Blog | Step by Step Counseling

Saying Goodbye

Saying GoodbyeRecently, I said goodbye to my roommate of 13 years.She was my little shadow, my constant companion, my food thief, and the one who could lookdown her nose at me at any given moment. She never let me go to the bathroom alone, and itfelt like she knew my...

Preschool Play Therapy Groups Are a Game-Changer for Young Kids

by Jennie Wilson | Blog

Big Feelings, Little Bodies: Why Preschool Play Therapy Groups Matter (And Why Parents Keep Saying “I Wish We’d Done This Sooner”) If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why does something so small feel so big to my child?” you’re in good company. Preschoolers...

Faith, Mental Health, and the Courage to Stay Connected

by Step By Step Counseling | Blog

Faith, Mental Health, and the Courage to Stay Connected Across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, faith has long been a source of meaning, structure, community, and hope. Prayer, ritual, scripture, and shared belief systems help regulate stress, strengthen identity,...

Family Conflict at the Holidays: Boundaries, Regulation, and Realistic Expectations

by Jennie Wilson | Blog

For many families, the holidays are not just about traditions, food, and connection. They are also a time when old conflicts resurface, boundaries are tested, and stress levels rise. Family conflict during the holidays is common, predictable, and deeply tied to how...

Grief During the Holidays: Understanding What Makes This Season Hard

by Jennie Wilson | Blog

The holiday season often brings expectations of joy, connection, and celebration. For many people, it also brings grief that feels sharper, heavier, or harder to manage. This experience is common and it is not a personal failure. Holidays disrupt routines, activate...

The Holiday Stretch: Helping Kids (and Parents) Stay Grounded When Routines Fall Apart

by Step By Step Counseling | Blog

The Holiday Stretch: Helping Kids (and Parents) Stay Grounded When Routines Fall Apart The holiday season is often painted as joyful, magical, and full of togetherness, and sometimes ittruly is. There are lights, traditions, school breaks, special meals, and moments...