Thrive Forward Therapy

For parents concerned about the impact of social media and screen time on their child's mental health, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt offers valuable insights and research-driven solutions. As a psychologist and researcher, Haidt dives deep into why today’s kids and teens are struggling with anxiety, depression, and disconnection like never before—and how the rise of smartphones and social media plays a critical role. "We've over protected our children in the real world and we have under protected them online." -Jonathan Haidt For more information, Jonathan Haidt’s TED Talk interview provides a powerful summary of his research and urgent recommendations for families navigating the digital age. ?? https://lnkd.in/etBFDJjf #BookRecommendation #TheAnxiousGeneration #DigitalWellness #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #ScreenTimeEffects #ThriveForwardTherapy #ATLTherapist

For parents concerned about the impact of social media and screen time on their child's mental health, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt offers valuable insights and research-driven solutions. As a psychologist and researcher, Haidt dives deep into why today’s kids and teens are struggling with anxiety, depression, and disconnection like never before—and how the rise of smartphones and social media plays a critical role. "We've over protected our children in the real world and we have under protected them online." -Jonathan Haidt For more information, Jonathan Haidt’s TED Talk interview provides a powerful summary of his research and urgent recommendations for families navigating the digital age. ?? https://lnkd.in/etBFDJjf #BookRecommendation #TheAnxiousGeneration #DigitalWellness #ParentingInTheDigitalAge #ScreenTimeEffects #ThriveForwardTherapy #ATLTherapist

Between work, school, and daily responsibilities, quality family time often gets pushed aside—but meaningful connection doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by intention. ?? That’s why we’re challenging you to set aside one night each week in March for Family Fun Night! Whether it’s a family dinner & game night or an outdoor adventure, planning time together strengthens bonds, improves communication, and creates lasting memories. Tips for a Successful Family Fun Night: ? Pick a Set Day & Stick to It – Consistency makes it a habit. ? Let Everyone Have a Say – Rotate who picks the activity each week. ? Unplug & Be Present – Put away devices and focus on each other. ? Keep It Simple & Fun – The goal is connection, not perfection! Ideas to Get You Started: ?? Board game or card night ?? Movie night with homemade popcorn ?? Cook a new recipe or try out a new restaurant together ??♂? Outdoor adventure ?? DIY craft or creative project Remember, it’s not about what you do—it’s about being together. These moments of connection strengthen your family’s bond, create cherished memories, and build a foundation of love and support. Make family time a priority, and watch the difference it makes! ?? Who’s in for the challenge? Drop a ?? in the comments if you’re joining! ?? #FamilyFunChallenge #FamilyConnection #ThriveForwardTherapy #ATLTherapist

In our latest blog, featured in Suwanee Magazine, Jennifer Wilmoth, LMFT, explores how technology shapes family dynamics and why it’s important to be intentional about its role in your home. Jennifer encourages families to reflect on 4 key questions to create a healthy, balanced approach to technology, stating "I encourage you to be intentional in shaping what you would like your family dynamics to be throughout the different ages and phases." ?? Read the full blog here and start the conversation with your family today! #Blog #FamilyTechnologyBalance #DigitalWellness #ModernParenting #ThriveForwardTherapy #AtlantaTherapist #SuwaneeMagazine

In relationships, emotional intimacy is just as important as physical connection. It’s the foundation of trust, understanding, and deep emotional security. Without it, partners can feel disconnected - even if they spend time together. Emotional intimacy is the ability to be vulnerable, truly seen, and deeply understood by your partner. It means sharing your fears, dreams, and struggles without fear of judgment. Ways to Deepen Emotional Intimacy in Your Relationship ?? Prioritize Open & Honest Communication - Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. ?? Practice Active Listening - Make your partner feel heard by giving them your full attention. ?? Express Appreciation & Affirmation - Regularly acknowledge what you love and appreciate about your partner. ?? Ask Deeper Questions - Move beyond surface-level conversations. Ask about dreams, fears, and life experiences. ?? Create Connection - Daily check-ins, date nights, and shared hobbies keep intimacy strong. ?? Be Emotionally Available - Offer support during tough times. Emotional safety strengthens intimacy. Emotional intimacy isn’t built overnight, it grows through consistent effort, trust, and vulnerability. Prioritize open communication, meaningful connection, and emotional support, and watch your relationship thrive. Take a moment today to check in with your partner. Ask a deeper question, share a personal thought, or simply listen with intention. Small steps create lasting closeness. #EmotionalIntimacy #RelationshipGoals #DeepConnection #HealthyRelationships #TherapistTips #ThriveForwardTherapy #AtlantaTherapist

Life gets busy - work, kids, responsibilities, but your relationship needs attention, too. Date nights aren’t just about having dinner or seeing a movie; they are intentional time to nurture your connection, deepen intimacy, and strengthen communication. How Often Should You Plan Date Nights? Every couple is different, but ideally once a week or twice a month to maintain connection. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, consistency is key! Your relationship deserves the same level of care and commitment as everything else in life. Prioritize each other, protect your time together, and watch your connection grow. ?? #DateNight #HealthyRelationships #CouplesCounseling #ThriveForwardTherapy #ATLTherapist

Falling in love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a complex neurological and emotional process that affects both the brain and body. Here’s what happens when love takes over: ?? Dopamine Surge – The brain’s reward system lights up, releasing dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure, motivation, and euphoria. This is why love can feel so exhilarating! ?? Oxytocin & Bonding – Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin strengthens emotional connection and trust, deepening attachment between partners. ?? Cortisol & Stress Response – In the early stages, cortisol (the stress hormone) spikes, leading to nervous excitement, racing heartbeats, and even “butterflies.” ?? Serotonin & Obsession – Serotonin levels may drop, leading to obsessive thoughts, which explains why new love can feel all-consuming and make us think about our partner constantly. ?? Long-Term Love & Stability – Over time, the brain shifts from high dopamine excitement to deeper emotional bonding, activating regions linked to long-term commitment and security. Love is not just an emotion—it’s a biological and psychological experience that shapes how we connect and build relationships. ?? #LoveInTheBrain #Serotonin #Dopamine #Oxytocin #ThriveForwardTherapy #AtlantaTherapist

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to speak with parents at Lovett School about building resiliency in kids! ?? Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about developing the confidence to navigate challenges with skills and adaptability. ?? Resiliency Tip: One of the best ways to build resilience in kids is through postive supportive relationships. Regular check-ins, open conversations, and quality time together create a strong emotional foundation that helps children feel supported and capable. ? Try This: Set aside 20 minutes each day for uninterrupted family time—whether it’s a walk, a game, or simply sharing highs and lows of the day. Small moments create big impacts! #ResiliencyInChildren #ParentingTip #ThriveForwardTherapy #TherapistTip #AtlantaTherapist

The way we connect in relationships is deeply rooted in our early experiences. Our attachment style—secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—forms in childhood based on how our caregivers responded to our emotional needs. Secure Attachment: Develops when caregivers are consistently responsive, leading to comfort with both intimacy and independence. Anxious Attachment: Forms when caregivers are inconsistent, leading to a fear of abandonment and a need for reassurance. Avoidant Attachment: Develops from emotionally distant caregiving, leading to discomfort with closeness and a preference for independence. Disorganized Attachment: Stems from unpredictable caregiving, often resulting in fear, confusion, and difficulty with trust. Although we develop an attachment style from childhood, it's possible it can change. Through self-awareness, therapy, and healthy relationships, we can develop more secure attachment patterns and improve how we connect with others. #AttachmentStyles #Relationships #HealingAndGrowth #ThriveForwardTherapy #SuwaneeTherapist

Understanding Your Relationship Cycle??In most relationships, couples can get stuck in a negative emotional cycle where reactions trigger reactions. It’s not about who’s right or wrong—it’s about understanding the deeper emotions beneath. Couples therapy shows us that behind anger, frustration, or withdrawal, there’s often a longing for connection and security. Want to break the cycle? Focus on what’s truly being felt, not just what’s being said. ?? Follow us for more tips on how to shift your dynamic and build a more secure, loving bond. #EmotionalConnection #CoupleGoals #SecureAttachment #RelationshipAdvice #TheiveForwardTherapy