BLOG
The Subtle Signs that Your Adolescent Child is Feeling Resentment Toward You
Navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence is often likened to sailing through a stormy sea. As parents, we strive to maintain a steady course, yet
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Work and What Disorders Does it Treat?
In the realm of mental health treatment, one therapeutic approach has gained significant recognition for its effectiveness in addressing a range of emotional and behavioral
The Use of Critism in Relationships
In the intricate dance of love and partnership, criticism often emerges as an unwelcome partner. It can sneak into our conversations, leaving behind a trail
What is the D anger of Contempt in Relationships
In the intricate tapestry of romantic relationships, there are threads that bind couples together, weaving a story of love, understanding, and companionship. However, among these
How Work Stress Contributes to the Development of Mental Health Symptoms
We have all heard about burnout, oftentimes, we are dismissive of the idea that we are experiencing burnout. Feeling burnout is often associated with or
Do we all have trauma?
Do we all have trauma? The short answer is maybe. Please keep reading to decide. Trauma is a complex and multifaceted psychological concept. It refers
Psychopathy and Sociopathy are not recognized diagnosis
Not a Formal or Recognized Diagnostic Criteria The terms “psychopath” and “sociopath” are not officially recognized as distinct diagnostic categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical
How do I know that my psychiatric prescriber is the right fit for me?
Medication Treatment for Mental Health Psychiatric medication management refers to the process of prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting medications used to treat mental health conditions. It
Is Skin Picking a Psychological Disorder? What to do to stop it
Skin picking, also known as dermatillomania or excoriation disorder, is a psychological condition characterized by repetitive and compulsive picking at one’s own skin. The exact
How Being Vulnerable Can Make you Healthier
Vulnerability can contribute significantly to your overall well-being and sense of emotional health. Here’s how practicing vulnerability can help you feel healthier: Reduced Stress: When
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. This disorder is characterized by the
Breaking free from emotional dependency
Breaking free from emotional dependency on someone can be a challenging but important step towards developing healthy relationships and personal well-being. Here are some steps
What happens to your mind and body when you get news that someone you know died?
Not all of us have had this experience, yet, many of us are capable of emotionally transporting ourselves to a place of relating to what
Is taking on “too much” a pattern?
Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental and accepting way. It has been found to be effective in relieving negative symptoms of mental health for several reasons: Reduced rumination: Mindfulness helps individuals become aware of their thoughts and feelings without getting entangled in them. This awareness can reduce rumination…
It is not the weed, it is the overuse of it: A guide for Parents by Dr. Yaro Garcia
Dealing with an adolescent who is struggling with addiction is one of the most painful and anxious processes a parent can experience. The legalization of
How do I know if Someone has a personality disorder?
There is a new and common curiosity about personality disorders. Many are curious to know if a parent, ex-partner, current partner, supervisor, or person they
What to do and say to build trust with teenagers
Building trust with teenagers can be a delicate but important process. Teenagers are at a stage of development where they are seeking more independence while
Why do Children have Nightmares and What to do
Children, like adults, can experience nightmares for a variety of reasons. Nightmares are vivid and disturbing dreams that can cause feelings of fear, anxiety, or
Insomnia and the Best Treatment
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor-quality sleep. It can lead to various negative consequences, such as
What we Know About Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental and accepting way. It has been found to be effective in relieving negative symptoms of mental health for several reasons: Reduced rumination: Mindfulness helps individuals become aware of their thoughts and feelings without getting entangled in them. This awareness can reduce rumination…
Why Medication Alone Does Not Treat Anxiety Disorders
Therapy and anxiety medication are often used together to provide comprehensive treatment for anxiety disorders. Combining these approaches can be more effective in managing anxiety symptoms and improving overall well-being. Here are some reasons why therapy is beneficial even when taking anxiety medication…
Therapy Treatment Team TAMPA BAY
We are excited to bring our dynamic group therapy practice to the Tampa Bay area. We are driven by providing accessible, professional, and compassionate care to the individuals and communities we practice in. Our diverse team of therapists are ready to share the following techniques with Tampa Bay in either a tele-health or in person setting.
The Effects of Saying No to an Adolescent
It is important to note that saying “no” to an adolescent child is not necessarily a breach of trust. In fact, setting limits and boundaries is an essential aspect of parenting and helps children develop a sense of security and structure. However, if parents consistently say “no” without providing an explanation or rationale for their decision, it can lead to a breakdown in trust.
Gun Violence and Helplessness
I grew up on the East Coast of Florida. My mom has lived in the same house my whole life, down the road from an elementary and a middle school, public housing next to the schools, grocery stores and a shopping plaza on the other side. Trailor Park up the road. Basic, lower middle-class neighborhoods. From the time I was about 8 years old, my mom had to work two jobs, so I’d be alone a lot.
How to help your child who is cutting or self harming
If you suspect that your child is cutting or engaging in self-harm, it is important to take the situation seriously and seek professional help as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take to help your child: Talk to your child: Start by talking to your child in a non-judgmental way. Let them know that you are concerned and want to help…
Understanding the Difference Between Individual Counseling and Couples Therapy
Couple’s therapy, also known as couples counseling or marriage counseling, is a type of therapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving issues within a
Understanding how EMDR works to reduce your symptoms
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process and resolve traumatic or distressing experiences. The therapy involves a structured
How to Manage Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness characterized by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships. People with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions, impulsivity,
Supportive Parenting Tips
Being a supportive parent can take many different forms depending on your child’s needs and circumstances. However, here are some general tips that can help you be a supportive parent. Here are some tips for success…
Anxiety Reducing Routine
When anxiety prevents you from having a good nights sleep, just follow these simple steps: 01. Grab a notepad and document all the intrusive thoughts preventing you from relaxing and being able to sleep. (Note: It’s good to keep a notepad on your nightstand for this purpose)…
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue and other Lies We’ve Accepted to be True
“I’m not good enough.” “I’m powerless.” “I don’t matter.” “It’s not safe to show my emotions.”- do any of these thoughts sound familiar? As an EMDR therapist I’d argue that we’ve all had some variation of these negative beliefs cross our mind at some point or another and without much challenge accepted them to be true.
The Mental Art of Diffusing Harmful Thoughts
When we ruminate, our brain is signaling our minds to keep thinking about the same thing over and over. This process often time is automatic giving you very little control over deciding how you want to initiate a thought.
Violence and Mental Health
I grew up on the East Coast of Florida. My mom has lived in the same house my whole life, down the road from an elementary and a middle school, public housing next to the schools, grocery stores and a shopping plaza on the other side. Trailor Park up the road.
Checking in with Your Anxiety
“Take a deep breath,” they say. “Do breathing exercises.” “Let go of your thoughts” Although these suggestions/techniques are effective in helping with some anxious episodes, panic attacks, and other symptoms, these are not always effective with the process in which a person experiences the final outcomes of an anxious state of mind. I’ll explain what I mean…
An Essay on Sobriety, Recovery, and Medically Necessary Opioid Use
In the past year, we’ve heard discussion in popular culture about what “sobriety” means. “Sober” sober (abstaining from everything) versus “California sober” (not doing harder drugs but still getting high).
I’ve had philosophical discussions with clients regarding what “sobriety” means to them…
Explaining depression to others is exhausting
Explaining depression to others is exhausting. Not to those who experience it. We know how it feels, we know what it destroys. The numbing pain, the dark thoughts, and the dirtied filter we see the world through. The vulnerability of our uttered words and teary eyes. Received with blank stares by many.
Running From Myself, Defeat of the Dragon, and Valant Battle Scars
Once upon a time, in a town not too far from here, we begin a story of escapism. Now, we could go back generations and talk about family histories, alcoholics who spent paychecks on bathtub gin, opiate eaters and who knows what else, but for the purposes of this tale, we’ll stick to the (relative) present.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A secret life, lying effortlessly, the perfect public image, a sense of self-importance that requires admiration from others. As I write this blog, I asked myself, am I describing a Hollywood action movie character like James Bond?
The Sheen of One Who’s Never Suffered and the Stain of Anxiety
The clean ones. The one’s who have never felt real pain. They wear the sheen of someone who has never suffered. A patina of purity, a veneer that speaks of the innocence of never having hurt. The vacant look of kind confusion when they are asked to understand one who has suffered.