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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”

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…”

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!”

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?”

By Izaskun Cruz Nuñez, LMFT We often think of mental health challenges as signs that something has gone wrong, a punishment, a flaw, or a …

Continue reading “Mental Health: Messages Written in the Sand”

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…”

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, …

Continue reading “🌟🛣️Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Headed…”

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”

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”

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”

By Jeni Kennedy, Certified Life Coach With the summer sun fading, the sound of pencils sharpening, backpacks zipping, and the sounds of school bells ringing; …

Continue reading “Jumping Back to School”

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”

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”

Your Branding is Your Identity When we think “branding” most of us think businesses and corporations. My definition of branding is when businesses and corporations …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Branding Your Identity”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

I have written on boundaries before, but this past week it has been a recurring theme for all my clients, so I thought it would …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: More on Boundaries”

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”

I am so happy to write this for Men’s Health Awareness. In my sessions with men, I have found many of them reach the point …

Continue reading ““Is there anything more to life?” The Common Question”

“Therapists are archeologists that dig into our past to help us understand the present; Coaches are architects that help us build our future once we …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Therapy v. Coaching”

Here is a simple script for mindful moments. Let’s break it down. Notice your thoughts. “I’m sitting on a soft, blue chair. I like this …

Continue reading “Mindful Moments”

As humans, we label ourselves because it’s easier for our brain when we categorize and put things into buckets.  Sometimes these labels inspire us.  But …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Self-Labeling”

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?”

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”

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”

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”

Self-Reflection might sound easy to do, but it’s the most challenging thing we can do. It’s hard to focus on our thoughts and feelings about …

Continue reading “Self Reflection”

  Creating boundaries – or not creating them. There is no right or wrong answer.  We’re all different.  The question is: Do we need to …

Continue reading “Boundaries”

Ten years ago this month, I was lucky enough to start working at Coral Gables Counseling Center (CGCC) — and I’ve never looked back. I …

Continue reading “My Work Anniversary Story”

By Alejandra Boker, MBA, RD, IFNCP Women’s health is multifaceted. But one of the main issues consistently brought up by many women is the struggle …

Continue reading “Should we blame weight gain on menopause?”

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. “

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”

Summer is over. Well, at least Summer, as in those few months during which “the Purge” happens because the children :coughs: terrors are set loose …

Continue reading “Summer is Over. Now What?”

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”

Summer is coming to an end. School is right around the corner, as students will be going back to in-person learning. This past year school …

Continue reading “Going Back to School”

Our kids’ behavior is the difference between a great day and a “kill me now” day. It can be overwhelming when your kids misbehave more …

Continue reading “What I Do To Help My Kids Behave”

By Katheryne Puentes, LMHC Parenting is NOT an easy job. Being a parent involves 100% attention to how they interact with their children and their …

Continue reading “Parenting”

As a parent of three 30+-year-olds, I want to offer that parenting never ends. Parents of newborns and toddlers are rolling their eyes right about …

Continue reading “Purposeful Parenting from an Empty Nester”

When I learned this month’s blog theme is “Purposeful Parenting,” I thought I could offer a slightly unique perspective: that of a first-time newborn parent. …

Continue reading “Purposeful Parenting as a New Mom”

I celebrate you. I celebrate all the men in the world.  Men who are loyal, kind, and true. Men who have protected us and loved …

Continue reading “Men…Beautiful, Beautiful Men!”

Low testosterone is one of the most overlooked causes of depression and other serious mood disorders in males. So much so that when I see …

Continue reading “Let’s talk about Low-T, but really, let’s talk about it.”

Self-talk is the dialogue inside your head. It is your inner voice that tells you what you can and cannot do. It is your inner …

Continue reading “Who do I think I’m talking to like that? ME?”

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”

Eli Bravo https://www.linkedin.com/in/elibravooficial/ As if it was a miracle pill or a magic potion, it is common in books, webinars, and social media posts the …

Continue reading “Living in the Present for a Better Future”

6:30 AM. I am sitting in front of the candle and trying to let the thoughts pass so I can be in the present moment. …

Continue reading “Don’t Get in Your Own Way of Happiness”

What comes to mind when you think of health? For most, it’s the yearly visit to your primary doctor, gynecologist, or dentist. What comes to …

Continue reading “Umbrella of Health”

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?”

Creating an awareness of the present moment is one of the basic principles of mindfulness and mindful living. We tend to live our lives and …

Continue reading “Mindful Pause”

No, I’m not talking about making your hot co-worker or classmate fall in love with you. I’m talking about making the MOST special person in …

Continue reading “How To Make That Special Someone, Fall In Love With You”

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”

Many times I discuss with clients developing a self-care routine.  You would be surprised how many people have difficulty with this. When describing themselves or …

Continue reading “Mind, Body and Spirit”

I’ve always liked working with the younger population (teens and 20s), but never quite knew why. Maybe it’s because I can relate to them pretty …

Continue reading “Teens and 20s – A Time for Self-Improvement”

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”

I love submitting our last blog of the year. If I have not yet done so, it forces me to stop and reflect. Before I …

Continue reading “Auld Lang Syne (Times Gone By)”

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”

Here we are at the end of “Gratitude Month” as November has come to be observed when being grateful is all anyone seems to be …

Continue reading “Gratitude Done Right – More Than a Feeling”

November is easily one of my favorite months of the year. I love that it’s sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas (celebrated in my family). It …

Continue reading “Random Acts of Kindness”

Gratitude and self-appreciation are not qualities that come naturally to the majority of us. In therapy, we often recommend incorporating a gratitude practice into a …

Continue reading “Don’t Downplay Your Strengths: Here Are 5 Reasons Why”

As a Mental Health Counselor, I’m often on the receiving end of questions such as, “How do you listen to people’s problems all day and …

Continue reading “Healer Heal Thyself”

I am a millennial psychiatrist. I grew up in the era of smartphones filled with apps that have helped me stay connected all hours of …

Continue reading “Psychiatrist Unfiltered: 5 Things Learned Deleting Social Media”

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”

I consider myself to be an eternally active learner and a self-improvement/personal growth enthusiast. It’s important to be open to constant learning about yourself, others, …

Continue reading “10 Practical Ways to Stay Motivated on Your Self-Improvement Journey”

When you hear “self-improvement,” what comes to mind?  Self-improvement can mean so many different things for each of us.  One thing all definitions should have in common is “the …

Continue reading “Don’t Leave “Self” Out of Self-Improvement”

To me, September has always marked the beginning of a new year, even more so than January. Maybe it’s because it signals the end of …

Continue reading “Rosh Hashana 2020”

By Remy Gordon, LCSW What does self-improvement mean to you? By definition, self-improvement is “the improvement of one’s knowledge, status, or character by one’s own efforts”. …

Continue reading “Self-Improvement and Homelessness”

Many of us have anxiety levels that are higher than usual on any given day in 2020. Things aren’t where we’d want them to be. …

Continue reading “You Need To Calm Down. You’re Being Too Loud”

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”

The end of summer is here and we are heading into round two of virtual learning. The adjustment of virtual learning has been difficult for …

Continue reading “Round Two of Virtual Learning”

Back to school. A phrase, I’m sure, makes almost every parent shudder these days. These last few weeks, or better yet, months, have been a …

Continue reading “Back to School in a Pandemic”

2020 – the year of Clarity and Vision…but really? On January 1, 2020, I declared my word of the year: Purpose. Everything I was doing …

Continue reading “Clarity Vision ??”

How many of us struggle to be perfect parents?  There are so many levels of fear and uncertainty when it comes to raising little humans.  …

Continue reading “Parenting Style From My House to Yours”

It seems that every time we turn on the TV or listen to the news, all we hear is negative activities going on in the …

Continue reading “Teaching Respect to Children”

Erika Fernandez De Castro A little over a year ago, I attended a training on the topic of Infant Mental Health. Prior to the training, …

Continue reading “Infant Mental Health – It Starts on Day 1”

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”

The world is a very uncertain place right now. There is less predictability about basic life issues such as employment, education, food, and shelter. It is a …

Continue reading “Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times”

I remember almost four years ago, I was making the decision on leaving an agency that I was involved with for over 15-years. I had …

Continue reading “Creating Goals and the Fear of Falling Down”

I’m a guy’s guy. A Modern Man’s – Man. Rough around the edges, not afraid to get dirty, a fan of grit, and hard work. …

Continue reading “Modern Man’s – Man”

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”

Summer is approaching and with it, Big Law would have been flooded with law students as the firms’ summer programs would have started. Students would …

Continue reading “Big Law Summer Programs”

  When thinking about mental health, many automatically think of the negative aspects of mental health. The association of “mental health” with serious mental health …

Continue reading “Silencing Negative Bias – Gaining Positive Outlook”

Can you believe it? It’s finally May. We have all been through a lot with the recent COVID-19 situation. One of the topics in the …

Continue reading “I’m Fine, It’s Fine, This is Fine…But Do You Know a Good Therapist?”

Our current situation is tough. There is suffering, fear, uncertainty and so many challenging situations for a lot of people. So, with all that, are …

Continue reading “Joy!”

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”

I just started with a new therapist. I’m not in crisis. I’m high functioning and successful (depending on who you ask). But I like to …

Continue reading “Prevention Mental Health for a Better Future”

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”

I was thinking today of how many times I’ve wanted to have some time to just be home: to clean out my closets, organize my …

Continue reading “Making Lemonade out of Lemons”

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”