Our Blog

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”

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”

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 …

Continue reading “Purpose Isn’t Found. It’s Chosen.”

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 …

Continue reading ““I’m Fine”. Sure. Let’s Unpack That.”

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 …

Continue reading “What About Him? Understanding the Emotional Biology of Men”

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”

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 …

Continue reading “Why Men Freeze During Relationship Conflict (And How to Thaw)”

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 – …

Continue reading “Be a Man”

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”

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 …

Continue reading “What Can Individuals Do to Prevent Suicide?”

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 Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Intern It is easy to imagine that the future will unfold naturally over time. That with enough effort, or simply enough …

Continue reading “Living with Intention”

By Izaskun Cruz, LMFT We often think prevention means avoiding pain. Like if we do things “right,” nothing difficult will happen. But life sometimes is …

Continue reading “Prevention Now – Before It’s Too Much”

What if we changed the January saying? Maybe, instead of “New Year, New You” we should try “New Year, Old You?!” Maybe you shouldn’t be reinventing …

Continue reading “New Year but Old You”

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”

For most of my life, whenever I struggled with my weight, skipped workouts, or noticed my hair thinning, I reached for the same explanation: “It’s …

Continue reading “Letting Go of “It’s in My Genes””

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”

By Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Intern Every day, in the quiet moments between sessions, I find myself reflecting on the people who fill my life with …

Continue reading “Hold Close the People Who Carry You”

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…”

November and its celebration of Thanksgiving are one of those gentle reminders of how grateful we should be — how fortunate and lucky we are. We scroll …

Continue reading “When Gratitude Doesn’t Come Naturally…”

By Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Intern Did you know that gratefulness is not just a lovely habit, but a practice with profound impact? When you begin …

Continue reading “💛The Hidden Power of Gratefulness: More Than Just Saying “Thank You”…”

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…”

By Emilia Maria Alvarez Everybody’s body is different – something we all know yet often forget when it matters most. We can get so frustrated …

Continue reading “Your Body, Your Plan Now!”

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!”

If you’ve ever set a goal, sworn you’d stick to it, and then quietly ghosted yourself two weeks later, welcome to being human. Most of …

Continue reading “Self-Improvement Without Self-Bullying: The Desire → Motivation → Design Loop”

By Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Intern When you hear the phrase self-care, what comes to mind? Many people picture spa days, vacations, or special treats. While those …

Continue reading “🧠🏃‍♀️✨ Caring Today for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!”

By Emilia Maria Alvarez Little Emilia (actually, back then my family called me Emily, so let’s call her little Emily) had some pretty great ideas. Her …

Continue reading “Your Dream Life Is a Destination—Here’s How to Get There!”

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”

Am I too old for this? Will it be worth the time and money? Can I really keep up with younger students? Is this something …

Continue reading “Is It Ever Too Late to Go Back To School?”

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 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!”

By Bianca Gabay, National Certified Counselor Father’s Day was just celebrated — a day filled with backyard barbecues, sentimental cards, and heartfelt posts about appreciation …

Continue reading “Men, Mental Health, and the Legacy of Silence After Father’s Day…”

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!”

Men and women don’t speak the same language. It’s a truth that’s been noted in countless books and blogs. But here’s what often gets overlooked: …

Continue reading “The Surprising Way to Get Men to Open Up!”

You’re tired. Maybe more than tired — you’re exhausted. Mentally checked out. Questioning everything about your job. But pause for a moment. Ask yourself: Am …

Continue reading “Is it the Wrong Job or Is it Burnout?”

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!”

When we think of prevention, we often imagine physical health: checkups vaccines more water less food more workouts But prevention goes far beyond the physical …

Continue reading “Is FEAR Blocking Your Awesome Future Today?”

Our days are filled with transitions—waking up, heading to work, taking breaks, coming home, going to bed. Yet, most of the time, we rush through …

Continue reading “Tiny Daily Shifts for Less Daily Stress – Now!”

In our fast-paced world filled with distractions and immediate concerns, prevention is often overlooked in favor of quick fixes. But what if we reframed our …

Continue reading “Seize Control Now With Proactive Decisions”

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “mindfulness” or been told to “be more mindful.” But have you ever taken a moment to truly reflect on …

Continue reading “What Does It Truly Mean to be Mindful?”

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…”

What is stealing your focus? Probably the screen you’re reading this blog on right now! Or it could be worries about health or money? Is …

Continue reading “🔍✨And Where is Your Focus?”

Mindful living is often portrayed as a serene, uninterrupted state of presence—where every moment is met with awareness, every breath is intentional, and every action …

Continue reading “⏸️ When Life Interrupts…”

We often grow up believing that love conquers all. Movies, songs, and fairy tales tell us that as long as two people love each other, …

Continue reading “❤️‍🔥Love is not Enough…”

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”

For those unfamiliar with my work, I coach attorneys out of overwhelm and burnout, and I’m also an attorney recruiter. Many of my clients and …

Continue reading “🤔⚖️ Is It Time to Exit Litigation Now?”

The holiday season, while filled with joy and celebration, can also be incredibly hectic. From shopping for the perfect gifts to cooking elaborate meals and …

Continue reading “Finding Peace After the Holiday Rush”

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! 💖🤝”

By Angelica Cruz-Serrano, RMFTI Gratefulness is often considered a simple act, but its impact on our lives can be profound. Practicing gratitude can shift our …

Continue reading “Gratefulness: A Pathway to Joy and Stronger Relationships”

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?”

Did you know that once upon a time, if a woman exhibited any emotional distress, they would remove her “hysteria” by performing a “hysterectomy”? (Hence …

Continue reading “Is Women’s Health Different? Should it Be?”

In October, I always pause and take inventory of how I’ve been doing with my health during the year.  As a breast cancer survivor, for …

Continue reading “💥Top Priority: Your Personal Health Scan!”

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”

By: Natalie Peña, IMHC In today’s fast-paced world, balancing the demands of work, family, and daily life can often leave self-care feeling like an afterthought. …

Continue reading “Creating a Self-Care Routine that Works for You”

By Cristina Ferreira, RMHCI, RMFTI, NCC Self-improvement is one of those words that can sound a bit overwhelming. Still, at its core, it’s all about making …

Continue reading “Unlocking Your Best Self”

Entering a state of trance that’s just right for you. Hypnosis has been around for the past 1,000 years give or take and varies wildly …

Continue reading “Demystifying Hypnosis in Therapy”

“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”

As our kids head back to school, they’re not just lugging backpacks, books, laptops/ipads– they’re also carrying the weight of social media. Strange how social …

Continue reading “Social Media and Heading Back to School”

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”

I was scrolling through Tik Tok the other day and was absolutely enraptured by a video of a woman telling a story of a terrifying …

Continue reading “The Man or the Bear?”

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”

Gentlemen, gather ’round. It’s time we have a little chat about something near and dear to our hearts: testosterone. Yes, that magical hormone responsible for …

Continue reading “Boost Your Bro: The Lowdown on Testosterone Checks”

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”

While preparing for my forty-first tour around the sun , and reflecting on where I am in my life today, I came across these words from Yung …

Continue reading “Thank You (I’m Grateful 🙏), Next…”

So, it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I obviously am so grateful for the awareness that has been created around …

Continue reading “Mental Health Awareness – Let’s Become Aware”

Yoga has been a viral sensation gaining popularity over the western hemisphere for the past several decades. But what is yoga exactly? Is it a …

Continue reading “Yoga for Mental Health”

“What do you want?” When I ask my clients, this question the response is a blank stare.  When they do respond the response is “What …

Continue reading “What do you want?”

When we look for our happiness, many of us look for it outside of ourselves. We expect it to come from our significant other. We …

Continue reading “Our Happiness – Our Responsibility”

In the realm of self-improvement, physical health often is the focus. We hit the gym, watch what we eat, and schedule check-ups to keep our …

Continue reading “Keeping Your Mental Health in Check”

There are two steps to getting what you want: 1) Knowing what you want; and 2) Taking intentional steps to get it Both are about …

Continue reading “Getting What You Want”

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”

Yes, self love is gratitude journals, and bubble baths…face masks and lazy Saturdays. It’s also treat yourself days and hanging with the guys/gals. But let’s …

Continue reading “True Self-Love”

Welcome to a brand-new year filled with endless possibilities! If you’re considering a career change, now is the perfect time to embrace a fresh start …

Continue reading “Embracing a Fresh Start: Successfully Navigating a Career Change in 2024”

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”

This is our last blog of the year, and I thought I would end 2023 with a little bit of a twist. This is the …

Continue reading “2024 Tips – Tools Not Stress”

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”