Connect2Counseling

07/23/2025

Believe it or not we are only a few weeks away from the start of a brand new school year here📚✏️🚌📓📝🏫
Here are a few ideas for prepping your kiddos from early childhood on up. I threw in the last quote for parents of leavers. It will get better.🎓

07/17/2025

07/12/2025

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) launched the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line, a new statewide crisis support line for Texans impacted by recent catastrophic floods. The crisis support line is available 24/7 and provides profession...

07/06/2025

Here are a few books that caregivers may find helpful for yourselves & your children during times of grief & loss.

07/06/2025

In North Carolina, kids affected by Hurricane Helene are putting this method, often inaccessible, to the test

07/06/2025

Important information for supporting your children during the initial days of traumatic loss. If symptoms and behaviors persist don't hesitate to seek therapy. As a caregiver, trust your instincts and will know when it is time. Some examples include persistent fears, nightmares, separation anxiety, persistent feelings of sadness &/or irritability.

In the wake of the Hill Country floods, many children are feeling confused, scared, or overwhelmed.

At The Ecumenical Center, we know that children process trauma differently—and they need our support now more than ever.

Here are some ways to help your child navigate fear and loss:

🧠 Let them lead. Follow their questions and don’t overload them with too much information.

💬 Be honest, but age-appropriate. Keep explanations simple and reassuring.

❤️ Validate their feelings. “It’s okay to feel scared” is more comforting than “Don’t be sad.”

🔁 Let them tell their story. Repetition is part of healing.

🫂 Stay close. Comfort often comes from just being present.

🌟 Help them help. Making cards, praying, or raising money can restore a sense of purpose.

❓ Be ready for big questions—and be okay not having all the answers.

If your family needs support, our trauma-informed counselors are here for you.

📞 210-616-0885; for after-hours help, call 210-364-1459.
💻ecrh.org

07/06/2025

In response to the recent flooding, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has the following resources to help families and communities.

07/06/2025

Here are grief resources in the Houston area & a few books. The Bereavement Center of South Texas and The Ecumenical Center in San Antonio offer grief support.

07/05/2025

Help is needed in any way you're able for this tragic & devastating loss of lives & property in our beloved Hill Country😢💔

After Independence Day floods in Kerr County and San Saba County, KXAN viewers asked us how they can help.

07/05/2025

Our brains will interpret loud noises as a threat after surviving a trauma such as a shooting, a fire, serious & damaging storms that threaten our lives, etc. even if we know they are caused by celebratory fireworks. Breathe, get support, find ways to cope that will assist with lessening the impact.

💙 If you’re dealing with PTSD that is triggered by loud noises and flashes, please know that you are not forgotten today.

💙 It’s easy to get caught up in the “tradition” of fireworks on a holiday like July 4th, and it’s valid to be frustrated that your well-being and safety are not prioritized.

💙 It is not wrong or selfish to set boundaries for yourself today. It is not anti-social or weird to choose to stay back from events that may cause you emotional distress. It is not weak to be honest about how these events impact you.

💙 Find people who understand, and lean on them in these moments. You are not forgotten, and you matter.

Resources to keep close if today feels overwhelming:
Crisis Text Line - Text TWLOHA to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line - Call 988 and then Press 1

07/03/2025

Stress from overthinking takes a toll physically & emotionally. Getting it under control is doable but can be challenging. It gets better with practice so hang in there! Thiught stopping by decreasing extreme worry about past events and interactions as well as imagining future scenerios or "what ifs" will aid in reducing overthinking.

06/29/2025

After a while in parenting we tend to stop looking at important recommendations and guidelines for children's developmental needs. Somtimes dysregulated behavior during the day can be attributed to lack of sleep and/or disrupted sleep due to a number of causes. Here's a good reminder for sleep needs by age. Sleep deficits can build over time for us all. 🛌😴💤