Thrive Forward Therapy

Gratitude is a powerful tool for enhancing your mental health. By focusing on what you're thankful for, you can boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance emotional resilience. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how this simple practice transforms your overall well-being.

Executive function skills are helpful for managing thoughts, actions, and emotions. These skills, which include self-regulation, begin developing in early childhood and continue well into adulthood. By building strong executive function skills, children can better handle stress, make decisions, and control impulses. To help your child build strong executive function skills, try these tips:

🎨 Create routines: Consistent daily schedules help kids understand what to expect and develop organizational skills.
🛝 Encourage play: Games that involve memory, strategy, and taking turns build cognitive flexibility and self-control.
🚸 Model behavior: Demonstrate patience and problem-solving in your own actions.

Supporting your child’s executive function development with activities that promote planning, focus, and problem-solving, will set them up for success now and in the future!

Stress isn't just in your mind; it impacts your body too. From headaches to digestive issues, chronic stress can manifest in physical symptoms that shouldn't be ignored. Don't let stress take control - if you haven't found an effective way to de-stress, consider speaking to a professional who can help you develop strategies to reduce stress and protect your health.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a powerful tool in managing anxiety, especially for those dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions. ERP works by helping you to identify what you are really anxious or afraid of and gradually exposes you to the triggers, helping you learn to face them without resorting to compulsive behaviors. This method can reduce the intensity of your anxiety and the hold it has on your life. When you avoid triggers out of your anxiety they tend to increase but when you face and experience your triggers they tend to decrease. If anxiety is overwhelming, understanding how ERP can help might be the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.

You can learn more about ERP and who would benefit from it most with this video⬇️ https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/treatment/erp/

Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your brain, leading to symptoms like difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental fatigue. These challenges can affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions, and may even lead to behavioral changes like irritability, restlessness, or withdrawal. Understanding how stress and anxiety impact your brain and behavior is key to managing their effects and protecting your mental well-being.

Stress and anxiety might feel similar, but understanding the difference is key to managing them effectively. Stress is often a response to an external cause, while anxiety is a persistent feeling that is a reaction to stress, it can occur even without a direct threat. Remember both can be managed with the right strategies.

Anxiety Relief for Teens by Regine Galanti is a must-read for any teen struggling with stress and anxiety. Packed with essential Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills and mindfulness practices, this guide empowers teens to overcome their challenges and regain control. A perfect resource for building resilience and fostering mental well-being.

Feeling overwhelmed by chronic stress? When de-stress tips like getting active, meditating, or prioritizing sleep are no longer helping to manage your stress or anxiety, it may be time to speak to a professional. Signs can include persistent anxiety, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, constant fatigue, and trouble concentrating. Seeking professional help can provide the support and strategies you need for effective stress management.

Feeling overwhelmed by stress? You’re not alone. According to a study by The American Psychological Association, 24% of Americans experience extreme stress regularly, and stress levels have been steadily increasing over the last decade. Our bodies can actually seek out stress because the brain craves the dopamine boost that comes from overcoming challenges, even though it can lead to more stress in the long run. Recognizing this pattern and taking steps to manage stress is crucial for your mental and physical health.

We are so excited to be up for 2024! Our team of counselors love pouring into Gwinnett by helping families thrive and being a resource to schools and businesses. Please consider voting for us!
You can vote at our direct vote page here: https://www.guidetogwinnett.com/georgia/suwanee/health-medical/thrive-forward-therapy

Adult stress can stem from a variety of less obvious sources such as health issues or environmental concerns. Understanding these factors is key to managing stress effectively and maintaining balance. Take note of what may be contributing to your stress and seek support if it is becoming difficult to manage.

We are thrilled, our founder Jennifer Wilmoth, LMFT is featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution article, "Should You Get Married in Your Golden Years?" discussing the ups and downs of getting married later in life! Look for the printed article out soon, for insights on how embracing love later in life can bring unique benefits and challenges. You can view the online article now, by clicking here ➡️ https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/aging-in-atlanta/getting-married-later-in-life-advantages-and-disadvantages/44TGCBHRAFCSJN2QUZ2XU5VJOM/

Struggling with sleep and feeling anxious? Insufficient sleep can lead to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol, causing heightened anxiety even before your day starts. Swipe through to learn more about how anxiety can disrupt your sleep and how poor sleep can worsen anxiety. If you’re seeking more guidance on enhancing your sleep quality or managing anxiety, please don't hesitate to reach out. We understand how challenging this can be and we are here to provide the support you need.

Stress is the body's reaction to situations or events that are perceived as challenging or threatening. It triggers the "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This natural reaction prepares us to deal with immediate dangers, but when stress becomes chronic or excessive, it can negatively impact our physical and mental health.
Addressing stress early is helpful to prevent it from escalating into more serious health issues. Talking about it can provide relief and support, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and offering possible solutions.
Your mental health is important, and reaching out for support is a strong step toward feeling better. Here are a few statements to share when feeling overwhelmed:
⭐"I've been feeling overwhelmed lately and could really use some support with ____"
⭐"I'm struggling with ____ right now, could we talk about it?"
⭐"I'm feeling a lot of pressure at the moment and finding it hard to manage. Do you have any advice or resources?"

Seeking support will help reduce the stressors building up which makes it more difficult to manage. Seeking help from a therapist will better equip you with strategies to manage stress more effectively and improve your overall mental well-being. Our compassionate counselors are here for you, with availability to listen and support you wherever you need it.

As we head back to school, remember that August is Beautiful in Your Skin Month! To embrace a positive body image as you head back to school: Focus on understanding and nurturing your thoughts, feelings, and actions about your physical image. Celebrate your uniqueness and carry confidence with you throughout the school year!

Building confidence starts with how we think! The deliberate use of self-affirmations can become second nature with regular practice. The more you cultivate positive thoughts, the easier it becomes to maintain them. Start today and watch your confidence thrive!

Feeling drained? It might be time to take a closer look at some common habits that can easily void your happiness.
Try these tips to reclaim your joy:
✏️ Practice gratitude daily by jotting down things you're most thankful for
🌱 Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment
🤝 Connect with loved ones and build supportive relationships
💤 Take breaks and rest when needed to maintain a healthy balance

Struggling with family dinners? Check out our latest blog by Gloria Huang on "Tips for a Successful Family Dinner with Young Kids".

✨ "The atmosphere at the dinner table can significantly impact how enjoyable the meal is for everyone. The point of family dinners is to connect as a family and come away remembering it as a positive time together!" ✨

Discover practical tips to make your mealtime enjoyable and memorable for everyone!

Tips for a Successful Family Dinner with Young Kids “Gross! I don’t want to eat that!”“Oops, I spilled the milk on the floor. Again.”“Is this over yet? Can I go now?”When your kids are young, family dinners can be chaotic and challenging. Between picky eaters, bickering siblings, and food messes that end up on the floor, it’s no wonde...

Dealing with comparisons can be challenging for preadolescents, especially in the age of social media where comparisons can be constant and pervasive. Recent research shows that appearance comparisons on social media are related to higher body dissatisfaction, specifically between the ages of 10-12 years old. By integrating these tips, we can develop healthier ways to cope with comparisons and build a stronger sense of self-worth and resilience.

Source: De Coen, J., Goossens, L., Bosmans, G., Debra, G., & Verbeken, S. (2024). Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating symptoms in children’s daily life: Can parents protect against appearance comparison on social media?. Body Image, 48, 101647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101647

Discover the 3 Benefits of Family Meals in our latest blog post by Jennifer Wilmoth, LMFT. "Family meals are more than just a time to eat; they are a great opportunity to connect, communicate, and support each other." You can read more here or in the latest issue of Suwanee Magazine, out now.

3 Benefits of Family Meals Let’s face it, finding a time when the whole family can meet around a table for meals can be challenging especially with busy activity and work schedules. I face similar challenges as a mom of two, but after many years as a marriage and family therapist, I’m convinced it is well worth the effort...

Body image is all about how we see, feel, and think about our physical selves. From childhood, we start shaping our body image based on our interactions with family, friends, and society. Influences from social media, culture, and personal beliefs also play a big role in how we perceive our bodies.

Sadly, concerns about body image can start very young. Studies show that 40-60% of girls aged 6-12 worry about their weight. Athletes also face unique pressures, with 85% of college athletes engaging in unhealthy eating and weight control behaviors.

Therapy can be helpful to build a positive body image from the start and be preventive before a negative body image becomes a concern. Thrive Forward Therapy is dedicated to providing compassionate support to help develop a brighter, more positive mindset and body positivity.

Source: NationalEatingDisorders.org

Wishing everyone a joyful and safe holiday! Be sure to celebrate this 4th of July with loved ones, making memories as bright as the fireworks!
🎆 Happy Independence Day 🎆

Self-confidence is the foundation that empowers you to take risks, embrace challenges, and be true to yourself. Whether it's setting boundaries, practicing self-care, or celebrating your unique qualities, every step counts on the journey to self-confidence. Remember, confidence isn't about being perfect; it's about being authentically you.

Building resilience in children is important for their long-term mental health and well-being. Resilient children are better equipped to handle life's challenges, adapt to changes, and recover from setbacks. By fostering resilience, parents can help their children develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Here are 10 ways parents can support and build resilience in their children:

Encourage Problem-Solving: Allow children to tackle challenges on their own, offering support and guidance when needed, to help them develop critical thinking skills.

Model Resilience: Demonstrate how to handle setbacks with a positive attitude and perseverance, showing children that obstacles can be overcome.

Promote a Growth Mindset: Emphasize effort and learning over innate ability, teaching children that they can improve through hard work and dedication.

Foster Strong Relationships: Build a supportive and loving environment, where children feel safe to express their feelings and seek help when needed.

Teach Emotional Regulation: Help children identify and manage their emotions, using techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and talking about their feelings.

Encourage Independence: Provide age-appropriate opportunities for children to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions, fostering confidence and self-reliance.

Set Realistic Expectations: Set achievable goals and celebrate progress, helping children build confidence and motivation.

Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Guide children in breaking down problems into manageable steps, encouraging them to brainstorm and evaluate potential solutions.

Provide Opportunities for Success: Give children chances to succeed in various activities, helping them build a sense of competence and achievement.

Maintain a Positive Outlook: Encourage optimism and a hopeful perspective, helping children see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

Looking for inspiration on what makes a truly positive male role model? Here are 8 essential qualities that foster mental health, positivity, and leadership. Embrace these traits to create a lasting positive influence on those who admire you.