Jessica Poteat, LPC

05/06/2026

It's Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, and today I want to give parents something actually useful.
"How was your day?" gets you "fine" every single time.

So I made this. 👇
Questions that actually open the door . broken down by age, because what works for a 6 year old is not what works for a 16 year old.

Save this. Use it tonight. Share it with another parent who needs it.
📍 Jessica Poteat, LPC | Racine, WI | jessicapoteatcounseling.com

05/05/2026

This is Children's Mental Health Week and we have five daily challenges for you! Students, how many can you accomplish?

Mindful Monday
Challenge: Try 5-4-3-2-1
5 Things you can SEE
4 Things you can FEEL
3 Things you can HEAR
2 Things you can SMELL
1 Thing you can TASTE

Talk It Out Tuesday
Challenge: Have a face-to-face chat

Wellness Wednesday
Challenge: How long can you go screen-free for?

Thankful Thursday
Challenge: Give three (or more!) Thank You's

Feel Good Friday
Challenge: Talk KIND to YOURSELF

05/05/2026

When anxiety hits and your body feels stuck in overdrive, you don't need a long meditation or a quiet room. These 5 quick techniques can help calm your nervous system fast, wherever you are.

Save this post and grab the free downloadable version 👇
https://www.jessicapoteatcounseling.com/Resources/free-downloads

05/04/2026

Anxiety has a way of convincing us that our worst-case scenario is the only scenario. This is a technique called Cognitive Reframing — it's used in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to help interrupt that spiral and get your brain to actually look at the evidence instead of just the fear.
Here's how to use each question:

Am I making assumptions?
Check whether you're mind-reading (assuming you know what someone else is thinking) or fortune-telling (predicting a bad outcome like it's already decided). Neither one is fact.

Is there another way to look at it?
Try to find a neutral, objective perspective. If a friend didn't text back — are they ignoring you, or are they just busy? Both are possible. Anxiety picks one.

What are other possible outcomes?
Anxiety defaults to worst-case. Make yourself name the best-case AND the most likely outcome. They're usually not the same as the one your brain fixated on.
Is there evidence for this worry?
What facts actually support this thought? What facts contradict it? Feelings are real, but they're not the same as facts.

What advice would I give to a friend?
We are almost always kinder to other people than we are to ourselves. This question helps you access the part of you that already knows what compassion sounds like.
Save this. Screenshot it. Use it next time your brain starts running worst-case scenarios.

05/02/2026

May 1st felt like the perfect day to finally say hi. 🐾 💚
I'm Jess, a therapist based in Racine, Wisconsin and this is Izzy, who just officially became a therapy dog in training today. We're so excited to be here and even more excited about what we're building in this community.
More to come. We're really glad you're here.

03/21/2026

Spring is supposed to feel like a fresh start 🌱
But for a lot of people… it doesn’t.
You might still feel tired. Overwhelmed.
Or like you’re trying to catch up while everything around you is “moving forward.”
And that can make you wonder… “Why don’t I feel better yet?”
The truth is, your mind and body don’t reset just because the season changed.
Growth isn’t instant.
Healing isn’t seasonal.
And you don’t have to rush yourself to keep up. If this season feels heavier than expected,
you’re not alone in that.

03/21/2026

If you’re going through something and need support, but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone.

I’ve put together a list of resources that can offer support in different ways, including crisis lines and other helpful services.
You can access them here:
https://www.jessicapoteatcounseling.com/Resources

03/21/2026

Now accepting new clients in Wisconsin.

I provide therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, stress, and life’s challenges through a collaborative, supportive approach.

I offer both telehealth services statewide and limited in-person sessions in Racine.

To get started, please visit my website and complete the consultation form:

Jessica Poteat, LPC Provides counseling services in Racine and throughout Wisconsin