Our Blog

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 …

Continue reading “Why Stress is Good for Kids”

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, …

Continue reading “The Emotional Side of Going Back to School”

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 …

Continue reading “Walk with Purpose in the Direction You’re Going”

We’re great at measuring success at work: ·      deadlines hit, ·      problems solved, ·      teams led. Then we walk in the door and step into …

Continue reading “Purposeful Parenting Starts With You”

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 …

Continue reading “Parenting by Design, Not Default: An Introduction to Purposeful Parenting”

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, …

Continue reading “Why Boredom Is Good for Kids”

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 …

Continue reading “How Sports Psychology is Helping Young Men Open Up”

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 …

Continue reading “Therapy is for Kids Too – And That’s OK”

By Bianca Gabay, RMHCI When most people think about prevention, they think about avoiding problems. Staying calm. Keeping the peace. Not letting things get “too …

Continue reading “Prevention Isn’t What You Think”

By Stephanie Baldor, B.S. In life, we form a multitude of relationships. These people are placed in our lives one out of two ways: by …

Continue reading “The Friends That Become Family”

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on family and friends. It has been a year of reconnection, deeper communication, personal …

Continue reading “A Year Lived Intentionally”

December is one of the busiest times of the year. End of the year, family commitments, school activities for kids, concerts, Christmas bazaars, holiday preparations, …

Continue reading “From Chaos to Connection: A 5-Minute December Reflection on the People You Love”

Saturday is November 29th, and it’s my birthday. Every year, I feel lucky that my birthday falls during a season when so many of us …

Continue reading “Grateful Now in the Messy Middle…”

There is a parable about a large family living in a one room hut in a small village. The only thing they have to their …

Continue reading “🎁🐐 The Gift of the Goat…”

By Roxie Campos, MS, LMFT Have you ever known you were safe, but your body didn’t feel that way? Maybe certain memories, sounds, or moments still bring …

Continue reading “EMDR: Finding Peace in the Present…”

A trend I’m seeing among the women I treat is the desire to have more control over one’s body. Whatever your age or phase of …

Continue reading “Confusion to Clarity Today: Take Charge of Your Health!”

Pregnancy is arguably one of the most transformative journeys a woman may experience in her life but for many, the idea of labor and delivery …

Continue reading “Prepare Today for a Peaceful Birth with Yoga & Hypnosis!”

By Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Practicum Student It’s that time of year many family’s dread. The end of a beautiful, relaxing summer filled with adventure and …

Continue reading “Back to School Success: Start the Year Strong”

A Parent’s Guide to Tackling Separation Anxiety with Heart Let’s be real — saying goodbye to your child when they are clinging to you like …

Continue reading “Don’t Leave Me! (No, Really)”

As we wrap up our month-long focus on Purposeful Parenting, I want to leave you with a personal reflection—a story I’ve shared before, but one …

Continue reading “The More Things Change…”

By Carolina Navarro – Intake Coordinator at CGCC Raising a teenager is no easy feat. Raising one as a single mom adds layers of complexity, …

Continue reading “Parenting with Purpose: Letting Go While Holding On”

By Anastasiya Rusilka, Mother of Three and a Mental Health Counselor I want to tell you something I wish more people would say out loud: …

Continue reading “No Instructions, Just Love: Parenting When You’re Tired…”

Throughout my years as a therapist, parents have come to me with many different challenges their children are facing. One of the most common concerns …

Continue reading “Introvert, Extrovert, or Both? Understanding Your Child”

By Analisse Ortiz, Office Manager, CGCC Raising my daughter Charlie, who just turned two, has been and will continue to be the most rewarding experience …

Continue reading “Parenting Panic? Relax, You’ve Got This!”

As a life coach that coaches male attorneys – and the mom of a “Dad” – I’ve seen that being a Dad today is a …

Continue reading “Being a Dad Today!”

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Divorce can feel like the ground just dropped out from under you. Even if you’re the one who asked for it. …

Continue reading “Divorce’s Emotional Toll: Act Now to Heal!”

By Natalie Peña, IMHC In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, stress, mindless scrolling, and competing demands, the concept of mindful living offers a refreshing …

Continue reading “🔑 Unlock Secrets to Balance Your Life…”

Have you ever felt frustrated because someone didn’t meet your needs—only to realize you never actually expressed them? Communicating our needs is one of the …

Continue reading “🔓 Unlock Deeper Connections Now…”

Love is one of the most powerful forces in human relationships, yet not all love is the same. At its core, love can be classified …

Continue reading “❤️‍🩹 vs. 💖 | Conditional v. Unconditional Love”

Being a mom is one of life’s greatest blessings and, simultaneously, one of its greatest responsibilities. As mothers, we step into this role with hopes, …

Continue reading “With Gratitude to our Children”

By Izaskun Cruz, LMFT The holiday season often brings a mix of joy, nostalgia, and reflection. For families experiencing significant changes, this time can also …

Continue reading “🌟🤝❤️Finding Connection Now With Family Change!”

By Natalie Peña, IMHC As the holiday season approaches, many look forward to festive gatherings, family traditions, and shared memories. However, for some people, family …

Continue reading “Tips for Navigating Family Dynamics Now!”

By Bianca Gabay, National Certified Counselor Cultivating gratefulness in our relationships is a powerful way to enhance connection, deepen emotional intimacy, and strengthen the bond …

Continue reading “Sparking Joy and Connection Through Gratitude! 💖🤝”

Do you have a toothache right now? No? Good. Be thankful for that! This is a form of gratitude meditation. Pausing to appreciate the absence …

Continue reading “Are you grateful for the things you DON’T have?”

By Izakun Cruz, LMFT Gratitude has become an often-used word in wellness circles, and for good reason. Science and spirituality both affirm the transformative effects …

Continue reading “Gratitude: Is it Science or Spirit?”

Attachment styles have been a hot topic over social media and a relatively new science that has gained momentum since the publication of Amir Levine …

Continue reading “Attachment As A Biological Need”

By Bianca Gabay, National Certified Counselor When we think about self-improvement, we often focus on personal goals, habits, or skills. But what if there’s a …

Continue reading “Self-Improvement Through Relationships: How Connection Fuels Personal Growth”

“Should I?” This is a question I get asked often by clients, family, and friends.  AND, me. It’s a tricky question because it’s a question …

Continue reading ““Should I?” Understanding the Difference Between Indecision and Careful Analysis”

As we all know, school starts soon, and many parents across the country are already buying school supplies and uniforms and preparing their kids for …

Continue reading “Making Friends in High School and Taking Care of Your Mental Health”

By Bianca Gabay, National Certified Counselor The funny thing about parenting is that, despite all good intentions, a clear plan, and the surplus of resources …

Continue reading “Purposeful Parenting is Relational Parenting”

When I was raising my three kids – now adults with their own kids – my parenting was anything but purposeful.  It was very reactive. …

Continue reading “From Unpurposeful Parenting to Purposeful GrandParenting”

By: Izakun Cruz, LMFT When I read about purposeful parenting, the first word that caught my attention was “purposeful.” As a mother myself, I’ve been …

Continue reading “How to Become a Purposeful Father and Mother”

As a parent, your relationship with your child is one of the most important in your life.  A strong and healthy relationship between parents and …

Continue reading “How to Improve Your Parent-Child Relationship”

By Izakun Cruz, LMFT To become a healthy man, we must first learn to be one. Society and cultures have not left much space for …

Continue reading “Breaking the Silence: Promoting Mental Health Awareness Among Teenage Boys”

School is finally ending, and kids are excited that summer is about to begin. Most kids are hoping to stay home, relax with their electronics, …

Continue reading “The Importance of Kids Participating in Summer Camp”

By Cristina Ferreira, RMFTI, RMHCI There is often a big misconception when it comes to men’s mental health. The idea that men don’t struggle with …

Continue reading ““Boys Don’t Cry”= Men Suffering in Silence”

In a world fixated on flawlessness, the pursuit of perfection can feel like an endless race with no finish line in sight. Society and social …

Continue reading “Embracing Imperfection”

In a few days, I will turn 50. Many people have been asking me how it feels to turn the big 5-0; honestly, I’m not …

Continue reading “Life is a Roller Coaster”

By Jean Crawford, Certified Life Coach Ah, the new year – sparkly confetti, a time for fresh beginnings, a fresh canvas, and the undeniable pressure …

Continue reading “Embrace Your 2024 Journey”

Whether 2024 slid in or came in with a bang, with the New Year we have a New Journey. We have a chance to repeat …

Continue reading “2024 – Open to Change BUT Do You”

The holidays, the end of the calendar year, this all brings on a feeling of reflection. Looking back, taking stock. The rituals of wrapping up …

Continue reading “Holidays, Family and Tradition”

If you are or were a client or you’ve read my blogs, you know I’m all about clarity.  In fact, one of my words for …

Continue reading “A Reflection – Clarity and Inner Peace”

As I sit here reflecting on this past year, I feel a heaviness instead of my usual end of year reflection of excitement for the …

Continue reading “Reflecting on Grudges, Resentments, Guilts and Regrets”

Today is my 65th birthday. The past 65 years have been full of both lessons and milestones. A friend of mine gave me a birthday …

Continue reading “Every Candle Tells a Story”

By Natalie Peña, Mental Health Counselor, Practicum Intern Practicing gratitude does not come naturally for everyone. Many people struggle to be grateful for countless reasons. …

Continue reading “The Physiology of Gratitude”

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about being more present in your life by not falling into searching for the elusive work-life …

Continue reading “Glimmers of Gratefulness: Embracing the Small Joys”

By Pan He, Certified Life Coach It’s November, and Thanksgiving is coming up in the United States. Families and friends gather to celebrate and give …

Continue reading “The Season of Gratitude: A Practical Guide to Feeling More Grateful”

Birth control was first introduced in the early 1970’s which forever changed the world as we know it. It provided women with the first opportunity …

Continue reading “Birth Control: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?”

As the summer comes to an end and the back-to-school season approaches, a whirlwind of emotions is stirred that accompanies the return to both the …

Continue reading “Back to School and a Routine”

As someone who went back to school in my 40’s, 50’s and then again in my 60’s – this has been a question I’ve asked …

Continue reading “Back to School – Should I or Shouldn’t I?”

By Laurel Kilpatrick, M.D., Certified Life Coach Is it really time to start thinking about going back to school? It seems like it was just …

Continue reading “Time Flies: Time Management Hacks for Heading Back to School”

The other day my sister and I were spending time with our adult daughters relaxing and hanging out in the pool.  They were talking about …

Continue reading “Mom You Did the Best You Could”

By Alli Griffiths, Mental Health Counselor, Practicum First, emotional neglect is not emotional abuse. Abuse intends to harm whereas emotional neglect is usually unintentional. Oftentimes, …

Continue reading “What is Childhood Emotional Neglect?”

Most parents struggle with the transition from parenting a child to parenting a teen. This typically happens because your teen is seeking independence yet instinctually, …

Continue reading “Navigating Through the Teens”

As I was sitting in front of the computer, not sure what to write about on Men’s Health, I received this picture from my son.  …

Continue reading “Men and Life Balance”

By: High School Student – her college essay We all go through the natural and unavoidable process of growing up. However, for some of us, …

Continue reading “Forced to Mature – Growing up with an ADHD sibling”

Lisa is a 55-year-old, happily married retired woman who lives with her husband in a house in Coconut Grove. All her children are adults and …

Continue reading “Am I just sad or am I clinically depressed?”

By Christian Mendez, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Just last month the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 8-year-old children …

Continue reading “Autism Awareness”

By Maria Silvia Paoli, Certified Life Coach Emotional health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. It refers to an individual’s ability to understand and …

Continue reading “Prioritize Your Emotional Health”

Yes, sometimes we’re busy; sometimes we’re very busy; and sometimes we’re not. Being busy is a good thing.  Regardless of whether you own your business …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Busy v. Soo…Busy”

During this time of the school year, high school seniors are enthusiastically announcing their post high school plans. Each year of high school presents a …

Continue reading “Helping Your Teen Prevent High School Burnout”

By Angela Cruz Serrano, MFT and MHC Intern We are always thinking about our next move, our next chapter in life, our next everything and …

Continue reading “Living Mindfully Today”

It’s Friday night.  You’re out to dinner with your family: a ritual you look forward to throughout the week.  Although you’re all together, you feel …

Continue reading “Less Electronics, More Mindfulness”

As I write this last blog for the month of February on the topic of “Love for Yourself and Others,” I thought I would close …

Continue reading “Girl Love”

By: Angelica Cruz-Serrano, MFT and MHC Intern For some, the Holidays may symbolize a time that brings family and friends together; a time when people …

Continue reading “Family Reflections”

I heard a quote somewhere that traditions are just peer pressure from ghosts. Or, elder living family members, in many cases as well. So when …

Continue reading “Family Traditions”

By Maria Silvia Paoli, Certified Life Coach I am a Venezuelan who immigrated due to the political and socioeconomic situation. I am also a coach …

Continue reading “On the Blog: Christmas Holidays and Immigrants”

By: Alli Griffiths, MHC Intern Does this time of year stress you out? If so, you are not alone. Pause. Take a moment. Close your …

Continue reading “How to Manage Holiday Stress”

By Dara Teller, LCSW There are so many things to be grateful for, but often times we allow our stress and anxiety to consume us. …

Continue reading “A Reflection”

Those who know me, know I love tennis! Earlier this year, I was coaching with a tennis pro when I decided I didn’t want to …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Getting Out of Your Own Way”

Happiness is the “state of just being happy.” But how do we just “be happy” when life is 50/50? 50% good and 50% bad. We’ve …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Happiness”

My daughters prepared the funeral mass for my ex-husband who passed away two months ago.  As a gift for my 3 kids and my stepdaughter, …

Continue reading “The Eulogy”

By: Vanessa Molina, MFT, Intern Often times we find it difficult to focus on the positive things going on in our lives when there’s so …

Continue reading “Gratefulness”

We believe we HAVE to do this or that or SHOULD. But the truth is we can choose to NOT do so. We ALWAYS have …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: It’s Optional”

Life happens because life is 50/50. We’re going to have both good and bad experiences. We’re going to have positive and negative thoughts and feelings. …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Bouncing Forward”

Change is such a constant in our lives…whether we like it or not. Many years ago I decided to embrace change and look forward to …

Continue reading “Let Go and Let God”

Remind yourself: A Reflection on Sending Your Teen Off to College August is here and the reality that your children are heading off to college …

Continue reading “College Bound Reflection”

After eight years as a Life Coach, I recently completed a second Life Coach Certification.  This time with The Life Coach School. One of the …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Manuals for Others”

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”

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”

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!”

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”

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?”

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”

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”

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”

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”