As the holidays get closer, many people here in Fort Lauderdale find themselves feeling a mix of things—excited, tired, overwhelmed, hopeful, and sometimes just… stretched thin. If that’s where you are, you’re not alone.

This time of year can trigger varied and sometimes intense emotions. While the holiday season may include comforting routines, social connection, and familiar traditions, it can also activate unexpected emotional responses. Past experiences or unresolved trauma may resurface, certain environments may feel overstimulating, and physiological reactions can occur that do not align with the present context. If this resonates with you, you are not alone—many individuals notice an increase in trauma-related triggers during this period. The encouraging news is that evidence-informed strategies and coping techniques can help you manage these responses and navigate the season with greater emotional regulation and stability.

As the holidays get closer, many people here in Fort Lauderdale find themselves feeling a mix of things—excited, tired, overwhelmed, hopeful, and sometimes just… stretched thin. If that’s where you are, you’re not alone.

One question I hear all the time is: “How do I stay grounded when this season brings up so much?”

Gratitude can be one of the gentlest, most accessible ways to steady yourself—without forcing positivity or pretending everything is fine. Real gratitude helps you reconnect with what matters, slow down, and feel a little more anchored in your day.

For many people, the holiday season is a mix of warmth, excitement, pressure, and emotional overload. As a licensed clinical social worker supporting clients in Fort Lauderdale, one of the most common questions I hear this time of year is: “What can I do to take care of myself when everything gets so busy?”

The truth is, you don’t need elaborate routines or perfect habits. What helps most are small, consistent rituals that ground your nervous system, ease emotional strain, and help you move through the holidays feeling more supported from within.

Starting EMDR therapy can feel a little uncertain when you’re not sure what to expect. The truth is, the first few sessions aren’t about reliving painful memories—they’re about helping you feel safe, supported, and ready for healing. In this post, we walk you through what typically happens in the first three EMDR sessions, from building trust and learning calming tools to creating a plan that fits your pace and comfort level.

If you’ve been thinking about EMDR therapy but aren’t sure where to start, this guide will help you understand what the process looks like and how it can support your healing journey.

Every parent has witnessed their child overwhelmed by big emotions—whether it’s a preschooler melting down over the wrong color cup or a teen slamming their bedroom door after a tough day. These moments can leave parents feeling exhausted and unsure of what to do next. The truth is, emotional regulation isn’t something kids are born knowing—it’s a skill that can be taught, modeled, and strengthened over time.

In this post, we explore what’s really behind children’s big feelings and share simple, practical strategies for helping kids (and parents) navigate them with more calm and connection. You’ll learn how to respond instead of react, use mindfulness in everyday life, and create emotional safety at home so your family can grow stronger together.

As the fall season begins, student athletes everywhere are gearing up for competition, connection, and growth. Yet behind the excitement, many face hidden pressures—balancing practices, classes, travel, and relationships while carrying the constant expectation to perform. As a former college athlete, I remember the weight of it all—the drive to improve, the pressure to impress, and the challenge of maintaining balance. Athletics can build resilience and community, but they also bring unique mental health challenges. With a new season underway, it’s important to talk openly about these pressures and explore healthier ways for athletes, families, and coaches to support mental well-being.

Searching for a therapist can feel overwhelming. When you type in “therapy near me,” dozens of names might pop up, and it’s hard to know where to start. The truth is, the success of counseling often depends on finding someone you feel comfortable with and who understands your needs. If you’ve been wondering how to choose a therapist, here are some simple steps to guide you.

One of the hardest parts of depression is feeling like you’re stuck. There are small, meaningful steps you can take to help lighten the weight. These practices don’t replace therapy or medical care, but they can help you feel more grounded as you move through each day.

Have you ever wondered: “Can I really bring my faith into therapy?” The answer is yes. Faith-based therapy can offer a compassionate bridge—honoring both your spiritual and emotional needs.

If you’ve heard about EMDR therapy but aren’t sure what it is or how it works, you’re not alone. Many people wonder: “Can EMDR really help me let go of the past and move forward?” Let’s explore five ways EMDR therapy can support your mental health and help you find relief from painful experiences.

If you’ve been considering therapy but aren’t sure whether to meet in person or online, you’re not alone. The good news is that virtual therapy (also called telehealth therapy or online counseling) offers many of the same benefits as traditional in-person sessions, let’s explore this.

A question I often hear from couples is: “What can we do day-to-day to keep our relationship strong?” Here are five simple ways you and your partner can nurture your relationship and build a stronger foundation together.

One of the most common questions parents and teens ask is: “How can therapy really help our family?” It’s understandable to wonder if talking to a therapist will make a difference, especially when tensions feel high or you feel disconnected. Here are seven ways therapy can support teens and families in building healthier, stronger connections.

One of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I stop myself from burning out?” Here are five practices you can begin weaving into your routine to help prevent burnout before it becomes overwhelming.