Compass Counseling and Associates

09/21/2026

🐾 Emotional Support Animal, Service Animal, or Therapy Animal: What’s the Difference?

Animals can play an important role in our emotional well-being, but not every support animal has the same role, training, or legal protections.

Have you ever wondered:
What makes an animal an Emotional Support Animal?
How does an ESA differ from a service animal?
What is a therapy animal?

Our latest blog breaks down the differences between emotional support animals, service animals, therapy animals, and animal-assisted therapy, and explores how each can support individuals in different ways.

https://www.compasscounselingandassociates.com/post/emotional-support-animals

09/16/2026

09/15/2026

When “I feel sick” is really anxiety…

For some children, the fear of vomiting can become much bigger than the fear itself. They may worry about getting sick at school, avoid certain foods or activities, repeatedly ask for reassurance, or even begin refusing school.

This fear has a name: emetophobia, and it can have a significant impact on a child’s everyday life.

The good news? Children can learn that they don’t have to eliminate every possibility of feeling sick in order to feel safe. With the right support, they can build confidence in their ability to handle anxiety and uncomfortable sensations.

In our latest blog, we’re exploring emetophobia in children, what it can look like, why reassurance and avoidance can sometimes keep the anxiety going, and how parents can support their child without reinforcing the fear.



Read the full blog: Emetophobia in Children

Emetophobia in children can affect school, eating, sleep, and everyday activities. Learn the signs of a fear of vomiting, how parents can respond, and when professional support may help.

09/11/2026

Do you ever find yourself replaying a conversation long after it’s over?
Second-guessing a decision you made days ago? Or getting caught in the same “what if…” thoughts that you just can’t seem to turn off?

Compass Counseling & Associates is excited to introduce Breaking the Loop, a new Support + Skills Group for Overthinking, Rumination & Getting Unstuck.

This group is designed to help adults better understand why rumination happens, connect with others who experience it, and learn practical tools to quiet the mental noise and move toward what matters.

09/11/2026

Join us this Wednesday!

09/08/2026

In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

09/08/2026

“I don’t want to go to school.”

If you’ve heard this repeatedly lately, you may be wondering: Is this just a phase? Are they avoiding school because they don’t want to do the work? Or is something else going on?

Sometimes school refusal really is about wanting to stay home.

But sometimes, “I don’t want to go” actually means “I’m having a hard time.”

Anxiety, friendship problems, bullying, academic struggles, sensory overwhelm, separation worries, or simply feeling like they don’t fit in can all make getting through the school doors feel overwhelming.

And when staying home brings immediate relief, avoiding school can actually make the anxiety harder to overcome over time.

So instead of only asking, “How do I get my child to go to school?”

Try asking:

“What about school feels so hard?”

Our newest blog explores school avoidance, what may be underneath it, and how parents can respond with both compassion and confidence-building support.

When a child repeatedly doesn't want to go to school, there may be more happening beneath the surface. Learn about school avoidance, school anxiety, common warning signs, and when additional support may help.

09/02/2026

Join us for our new workshop series at Compass Counseling and Associates! Dive into topics like Mindfulness & DBT, Stages of Change, Assertive Communication, and Self-Esteem. Sessions are available both in-person and virtually, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Only $20 per session for ages 18 and older.

For more details, visit www.compasscounselingandassociates.com or call 484-447-7255. See you there!