Election season can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, at least it has for many of the client’s we’ve seen recently. As the dust settles and results become final, many of our clients are struggling with lingering anxiety, stress, or even a sense of grief. And let’s not forget the added pressure of the holidays—a season meant for joy that often brings its own stressors, from endless to-do lists to family gatherings where political discussions can quickly turn heated.

Panic attacks often strike without warning, but did you know that certain triggers can set them off? From crowded spaces and stressful situations to even unexpected physical sensations, panic attack triggers vary widely and can be unique to each person. Understanding these triggers is a crucial first step in managing panic attacks, helping individuals reclaim control and lessen their intensity. By recognizing and addressing these cues, people can build resilience and confidence in facing moments that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

Until recently, I never would have labeled myself as someone who struggles with codependency. However, I read the book Codependent No More (one of the most read self-help books ever), and let’s just say that my definition definitely changed and I realized this is an area of my life that could use some attention!

Living Generously and Giving Back

At Simplify Life Counseling and Coaching, we believe that our journey is not just about personal growth, but also about uplifting others. Since our inception in 2011, we’ve been amazed by the growth and success of our practice. We see this success as a precious gift, one that we are committed to stewarding wisely.

What is CBT Therapy? 

At Simplify Atlanta, we specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, stress, and perfectionism through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). While many people might know CBT as a practical, results-driven approach, this essay focuses on a real-world example—Sarah, a working mother of two—whose life was transformed by the process. Through Sarah’s journey, we will illustrate actionable strategies that can help others overcome similar challenges. These strategies aren’t just theoretical; they are specific, personalized techniques that can be applied in daily life to create meaningful change.

Your freshman year of college is, for many people, one of the most drastic life transitions you have experienced up to this point. It may be your first time without your parents there to be constantly checking in and reminding you to eat or shower. It can be a whirlwind of change, new routines, new friends, new location, new classes, and new choices that can at times be so overwhelming you forget to check in with yourself and really ask: how am I doing?

Over the past several years, our culture has placed great emphasis on seeking mental health care and prioritizing wellness, whether it be relationally, emotionally, spiritually or physically. This shift has resulted in people learning how to break free of generational addictions,  how to be a better friend or supportive spouse, and how to form healthy, lifelong habits that benefit them and their families. It has brought healing and hope to so many people and situations. However, this shift has left a lot of parents scratching their heads, wondering what they need to do to ensure their child develops these skills early on.  Some may even find themselves questioning their own parenting skills if their child struggles with depression, anxiety, or behavioral issues.

As a parent, I've seen firsthand the impact of collaborative care. When my son was diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech, we initially struggled with conflicting advice from his pediatrician, private speech therapist, and school speech therapist. The lack of coordination was hindering his progress.

Everything changed when we insisted on a more integrated approach. By getting all professionals on the same page, we saw drastic improvements in my son's speech and overall confidence.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: when it comes to a child's development, teamwork is key.