Jessica Epperson Counseling

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Hoover, AL
Jessica Epperson Counseling

Licensed Professional Counselor in Birmingham, Alabama specializing in kids, teens, & adults!

11/07/2022

Let’s talk about… MY NEW ETSY SHOP! 🧠💗

I have officially launched my counseling Etsy Shop! This shop will focus on digital resources for kids, teens, parents, and adults.🎉

Many of the materials in my shop are resources I utilize while working with my counseling clients! ✨

If you are a therapist, parent, or just interested in improving your mental health, these resources are for you! 🤗

Check out my shop at https://jecounseling.etsy.com or through the link in my bio! 👈🏼

09/19/2022

Let’s talk about… S U I C I D E P R E V E N T I O N. 💚

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month! Each year I set aside time on my social media to talk about this important topic. 📌

Many people believe that talking about su***de can increase the risk of another person experiencing suicidal ideation (thinking about or planning su***de). 🤔

This is a myth! Talking about su***de is the first step in opening a door of communication and support for others who may be struggling. 🙏🏼

Statistics show us that this stigmatized topic is frequently thought about. In fact, 1 in 10 (10%) of adult Americans have thought about su***de. ‼️

The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that for people ages 10 to 34 years old, su***de is the 2nd leading cause of death. Su***de is also the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States.👈🏼

The impact of su***de is exacerbated for minority groups and for those experiencing mental illness. 90% of people who die by su***de have an underlying mental-health condition. 🧠

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation, know that you are not alone. 💚

You may be experiencing shame or fear, but there are ways to get help and live a full, happy life! Remember – su***de is never the answer. ⭐️

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a counselor or try a crisis hotline as soon as possible. You can call or text “988” to reach the 24/7 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. For emergencies, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.📍

For more information, check out https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/su***de-prevention-awareness-month & https://afsp.org/su***de-statistics/

08/26/2022

Celebrating 2 years of Jessica Epperson Counseling with a new logo! 🤩

Many more things in store for year 3! 🥳

08/08/2022

Let’s talk about… B A C K – T O – S C H O O L! ✏️

August means back-to-school time for most kids! 📚

School often brings lots of mixed emotions – excitement, fear, anxiety, dread. So many emotions can be really overwhelming! 😫

As parents rush to buy school supplies, I wanted to offer a different list of “supplies” to help kids navigate these feelings and support their mental health throughout the school year! 💙

📌Develop Clear, Consistent Routines
a. Kids thrive on routines! Consider developing a calming nighttime and morning routine. You can even practice this the few nights before school to ease the transition!

📌Offer Opportunities for Breaks
a. School typically means a busy schedule for all ages! Consistent times for rest and self-care support emotional and behavioral regulation in all ages.

📌Identify Coping Skills + Resources
a. There are several coping skills that can support kids during the school year! Consider providing your child fidgets, art materials, or opportunities to exercise or get outside.
b. Resources like the school counselor, tutors, safe teachers, or clubs can also offer significant support for kids struggling to adjust to school!

📌Create Social Opportunities
a. Social connection is an excellent way to reduce feelings of sadness or dread! Find ways for your child to plug in and make positive connections.

📌Set Aside Time to Communicate
a. Communication between parents and kids is so vital, especially during transition periods! Consider identifying a time to do brief check-ins with your child daily.

If your child is significantly struggling to adjust to school, it may be time to get outside support from a counselor! 💛

If you are interested in counseling or have questions, feel free to reach out to me! 👋🏼

07/11/2022

Let’s talk about S U M M E R S L U M P!

The beginning of summer is usually filled with so much joy and excitement! Kids are out of school, jobs seem to slow down, and everyone has vacation on the brain. 🏖

However, as summer wanes on I often experience and notice in others a typical “summer slump”. 😕

This slump can feel like a lack of motivation, low productivity, negative emotions, and even increased anxiety or depressive symptoms. There seems to be a part of us that desires the consistency and busyness of the school year, despite the challenges that also brings. 👈🏼
�So, what can we do to navigate this slump? How can we increase our mental health while soaking in the last weeks of summer? 🤔

📌Change your routine
a. What changes to your routine or schedule can you add to increase your sense of motivation and accomplishment? Sometimes a little structure can help to alleviate anxiety.
📌Plan things to look forward to
a. These things can be big like a trip or they can be small like a morning walk in nature or a visit to the movies. Identifying a few things to do each week is a great way to add structure and excitement!
📌Engage in mindfulness
a. Try engaging in mindful activities that help you to enjoy your present moment! Spend time outside, journal, or talk about your feelings with a friend.
📌Take care of the basics
a. Focus on getting quality sleep, supportive nutrition, movement, technology breaks, and positive social interactions!

Remember – summertime is a great season for rest and fun! It’s normal to slow down and be less productive. ☀️

If you find yourself experiencing more negative emotions, it may be time to explore some of these ideas or check-in with a counselor! 💙
�Interested in therapy? Send me a message! 👋🏼

06/19/2022

Let’s talk about… J U N E T E E N T H! ❤️💚🖤

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States! 🥳

More specifically, Juneteenth honors the historic day of June 19th, 1865 when the Union soldiers finally enforced President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation by freeing the last remaining slaves in Texas. 👈🏾

This day happened over two years after the proclamation went into effect!‼️

Juneteenth is a sober reminder of the horrors of slavery and our nation’s past faults. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and independence of Black people while acknowledging how much more we have to grow as a nation. 🌈

So how can you and your family celebrate Juneteenth? There are several ways to do this!
📌Educate
o Take time as a family to learn more about the history surrounding Juneteenth. If you are local, you could even check out the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute!
📌Attend a Local Event
o There are several great options! If you are local to Birmingham, check out https://bhamnow.com/2022/06/04/celebrate-juneteenth-in-birmingham/ .
📌Support a Black-Owned Business
o Birmingham has so many incredible Black-Owned Businesses to support. Tag your favorite local business below to give others’ ideas!
📌Advocate
o Consider ways you can make a difference in your community! Honoring Juneteenth by celebrating the holiday and exploring the experiences of Black people is a great way to begin this conversation.

For more ideas and information, check out https://www.verywellfamily.com/juneteenth-celebration-ideas-for-the-entire-family-5184090! 👈🏼

05/16/2022

Let’s talk about… Mental Health Awareness Month! 🧠💙

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! As a counselor, this month means so much to me. 🤗

Mental health is still a stigmatized topic in our country, despite the incredible prevalence of mental health concerns. 👈🏼

In 2022, nearly 50 million Americans are experiencing mental illness. In Alabama, almost 800,000 people reported experiencing mental illness.‼️

Alabama is also one of the very lowest ranked states for access to mental health care. In fact, Alabama is ranked 50 out of 51 (with the District of Columbia included as a state) for access to care. 😰

This ranking reflects individuals with mental illness who did not receive treatment, are uninsured, are unable to receive treatment due to financial concerns, and mental health workforce availability.📌

The mental health field needs advocates! We need support, resources, and passionate workers who are willing to step in and provide adequate and affordable care to the numerous individuals in need. 🙏🏼

So, what can you do? Share this post, talk about these statistics at the dinner table, make mental health a priority for your home and family! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Together, let’s end the stigma and increase access to care for those in need. 💙

Interested in learning more or seeking mental health support? Send me a message! 👋🏼

For the facts, check out https://mhanational.org/issues/2022/mental-health-america-access-care-data

05/02/2022

Let’s talk about… Mental Health Awareness Month! 💙

To kick off this exciting month, I am taking over one of my favorite instagram accounts - !🧑🏼‍🍳

This local business offers baking camps and classes to kids ages 3-12! They even offer themed camps and classes like a Disney Princess, Star Wars, and Outer Space baking camp! ✨

I love that Itty Bitty Bakers combines the FUN of baking with education and real-life skills! 🤗

I also love how baking can be used to support mental health! Head over to on instagram today to hear my take on how baking can support these key skills:

📌1. Creativity, Mindfulness, & Reduced Negative Emotions
📌2. Social Skills & Connection
📌3. Confidence, Self-Worth, & Positive Body Image

Interested in checking out an Itty Bitty Baker’s class for your child? Click the link in the instagram bio or head to https://www.ittybittybakers.com/classes! 👈🏼

04/25/2022

Let’s talk about… A C T I V I T Y T H E R A P Y! 🧩

This month, I am talking all about Activity Therapy! This type of therapy uses games or activities to facilitate the therapeutic process. 🌈

There are several activities I utilize in my work, but today I wanted to highlight a few of my favorites! ⭐️

📌1. Emotional Jenga
a. This activity is just like typical Jenga, except each piece has an emotion word written on it. After my client or I pull a piece, we take turns talking about a time we experienced that emotion.
b. This activity is great for self-awareness, rapport, and education on emotions!
📌2.Coping Skills Matching Activity
a. This simple activity involves matching coping skills with negative emotions.
b. This activity provides education on emotions and coping skills while allowing the client to explore the ways they manage negative feelings.
📌3.Anxiety Roadmap
a. This activity involves a client creating a “roadmap” of their typical day on a piece of paper. From here, the client highlights moments on the map where they typically experience anxiety symptoms.
b. This activity provides education on anxiety while helping a client to identify their triggers and explore ways to avoid or manage them!
📌4.Uno Emoji
a. This fun activity is just like regular Uno, except each card has an Emoji on it!
b. This is great for self-awareness, rapport, and education on emotions!
📌5.Calm Down Kits
a. Calm Down Kits are filled with materials to aide in a child’s ability to self-regulate or “calm down”.
b. This activity provides education on coping skills, self-regulation, and offers a tangible tool for clients to utilize at home.

Check out the video I posted last week to see some of these activities in action! 👈🏼

Got questions about Activity Therapy? Send me a message! 👋🏼

04/18/2022

Interested in learning more about the types of activities I use in therapy? Check out this video! 🌈

Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

04/11/2022

Let’s talk about… A C T I V I T Y T H E R A P Y. 🧩

Activity Therapy is type of therapy that incorporates different activities like games, crafts, exercise, music, and drama. 🤗

Activity Therapy is an appropriate approach for all ages, but I find it to be particularly effect with ages 9-16 years old! 👧🏾

This type of therapy an excellent way to build relationship between the counselor and client, especially when the client has a difficult time verbally expressing their thoughts and feelings for the entire length of the session. ‼️

Activity therapy is also a great tool to facilitate self-awareness and teach about emotions, coping skills, self-worth, mental health diagnoses, and more! 🌈

I have several activities that I utilize in my practice. Join me this month to learn more about these activities and the way they can help therapy clients to grow and make progress! ⭐️

Interested in learning more about Activity Therapy? Check out https://www.cornerstoneofrecovery.com/activity-therapy-a-beneficial-recovery-tool-in-both-physical-and-mental-health/ .

Got questions? Send me a message! 👋🏼

03/28/2022

Interested in learning more about Calm Down Kits? Check out this video! ⭐️

Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

03/21/2022

Let’s talk about… C A L M D O W N K I T S! 🤗

This month I have been talking all about the powerful coping tool known as a Calm Down Kit! 🌈

Calm Down Kits provide activities and sensory materials that help a child self-regulate! 👧🏾

So, when should you use a Calm Down Kit? 🤔

Calm Down Kits can be effective anytime you notice your child is becoming dysregulated and needs additional support! This could happen following a hard day at school, a conflict with a sibling, a disappointment at home, or a friendship concern. 📌

In my work with parents, I encourage the Calm Down Kit to be a tool that is only used when the child needs it. By limiting the use of the Calm Down Kit, you allow the tool to maintain its novelty and effectiveness! 👈🏼

I also encourage parents to involve the child in building the tool! Most kids love exploring different fidget toys or even items around the house that would provide a sense of calm in times of stress. 😌

Adults can even have their own form of a Calm Down Kit! Mine would include a journal, snack, calming music, fidget toy, and good book. ✨

What do you think of this tool? Let me know in the comments below! ⬇️

Got questions? Send me a message! 👋🏼

03/14/2022

Interested in seeing an example of a Calm Down Kit? Check out this video! 🌈

Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

03/07/2022

Let’s talk about… C A L M D O W N K I T S! 😌

A Calm Down Kit is an interactive coping tool for kids! 🌈

Calm Down Kits are filled with materials to aide in a child’s ability to self-regulate or “calm down”. Calm Down Kits are also called sensory boxes and are often filled with tools that target the senses. ✨

Sensory materials provide distraction and allow the nervous system an opportunity to regulate! ‼️

There are several types of sensory materials including:
📌Materials to support deep breathing:
a. Bubbles
b. Balloons
c. Straws
📌Materials to release tension:
a. Squishy balls
b. Slime/Putty/Play-Doh
c. Pop-It
📌Materials to visually relax:
a. Liquid “bubbler” or timer
b. Sparkle wands
c. Slinky
📌Materials to distract:
a. Coloring sheets
b. Fidget spinner
c. Stuffed animal
📌Materials to emotionally connect:
a. Emotion chart
b. List of coping skills
c. Photos of loved ones or pets

Have you tried building a Calm Down Kit for your child? Join me this month to learn more about this powerful tool! 🤗

For more information, check out http://drkateaubrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Calm-Down-Kit-for-Kids.pdf.

02/28/2022

Let’s talk about… U N C O N V E N T I O N A L C O P I N G S K I L L S. ✨

This month I am talking all coping skills! 🌈

A couple of weeks ago, I discussed the difference between a positive and a negative coping skill. This week I wanted to explore a different kind of coping skill! 🤗

Unconventional coping skills are unusual activities that you can do to regulate your emotions and find relief from difficult feelings or experiences.‼️

Unconventional coping skills may feel silly or even weird, but you might be surprised at how well they work! 🤔

Sometimes it helps to do something unusual to distract our brain. A lot of the unconventional coping skills are also great at regulating your nervous system! 💜

There are several types of unconventional coping skills including:
📌Pop bubble wrap
📌Watch an ASMR video
📌Fold warm towels
📌Peel dried glue off your hands
📌Walk barefoot outside
📌Hold an ice cube until it melts
📌Tap patterns on your body
📌Blow bubbles
📌Pretend the floor is lava
📌Dance out your feelings
📌Look at pictures of cute animals
📌Stand like a superhero
📌Put on lotion

Coping skills are not one size fits all. You may need to try several to see which skills help you the most! ⭐️

Got questions about this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

For more information, check out https://mindremakeproject.org/2020/01/13/unconventional-coping-strategies/

02/21/2022

Interested in learning more about coping skills? Check out this video! 🌈

Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

02/14/2022

Let’s talk about… C O P I N G S K I L L S. 💪🏽

Coping skills are activities you can do to help you manage and reduce negative or overwhelming emotional experiences. 🤗

By managing and reducing your overwhelming emotions, you are better able to navigate difficult circumstances and improve your overall mental health! 🧠

Most people develop their own coping skills when faced with a challenge. Unfortunately, not all coping skills are created equal! Some negative coping skills can provide temporary relief but end up causing more harm long-term. 😫

Examples of negative coping skills include excessive substance use, verbal or physical aggression, overeating, excessive sleep, overspending, risky behaviors, or avoidance of people or responsibilities. ❌

Positive coping skills can provide temporary relief and long-term support. Examples of positive coping skills for all ages include:
📌Deep breathing – 4 counts in, 4 counts out
📌Move your body
📌Express yourself creatively
📌Go outside
📌Spend time with a pet
📌Meditate, pray, or contemplate
📌Make a list of things you are grateful for
📌Clean or organize something
📌Journal
📌Take a relaxing bath or shower

Positive coping skills allow you an opportunity to feel, express, and challenge your emotions. Join me this month as I dive more into the power of coping skills! 🌈

Got questions? Send me a message! 👋🏼

For more information, check out https://www.verywellmind.com/forty-healthy-coping-skills-4586742.

Address

Hoover, AL
35216

Telephone

+12568875368

Website

https://jecounseling.etsy.com/

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Videos

Activity Therapy 🧩

Interested in learning more about the types of activities I use in therapy? Check out this video! 🌈 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

Calm Down Kits ⭐️

Interested in learning more about Calm Down Kits? Check out this video! ⭐️ Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

Calm Down Kits ⭐️

Interested in seeing an example of a Calm Down Kit? Check out this video! 🌈 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

Coping Skills 💪🏽

Interested in learning more about coping skills? Check out this video! 🌈 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

Screen Time Guidelines 💻

Interested in learning more about managing your child’s screen time? Check out this video and my tips below! 📲 Consider limiting screen time to video chatting friends/family with an adult until 18 months of age. For kids 18-24 months, limit screen time to educational programs with an adult. 👈🏼 As children get older, consider limiting non-educational screen time to 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours per weekend day for children 2 to 5 years old. 👧🏽 For children 6 & up, develop a screen-time plan! Ideas include: 📌Clearly identify websites/media your child can and cannot use 📌Regularly interact with the content your child is using - consider discussing self-esteem and advertisements as needed 📌Create consistent "detoxes" throughout your child's day/week 📌Communicate reasonable limits for your child's daily screen-time use 📌Discuss social media safety Parents can role model healthy screen habits by regularly engaging in activities that do not involve a screen! 🌈 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼 For more information, check out https://www.reidhealth.org/blog/how-much-screen-time-should-kids-get-during-the-pandemic & https://www.verywellfamily.com/american-academy-pediatrics-screen-time-guidelines-1094883.

Social Media & Kids 📲

Interested in learning more about the impact of social media and screen use on kids and teens? Check out this video! 📲 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼

Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder 🤗

Interested in learning more ways to cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder? Check out this video! 🤗 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼 If you or someone you know is experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out to a counselor or try a crisis hotline as soon as possible. You can call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741741 for 24/7 mental health support. For emergencies, call 911 or go to your local emergency room. 📍

Seasonal Affective Disorder ❄️

Interested in learning more about Seasonal Affective Disorder? Check out this video! ❄️ Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼 If you or someone you know is experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out to a counselor or try a crisis hotline as soon as possible. You can call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741741 for 24/7 mental health support. For emergencies, call 911 or go to your local emergency room.📍

Depression Disorders 📌

Interested in learning more about depression disorders? Check out this video!📌 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼 If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a counselor or try a crisis hotline as soon as possible. You can call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741741 for 24/7 mental health support. For emergencies, call 911 or go to your local emergency room. 📍

Suicide Prevention 💛

Interested in learning more about suicide prevention? Check out this video! 💛 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼 If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a counselor or try a crisis hotline as soon as possible. You can call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741741 for 24/7 mental health support. For emergencies, call 911 or go to your local emergency room. 📍

Depression 😔

Interested in learning more about depression? Check out this video! 👀 Got questions on this topic? Send me a message! 👋🏼 If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a counselor or try a crisis hotline as soon as possible. You can call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741741 for 24/7 mental health support. For emergencies, call 911 or go to your local emergency room. 📍

First Counseling Sessions With Me! ⭐️

Interested in hearing more about what a typical first counseling session with me looks like? Check out this video! 🤗 Got questions? Send me a message! 👋🏼

11/07/2022

09/19/2022

08/26/2022

08/08/2022

07/11/2022

06/19/2022

05/16/2022

05/02/2022

04/25/2022

04/18/2022

04/11/2022

03/28/2022

03/21/2022

03/14/2022

03/07/2022

02/28/2022

02/21/2022

02/14/2022

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Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

Activity Therapy 🧩

Calm Down Kits ⭐️

Calm Down Kits ⭐️

Coping Skills 💪🏽

Screen Time Guidelines 💻

Social Media & Kids 📲

Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder 🤗

Seasonal Affective Disorder ❄️

Depression Disorders 📌

Suicide Prevention 💛

Depression 😔

First Counseling Sessions With Me! ⭐️

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