovingly but firmly setting a consequence, such as: “For now, visits will need to be supervised until we feel comfortable that our parenting choices are being honored.”

Love without respect isn’t true support.
Real community builds up, not tears down.

Let’s commit to being a village that protects not only our children’s hearts — but also their trust in the people raising them. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

What’s one way your village has shown support while respecting your parenting? Or, what boundary are you working on setting with family? Share in the comments!

04/25/2025

Let’s talk about Time Poverty.

You’ve heard it before: “We all have the same 24 hours in a day.”
But here’s the truth—we don’t all have the same 24.

Some people have help. A nanny. A housekeeper. A job with flexibility. A car that always works. A support system.
Others are working multiple jobs, raising kids alone, caring for elders, dealing with health issues, or navigating barriers most never see.

Time poverty is when your entire day is consumed by survival—leaving little to no time for rest, creativity, self-care, or even joy. It’s not about poor time management. It’s about inequity.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or exhausted, please know:
You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You’re doing the best you can with what you’ve been given—and that matters.

Let’s give each other more grace. Let’s challenge the systems that make rest a luxury.
Because everyone deserves time to breathe.

04/18/2025

It’s an honor every single time I’m invited into one of life’s most sacred moments.
Supporting one of my best friends through pregnancy, labor, birth, and those first beautiful breaths is what being a doula is all about.
Congratulations to this amazing family on the arrival of their precious baby girl!
You did it Mama and made it look easy!

04/15/2025

✨ Be Part of the Future of Postpartum Care! ✨
The RECONNECT Study is testing an innovative, single-dose treatment for postpartum depression — and you could help shape what’s next.
If you’ve had a baby within the last 15 months and are struggling with depression, you may be eligible to participate.
✔️ Ages 18-45
✔️ Recently gave birth
✔️ Currently feeling symptoms of depression
Participants receive compensation for time & travel.
Your story matters. Your experience could change lives.
Learn more today:
🔗

Fill out the personal health questions below to see if you meet the basic study requirements. Additional eligibility criteria apply. Your answers will be recorded, but your information will only be used for the purposes of this study to determine your eligibility.

04/14/2025

This , we honor the strength, resilience, and power of Black mothers—and continue the fight for equity, respect, and culturally responsive care in every birthing space.

A special thank you to the AKA Southern Pearls for the beautiful feature and for amplifying the voices of Black maternal health advocates across our region. Your support means the world!

Together, we rise for better outcomes, empowered choices, and a future where every Black mom is heard, seen, and supported.

04/07/2025

Postpartum Depression Research Needs YOU!
A promising new treatment is being studied — and your voice matters.
The RECONNECT study is looking for moms who:
✔️ Are 18-45 years old
✔️ Gave birth in the past 15 months
✔️ Are experiencing depression symptoms
You’ll receive support, contribute to important research, and get compensation for your time & travel.
Together, we can change the future of postpartum care.
Click the link to learn more & see if you qualify:
🔗 https://reunion-ppdstudy.com/Jlcounseling

04/05/2025

Happy National Self-Care Day from JL Counseling!
Today is your gentle reminder that you deserve care, too.
Whether you’re a busy mom, a working professional, or somewhere in between, self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

At JL Counseling, we believe that true self-care goes beyond bubble baths and candles. It’s about setting boundaries, honoring your feelings, resting without guilt, and prioritizing your mental health.

✨Here are 5️⃣ ways to practice self-care today:
1. Say “no” to something that drains you.
2. Take 5 minutes to breathe deeply and reset.
3. Write down one thing you’re proud of today.
4. Move your body in a way that feels good.
5. Book that therapy session — your future self will thank you. 😉

Need support on your self-care journey? We’re here to help.
Follow for more mental health tips and resources.