Our Blog

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?”

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 …

Continue reading “What is self-love?”

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, …

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

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 …

Continue reading “Self-Improvement Without Self-Bullying: The Desire → Motivation → Design Loop”

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 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 …

Continue reading “Gratefulness: A Pathway to Joy and Stronger Relationships”

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 …

Continue reading “Are you grateful for the things you DON’T have?”

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?”

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 …

Continue reading “💥Top Priority: Your Personal Health Scan!”

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. …

Continue reading “Creating a Self-Care Routine that Works for You”

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”

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”

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”

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”

Yes, self love is gratitude journals, and bubble baths…face masks and lazy Saturdays. It’s also treat yourself days and hanging with the guys/gals. But let’s …

Continue reading “True Self-Love”

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”

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”

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 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”

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. …

Continue reading “Eating to Support Your Mental Health”

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 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”

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 …

Continue reading “How to Manage Holiday Stress”

One of the reasons for stress and overwhelm comes from trying to keep up with our client’s deadlines. A client calls us wanting something by …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Realistic Expectations”

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 …

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

Life is life. There will be projects we work on that go smoothly to completion. And there will be projects we work on where we …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Obstacles”

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”

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 …

Continue reading “Are You Tired of Having the Relationshits…???”

“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”

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”

“I don’t have enough hours in a day!” “I don’t have time!” “I’m too busy!” “I have too much work!” “I’m always so busy!” “I …

Continue reading “Coach Thought of the Week: Time”

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”

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”

Groundhog Day last week reminded me how as adults, we can fall into a life that feels repetitive.  We wake up, go through our routines, …

Continue reading “Reflecting on Groundhog Day”

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”

With the start of a New Year, many of us take the time to set goals and resolutions on how we can be better and …

Continue reading “Journey into 2022”

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”

By Alejandra Boker, MBA, RD, IFNCP Let’s be honest, the two things that people enjoy most during the holidays are spending time with family and eating …

Continue reading “Family and Holidays”

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”

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 …

Continue reading “Reflection and Gratitude”

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?”

The other day I was really looking at myself in the mirror while I was getting dressed.  I was looking at my body and scars …

Continue reading “In loving me.”

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. “

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 …

Continue reading “You’re Not Broken”

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?”

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”

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”

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”

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”

2020 was a year like no other. Many things happened in 2020. For some, it brought sorrow and loss – disappointment and sadness. For others, …

Continue reading “New Year New You”

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”

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”

So, this month’s topic is women’s health. Naturally, I thought, what better way to be able to identify easy health-improving habits for women while still …

Continue reading “The Health Benefits of Sex”

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”

I overheard a teacher say to my daughter on virtual school, “Kids, have your moms upload that later.” Moms. Not parents. Not dads or caretakers. …

Continue reading “Add This To Your Resume”

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”

I have to admit, I love memes and get a lot of enjoyment from them. Pro-therapy memes? Even better! (By the way, I love that …

Continue reading “Self-Improvement and Mental Health”

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”

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”

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”

  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?”

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”

Life and Wellness Coach es, living mindfully is about being present with others Yes, living mindfully is about self care Yes, living mindfully is about …

Continue reading “Living mindfully is”

You’re being too hard on yourself. So many of us do it. We think it keeps us focused on self improvement. But it ends up …

Continue reading “You’re being too hard on yourself”

Licensed Mental Health Counselor With Valentine’s Day coming up and heart garlands decorating the office, I can’t help but reflect on love and relationships. I …

Continue reading “Loving Ain’t Easy”

Divorce Coach All of a sudden, I wake up, and here we are, living in the year 2020. Wow. I don’t know why but it …

Continue reading “Setting Intentions for a New Year”