Our Blog

Back to School, Back to You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 05, 2026

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 …

Purposeful Parenting Starts With You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 22, 2026

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

Why Boredom Is Good for Kids

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 08, 2026

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, …

Purpose Isn’t Found. It’s Chosen.

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, July 02, 2026

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 …

“I’m Fine”. Sure. Let’s Unpack That.

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, June 25, 2026

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 …

What About Him? Understanding the Emotional Biology of Men

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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 …

Why Men Freeze During Relationship Conflict (And How to Thaw)

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 10, 2026

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 …

Be a Man

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 03, 2026

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 – …

Mental Health Myths

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, June 01, 2026

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 …

Therapy is for Kids Too – And That’s OK

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

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 …

Emotional Exhaustion in Everyday Life

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

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, …

Boundaries – Real or a Cover-Up?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, April 27, 2026

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 …

Prevention Isn’t What You Think

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 22, 2026

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 …

Living with Intention

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 15, 2026

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 …

Prevention Now – Before It’s Too Much

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 08, 2026

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 …

Are You Actually Living? Or Simply Going Through the Motions?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, March 27, 2026

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 …

Hardest Yoga Pose? Not What You Think…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The other day, at the very end of a yoga class, our teacher said something that made everyone in the room smile. “And now,” she …

Mindful Living and the Language of Emotions

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 11, 2026

By Izaskun Cruz, LMFT Emotions are built through a lifetime of experiences, yet we still get the sensation that they control us or that we …

Living Mindfully: Reconnecting With the Present Moment

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 04, 2026

By Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Intern How many of us move through our days simply going through the motions without truly connecting to our bodies or …

You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: The Importance of Loving Yourself First

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, February 26, 2026

By Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Intern Many of the people we work with deeply value caring for others. They are parents, partners, caregivers, professionals, and friends …

What is self-love?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Self-love is defined as: regard for ones own wellbeing and happiness. What else? Self-love is taking care of your body. Self-love is getting your yearly …

Beyond Valentine’s Day: Love Starts with You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 11, 2026

February is the month of love. Since Christmas ended, stores have been filled with cards, chocolates, and flowers… Reminders to show love to spouses, partners, …

Love Language, Lost in Translation

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, February 05, 2026

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. …

New Year, Same Brain: Why Real Change Doesn’t Start with Motivation

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 28, 2026

January has a funny way of convincing us we’re about to become a completely different person. New planner. New routine. New mindset. Same nervous system. …

A Year of Editing…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 21, 2026

By Vanessa Molina, LMFT Cheers to a new year. 2026 is here, and with it comes the familiar pull toward reflection and personal growth. Many …

New Year but Old You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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 …

Letting Go of “It’s in My Genes”

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 07, 2026

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 …

Navigating Reflection in Family and Friendships

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, December 23, 2025

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 …

A Year Lived Intentionally

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, December 18, 2025

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 …

Hold Close the People Who Carry You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 10, 2025

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 …

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

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 03, 2025

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, …

Grateful Now in the Messy Middle…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 26, 2025

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 …

When Gratitude Doesn’t Come Naturally…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, November 20, 2025

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 …

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

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, November 14, 2025

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 …

🎁🐐 The Gift of the Goat…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 05, 2025

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 …

Prioritizing Women’s Health

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 29, 2025

By Elizabeth Schaul, MHC Intern October is a time when we often pause to focus on women’s health. It is a reminder of how deeply …

EMDR: Finding Peace in the Present…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 22, 2025

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 …

Your Body, Your Plan Now!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 15, 2025

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 …

Prepare Today for a Peaceful Birth with Yoga & Hypnosis!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 01, 2025

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 …

Self-Improvement Without Self-Bullying: The Desire → Motivation → Design Loop

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 24, 2025

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 …

🧠🏃‍♀️✨ Caring Today for Your Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, September 15, 2025

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 …

Becoming the brightest version of myself!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 03, 2025

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, …

Back to School Success: Start the Year Strong

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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 …

Is It Ever Too Late to Go Back To School?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, August 14, 2025

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 …

Don’t Leave Me! (No, Really)

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 06, 2025

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 …

The More Things Change…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 30, 2025

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 …

Parenting with Purpose: Letting Go While Holding On

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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

Parenting Panic? Relax, You’ve Got This!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 02, 2025

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 …

Men, Mental Health, and the Legacy of Silence After Father’s Day…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, June 16, 2025

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 …

Being a Dad Today!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 11, 2025

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

The Surprising Way to Get Men to Open Up!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 04, 2025

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: …

Is it the Wrong Job or Is it Burnout?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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 …

Divorce’s Emotional Toll: Act Now to Heal!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Sunday, May 18, 2025

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. …

Is FEAR Blocking Your Awesome Future Today?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, May 13, 2025

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 …

Finding Joy in Budgeting Now – for a Better Future

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 30, 2025

By Emilia Alvarez Money. Money money money, dollar dollar bills, y’all. It’s arguably one of the most stressful things we as humans deal with. No …

Prevention Now for a Better Future…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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 …

Tiny Daily Shifts for Less Daily Stress – Now!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, March 29, 2025

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 …

Seize Control Now With Proactive Decisions

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, March 29, 2025

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 …

What Does It Truly Mean to be Mindful?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 26, 2025

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 …

🔑 Unlock Secrets to Balance Your Life…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Sunday, March 09, 2025

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 …

🔍✨And Where is Your Focus?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, March 08, 2025

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 …

⏸️ When Life Interrupts…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 05, 2025

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 …

❤️‍🔥Love is not Enough…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, February 27, 2025

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, …

🔓 Unlock Deeper Connections Now…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, February 17, 2025

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 …

❤️‍🩹 vs. 💖 | Conditional v. Unconditional Love

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 12, 2025

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 …

Unlock Your Best Self🔑🌟 | | Simple Habit Hacks for Success!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, January 30, 2025

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 …

💪❤️From Strain to Strength: Transform Your Relationship!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, January 20, 2025

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 …

🤔⚖️ Is It Time to Exit Litigation Now?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, January 13, 2025

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 …

🚧 Self-Labels: A Roadblock to Growth?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 08, 2025

“I’m a perfectionist!” “I’m a Type A personality!” “I’m just not good at math!” Do these self-identifying labels sound familiar?  We all do it. And …

🌟🛣️Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Headed…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, December 31, 2024

As the calendar turns to a new year, there’s a natural pause—a moment to breathe, reflect, and reset. The past year holds stories of triumph, …

Finding Peace After the Holiday Rush

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, December 27, 2024

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 …

Tips for Navigating Family Dynamics Now!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, December 06, 2024

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 …

Sparking Joy and Connection Through Gratitude! 💖🤝

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Sunday, November 24, 2024

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 …

Gratefulness: A Pathway to Joy and Stronger Relationships

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, November 18, 2024

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 …

Are you grateful for the things you DON’T have?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, November 11, 2024

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 …

Gratitude: Is it Science or Spirit?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, November 05, 2024

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 …

Is Women’s Health Different? Should it Be?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 16, 2024

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 …

💥Top Priority: Your Personal Health Scan!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, October 08, 2024

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 …

Attachment As A Biological Need

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 02, 2024

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 …

Self-Improvement Through Relationships: How Connection Fuels Personal Growth

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 25, 2024

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 …

Creating a Self-Care Routine that Works for You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 18, 2024

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. …

Unlocking Your Best Self

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 11, 2024

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 …

Demystifying Hypnosis in Therapy

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, September 02, 2024

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 …

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

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 28, 2024

“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 …

Making Friends in High School and Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 07, 2024

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 …

Social Media and Heading Back to School

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 07, 2024

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 …

Purposeful Parenting is Relational Parenting

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 31, 2024

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 …

From Unpurposeful Parenting to Purposeful GrandParenting

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Sunday, July 14, 2024

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

How to Become a Purposeful Father and Mother

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, July 06, 2024

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 …

The Man or the Bear?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 26, 2024

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 …

Breaking the Silence: Promoting Mental Health Awareness Among Teenage Boys

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, June 18, 2024

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 …

Boost Your Bro: The Lowdown on Testosterone Checks

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Sunday, June 09, 2024

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 …

The Importance of Kids Participating in Summer Camp

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, June 08, 2024

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, …

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

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 05, 2024

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 …

Navigating and Overcoming a Toxic Work Environment

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, May 30, 2024

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 …

Thank You (I’m Grateful 🙏), Next…

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, May 25, 2024

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 …

Mental Health Awareness – Let’s Become Aware

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 15, 2024

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 …

What do you want?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Saturday, April 27, 2024

“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 …

Our Happiness – Our Responsibility

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 17, 2024

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 …

Keeping Your Mental Health in Check

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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 …

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