Our Blog

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”

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?”

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 …

Continue reading “Boundaries – Real or a Cover-Up?”

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”

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…”

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 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!”

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?”

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”

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…”

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…”

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”

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”

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?”

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”

A toxic work environment can severely impact your mental and physical health, leading to stress, anxiety, and decreased productivity. Identifying the signs and navigating your …

Continue reading “Navigating and Overcoming a Toxic Work Environment”

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”

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 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”

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”

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”

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 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 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?”

In a world where societal expectations have traditionally dictated that men must be strong, stoic, and unemotional, there is a growing movement that seeks to …

Continue reading “Redefining Masculinity: Male Emotional Advocacy Takes Center Stage”

By Angela Cruz Serrano, MFT and MHC Intern Mental health is a topic that has been receiving increased attention in recent years. While the conversation …

Continue reading “Men’s Health and Mental Health”

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”

Alli Griffiths, Mental Health Counselor, RI Do you see your doctor annually for a routine checkup? Or do you wait until you have a problem …

Continue reading “Taking Care of Your Mental Health”

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 Maria Silvia Paoli, Certified Life Coach Beliefs get ingrained in our thoughts – usually after a personal significant experience. It can be an everyday …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Limiting Beliefs and Coaching”

Can you grow as an individual while in a relationship? Well, that all depends. Does your partner give space for that growth? Do they push …

Continue reading “Growth in a Relationship”

I love many of Dr. Seuss’ quotes, but my very favorite is: Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Comparing”

I was talking with a friend the other day.  I hadn’t seen her in a while, so we spent time catching up. One of the …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Jump In”

Now that we turned the corner into 2023 and before we continue moving forward, let’s take a minute to pause and reflect on 2022. As …

Continue reading “Celebrating our Wins and Losses”

Nine years ago, I found my courage.  I left my full-time “secure” job and opened my private practice as a Life Coach. I found the …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Courage”

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”

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”

If you believe in yourself, anything is possible! This is one of the positive affirmations circling in social media today. Yes, if we believe in …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Belief”

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”

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”

Many of my clients come in stressed because they can’t find their Work-Life Balance.  As much as they try, they can’t seem to get both …

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

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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?””

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”

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?”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

As the world begins to move into this “new normal” post-COVID 19 quarantine world – I cannot help but wonder what our lives and realities …

Continue reading “Don’t Worry Be Happy”

Congratulations! You made it to the end of May, AKA Mental Health Awareness Month. By now I’m sure you’ve been inundated with plenty of words …

Continue reading “A Review on Mental Health Awareness”

Yes, we’re in the middle of a pandemic. Yes, we’re now teachers in addition to parents. Yes, we’re in confined quarters. Yes, we’re unemployed. Yes, …

Continue reading “Dreaming During the Time of Covid”

I woke up this morning feeling much better than I did yesterday. I felt a new sense of relief and control. These feelings elude me …

Continue reading “How to Prevent Anxiety in the Time of Corona”

These are strange times. The uncertainty is creating stress and fear. For some, there are many strong reactions and emotions. If this is you, here …

Continue reading “Tips on Reducing Anxiety”

We live in a time where our children are more exposed to information channels than ever before. With the anxiety and panic created by the …

Continue reading “Talking to Your Child About COVID”

Let’s be smart Let’s be mindful Let’s be calm. Breathe. As we navigate through these unchartered waters with COVID-19, our anxiety is escalating and the …

Continue reading “A Letter From Our Director”