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.
Received a New Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis? What Parents and Families Need to Know
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 for Someone You Have Never Met
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.
Why Charlie Kirk’s Passing Can Stir Grief in All of Us
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.
Understanding ‘On the Spectrum’ in Autism Diagnosis
How ADHD Affects Emotional Regulation—and What Can Help
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.
To Fidget or Not to Fidget?
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 Lunch for a Neurodivergent Child
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.
Mid-Year Crash: Supporting Neurodivergent Students Through the School Year
Understanding Neurodivergence: A Difference, Not a Deficit
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.
Managing Sibling Rivalry
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.
Couples Counseling: How Small Conversations Prepare You for the Big Ones
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.
Dealing with Divorce and Co-Parenting During Summer Vacations
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.
Preparing for Life After High School: A Mental Health Guide for Graduating Seniors
Summer Sadness: When the Season Doesn’t Match How You Feel
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.