Is Therapy Right for Me? John Adkins LCHMC, LCAS discusses the common questions most people ask when debating starting therapy for the first time.

Why JPB Counseling Expanded Our Team As JPB Counseling has continued to grow, one thing has become increasingly clear: the needs in our community are expanding. Families are looking for support for teens struggling with focus, anger, and impulse control. Adults are reaching out who feel stuck in patterns shaped by trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress. And many are looking for practical, steady guidance, not just a place to vent. We never want growth for the sake of growth. When

Choice/Reality Therapy in action I once worked with a college student who felt stuck and left out. She often said, “Nothing ever works out for me, especially with friendships”. The more excluded she felt, the more she withdrew - sitting alone, avoiding group work, and ignoring messages because she assumed people didn’t genuinely want her around. Using a reality therapy approach, I asked, “What do you want right now?” She said, “I just want real friends. I want to feel like I

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can start to affect mental health in noticeable ways. Many people push through stress without realizing how deeply it is impacting their emotions, thoughts, and daily functioning. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent burnout and support overall well being. One common sign that stress is affecting mental health is persistent irritability or emotional sensitivity. You may notice feeling ea

Valentines Day can bring up many different emotions. For some people it feels joyful and exciting. For others it can feel heavy, lonely, or stressful. Expectations around relationships, romance, and happiness are often amplified during this time of year, which can affect mental health in subtle but meaningful ways. Many people feel pressure to celebrate Valentines Day a certain way. Social messages often suggest that being in a romantic relationship equals happiness. When rea

Winter can feel long and draining, especially when days are shorter and routines feel repetitive. Finding cozy places to step away from stress can support mental health and emotional balance. The Greensboro Triad offers several welcoming libraries and bookstores that provide calm, warmth, and space to reset during the colder months. Cozy environments help your nervous system slow down. Quiet spaces, comfortable seating, and soft lighting make it easier to relax and feel groun

Burnout is more than feeling tired or stressed after a long week. It is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that builds over time when demands consistently outweigh support and recovery. Many people experiencing burnout blame themselves and believe they should be able to push through. In reality, burnout is a signal that your body and mind need care, not criticism. Burnout often shows up as constant fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability, or feeling emoti

Seasonal depression is a type of depression that often appears during the colder months when daylight hours are shorter and routines change. Many people notice lower energy, sadness, or lack of motivation during winter, even if they usually feel emotionally well during other times of the year. Seasonal depression is more common than many realize, and it can affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall mental health. One reason seasonal depression occurs is reduced exp

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it starts to feel overwhelming, it can affect your mental health, relationships, and overall well being. Knowing when stress has become too much is an important step in taking care of yourself and seeking support before it escalates. One of the first signs that stress is becoming unmanageable is persistent feelings of anxiety or tension . If you notice that you are constantly on edge, worrying excessively, or having difficulty relaxin

Finding ways to support mental health doesn’t have to be limited to counseling sessions. The Greensboro Triad offers many local classes, workshops, and events designed to boost emotional wellness, reduce stress, and build community. Participating in these activities can be a fun and effective way to take care of your mental health while connecting with others. Many local yoga studios, fitness centers, and community centers offer classes that focus not only on physical health

Now Accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield: Therapy with John Adkins in Kernersville, NC We’re excited to share that John Adkins is now officially in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBS NC)  at JPB Counseling and he has immediate availibility for both in person and telehealth sessions! For many people, finding a therapist who feels like the right fit is hard enough. Add insurance limitations on top of that, and it can feel overwhelming fast. Being in network

Self compassion is the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend. Many people are quick to judge themselves or focus on mistakes, but self compassion encourages gentleness, patience, and acceptance. It is not about letting yourself off the hook or avoiding responsibility. It is about acknowledging your humanity and taking care of your emotional well being. Practicing self compassion can have a profound effect on mental

There is a new therapist in town here at JPB Counseling. JPB Counseling is happy to welcome John Adkins to our team. John works with adults who are ready to explore patterns that feel difficult to shift and take thoughtful steps toward meaningful change. John provides therapy for adults who may be navigating trauma, substance use, grief, or the long term impact of feeling misunderstood or unsupported. Many of the clients he works with have tried therapy before and felt disapp

Finding moments of calm during busy weeks can feel challenging, especially in the middle of winter. One simple way to slow down is by taking a mindful break in a cozy, welcoming space. Coffee shops around the Greensboro Triad offer more than just a warm drink. They can provide a quiet pause, a change of scenery, and a chance to reset mentally. Mindfulness does not require long meditation sessions or special tools. Sometimes it is as simple as sitting with a warm cup of coffee

January is often expected to feel energizing and motivating. A new year begins and many people feel pressure to start fresh, set goals, and feel inspired right away. In reality, January often feels slower, heavier, and more draining than expected. If motivation feels hard right now, you are not doing anything wrong. After the holidays, many people experience emotional and physical fatigue. Routines may have been disrupted, sleep schedules shifted, and social energy stretched

Boundaries are one of the most important tools for protecting your mental health, yet they are often misunderstood. Many people worry that setting boundaries will upset others or make them seem selfish. In reality, healthy boundaries allow you to show up more fully in your relationships, your work, and your daily life. Boundaries define what feels acceptable, safe, and sustainable for you. They help protect your time, energy, emotions, and well being. Without boundaries, stre

Loneliness is a quiet feeling that many people experience but rarely talk about. It can show up during major life transitions, after the holidays, during moments of stress, or when relationships shift. You can be surrounded by people and still feel disconnected or unseen. Loneliness is not a sign that something is wrong with you. It is a sign that you are human and in need of meaningful connection and support. Loneliness affects emotional well being in real ways. It can incre

As the days grow shorter and the weather becomes colder, many people notice a shift in their mood, energy, and overall motivation. This is often more than simply disliking winter. For some, it is seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a real and common experience that happens when the lack of sunlight and changes in routine begin to affect emotional well being. Seasonal depression can show up in different ways. You might feel more tired than usu

The holiday season is full of activity, connection, and excitement. When January arrives, everything suddenly becomes quieter and the shift can feel uncomfortable. Many people notice a drop in energy or mood once the celebrations end. This does not mean anything is wrong. It simply means you are adjusting to a new pace after weeks of stimulation and social expectations. January is a natural time to reset. It is a chance to ease back into routines and reconnect with yourself.

When it comes to personal growth and mental wellness, the terms counseling and coaching are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help you decide which approach best fits your needs. Counseling  focuses on mental health and emotional well-being. Counselors are trained to help individuals address psychological concerns, manage stress, navigate life transitions, and work through emotional or behavioral challenges. Counseling of