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”

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.”

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”

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”

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”

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”

By Cristina Ferreira, LMHC, MFT, NCC In a world that constantly feels like it’s pulling us into a million different directions and often focused on …

Continue reading “Are You Actually Living? Or Simply Going Through the Motions?”

Let’s revisit the love languages (made famous by Chapman a few years back). Y’all, the key is that you speak THEIR love language. Cross translate. …

Continue reading “Love Language, Lost in Translation”

By Vanessa Molina, LMFT Sometimes reflection from others feels wrong—not necessarily because there is no truth in it, but because it challenges how we see …

Continue reading “Navigating Reflection in Family and Friendships”

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”

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…”

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 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 Diana Meneses This month, I’ve been reflecting on how much my mental health journey has shaped my relationships — with friends, family, romantic partners, …

Continue reading “Becoming the brightest version of myself!”

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)”

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!”

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?”

We often hear about preventive measures related to physical health. Preventive medicine aims to prevent diseases or reduce the severity of their impact. We don’t …

Continue reading “Prevention Now for a Better Future…”

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”

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…”

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”

By Giselle Alfonso. MBA, Master Psychology Student At the start of every year, many of us set ambitious goals: read more books, exercise regularly, or …

Continue reading “Unlock Your Best Self🔑🌟 | | Simple Habit Hacks for Success!”

By Angelica Cruz-Serrano, RMFTI The start of a new year is a powerful reminder of the fresh possibilities that lie ahead. It’s a time when …

Continue reading “💪❤️From Strain to Strength: Transform Your Relationship!”

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 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 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?”

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 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”

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”

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”

“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”

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”

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”

To stand in gratefulness it’s important to first be present. But what happens if life gets in the way of us being present? What happens …

Continue reading “Finding Gratefulness by Breaking Free of the Work-Life Balance Trap”

By Natalie Peña, Mental Health Counselor, Practicum Intern Prenatal care tends to focus on what’s best for the baby. Books, doctors, and the internet often …

Continue reading “5 Ways to Optimize Your (Mental) Health During Pregnancy”

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 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?”

Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys; however, it is very demanding and exhausting.  The moment you become a parent, your focus turns to take …

Continue reading “The Importance of Self-Care for Parents”

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”

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”

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”

By Maria Silvia Paoli, Certified Life Coach In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted exploring technology’s effects on mental health. The findings of these studies have …

Continue reading “Mental Health v. Tech Advances”

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”

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”

By Maria Silvia Paoli, Certified Life Coach Mindfulness is defined as “a basic human ability to be fully present, in a state of awareness and …

Continue reading “Mindfulness and Personal Growth”

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”

“This just isn’t working for me.” “I’ve been seeing someone else.” “It’s not you, it’s me.” We have all heard either these or a combination …

Continue reading “Heartbreak Survival Guide”

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”