Jessie Cantrell - Moments Matter Counseling

11/14/2025

Play the games — and don’t forget the power of Labeled Praise to reinforce the positive behaviors your child is practicing.

During sessions (and honestly, all day as a mom!), I’m a broken record saying things like:
“I love how you followed directions right away!”

Why? Because those little moments help shape your child’s internal narrative.
They start to think: “I’m really good at following directions!”
And that confidence carries over into school, home, and every part of their day.

Thanks to The Daycare Teacher Stories for this great visual and reminder that play is one of the best teachers our kids have. 💛

11/10/2025

🧠 I’m a total nerd when it comes to how kids’ brains grow — especially in those early years when every experience helps wire and strengthen new connections.

This is one of the many reasons I love Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). It gives parents powerful tools to connect, play, and guide their children in ways that actually shape how their brains develop.

Repetition, routines, and play aren’t just fun for preschoolers — they’re how the brain builds and strengthens those neural pathways that last a lifetime.

image via Preschool Powol Packets - Preschool Activities & Ideas

11/06/2025

I believe open conversations can change everything. 💬
Take a few minutes to talk with your teen about 988 — who answers, what to expect, and how it can help in tough moments. You never know when that knowledge might make a difference.

When teens know about 988, they have a safe place to reach out — to trained, caring counselors — instead of feeling like their only option is a teen friend, an online stranger, or no one at all.

You can call, text, chat online, or video call for support anytime: https://missouri988.org/

11/03/2025

🌟 Some good news about youth mental health! 🌟

We often hear about rising concerns for children and teens—but this article highlights something we don’t talk about enough: the positive trends that are happening, too.

Many young people today are more open to talking about their emotions, more willing to seek help, and more connected to supportive adults than ever before. That’s something worth celebrating! 🙌

As parents, caregivers, and community members, we can keep this momentum going by continuing to listen, connect, and create space for honest conversations.

Read the full article here:

There is a lot of positive news about young people's well-being that is not receiving much attention.

10/29/2025

Check out these FREE webinars full of a wealth of information!
Register: https://www.missouriparentsact.org/

10/22/2025

10/02/2025

TEEN-ONLY TRUNK OR TREAT! ✨🎃 **Registration Required

I’m excited to participate in this amazing event just for teens — happening TOMORROW (Friday, Oct. 3rd) from 6–9 PM! Sign up and come say Hi!

Our teens deserve fun spaces where they can still be kids — and Atlas Youth Outreach is doing such great work to create safe, supportive, and positive environments for them. 💛

📍 Atlas Parking Lot — 1623 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO
🎃Trunk or Treat registration
https://forms.gle/wpYWibQBSNwjRLpf7

10/02/2025

Come out with the kids this Saturday for a fun-filled Kids’ Health Day at the DeSoto Farmers Market! 🎉
Enjoy live music, food, and a Bicycle parade and don’t forget to stop by the Moments Matter Counseling table to say hi! 💛
I’ll be there to share resources and answer any questions about Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) or individual therapy for kids, teens, and parents.

09/10/2025

I’m a firm believer in giving parents the tools to raise strong, resilient kids and teens. The more you know, the better prepared you feel when life throws curveballs.

Thanks to MU Extension in Jefferson County for offering this course!
📢 Youth Mental Health First Aid is a FREE, virtual training that teaches you how to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond with confidence, and connect young people to the help they need.

Sign up here: https://extension.missouri.edu/events/youth-mental-health-first-aid-1

08/26/2025

✨ Looking for support for yourself or your family?

I offer specialized therapy services designed to help parents, kids, and teens strengthen connections and emotional health. You can learn more about my approach and the services I provide here: www.momentsmattercounseling.com

I currently accept Aetna, United Healthcare (Optum), UMR, Meritain Health, and more. Private pay options are also available.

At this time, I do have a short waitlist. If you’d like to be added, please email me at:
JCantrell@momentsmattercounseling.com
and I’ll be happy to share the next steps.

07/08/2025

🎶 Need a fun night out that also gives back? 🎶
Join Atlas Youth Outreach on Saturday, August 2nd for Music Bingo — an upbeat, music-filled evening supporting youth mental health in Jefferson County.

🎵 No music trivia skills needed — just listen, guess the song, and mark your bingo card! Use Shazam or team up with a friend who knows their tunes.

💜 Proceeds help fund free group mental health support for local teens (ages 11–18) — an incredible resource in our community.

🎟 Reserve your spot here:
https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/music-bingo-at-atlas-youth-outreach

Let’s support the mental health of our youth — and have a great time doing it!

07/03/2025

FREE Mental Health First Aid Training! 🧠

This in-person training is a great resource for parents, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better support friends, family, or coworkers.

Want to feel more confident supporting someone facing a mental health challenge? Join Compass Health Network for a FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid course—a $170 value, offered at no cost thanks to Missouri’s Department of Mental Health!

📅 Friday, July 18
🕣 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 1275 N Truman Blvd., Festus, MO 63028

👉 Register here:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/CompassHealthNetwork2/_71825AdultMentalHealthFirstAidBlended1275NTrumanBlvdFestusMO63028Time830am300pm