There’s a common image of the “strong man” in our culture. He’s dependable, hard-working, always ready to provide for others, and never one to complain. On the surface, this expectation sounds admirable. But behind closed doors, many men quietly carry overwhelming stress, hidden grief, relationship tension, or feelings of loneliness that they’ve been taught to bury.

Hearing the words “your child is on the autism spectrum” can stir up a flood of emotions. For some parents, the diagnosis feels like a relief because it puts a name to challenges they’ve noticed for years. For others, it brings grief, worry, or uncertainty about the future. You might be wondering what this means for your child’s development, schooling, friendships, and independence.

Grief doesn’t always follow neat rules. Sometimes we find ourselves mourning someone we never had the chance to know. A celebrity who shaped our childhood, a public figure who inspired us, or even the child we hoped for but never held. The loss feels real, yet it can be hard to explain—to ourselves or to others.

When someone in the public eye dies—especially in tragic or violent circumstances—it can stir up grief, even among people who never met them. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has left many feeling exactly that: sorrow, confusion, anger, or even fear. This kind of grief is messy and complex, and it deserves honest attention.

If you or someone you love is exploring an autism diagnosis in Argyle, Denton, or the greater DFW area, this guide can help you understand the term “on the spectrum,” what it means in clinical and everyday use, and how to find meaningful support.

While ADHD is most often associated with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, emotional challenges are an equally important—but frequently overlooked—part of the condition. People with ADHD often feel emotions more intensely, have difficulty calming down once upset, and may react in ways that seem “too big” for the situation.

The truth is, for many children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, or anxiety, these seemingly small actions — fidgets — are essential tools for regulation, focus, and learning. So how do we determine whether fidgeting is helpful or disruptive? And how can parents and educators work together to create environments where neurodivergent kids can succeed?

Packing school lunch may seem like a simple task—but for parents of neurodivergent children, it often requires a thoughtful approach. Neurodivergent kids may experience the world through heightened sensory awareness, executive functioning challenges, or emotional sensitivities. That means lunchtime at school can become a daily source of stress—or a missed opportunity for support.

Many neurodivergent students hit a “mid-year crash” 6–12 weeks into the school year. Learn how to recognize the signs of emotional and academic burnout and find local support in Argyle, TX. Harvest Counseling & Wellness helps families navigate school stress with care and clarity.

The term neurodivergent has become more widely used in recent years—but it’s often misunderstood. Some people associate it only with clinical diagnoses. Others hear it and assume it means something is “wrong.” At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we believe clarity leads to compassion—and we’re here to help families better understand what neurodivergence really means.

Sibling relationships can be some of the most enduring and formative bonds in a person’s life. But they don’t come without conflict. Whether it’s a fight over toys, attention, or boundaries, sibling rivalry is a normal part of growing up in a shared family space. However, when these rivalries go unmanaged, they can create lasting emotional wounds, disrupt the peace of the household, and stress parents trying to maintain harmony.

In couples counseling, one of the most common challenges we encounter isn’t explosive conflict—it’s the quiet drift that happens when couples stop having regular, everyday conversations. Over time, what might seem like trivial chatter or casual observations get overlooked, and instead, couples find themselves only communicating when something is wrong.

Summer break brings a mix of excitement, freedom, and unpredictability for most families. But for divorced or separated parents, this time of year often carries added pressure. While children are hoping for fun, travel, and relaxation, their parents may be quietly navigating the emotional weight of shared custody, transitions between households, and the complexities of coordinating vacations.

Graduation is a major milestone worth celebrating—but it also marks the beginning of a period filled with change, uncertainty, and emotional complexity. For many high school seniors, stepping into adulthood brings excitement and anxiety in equal measure.

For many people, summer brings images of sunshine, vacations, and long days spent outside. Social media feeds fill with smiling faces, beach trips, and bright skies. But for some, the long days and high temperatures don’t bring joy. Instead, they bring a deep, confusing sadness. If summer leaves you feeling out of step with the world around you, you’re not alone.

For many families in Argyle, Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Northlake, and the surrounding DFW area, navigating special education services can feel overwhelming. Understanding IEPs, 504 plans, testing accommodations, and school district procedures isn’t easy—especially when you’re trying to advocate for your child’s needs at the same time. That’s where a professional education advocate comes in and summer is a great time to get started.

As families begin preparing for the next school year, more and more parents are reevaluating the traditional educational model. Whether motivated by academic needs, mental health concerns, family values, or life circumstances, many are finding that homeschooling offers a flexible and supportive alternative for their children. But making the decision to homeschool is more than just an academic shift; it often involves emotional healing, lifestyle changes, and the need for a strong support system.

Have you ever felt like your mind was going a hundred miles per hour, your emotions were pulling you in every direction, and your body felt tense or disconnected? Maybe it happened during a stressful work week, a challenging family conversation, or in the middle of a crowded grocery store. These are common moments when people benefit from feeling grounded. But what does that actually mean?

Summer is often idealized as a carefree season filled with sunshine, family time, and fun adventures. But for many parents and caregivers, the reality looks very different. Instead of lazy days and spontaneous getaways, summer can bring heightened responsibilities, constant multitasking, and emotional overload.

As temperatures rise in Texas and summer begins in full swing, many people start to notice an increase in body-related anxiety. The warm-weather wardrobe, beach outings, and pool parties often bring heightened attention to physical appearance. For individuals struggling with body image, eating disorders, or low self-esteem, this season can be emotionally triggering and mentally exhausting.

Each June, Father’s Day invites us to pause and celebrate the men who have shaped our lives through their strength, care, and guidance. For many families, this day is a time of gratitude and connection. But it’s also a powerful opportunity to look deeper—beyond the surface-level celebrations—and talk about something that’s often overlooked: the mental health of fathers.

For many men, talking about emotions is not just uncomfortable—it can feel unacceptable. From a young age, many are taught to suppress vulnerability, solve problems on their own, and equate emotional expression with weakness. These messages may be subtle or overt, but their impact is lasting.

While summer break is often seen as a time to relax and recharge, many teens experience something different—anxiety, loneliness, or a sense of being stuck. Without the daily rhythm of school, some adolescents feel lost, disconnected, or overwhelmed by the lack of routine.

When families change, especially through remarriage or cohabitation, young children often experience a mix of emotions. Blended families bring new people, routines, and relationships—exciting for some, confusing or even upsetting for others.

Blending families is a journey that requires time, patience, and intentional communication. While step-families can become strong, loving units, the path often includes unique challenges that, if unaddressed, can create emotional distance and ongoing conflict.

When families blend after divorce, loss, or separation, the journey can be layered with complex emotional dynamics. With the right support and understanding, families can thrive together instead of just coexisting under one roof.

When you're planning a future together, it's easy to focus on the wedding, shared goals, and building a life as a couple. But one of the most important (and often overlooked) conversations in premarital counseling is about parenting—not just if you want children, but how you see yourselves as future parents.

Planning a wedding can be an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also bring significant stress, especially when navigating complex family dynamics. With the desire to create a beautiful day that reflects the couple’s vision, family members often become involved, sometimes in ways that lead to tension or conflict.

Planning to get married? Strengthen your relationship with 10 essential conversations to have before marriage—covering faith, finances, parenting, communication, and more.

Many couples wonder, “Do we really need premarital counseling if we’re not having problems?” The truth is, counseling before marriage isn’t about fixing something broken—it’s about building something strong.