Ashley Cox, M.A., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. - Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Children watch and observe. You are a role model as a parent. Your words, choices, and behaviors leave an impression. What impression do you want to leave? #healthyfamilies #therapyworks #LMFT #counseling #adolescents #children #mentalhealth #littlehearts #theywatch

How can I tell if my teen is depressed and not just moody? Great question! - As a parent, Get curious...not nagging - Look for a teen less social with friends, withdrawn or isolating - Anger or irritability is often a sign of depression (not just sadness) in teens - A teen not looking after their appearance or hygiene, apathy ... - sudden drop in grades or poor concentration/memory - drop in sleep or appetite - Ask about thoughts of death, you are not planting an idea, you are creating a moment for truth if the thoughts are there. Stay patient and speak life and love And get professional help when needed And follow your instincts, trust that you know your child #therapyworks #redeemed #renewed #love #hope #freedom #families #adolescents #breakthrough #soulstrength #gethelp

Children perceive and experience stress differently than adults. Something that could seem mundane such as picture day or a board game could produce high anxiety for a child. At other times, a major change or trauma can have an impact. Children that remain at high levels of stress may have a compromised immune system, difficulty sleeping, report stomachaches, nausea, or other physical symptoms. It's important to listen and not minimize what you hear as a parent. Work on some basic relaxation skills or seek professional assistance and a doctor to rule out a medical reason for the complaints #therapytalk #renew #anxiety #kids

Talking to someone about depression, anxiety, or just a tough season is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of self-love and self-awareness. Therapy can help lift the load and renew the soul #therapyworks #children #redeemed #emdr #renewed #love #hope #freedom #families #adolescents #breakthrough #soulstrength #gethelp

A little Friday humor! Seek ways to better yourself everyday!!

Purpose and healing comes when you look beyond yourself and give to another. #love #kindnessinaction #give #heal #happiness #therapy #counsel #hope

Sounds about right especially first thing in the morning with no one around and a little haze from the ocean air....ahhh!!!! #therapy #therapist #littlethings #ocean #peace #earlymornings #reset #happymonday

Today is world suicide prevention day. So many have battled this monster. There are signs and it's OK to be bold and ask the question "are you thinking about killing yourself"? It's an open door for an honest conversation and the segue to get help!! Don't suffer alone!! Go to a local ER, call 211 for local crisis support, or get professional support!

There's always a way out with more good days ahead!!! Reach out...a friend, a pastor, a counselor, a phone call....never give up!

Shame says you are not enough or you are too much! I say enough of that!!! You are always in process and enough in the moment for the task

I'm so grateful for the work that I get to do with young women...coming alongside them and walking them through the rough patches in life. I get to see them go through the metamorphosis and come out stronger on the other side of their pain. It's remarkable. #therapy #holderofhope #counseling #lighthouse #psychology #setfree

When you numb pain you numb joy too....learning to embrace and experience emotion is difficult but produces so much authenticity.