JFCS Dupont Counseling Group

12/31/2025

🎊HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM DUPONT COUNSELING GROUP! 🎊

As the year closes, it is okay to reflect, and it is also okay to rest. If you have been carrying a heavy load, consider making mental health improvements as part of your new year plan. Therapy can help you build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and move forward with the support and care that you deserve.

Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more information on how to access our mental health services.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or crisis, you can call, text, or chat 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7. Saving this number is a small step that can make a lifesaving difference. 💙

12/10/2025

"A trauma trigger is something that happens when someone has endured or experienced trauma. When that happens, it sends a signal to your nervous system, and that says, 'hey, something from my past - some memory, some threat - is making me feel this way.'"

Thank you to anchor Melanie Lawson on WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX's Morning Show. She spoke with Licensed Mental Health Counselor Nicole Davidson-Harshaw of Dupont Counseling Group. The two ladies had a timely discussion about recognizing and managing stress that accompanies trauma triggers, especially now that the holidays are here.

Watch the full segment:

News4JAX anchor Melanie Lawson spends time learning about trauma triggers with Licensed Mental Health Counselor Nicole Davidson-Harshaw with Dupont Counseling Group. And we take a look at some of the upcoming events on our weekly River City Guide.

12/03/2025

Thank you to interviewer Melanie Lawson from WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX for speaking with our very own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw. Nicole shared some advice on how families can navigate uncomfortable conversations at the table during the holidays.

HOW TO NAVIGATE UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

"Around the holidays, you have a lot of blended ideas, thoughts, and feelings, and you never know where those conversations may actually take you. Set some boundaries for yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally. Create those corners, those pockets of places that are okay for you."

The conversation addressed the difficult conversations that often come up during the holidays. A recent survey found that more than one in five Americans expected political blowups at their holiday gatherings.

Watch the full discussion on News4 Jax's website:
https://bit.ly/4pQovz9

For resources and mental health services that can help you and your loved ones, please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more info.

Many families prepare for more than just turkey on Thanksgiving— they also gear up for tension at the table. A recent survey found that more than one in five Americans expected political blowups at their holiday gatherings. Nicole Davidson-Harshaw, a licensed mental health counselor with Dupont Co...

09/30/2025

Thank you to interviewer Emily Turner from Action News Jax for speaking with our very own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw. Nicole was featured in a discussion about why su***de rates for Duval County are higher than both the state and national average.

EXPERT INSIGHTS ON RISING SU***DE RATES IN DUVAL COUNTY

"You're the expert of you, even when you don't know what to do or what tools to reach for. So we want to make sure that we're reaching out to those resources where people feel safe. More importantly, I believe as a counselor that we really need to have more training and competent staff for a diversified population."

The conversation addressed the harmful effects of socioeconomic barriers as well as the distinction often overlooked between cultural personas and actual trauma experienced within minority communities.

Watch the full discussion on Action News Jax's website:
http://bit.ly/42iX7jW

If you or a loved one struggle with depression or thoughts of su***de, please call or text the su***de and crisis lifeline at 988, which is available 24/7. For resources and mental health services that can help, please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more info.

09/15/2025

Thanks to The Local Station / News4JAX for speaking with our very own Lorna Wittenrich, LMHC, Director of Clinical Services at Dupont Counseling Group, about survivor’s guilt.

SURVIVING GRIEF THROUGH COUNSELING

“Everyone’s grief process is very different. No one person’s process and journey will look exactly the same.”

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, and one of the most difficult things anyone can face is losing a loved one to su***de. According to the CDC, nearly 49,000 people died by su***de in 2023, and one person dies from it every 11 minutes.

Dozens of people can be directly affected by the heaviness of survivor’s guilt, wondering, “What could I have done differently?” At Dupont Counseling, our licensed therapists help clients with steps to take during the healing process.

Watch Lorna 's recent appearance on News4Jax's website:
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/09/05/jacksonville-counseling-group-shares-advice-on-coping-with-survivors-guilt/

If you or a loved one struggle with depression or thoughts of su***de, please call or text the su***de and crisis lifeline at 988, which is available 24/7. For resources and mental health services that can help, please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more info.💙

07/16/2025

JFCS on First Coast Connect Regarding Florida Governor's Vetoes on Minority Mental Health Programs

"Being culturally competent to yourself means taking the time to recognize when you're not okay. Being strong is one thing, but when you're not okay, it's okay to seek support. And what happens in the communities of minorities is that support is not readily available. The resources are not there."

Thank you to interviewer Anne Schindler for speaking with our very own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw. Nicole was featured in a panel discussion concerning the recent vetoes ordered by Governor DeSantis, which included hundreds of thousands of dollars earmarked for minority youth and mental health programs. These services are more urgently needed now more than ever due to the overall unaddressed trauma of systemic racism, historically deleterious acts that have fostered mistrust of the health care system among minority populations, and socioeconomic barriers within minority communities.

Watch the full discussion on First Coast Connect's Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8lczO83Ah8

Please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more information on our mental health resources and services.

06/16/2025

🛟 HELPING KIDS TRANSITION INTO SUMMER BREAK 🛟

Summer break can be fun, but for some kids, the loss of routine and social connection can lead to loneliness or anxiety.

Some children may find the absence of daily structure difficult to navigate, and those facing systemic disadvantages related to race, income, or social barriers may feel the effects more deeply. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize that emotional wellbeing doesn’t take a break just because school does.

Thank you to anchor Melanie Lawson at for inviting our own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw on The Morning Show to share helpful tips for families. She emphasized:

🏖️ Creating a structure of routine through planned family activities
🩴 Encouraging healthy screen-time boundaries
💬 Keeping open conversations going so you can recognize when extra support like counseling might be needed

You’re not alone in this journey. Supporting your child’s mental health this summer starts with simple, compassionate steps. 💙

Watch the full interview here:
https://bit.ly/4mSFqAd

Please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for more information on our mental health resources and services.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10969660

05/19/2025

☀️SUMMERTIME SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH☀️

Summer break can be exciting, but for many young children, the sudden loss of structure can feel overwhelming when school ends. However, there are practical, manageable steps that can significantly elevate your child’s emotional well-being.

“One of the most important things is to not only talk to your child but listen to your child as well.” — Edward C. Spade, LCSW, JFCS Associate Director of Clinical Services

➡️ Read the full article on our blog for more information at https://bit.ly/summer-mental-health-for-kids.

04/14/2025

🛟 Struggling at Work? 🛟

You're not alone. According to a new 2025 study, job burnout has reached an all-time high of 66%, highlighting the immense strain many workers are facing. Those struggling with workplace stress may find their challenges intensifying in recent months, underscoring the need for greater support for workers to preserve their mental health in today’s demanding work environment. Some recommended action steps include:

❤ Take breaks: Step away from work to clear your head and recharge.

❤ Create a healthy work-life balance: Turn off work-related devices after work.

❤ Manage relationships: Ask for help when you need it.

Dupont Counseling Group can also help! We offer professional and compassionate counseling services. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Your mental wellness is always our top priority. Learn more at https://jacksonvillecounseling.org today.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2025/02/08/job-burnout-at-66-in-2025-new-study-shows

03/26/2025

"It's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that it's available at your fingertips. And that can really lead to some long-term problems when you're doing it behind closed doors. You're neglecting yourself, you're neglecting your friendships, those trusting family relationships that were once meaningful."

The act of gambling has a powerful effect on the human mind. Placing a bet can create a compulsive dynamic, affecting your mental, emotional and physical health. It can change the way the brain operates, leading to a real need for help.

Thanks to anchor Bruce Hamilton at WJXT4 The Local Station / News4JAX for speaking with our very own Nicole Davidson-Harshaw about the recent surge nationwide in online betting and gambling addiction.

Watch Nicole's full interview on News4Jax's website:
https://www.news4jax.com/video/news/morning-show/2025/03/18/how-to-spot-gambling-addiction-and-where-to-get-help

If you or a loved one struggle with gambling addiction, please visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.com for resources and mental health services that can help.

03/25/2025

⭐️ Mood Swings As Indicators of Mental Health ⭐️

Sometimes, mood swings can be attributed to your environment - for example, during changes in season. Or, they can be a clue that something deeper is happening with your mental health.

According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 9.7% of U.S. adults had a mood disorder in the past year.

How do you count your sleepless nights? What number of arguments is too many?

Don't wait to get the help you need. Our highly-skilled, professional counselors can help you navigate life's challenges effectively in a safe, compassionate environment. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Visit https://jacksonvillecounseling.org to learn more.

Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-mood-disorder

03/21/2025

🟢 Men Deserve Healing Too️ 🟢

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety but less than half will receive treatment. It's important to acknowledge that men's mental health is just as important as their physical health.

The men in our lives deserve healing and happiness. If you or someone you know shows signs of struggling, our licensed therapists offer guidance and provide helpful resources. We accept many forms of insurance, and provide virtual counseling at your request.

Start your journey towards better mental wellness today by visiting https://jacksonvillecounseling.com.

Source: https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health