Licensed Mental Health Counselor With school right around the corner, I’m sure many of you are beginning to think about the mental and physical prep …
Are You in the Right Classroom? Career Check-In for Attorneys
Summer is winding down. Kids are back to school. School zone lights are back on. There are new teachers, new classrooms, new schedules, new expectations …
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Why Stress is Good for Kids
In my last blog, Why Boredom is Good for Kids, we talked about how being bored sparks creativity, and how it teaches children to keep themselves …
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The Emotional Side of Going Back to School
Izaskun Cruz, LMFT When we think about going back to school, our minds usually jump straight to the practical stuff. Buying supplies, sorting out schedules, …
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Back to School, Back to You
There’s something about back-to-school season that feels like a reset. Calendars fill back up, routines return, and after the loose rhythm of summer, a sense …
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Walk with Purpose in the Direction You’re Going
Yesterday morning, as I was scrolling through Instagram, a reel from Reese Witherspoon stopped me mid-scroll. She said she often tells her own three kids …
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Purposeful Parenting Starts With You
We’re great at measuring success at work: · deadlines hit, · problems solved, · teams led. Then we walk in the door and step into …
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Parenting by Design, Not Default: An Introduction to Purposeful Parenting
By Jorge Sanchez, RMHCI Let me start with something I hear all the time from parents sitting across from me in session: “I swore I’d never …
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Why Boredom Is Good for Kids
At Coral Gables Counseling Center, we often have what we call Meeting of the Minds, better known as MOM meetings. These are meetings where psychologists, …
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Purpose Isn’t Found. It’s Chosen.
Clients come to me “searching” for their purpose. But what if purpose isn’t something you find? What if it’s something you choose? It’s easy to …
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“I’m Fine”. Sure. Let’s Unpack That.
Let’s be honest. “I’m fine” is one of the most loaded phrases in the English language, and most of the time, it’s a lie. Not …
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What About Him? Understanding the Emotional Biology of Men
We’ve come a long way in creating more space for emotional awareness, especially around women’s mental health. But there’s a blind spot that still lingers …
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How Sports Psychology is Helping Young Men Open Up
As a therapist, I work with people from all walks of life. Some arrive in the middle of a crisis, while others are simply looking …
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Why Men Freeze During Relationship Conflict (And How to Thaw)
By Pete Hermida, RMHCI, NCC, MA It is a scenario that plays out in millions of relationships: An argument starts. The emotional temperature in the …
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Be a Man
The comedian Bill Burr has a great bit (though NSFW) where he talks about wanting to carve a pumpkin at Halloween. But he can’t – …
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Mental Health Myths
As we close May and Mental Health Awareness month, we are sharing this last bonus blog by Vicki as a reminder. A reminder that mental …
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Therapy is for Kids Too – And That’s OK
When most people think about therapy, they usually picture adults talking about stress, relationships, or work problems. But the truth is, kids go through hard …
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Emotional Exhaustion in Everyday Life
By Izaskun Cruz, LMFT Sometimes we don’t realize emotional exhaustion because technically we are still functioning. We still wake up every morning, go to work, …
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Love Lab: Rethinking Modern Dating
By Vanessa Molina, LMFT Hey there! Yeah, you – Do you ever find yourself in conversations about the dating world where you’re talking for hours… …
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What Can Individuals Do to Prevent Suicide?
Trigger Warning: Suicide Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss, but it is one we cannot afford to ignore. Suicide is defined as “the act or …
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Boundaries – Real or a Cover-Up?
I believe in boundaries because, for a long time, I didn’t have any. The result? I got very sick. Eight years ago, I was diagnosed …
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Our Blog
Back to School for the Adult You
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 01, 2018
Certified EMDR Therapist In my last blog, “Parenting your college age child,” I spoke about how to shift your parenting style when your child goes …
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and How our Kids are Affected
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 25, 2018
At times it is easy to be negatively affected by insignificant stressors because we internalize and allow them to alter our moods. Often, we are …
Continue reading “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and How our Kids are Affected”
Parenting: The College Age Years
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Certified EMDR Therapist Many articles are written with the focus on parenting young children or adolescents; however, there seems to be a void of information …
The Art of Purposeful Parenting
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
PH. D., LMHC, CAP Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Doctor in Psychology Purposeful Parenting is significant because it gives parents the opportunity to create an …
Calling All Parents…
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 04, 2018
Licensed Mental Health Counselor This blog goes out to all parents, single parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, foster parents, and guardians. We are dealing with a …
Discover Your Soul
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 27, 2018
The so-called “Man Code” is a collection of unspoken limiting rules that men often learn at a young age. Sometimes, in order to demonstrate their …
#Metoo Movement – the new feminism?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Life and Heath Coach As we have recently seen in the last six to seven months, the resurgence of the #Metoo Movement has dragged men …
Understanding a Man’s Process
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 13, 2018
As much as we want to equate men and women, the reality is we are different. Not only physically but mentally and socially. With those …
The Call to Adventure and Following your Bliss
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 06, 2018
Ten years ago, while on a men’s journey, I came across a quote by Joseph Campbell “follow your bliss”. Wow! I thought to myself. How …
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Procrastination – To Be or Not to Be…
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, June 02, 2018
Life and Heath Coach I’ve always not only looked down on myself as a procrastinator, but constantly called and described myself as one – as …
Major Depression in Adolescence: Suicide Prevention
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, May 25, 2018
Certified EMDR Therapist Suicide is the third leading cause of death among persons aged 10-14 and the second among persons aged 15-34 years. A precedent …
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Mental Health Treatment
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 16, 2018
You don’t have to be “crazy” to seek mental health treatment. This is a truth for two big reasons: We should all be focused on …
“Emotional Intelligence: A Key Element for Success in Children”
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, April 19, 2018
Licensed School Psychologist Many often associate success in life with high mental intelligence, proper schooling, and perhaps even a streak of good luck. Of course, …
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What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Motivational Singer and Breakthrough Hypnosis This is a question that has run through my head for quite a long time. My adolescent years were filled …
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder — What Is It?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, April 05, 2018
Before I became a therapist I heard the term PTSD used and I connected it to the military or war veterans. Also, I didn’t really …
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Peace Within No Matter What Throughout
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 28, 2018
The definition of peace is freedom from disturbance, quiet and tranquility. Can you think of the last time you had peace? Mindfulness is a practice …
Loving Yourself Leads to a Balanced, Happy Life
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Today we’re getting so many messages from all avenues of the media reporting on mindful living and that we should “learn to love ourselves.” Sounds …
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Slow Down, Tune in, Go with the Flow
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 14, 2018
You’ve had mindful moments. You’ve already practiced mindfulness. You just don’t realize it. And you don’t realize it because you were just BEING, and not …
Your Love is Different
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Love is a catch-all word that people use and we seem to think it means the same to you as it does to me. …
Love Yourself First
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 14, 2018
It’s that time of the month when “love is in the air” and everyone seems to be talking about romance. Stress levels seem to …
Love: The Solution to Most of Your Problems
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, February 08, 2018
Over the years, I have been given the incredible opportunity to work and study one of life’s most elusive and complex topics: Love. Through my …
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6 Keys to Loving Yourself and Others
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, February 01, 2018
Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Doctor in Psychology As we near the end of February, we celebrate love; the love of self and others. Love …
Three Ways to Encourage Individuality in the Classroom
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Ed.D. Director of Admissions and Outreach Fusion Academy Miami Adolescents will spend about 900 total hours per year at school and in the classroom. That’s …
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When Life Throws You Lemons…
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, January 27, 2018
Life and Health Coach On September 25, 2017 at 8:00 A.M., while in my car, on my way to my 13 year old niece’s Junior …
You’re Amazing, Just the Way You Are
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, January 04, 2018
What if you are good enough, as you are? What if your New Year’s Resolution doesn’t involve a sweeping life change? Maybe, your life …
Holiday Talks
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, December 21, 2017
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Constant open communication with your children/adolescents is important throughout the year. However, sometimes with so many family activities during the Holiday …
Family Traditions
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 13, 2017
I remember as a child the excitement of the beginning of the holiday season. The arrival of the Christmas tree was an important event. As …
Healing through Intimacy
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 06, 2017
Contrary to the popular societal belief that defines intimacy as a sense of physical and emotional closeness and connection with another human being, I have …
Strength in Gratitude?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Director Palmetto Bay Academy “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” – Aristotle Or does it? They smiled at me. Maybe it wasn’t the biggest smile in history, …
Thankful for Having, and for Not Having
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 15, 2017
“Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers, Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs, That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he …
Be Happy, Be Grateful
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 08, 2017
Although there may be times in our lives we feel overwhelmed and surrounded by negativity or bad luck, it can sometimes become difficult to …
Gratitude
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 01, 2017
The concept of appreciation and thankfulness is as much an exercise as it is a feeling. Being able to recognize and express what we are …
Breathwork: Connecting to the Mind, Body, and Spirit
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 25, 2017
As a Health Coach, I’m always asked if I have any self-care tips I can share. However, before sharing anything, I always like to try …
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Women’s Self-Care (from a Male Perspective)
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 18, 2017
I’m a man, writing about women’s health. (That’ll be relevant later). I’m also married. A feminist. A specialist in health psychology. And I almost …
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Recognizing PTSD Symptoms
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Certified EMDR Therapist In light of the recent natural disasters, terrorist attacks and unforeseen attacks on the public by mentally unstable individuals, I’d like to …
Choosing The Path To Self-Improvement
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 27, 2017
What is self-improvement? According to Webster’s Dictionary, it is “improvement of oneself by one’s own actions.” It is an inner process that requires inner …
With devastation – Comes lessons learned
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 27, 2017
As I sit here in my living room with my husband, balcony furniture, bottles of water, canned beans, nuts and fruit, waiting for Irma …
When Back to School Week Isn’t That Cute
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 02, 2017
When we think ‘Back to School’ we often relate it to children shopping for school supplies and all dressed up in their school uniforms for …
Sometimes I Want to Give up on Parenting
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 26, 2017
The wind is blowing my hat towards my cheek, and I can hear my children laughing with their daddy. It is an absolutely breathtaking day …
Stomp Out Bullying
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Attention ALL PARENTS: These stats are scary! “Bullying” is a problem that affects millions of students and children of all races worldwide. 1 out of 4 …
Parenting: Meeting the Challenge
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Many parents ask me: “Am I a good parent?”; “Am I doing it right?” The answer is: “You’re doing the best you can with what …
Kids – Are They Learning From Their Mistakes?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 05, 2017
As parents, we often forget that kids are kids and they will learn from their mistakes. The question is, how do we make sure …
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Healthy Men – Start With Healthy Boys
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 28, 2017
The earlier we teach our boys to think healthy, the more likely it will be they will grow to become healthy men. However, in order …
Teen Stress
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Teen stress is an important issue. The teen years are marked with rapid changes and most teens face stress from puberty, self image, relationships, responsibilities …
Are Men Really from Mars?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 07, 2017
It’s basically been ingrained in us: men and women are not only different, but they also come from different planets! Variations of this idea, popularized …
Childhood Addiction: Recovery Survivors Break Free
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 31, 2017
There are many recovery survivors whose addictions are rooted in their childhood. These are formative years, so aside from the damage their bodies have sustained, …
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The Positive Side of ADHD
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 05, 2017
You hear a lot about the challenges that your child with ADHD faces but what you don’t hear discussed as often is the positive side …
Mindfulness – a Step at a Time
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 29, 2017
In Zen tradition, we start a mindfulness practice with a “beginners mind.” That is, a childlike innocence towards allowing new experience without expectation or judgment. …
Mindfulness – Inside and Out
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Mindfulness is a state of being that people are becoming more and more familiar with. Many understand it as being aware of their surroundings, …
Our Body’s First Line of Defense
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Living a modern life involves plenty of sitting hours. When you’re busy working at the office – or commuting to and from – you’re …
A Mother and Her Baby
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 08, 2017
According to the CDC 2016 Breastfeeding Report Card, the rate of American women who are breastfeeding has increased. It also indicates that the number …
Which Wolf Are You Feeding?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 01, 2017
Coral Gables Counseling Center Today, our team from the Coral Gables Counseling Center participated as part of the “Southern Smash,” an event where literal scales …
Too much or Too little Self-Esteem: The Balancing Act
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 15, 2017
February is designated as the month of love. When I think of love, I automatically think of all the people that I love and …
Continue reading “Too much or Too little Self-Esteem: The Balancing Act”
Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 08, 2017
Valentine’s Day is a remembrance of the love and value we feel for our significant others. As we raise awestruck eyebrows in wonder of …
Create Solutions, Not Resolutions
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, January 27, 2017
(Note: We thought we would close the month with an extra blog which we feel sums up what it takes to be successful in meeting …
Women’s Rights are Human Rights
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 25, 2017
I am a feminist, in the social movement sense of the word. Additionally, I use elements of the feminist theoretical style in my psychotherapy practice. …
The Power of Connection
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 18, 2017
September 11, 2001: 2,996 people killed and over 6,000 injured June 12, 2016: 49 people killed at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL There are many …
Cut It Out
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 11, 2017
What if the “new you” is simply the same you, but more concentrated, more refined? Don’t add. Subtract. (And I don’t mean just pounds – …
Slow and Steady
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 04, 2017
Happy New Year! Now that the New Year is here, our goals and intentions are set and we are all off running towards the 2017 …
Understanding Our Symptoms as a Guide to Personal Growth
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 07, 2016
Symptoms are an essential and continued part of our life. At times, we may experience worry, apprehension, sadness, stress, irritability, and so on. However, we …
Continue reading “Understanding Our Symptoms as a Guide to Personal Growth”
How to Build Healthy Self-Esteem
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, December 01, 2016
Self-esteem is the result of being proud of yourself for your actions, and also for the person you are. People with a healthy self-esteem …
Parenting – Guide Yourself While Guiding Your Kids
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 13, 2016
When we become parents, the love that has been nurtured and handed from generation to generation flourishes, but also all the fears. As caregivers, we …
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Family & Addiction
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 25, 2016
When someone you love is going through addiction, it is normal to feel powerless, frustrated and concerned. Addiction is a disease that leads the individual …
March’s Other Madness – Compulsive Gambling
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Credit for this article goes to the person I interviewed who is in Gamblers Anonymous and would like to stay anonymous. We are in the …
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Sleep Towards a Better Life
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Did you know that at least 60% of Americans report sleep problems? Did you also know that 40% of adults experience daytime sleepiness that interferes …
Singles Relationship Resolution – Food For Thought
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, December 29, 2015
As the year ends and resolutions start up with the New Year, many singles find themselves hopeful that perhaps this will be the year in …
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Continuing Eating Through the Holidays Guilt Free
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, December 17, 2015
Life and Health Coach In my last blog, I gave tips on how to prepare for indulging at holiday parties. Today, I’d like to give …
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"Eat, Drink and Be Merry!"
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 02, 2015
“Eat, drink, and be merry!:” it’s a phrase with biblical origins and a mandate for the holidays, but living up to the quote may not …
Eating Guilt Free Through the Holidays
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Life and Health Coach With the end of the year holiday fun, also comes stress. We stress over catching up on work before taking time …
The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, November 10, 2015
November 13th is Sadie Hawkin’s Day. This seems like a silly tradition to continue, in this day and age. Sadie Hawkin’s Day (and related dances) used …
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To Feel Or Not to Feel
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Many people that come to therapy are terrified of feeling. They suffer from anxiety and/or depression. When we finally identify the root of their present …
10 Ways to Manage Symptoms of Chronic Pain
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, September 17, 2015
September is designated as pain awareness month. With that in mind, it seems fitting that a pain psychologist offer some advice on how to manage …
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Domestic Violence and its Indicators
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, September 03, 2015
Domestic violence (DV) is a systemic and coercive pattern of behaviors that is intended to gain power and control over one’s intimate partner through fear, …
The Intimacy Conundrum
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, August 17, 2015
What is this explosive feeling filled with excitement that lasts but a moment and leaves you craving for more? Some people want to sleep right …
Dealing with Bullying? Tips for Kids and Teens!
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, August 14, 2015
If you’ve ever been bullied, you know how bad it feels. Bullying is a big problem and it can lead to low self esteem, poor …
Continue reading “Dealing with Bullying? Tips for Kids and Teens!”
Vulnerability, A Weakness or a Strength?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, July 16, 2015
Many of us have heard of the word vulnerability but what does it really mean? I have heard from many clients that they thought being …
The Relationship Equation
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, May 11, 2015
Communication is key. I find that whether I am working with couples in therapy, consulting on workplace disputes, or helping physicians convey complicated information – …
EMDR – A Brief Overview
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 29, 2015
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) is a “science-validated approach” that gives people a new perspective and understanding of their past experiences, traumas and phobias. The …
Your Kids and Alcohol
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, April 27, 2015
Alcohol is the substance of choice for many underage children. It is estimated that one third of youth begin to drink before the age of …
Perfectionism Isn’t So Perfect For Us
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, April 06, 2015
The following is a definition of perfectionism: Perfectionism is characterized by a person’s striving for flawlessness and setting excessively high performance standards, accompanied by overly …
Trauma: Do I Suffer From It and Is There Help?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, March 23, 2015
Recently, the press has focused on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is the result of an incident where the individual has felt that they, …
Continue reading “Trauma: Do I Suffer From It and Is There Help?”
Do You Find It Difficult to Talk About Sex Topics With Your Children?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, March 10, 2015
If you feel awkward or uncomfortable, you are definitely not alone. For most parents, sex topic discussions are one of the most complex and emotionally …
Continue reading “Do You Find It Difficult to Talk About Sex Topics With Your Children?”
What is “Eating Disorder” – Signs and Symptoms
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Eating disorder awareness is instrumental in the health and well-being of boys/girls and men/women of all ages. In the United States alone, 30 million people …
Continue reading “What is “Eating Disorder” – Signs and Symptoms”
Will it be “Juicing” or “Blending” – “That is the Question”
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, January 26, 2015
Life and Health Coach As Hamlet pondered whether it was better to live or die in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, my clients are always pondering whether it’s …
Continue reading “Will it be “Juicing” or “Blending” – “That is the Question””
New Year, New Opportunities…. Same Resolutions?
Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, January 12, 2015
When reflecting about the passing 2014, did you find that the 2014 resolutions did not make it past the first month? Here are some simple …
Continue reading “New Year, New Opportunities…. Same Resolutions?”
