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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. …

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, …

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 …

Introvert, Extrovert, or Both? Understanding Your Child

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 09, 2025

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 …

Be Kind to Your Mind: Mental Health Tips for a Better Future!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 23, 2025

I got the inspiration for this blog in the most obscure way… A local music festival, the energy buzzing, people all around, and right in …

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 …

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 …

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 …

“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 …

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 …

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 …

Getting What You Want

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, April 05, 2024

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 …

Celebrating Black Psychologists in Mental Health

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 21, 2024

By Alexis N. Upshaw, RI, MHC Black History Month is upon us and, with February being a month that celebrates love, I want to take …

2024 – Open to Change BUT Do You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, January 02, 2024

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 …

Glimmers of Gratefulness: Embracing the Small Joys

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, November 17, 2023

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 …

Contradictions and EMDR

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, October 12, 2023

Contradicting Thoughts and Feelings “I know, on one hand, that I’m good enough. I have a good job, friends and family that love me, I …

Mom You Did the Best You Could

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, July 24, 2023

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 …

Navigating Through the Teens

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 05, 2023

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, …

Redefining Masculinity: Male Emotional Advocacy Takes Center Stage

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 28, 2023

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 …

Men’s Health and Mental Health

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 14, 2023

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 …

Men and Life Balance

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 07, 2023

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.  …

Forced to Mature – Growing up with an ADHD sibling

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 31, 2023

By: High School Student – her college essay We all go through the natural and unavoidable process of growing up. However, for some of us, …

Eating to Support Your Mental Health

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 24, 2023

By Alli Griffiths, Mental Health Counselor, Practicum You have probably heard the age-old adage, ‘you are what you eat.’ This phrase used to annoy me. …

Mental Health v. Tech Advances

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 17, 2023

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 …

Prioritize Your Emotional Health

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 19, 2023

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 …

Coach Thought of the Week: Busy v. Soo…Busy

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, April 17, 2023

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 …

Helping Your Teen Prevent High School Burnout

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 05, 2023

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 …

Coach Thought of the Week: Limiting Beliefs and Coaching

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, April 03, 2023

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

Mindfulness and Personal Growth

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, March 16, 2023

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 …

Living Mindfully Today

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, March 07, 2023

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 …

Stop Having the Relationshits!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Friday, February 03, 2023

There are always challenges we face within the trenches of a long-term relationship. Some conflicts include, financial struggles, parenting stressors, health issues, and sexual issues …

Family Reflections

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, December 27, 2022

By: Angelica Cruz-Serrano, MFT and MHC Intern For some, the Holidays may symbolize a time that brings family and friends together; a time when people …

Family Traditions

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

I heard a quote somewhere that traditions are just peer pressure from ghosts. Or, elder living family members, in many cases as well. So when …

On the Blog: Christmas Holidays and Immigrants

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 14, 2022

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 …

How to Manage Holiday Stress

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 07, 2022

By: Alli Griffiths, MHC Intern Does this time of year stress you out? If so, you are not alone. Pause. Take a moment. Close your …

Coach Thought of the Week: Creating Your Personal Brand – Not Just for the Business Owner

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, November 28, 2022

When a client comes in for career coaching, they’re always a little surprised when I ask them what their personal brand is. Yes – branding …

A Reflection

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 23, 2022

By Dara Teller, LCSW There are so many things to be grateful for, but often times we allow our stress and anxiety to consume us. …

Coach Thought of the Week: Getting Out of Your Own Way

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, November 21, 2022

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 …

An Ordinary Day with Gratitude

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, November 14, 2022

It’s Monday morning. The alarm goes off. I stir, stretch out my limbs and take in a big, deep breath. I’m grateful for another day. …

Coach Thought of the Week: Belief

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, November 07, 2022

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 …

Coach Thought of the Week: It’s Optional

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, September 19, 2022

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 …

Let Go and Let God

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 24, 2022

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 …

College Bound Reflection

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 17, 2022

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 …

Raising Emotionally Intelligent Beings

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, July 04, 2022

Recently, the topic of interest amongst my clients is parenting styles. More specifically, which of the four parenting styles – Authoritarian, Authoritative, Passive, and Neglectful …

Are You Tired of Having the Relationshits…???

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 15, 2022

There are various benefits for men from being in a healthy relationship. Their well-being is positively influenced by healthy relationships not just emotionally, but physically …

Give Yourself Some Grace

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 18, 2022

It’s Mental Health Awareness month!  And, although it’s nice to have a month dedicated to mental health, I’m happy to see there has been a …

Mindful Eating

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 13, 2022

By Alejandra Boker, MBA, RD, IFNCP Mindfulness, or the state of being conscious and aware of something, isn’t always easy, especially when there are so many …

What to Watch Out for When Dating

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 06, 2022

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 …

Overcome Your Fears!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 09, 2022

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 …

Self Acceptance > Self Esteem

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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. …

Stop Distracting Yourself From Living

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 02, 2022

The end of last year was a challenging one. With new strains of the COVID-19 virus on the rise, many homes were affected during the …

Moving Forward in the New Year

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 26, 2022

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 …

Coach Thought of the Week: Work-Life Balance

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, January 24, 2022

More and more of us are looking for work-life balance.  The problem is that, in our search for the elusive work-life balance, our stress and …

Self Reflection

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, December 15, 2021

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 …

Reflection and Gratitude

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 03, 2021

The month of November is traditionally a time of Thanksgiving. During this time, we often focus on reflection and gratitude. Recognizing and reflecting on gratitude …

Let’s talk about gut health. Sort of. 

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 06, 2021

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 …

Self Improvement with Perspective

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 29, 2021

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 …

Procrastination

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, September 27, 2021

Here I am, writing about procrastination in my pajamas at the last minute when I should’ve been wilding out at a fall festival because I …

You’re Not Broken

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Self-improvement. When I talk about this idea (a multi-million dollar industry of how to do and be better), I make sure others understand they are …

Motivation

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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 …

Natural Negativity to Proactive Optimism

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 08, 2021

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 …

Summer is Over. Now What?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 25, 2021

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 …

Normalizing Back to School Anxiety

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, August 18, 2021

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 …

What I Do To Help My Kids Behave

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 28, 2021

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 …

Parenting

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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 …

Purposeful Parenting from an Empty Nester

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 14, 2021

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 …

Let’s talk about Low-T, but really, let’s talk about it.

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 02, 2021

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 …

What is the Meaning of “Mental Health?”

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 19, 2021

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 …

Dealing With Client Termination in Therapy

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 05, 2021

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. …

Living in the Present for a Better Future

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 28, 2021

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 …

Don’t Get in Your Own Way of Happiness

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, April 20, 2021

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. …

Umbrella of Health

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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 …

Notes to Self: Two Books Sounding Off Loudly

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 24, 2021

By Lucia Fernandez, Director, LMFT and Natalie Ortega, Attorney and Teacher   My friend, Natalie Ortega, and I have had many conversations on spirituality. She …

Mindfulness Aspirations?

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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) …

Mindful Pause

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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 …

How To Make That Special Someone, Fall In Love With You

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 24, 2021

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 …

Self Love

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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 …

Teens and 20s – A Time for Self-Improvement

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 27, 2021

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 …

No Whining

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, January 06, 2021

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, …

Don’t Downplay Your Strengths: Here Are 5 Reasons Why

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 11, 2020

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 …

Healer Heal Thyself

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, November 04, 2020

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 …

Psychiatrist Unfiltered: 5 Things Learned Deleting Social Media

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Monday, November 02, 2020

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 …

Working with Emotional Support Animals

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, October 07, 2020

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 …

10 Practical Ways to Stay Motivated on Your Self-Improvement Journey

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Tuesday, September 29, 2020

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, …

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

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, September 23, 2020

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 …

Parenting Style From My House to Yours

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 22, 2020

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.  …

Teaching Respect to Children

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 15, 2020

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 …

Infant Mental Health – It Starts on Day 1

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, July 01, 2020

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, …

Don’t Worry Be Happy

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 24, 2020

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 …

Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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 …

Creating Goals and the Fear of Falling Down

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 10, 2020

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 …

Modern Man’s – Man

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, June 03, 2020

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. …

A Review on Mental Health Awareness

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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 …

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

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, May 06, 2020

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 …

Joy!

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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 …

How to Prevent Anxiety in the Time of Corona

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 08, 2020

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 …

Prevention Mental Health for a Better Future

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 01, 2020

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 …

Tips on Reducing Anxiety

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Thursday, March 19, 2020

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 …

Mental Health Treatment Courts: An Alternative to the Traditional Criminal Court System

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 17, 2019

A large number of people arrested in South Florida have a serious mental illness (SMI; e.g., schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder). The typical crimes charged …

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