Our Blog

Life is life. There will be projects we work on that go smoothly to completion. And there will be projects we work on where we …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Obstacles”

A year ago, I wrote a blog post for the same July monthly theme, “Purposeful Parenting.” https://www.coralgablescounseling.com/purposeful-parenting-as-a-new-mom/) At the time, I was a brand new mom …

Continue reading “Purposeful Parenting – One Year In”

Recently, the topic of interest amongst my clients is parenting styles. More specifically, which of the four parenting styles – Authoritarian, Authoritative, Passive, and Neglectful …

Continue reading “Raising Emotionally Intelligent Beings”

I am so happy to write this for Men’s Health Awareness. In my sessions with men, I have found many of them reach the point …

Continue reading ““Is there anything more to life?” The Common Question”

There are various benefits for men from being in a healthy relationship. Their well-being is positively influenced by healthy relationships not just emotionally, but physically …

Continue reading “Are You Tired of Having the Relationshits…???”

I initiated a brief survey of a small sample of men regarding their views on medical and mental health issues. I was surprised to find …

Continue reading “Taking Care of Business: Men’s Mental Health Part 1”

“Therapists are archeologists that dig into our past to help us understand the present; Coaches are architects that help us build our future once we …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Therapy v. Coaching”

Are you looking for a change in your life? Life is made up of the following eight Pillars: Relationships/Friendship Finance Home Environment Career/Business Spirituality Health …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Change – Part 1”

It’s Mental Health Awareness month!  And, although it’s nice to have a month dedicated to mental health, I’m happy to see there has been a …

Continue reading “Give Yourself Some Grace”

“A boss has the title; A leader has the people.” Simon Sinek Being a leader is about Listening Respecting Acknowledging Acting Listening Really listening can be …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Leadership”

By Victoria Carney-Paine, LCSW Mental health is my favorite thing to talk about. Ask me how I’m doing and I’ll tell you if I am …

Continue reading “5 Reasons to Talk More About Mental Health”

The most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in the U.S. is anxiety; and a close second is depression. Both disorders are misunderstood not only by …

Continue reading “Let’s Talk About Anxiety”

“I don’t have enough hours in a day!” “I don’t have time!” “I’m too busy!” “I have too much work!” “I’m always so busy!” “I …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Time”

By Alejandra Boker, MBA, RD, IFNCP Mindfulness, or the state of being conscious and aware of something, isn’t always easy, especially when there are so many …

Continue reading “Mindful Eating”

Each relationship we experience throughout our lives allows us to learn something about ourselves and our community. We learn more about who we are our …

Continue reading “What to Watch Out for When Dating”

As we reach the end of Q1 in 2022, it is time to assess how we are doing. Pull out the list of goals you …

Continue reading “Pause. Assess. Evaluate.”

By Dara Teller, RCSW “Fear is the most subtle and destructive of all human diseases. Ladies and gentleman, fear kills dreams. Fear kills hope. Fear …

Continue reading “Overcome Your Fears!”

Here is a simple script for mindful moments. Let’s break it down. Notice your thoughts. “I’m sitting on a soft, blue chair. I like this …

Continue reading “Mindful Moments”

One of the few beneficial byproducts of this pandemic is our focus on good mental health. As a mental health professional, I appreciate this greatly. …

Continue reading “Self Acceptance > Self Esteem”

As humans, we label ourselves because it’s easier for our brain when we categorize and put things into buckets.  Sometimes these labels inspire us.  But …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Self-Labeling”

Love doesn’t start with loving others before us. It begins with loving ourselves first, to know how to love another. We create a strong foundation …

Continue reading “What is Love?”

Last week I watched my 2-year-old grandson, James, shooting hoops into his Little Tikes basketball hoop repeatedly as he missed over and over again. His …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Doing the Uncomfortable”

Groundhog Day last week reminded me how as adults, we can fall into a life that feels repetitive.  We wake up, go through our routines, …

Continue reading “Reflecting on Groundhog Day”

As I was thinking of this week’s thought of the week, I decided to dig into a problem I tend to have on the regular …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Multitasking”

The end of last year was a challenging one. With new strains of the COVID-19 virus on the rise, many homes were affected during the …

Continue reading “Stop Distracting Yourself From Living”

New Year, New Me, right? Or is it a New Year, Old Me? Depending on your journey, these questions can feel different because it gives …

Continue reading “Moving Forward in the New Year”

More and more of us are looking for work-life balance.  The problem is that, in our search for the elusive work-life balance, our stress and …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Work-Life Balance”

Imagine if one day you woke up and your life had changed. You are happy with your life and who you have become. You are …

Continue reading “Live in Alignment With Your Vision”

As a Coach and Recruiter, one of the common mistakes I see is jumpy clients. Jumpy because these employees move on to another employer after …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Job Jumpiness”

With the start of a New Year, many of us take the time to set goals and resolutions on how we can be better and …

Continue reading “Journey into 2022”

How often have you decided you would start a new lifestyle on Monday, at the beginning of the month, or on January 1st? Most do …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Stay Focused”

We’re officially saying goodbye to 2021 and are ready to ring in the new year.  As most of you can probably relate, I’ve had a …

Continue reading “Resolutions”

The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on our relationships, establish goals for connecting with our family, and set the groundwork for those relationships …

Continue reading “Holidays and Family”

Self-Reflection might sound easy to do, but it’s the most challenging thing we can do. It’s hard to focus on our thoughts and feelings about …

Continue reading “Self Reflection”

As we come to the end of another year, it is beneficial to review the recent past.  Personally, I am better off at the end …

Continue reading “Reflection”

The Hustle Culture is about being aggressive, being forceful, being a slayer, pushing forward, working long hours; and putting ourselves last. Hustling without rest and …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Hustling”

By Alejandra Boker, MBA, RD, IFNCP Let’s be honest, the two things that people enjoy most during the holidays are spending time with family and eating …

Continue reading “Family and Holidays”

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. It’s a reminder to pause and say thank you before the shopping and the parties. It’s a reminder …

Continue reading “Thank You!”

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful. It consists of a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Simple concept, right? Yet, it …

Continue reading “Creating Gratitude”

  Creating boundaries – or not creating them. There is no right or wrong answer.  We’re all different.  The question is: Do we need to …

Continue reading “Boundaries”

Ten years ago this month, I was lucky enough to start working at Coral Gables Counseling Center (CGCC) — and I’ve never looked back. I …

Continue reading “My Work Anniversary Story”

The month of November is traditionally a time of Thanksgiving. During this time, we often focus on reflection and gratitude. Recognizing and reflecting on gratitude …

Continue reading “Reflection and Gratitude”

By Alejandra Boker, MBA, RD, IFNCP Women’s health is multifaceted. But one of the main issues consistently brought up by many women is the struggle …

Continue reading “Should we blame weight gain on menopause?”

The other day I was really looking at myself in the mirror while I was getting dressed.  I was looking at my body and scars …

Continue reading “In loving me.”

Trust your gut. I love this phrase, but some women take it too far in one direction or the other. I’ve had some patients “trust …

Continue reading “Let’s talk about gut health. Sort of. “

By: Tiffany N. Perez, RMHC We live in an era of information overload. We are invested in social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and …

Continue reading “Self Improvement with Perspective”

Here I am, writing about procrastination in my pajamas at the last minute when I should’ve been wilding out at a fall festival because I …

Continue reading “Procrastination”

Self-improvement. When I talk about this idea (a multi-million dollar industry of how to do and be better), I make sure others understand they are …

Continue reading “You’re Not Broken”

Motivation is Bullsh*t. Bold statement, I know, but stay with me for a second. Telling ourselves that the reason for not doing things is lack …

Continue reading “Motivation”

I think we can all agree that the topic of self-improvement is a broad one. In such a complicated time in our world, and with …

Continue reading “Natural Negativity to Proactive Optimism”

Sometimes I set out to rest, relax, recharge. But I end up on my phone. On social media. I do this, I think because I …

Continue reading “Rest and Relaxation”

Summer is over. Well, at least Summer, as in those few months during which “the Purge” happens because the children :coughs: terrors are set loose …

Continue reading “Summer is Over. Now What?”

BACK TO SCHOOL *cue instant anxiety* Whether you’re 5, 12, 18, or 24 years old, that week before school starts always makes most of us …

Continue reading “Normalizing Back to School Anxiety”

Most of us know what back to school means. Some of us went back to school as kids. Some of us had kids that went …

Continue reading “Deciding to Go Back to School”

Summer is coming to an end. School is right around the corner, as students will be going back to in-person learning. This past year school …

Continue reading “Going Back to School”

Our kids’ behavior is the difference between a great day and a “kill me now” day. It can be overwhelming when your kids misbehave more …

Continue reading “What I Do To Help My Kids Behave”

By Katheryne Puentes, LMHC Parenting is NOT an easy job. Being a parent involves 100% attention to how they interact with their children and their …

Continue reading “Parenting”

As a parent of three 30+-year-olds, I want to offer that parenting never ends. Parents of newborns and toddlers are rolling their eyes right about …

Continue reading “Purposeful Parenting from an Empty Nester”

When I learned this month’s blog theme is “Purposeful Parenting,” I thought I could offer a slightly unique perspective: that of a first-time newborn parent. …

Continue reading “Purposeful Parenting as a New Mom”

I celebrate you. I celebrate all the men in the world.  Men who are loyal, kind, and true. Men who have protected us and loved …

Continue reading “Men…Beautiful, Beautiful Men!”

Low testosterone is one of the most overlooked causes of depression and other serious mood disorders in males. So much so that when I see …

Continue reading “Let’s talk about Low-T, but really, let’s talk about it.”

Here we are at some point of the pandemic, not knowing if it’s the middle, the end, or the new norm. It’s no wonder stress levels …

Continue reading “Anxiety, Stress and Mental Health”

BY KATHERYNE PUENTES, LMHC What is the true meaning of mental health, and why are so many individuals scared to visit a therapist? With the …

Continue reading “What is the Meaning of “Mental Health?””

Self-talk is the dialogue inside your head. It is your inner voice that tells you what you can and cannot do. It is your inner …

Continue reading “Who do I think I’m talking to like that? ME?”

I had the opportunity to advise a colleague on how to terminate therapy for one of her clients. This particular case was sensitive and complex. …

Continue reading “Dealing With Client Termination in Therapy”

Eli Bravo https://www.linkedin.com/in/elibravooficial/ As if it was a miracle pill or a magic potion, it is common in books, webinars, and social media posts the …

Continue reading “Living in the Present for a Better Future”

6:30 AM. I am sitting in front of the candle and trying to let the thoughts pass so I can be in the present moment. …

Continue reading “Don’t Get in Your Own Way of Happiness”

What comes to mind when you think of health? For most, it’s the yearly visit to your primary doctor, gynecologist, or dentist. What comes to …

Continue reading “Umbrella of Health”

By Lucia Fernandez, Director, LMFT and Natalie Ortega, Attorney and Teacher   My friend, Natalie Ortega, and I have had many conversations on spirituality. She …

Continue reading “Notes to Self: Two Books Sounding Off Loudly”

Do you aspire to be “mindful” tangibly and practically? Ask yourself these four questions.  It will give you a well-grounded approach to your day: 1) …

Continue reading “Mindfulness Aspirations?”

Creating an awareness of the present moment is one of the basic principles of mindfulness and mindful living. We tend to live our lives and …

Continue reading “Mindful Pause”

When I hear the word “mindful,” I immediately think of mindfulness — the practice of being present and being aware by sitting still and focusing …

Continue reading “Mindful Living”

No, I’m not talking about making your hot co-worker or classmate fall in love with you. I’m talking about making the MOST special person in …

Continue reading “How To Make That Special Someone, Fall In Love With You”

BY: MERIEM OUCHAKA, LMHC Self-love is often overlooked. We assume it’s a given. Do you love, like, and respect yourself? What is the meaning of …

Continue reading “Self Love”

Almost a year into the pandemic and those of us who are healthy and have survived it, are so very blessed. So many have passed …

Continue reading “Loving Me=Loving You”

Many times I discuss with clients developing a self-care routine.  You would be surprised how many people have difficulty with this. When describing themselves or …

Continue reading “Mind, Body and Spirit”

I’ve always liked working with the younger population (teens and 20s), but never quite knew why. Maybe it’s because I can relate to them pretty …

Continue reading “Teens and 20s – A Time for Self-Improvement”

Today we come together as it’s been done since the first inauguration when President George Washington took the first oath in April 1789.  Even after …

Continue reading “We the People”

2020 was a year like no other. Many things happened in 2020. For some, it brought sorrow and loss – disappointment and sadness. For others, …

Continue reading “New Year New You”

Why no whining? These times have been sad, scary, hard, and uncertain. They’ve been quiet and loud and new and somehow…same ‘ole same ‘ole. Certainly, …

Continue reading “No Whining”

I love submitting our last blog of the year. If I have not yet done so, it forces me to stop and reflect. Before I …

Continue reading “Auld Lang Syne (Times Gone By)”

2020 is the year that will be known as the year of the Pandemic and THE election. A year of the unknown. A year of …

Continue reading “The Last Month of 2020”

Here we are at the end of “Gratitude Month” as November has come to be observed when being grateful is all anyone seems to be …

Continue reading “Gratitude Done Right – More Than a Feeling”

November is easily one of my favorite months of the year. I love that it’s sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas (celebrated in my family). It …

Continue reading “Random Acts of Kindness”

Gratitude and self-appreciation are not qualities that come naturally to the majority of us. In therapy, we often recommend incorporating a gratitude practice into a …

Continue reading “Don’t Downplay Your Strengths: Here Are 5 Reasons Why”

As a Mental Health Counselor, I’m often on the receiving end of questions such as, “How do you listen to people’s problems all day and …

Continue reading “Healer Heal Thyself”

I am a millennial psychiatrist. I grew up in the era of smartphones filled with apps that have helped me stay connected all hours of …

Continue reading “Psychiatrist Unfiltered: 5 Things Learned Deleting Social Media”

So, this month’s topic is women’s health. Naturally, I thought, what better way to be able to identify easy health-improving habits for women while still …

Continue reading “The Health Benefits of Sex”

This is the only time of year I pause to reflect on my diagnosis 3 years ago – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma – or breast cancer.  …

Continue reading “2020 Reflection of a Breast Cancer Survivor”

I overheard a teacher say to my daughter on virtual school, “Kids, have your moms upload that later.” Moms. Not parents. Not dads or caretakers. …

Continue reading “Add This To Your Resume”

A few years ago I treated a client with Complex PTSD. She had suffered for the majority of her childhood from physical, psychological, and emotional …

Continue reading “Working with Emotional Support Animals”

I consider myself to be an eternally active learner and a self-improvement/personal growth enthusiast. It’s important to be open to constant learning about yourself, others, …

Continue reading “10 Practical Ways to Stay Motivated on Your Self-Improvement Journey”

When you hear “self-improvement,” what comes to mind?  Self-improvement can mean so many different things for each of us.  One thing all definitions should have in common is “the …

Continue reading “Don’t Leave “Self” Out of Self-Improvement”

To me, September has always marked the beginning of a new year, even more so than January. Maybe it’s because it signals the end of …

Continue reading “Rosh Hashana 2020”

Die Schönheit der Wasserpfeifen: Eine Reise durch die Welt der beautiful bongs Einführung in die Welt der Wasserpfeifen Wasserpfeifen, auch bekannt als Shishas oder bongs, …

Continue reading “Die Schönheit der Wasserpfeifen: Eine Reise durch die Welt der beautiful bongs”

By Remy Gordon, LCSW What does self-improvement mean to you? By definition, self-improvement is “the improvement of one’s knowledge, status, or character by one’s own efforts”. …

Continue reading “Self-Improvement and Homelessness”

Many of us have anxiety levels that are higher than usual on any given day in 2020. Things aren’t where we’d want them to be. …

Continue reading “You Need To Calm Down. You’re Being Too Loud”

I have to admit, I love memes and get a lot of enjoyment from them. Pro-therapy memes? Even better! (By the way, I love that …

Continue reading “Self-Improvement and Mental Health”

By Remy Gordon, LCSW How do we prepare to return back to school when we aren’t really going back to the classroom physically? We are …

Continue reading “Back to School”

The end of summer is here and we are heading into round two of virtual learning. The adjustment of virtual learning has been difficult for …

Continue reading “Round Two of Virtual Learning”