Step By Step Counseling, LLC

02/24/2026

Parenting can overload your nervous system fast — noise, touch, decisions, conflict.

When you feel yourself escalating, your body is reacting before your thinking brain catches up.

So when everyone needs you and you're trying not to blow, try this 10-second reset to help interrupt that cycle.

Hand on chest = safety cue.
Feet on floor = grounding.
Longer exhale = calming signal to the nervous system.

It’s not about being a perfect parent.
It’s about creating one small pause before reacting.

And sometimes, one pause changes everything.

02/20/2026

Burning out doesn't mean failure! It means "Adjustment needed here!"

02/20/2026

Spring Break is coming, and for many families that means a change in routine, and a little more time to focus on what matters most. We are already starting to get messages asking about scheduling intensives during their family's spring break. Right now we have a limited number of child and family therapy intensive openings the week of March 23rd, so if you're on the fence, this is your moment to reach out!

Intensives provide focused, short-term support designed to create meaningful progress in a condensed timeframe. Instead of coming in weekly for 45 minutes, these are 3-5 hours in length.

Intensives may be a good fit for families who are:

• adjusting to a recent ADHD diagnosis and want practical tools, structure strategies, and regulation supports
• navigating big behaviors, school struggles, or emotional overwhelm
• experiencing a family crisis and needing safety planning and stabilization support
• looking to strengthen communication and restore connection at home

Because intensives meet for extended time, families often leave with clearer plans, increased confidence, and tools they can begin using immediately.

Spring break can be an ideal time to reset, stabilize, and move forward with support. If you have questions or want to see if an intensive is a good fit, reach out to our office.

info@StepByStepCounselingLLC.com

02/19/2026

Burnout is sneaky....

It doesn’t always look dramatic.
Often it looks like showing up, getting things done, and quietly running on fumes.

Many people don’t realize they’re burned out until their body forces them to slow down.

If you saw yourself in this post, consider it an invitation to pause — not a sign to push harder.

You deserve support before you hit a breaking point.

02/18/2026

02/13/2026

Quick message from Patrick, who is passionate about creating healthy relationships!

02/13/2026

"Empowerment is not a competition, it's a collaboration." -Unknown

This quote resonates with us here, in a space where women are foundational to our success. Today we encourage you to lift up and celebrate the amazing women in your life. We hope today is as fun for you as it is in our offices.

Happy Galentine's Day!

02/12/2026

We've got some quick questions about your relationship.....

Does being together feel more energizing than draining?
Do you turn to your partner first when you have good news to share?
Does silence between the two of your feel comfortable, not awkward?

Congratulations! You might be in a healthy relationship!

Sometimes it's helpful to look for the green flags, not just the red ones! Here's some common traits of healthy relationships. We all have our weak spots, so don't fret if some are missing. Knowing your strengths gives you special knowledge to help your relationship grow or repair.

What helped YOU know your relationship was the right fit??

02/10/2026

Some nervous systems don’t need more coping skills. They need to feel safe first.

We see it every day. Kids and adults who are trying hard, doing the work, and still living in a body that feels on edge, overwhelmed, or shut down. Talking helps. Skills help. Therapy helps. But sometimes the nervous system itself needs direct support.

Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening-based intervention that supports the part of the nervous system responsible for safety, connection, and regulation. When that system begins to settle, we often see meaningful shifts that make everything else work better.

Families often notice changes such as:
• Improved emotional regulation and stress recovery
• Reduced reactivity and nervous system overload
• Less sound sensitivity and sensory overwhelm
• Increased social engagement, connection, and flexibility

SSP can be especially supportive for individuals with trauma histories, anxiety, ADHD, autism, or chronic nervous system activation who feel stuck despite good support.

This is not a replacement for therapy. It is a supportive layer that helps the nervous system feel safe enough for therapy, learning, and relationships to truly take hold.

If you’ve ever thought, “They want to feel better, but their body won’t let them,” this may be the missing piece.

Reach out to learn more or to see if SSP could be a good fit for you or your child.
https://stepbystepcounselingllc.com/special-programs/safe-sound-protocol-ssp/

Phone: (636) 736-0778
E-mail: office@stepbystepcounselingllc.com

02/09/2026

Happy National Pizza Day!! We're taking this opportunity to combine two of our favorite things: pizza.....and metaphors.

Here’s some food for thought:

Every great pizza starts with the dough — the foundation. In relationships, that foundation is built on trust, safety, and respect. Without it, everything else tends to slide right off.

Next comes the sauce — the emotional layer. It’s how we communicate, repair after conflict, and stay connected. Too little, and things feel dry. Too much, and it can overwhelm. Balance matters.

Don’t forget the cheese — the glue that holds it all together. Shared experiences, laughter, affection, and showing up for each other create that sense of cohesion.

And then… the toppings.
Our personalities, quirks, preferences, and differences. Some combinations might seem unusual at first (pineapple debate, anyone?), but variety is often what makes relationships interesting and dynamic.

Finally, the oven. Life will bring heat — stress, transitions, unexpected challenges. While pressure can feel uncomfortable, it’s often what helps relationships grow stronger and more resilient.

So today, whether you’re sharing a pizza or just enjoying a slice solo, take a moment to appreciate the ingredients that help your relationships thrive.

What “ingredient” do you value most in your relationships?

02/07/2026

Behind every toy, game, and imaginative story is a highly trained therapist helping children make sense of their world.

Our play therapists create a safe space where feelings can be expressed, resilience can grow, and kids can simply be kids — even while doing the brave work of healing. We’re honored to walk alongside the children and families we serve. 💛

Happy International Play Therapy Week to all!

02/06/2026

Playfulness isn’t just for the early dating days — it’s relationship fuel.

Long-term love doesn’t thrive on logistics alone. Between work, responsibilities, and figuring out what to make for dinner again, it’s easy for couples to drift into “efficient roommate” mode. Playfulness is what brings the energy back.

Having trouble changing your pattern? We're here to help! 🔗 in bio.