As a helping professional, we often feel that we can get through life on our own. We have the tools, we have access to all of the information, so why would we need additional help or support? As a helping professional myself, I am here to debunk that myth.

There are many buzzwords around what is healthy versus unhealthy in committed relationships. More and more partners are researching and understanding these terms. Labels such as narcissist, gaslighter, misogynist, borderline, alcoholic/addict, and abusive are now commonly used words to define unhealthy behavior dynamics in intimate relationships. While some of these terms speak to a “clinical” term requiring professional assessment and diagnosing, they do speak to the grouping of symptoms that can severely interfere with safe interactions within a marriage that is supposed to build vulnerability and an intimate bond. Professional marriage therapists should be seasoned with identifying attributes, when present, that are contra indicators of not entering couples counseling. At least not immediately.

College life can be an exciting time filled with new experiences, challenges, and growth opportunities. It also comes with its fair share of challenges though. Amidst the academic pressures, social demands, and personal growth, one thing that often gets overlooked is one’s well-being. Here are three reasons why taking care of your mental health as a college student is crucial.

Mindfulness at its core is the practice of choosing to focus on the present and “clear” out the noise from your head. Like anything, it can be misused but it does not automatically contradict the Christian faith. There is a way to practice mindfulness and to focus on the things above rather than worldly things and better connect with God. (Colossians 3:2)

As a child therapist, one of the most common issues parents ask about is how to handle their child's meltdowns in public places. Whether it is a tantrum in the grocery store, at church, a meltdown at a family gathering, or in any public space, it can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. Here are a few strategies you can use to help prevent meltdowns and/or manage them if they do occur.

Trauma can be a debilitating experience that affects your mind, body, and soul. While everyone copes with it differently, there are certain activities that have been proven to alleviate the symptoms of trauma. In Tampa, Florida, there are plenty of activities to engage in that can help you cope with trauma.

From exploring the outdoors to seeking professional help, here are 10 example activities that can be beneficial for survivors of trauma. Each suggestion is unique and caters to a variety of interests. Try them out and see if any help out in your journey of healing from trauma..

As a child therapist, I've worked with many parents who are struggling to help their child deal with anxiety. Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, but when it impacts a child's ability to function in daily life, it can feel hard for parents to know how best to help. In this blog post, I'll be sharing some tips and strategies for addressing your child's anxiety.

Traumatic experiences leave a lasting imprint in our minds and change the way we see the world.  These imprints cause some people to develop a fear of people, places, or objects associated with the traumatic event.  Having a reaction to a reminder of past trauma is called a trigger.  Triggers can cause significant stress and unrest in our lives. The pattern of staying away from social situations, specific memories, objects, places, or even smells, is called avoidance.  Avoiding triggers can lead to feelings of powerlessness and isolation. Today we will explore how therapy can help us overcome fear and avoidance of trauma triggers and regain control of our lives.

Trauma can be one of life's most difficult challenges to navigate. It can leave you feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and completely disconnected from others or even the world around you. Maladaptive behaviors, or unhealthy coping skills in nonprofessional terms, are behaviors we use to help us deal with challenging situations, perhaps because of trauma. Such coping skills can include substance abuse, unhealthy eating habits, and risky behaviors.

Trauma manifests in different ways for different people. Some people experience flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Others feel numbness, disconnection, or detachment from reality. These symptoms make it hard to function normally, leading to social isolation and feelings of hopelessness. These emotions can also make it difficult to connect with others and can even interfere with daily tasks such as work. Coping with trauma is not easy, but there are strategies you can use to manage these difficult emotions. In this post, we will explore coping mechanisms for those struggling with numbness and disconnection.

If you've experienced trauma, you may know what flashbacks and nightmares are like. Most individuals who are living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience nightmares or flashbacks. This is one more way that the brain reacts to a traumatic experience. Understanding what nightmares and flashbacks are, how they affect you, and how to cope can help in increasing your quality of life.

Trauma affects more than our bodies; it also affects our perception of the world around us. Trauma changes the way we see ourselves and our relationships with others. It is not surprising that survivors often develop negative thought patterns after an event that can take years to heal. Negative thoughts are harmful for your mental health and physical well-being. It is important to identify these patterns and learn how to change them.

Trauma is a challenging experience, but with the help of a trusted therapist, you can rebuild your life. It is normal to seek help from mental health professionals when needed. A therapist can provide the proper guidance you need to get on the path to healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, it is important to seek help from a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma treatment.

Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) can be a difficult, exhausting, and sometimes very frustrating experience. DID is a complex disorder that develops in response to prolonged exposure to trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect. DID can cause significant disruptions in a person's life. This blog post aims to discuss five of the most common symptoms of DID, as well as discuss the causes of the disorder. We will also provide information on the best treatment options available for those who are struggling with this disorder.

I find myself driving to work, sitting in traffic, my mind swirling with non-stop thoughts. This happens often when I am sitting in the car alone, or heading to work. I have a barrage of thoughts on my mind. To be honest, it's more of a to-do list for the day, week, or month. Is this overwhelming? Or is this normal? Either way, it can be exhausting.

I do find it interesting that we have the capacity to zone out of one event that can cause anxiety and angst but allow our minds to dive into the stress elsewhere. For example, while we have the ability to tune out the stress of traffic, our minds have the ability to spiral out of control with other worries.  It can be challenging to stay rooted and centered in such moments.

Executive Leaders and CEOs, no matter how successful, face a unique set of challenges. As the leader of a company or organization, they often carry a large burden of responsibility that can weigh on them in ways other employees may not understand. While many Executive Leaders and CEOs are strong enough to cope with these pressures, there are times when counseling can help alleviate these issues and provide much needed clarity and direction. Many people think of counseling as a last resort, something to do when all else fails. However, counseling can be a great asset for anyone who is looking to improve when things are going well.

Personal boundaries define who and what we are. They define what we are responsible to control (personal thoughts, behaviors, actions) and what we are not responsible to control. The personal boundaries of individuals come into contact when two or more people interact about their wants or needs. You have something another person wants (time, support, body, permission, forgiveness, love, advice, possessions, etc.) and boundaries determine the way you will respond to these requests or what you will request of others.

Experiencing trauma can be a confusing and isolating experience. During this difficult time, it is important to find a therapist that you trust and feel comfortable with. If you have recently gone through a traumatic event, experienced trauma growing up, or are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), here are some tips to help you find the right counselor for your trauma needs in Northdale, FL or South Tampa, FL.

Let’s be real, there is an incredible depth of love and joy that comes from raising another human being with our own values and beliefs. Raising a child can bring out our deepest and best selves, if we let it.

Dealing with depression can be a slow process, and it may take some time for your child to start seeing improvements. Do not get discouraged if things don’t seem to be moving as quickly as you would like; just keep doing what you know is best and trust that God will work in His own time and in His own way.