Family Support Services, LLC

05/31/2026

Did you know that providing mental health services to children under 5 requires special training that most therapists don't have? Specialized training is generally required to work as a counselor for children under 5, because this age group has unique developmental, emotional, and communication needs that require specific skills and knowledge.

Why Specialization Matters:
Children under 5 are in early childhood, a critical period for language, social, emotional, and cognitive development. They may not be able to express complex thoughts or understand abstract concepts, so counselors must use age-appropriate therapeutic techniques such as play therapy, developmental play, and child-directed communication.

Child therapy, family counseling, and individual therapy in Cullman, Huntsville, Decatur, and Blountsville. Support for children, teens, and adults.

05/28/2026

Training time!

05/27/2026

05/23/2026

WHAT IS OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a childhood behavioral condition characterized by a persistent pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative behavior, and defiance toward authority figures (parents, teachers, caregivers).

Common Signs
Frequent temper loss
Arguing with adults
Refusing to follow rules or requests
Deliberately annoying others
Blaming others for mistakes
Being easily annoyed or resentful
Spiteful or vindictive behavior

Treatment options include:
PCIT (gold standard treatment for ages 2-7)
CBT
Family Therapy
Parent Training

ODD is treatable, especially with early, consistent intervention. The most effective approach is parent-focused strategies combined with skill-building for the child.

Child therapy, family counseling, and individual therapy in Cullman, Huntsville, Decatur, and Blountsville. Support for children, teens, and adults.

05/20/2026

Who We Are:

Family Support Services is a child and family therapy practice serving North
Alabama since 2001, focused on providing consistent, high-quality care across every location.

• Who We Serve: We work with children, teens, adults and families navigating emotional, behavioral, and life challenges, with a specialized focus on child therapy and play-based approaches.

• Our Approach: We use evidence-based methods in a supportive, structured environment,
helping children express, process, and work through what they’re experiencing.

• What Sets Us Apart: Every therapist is held to the same standard of care—ensuring each
family receives the same level of support, attention, and professionalism

Child therapy, family counseling, and individual therapy in Cullman, Huntsville, Decatur, and Blountsville. Support for children, teens, and adults.

05/15/2026

Understanding Anxiety in Children

A Guide for Parents & Caregivers
💭 What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children?
Anxiety in children doesn’t always sound like “I’m worried.”
Instead, it often shows up through behaviors, body complaints, or emotional reactions.
Your child is not trying to be difficult—they are trying to feel safe.

🧠 Emotional Signs
Your child may:
Worry a lot (about school, safety, or the future)
Get overwhelmed easily
Be more irritable or moody than usual
Cry more often
Have strong fears (being alone, making mistakes, the dark)

🏃 Behavioral Signs
You might notice:
Avoiding school, activities, or new situations
Clinginess or difficulty separating from you
Refusing to try new or challenging things
Meltdowns when things aren’t “perfect”
Constant reassurance-seeking (“Are you sure I’ll be okay?”)
Tantrums or defiance (often rooted in anxiety, not behavior problems)

🩺 Physical Symptoms
Anxiety often shows up in the body. Your child may have:
Frequent stomachaches
Headaches
Nausea
Trouble sleeping (difficulty falling asleep, nightmares)
Fatigue
Important: These symptoms are real, even if no medical cause is found.

🏫 At School
Anxiety may look like:
Frequent visits to the nurse
Trouble focusing
Refusing to participate or speak in class
Falling behind academically
Freezing during tests or assignments

👶 How Anxiety Changes With Age
Younger Children:
Separation anxiety
Tantrums during transitions
Fear of imaginary things
Regression (bedwetting, baby talk)
Older Children & Preteens:
Social anxiety (fear of embarrassment)
School avoidance
Overthinking and self-criticism
Physical complaints to avoid stress

⚠️ Common Misunderstandings
Anxiety is often mistaken for:
“Bad behavior”
Defiance
Lack of motivation
ADHD (when it’s actually worry affecting focus)

🚩 When Should I Be Concerned?
Consider seeking support if:
Anxiety is interfering with school or daily life
Your child is avoiding more and more activities
Physical complaints are frequent
Reassurance doesn’t seem to help
💡 How You Can Help
Stay calm and supportive
Acknowledge feelings (“I can see this is really hard”)
Encourage facing fears gradually (not avoiding them completely)
Keep routines predictable
Avoid giving excessive reassurance (it can increase anxiety over time)

❤️ Final Thought
Anxiety is common—and treatable.
With the right support, children can learn skills to manage their worries and build confidence.
If you'd like, I can:

We can assess for and treat anxiety.

Child therapy, family counseling, and individual therapy in Cullman, Huntsville, Decatur, and Blountsville. Support for children, teens, and adults.

05/10/2026

A UAB study tracking 6,700+ people for 15 years found that teens with 40-50 hours of weekly screen time showed higher su***de risk and memory decline in adulthood.

05/06/2026

Love this short explanation about play therapy!
Www.FamilySupportServicesLLC.com.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/01/2026

I am so excited! Algeria's book is a great read for children starting therapy! Great work Algeria Anderson, Author!

The idea of therapy can be an overwhelming concept for a parent and child to grasp when in a crisis and never introduced to the topic. From stigma to generational ideologies, it can be easy to miss out on this incredible tool that is growing worldwide by the day. This book can assist children and...