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In the depths of a teenager's soul, battles are silently waged, unseen by the outside world. These battles are not fought with swords or shields but with whispers of doubt, suffocating waves of anxiety, and the weight of negative self-perception. It is a war that can consume thoughts, distorts truths, and shapes how one handles all areas of life. Daily, countless adolescents wrestle with the harsh reality of negative self-perception, self-esteem, and self-worth. Troubles in their past taught them a distorted idea of who they are —unworthy, unlovable, defective. This silent torment breeds anxiety and depression, creating a darkness that engulfs their youthful spirit. We can change that together. Imagine a world where the weight of negative self-perception is lifted and where the heavy chains of anxiety and depression are shattered- a world where adolescents can flourish, along with their self-esteem. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an incredible tool for unlocking this world of possibilities, allowing teens to reclaim their lives, rewire their brains, and rediscover their inner strength. Teens who overcome negative self-perception prevent larger issues into adulthood. The consequences of negative self-perception in teens are profound. As a time of self-discovery and identity development, the teen years are incredibly formative. How teens learn to talk to and about themselves will affect them for years. A teenager's negative view of themselves can act as an expanding force, gradually eroding self-esteem and self-worth. Adolescents who see themselves in a negative light struggle with feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, and a persistent sense of defectiveness. This distorted self-view can affect relationships, academic performance, and moods. It becomes a breeding ground for anxiety and depression as constant self-doubt and harsh self-criticism take root in their minds. Teens with negative self-perceptions often experience heightened stress levels, social withdrawal, and a lack of motivation. These emotional struggles can further aggravate their feelings of inadequacy, trapping them in a vicious cycle that hinders them from reaching their full potential. Increasingly, EMDR has been used to address the negative self-view of teens and allow them to experience a change in perspective to a positive one. EMDR Therapy with Teens EMDR therapy is a comprehensive approach that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and bilateral stimulation techniques. By tailoring EMDR to suit the unique needs of adolescents, therapists can facilitate profound healing and positive change. Initially developed to help individuals recover from traumatic experiences, EMDR’s application has expanded to address a wide range of mental health issues that people of all ages (including teens) face daily. EMDR aims to alleviate distress by facilitating the processing of traumatic memories and negative beliefs associated with them. Not only has EMDR therapy proven effective with adults, it is equally beneficial for teenagers. EMDR adapts to suit the unique challenges and specific news of adolescents. Skilled therapists combine the core principles of EMDR with age-appropriate language, creative techniques, and a safe therapeutic environment to engage teens effectively. EMDR therapy offers teenagers a path to resolve traumatic memories, whether from a single event or multiple experiences. By reprocessing these memories, EMDR reduces emotional distress, improving well-being. The benefits of EMDR Therapy for teens: Transforms negative beliefs into realistic and self-affirming beliefs Alleviates anxiety and depression Enhances coping skills Increases interpersonal skills for better relationships Provides long-lasting results Improves emotional regulation Boosts confidence in all areas Promotes personal growth and empowerment Supports better sleep with fewer disturbances It's important to note that the benefits of EMDR therapy may vary for each individual, and a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional is recommended to determine best treatment options. EMDR’s resource phase While each of EMDR’s 8 phases is critical in guiding the systemic and structured process of healing, the resource phase holds particular importance in resolving trauma and developing adaptive coping skills for teens. During this phase, therapists collaborate closely with teenagers to envision a safe place and tap into their inner strength, cultivating resilience for the later stages of EMDR treatment. These resources provide stability and support, enabling teens to offset discomfort by focusing on the negative memories that have been feeding their anxiety or depression. One of the key highlights of the resource phase is the significance of parental involvement. Parents create a nurturing environment that fosters trust and growth by actively engaging in their child’s treatment. Collaboration and Support: The critical role of Parents in EMDR Therapy EMDR therapy for teens addresses the complexities of anxiety and depression head-on. It delves deep into the underlying traumas and negative self-perceptions contributing to their emotional distress. Parents become a vital source of collaboration and support by actively engaging in their child's therapy. By staying informed, reinforcing positive belief statements at home, and embracing open communication, parents lay the foundation for a successful EMDR experience. As parents, you possess a wealth of knowledge about your child's experiences and emotions. Sharing this valuable information with the EMDR therapist allows for a more comprehensive understanding of your teenager's needs. Your role extends beyond sharing information; you are their source of strength and encouragement. Providing a safe and supportive environment at home fosters trust and enhances the therapeutic process. Collaboration and support are the cornerstones of EMDR therapy for teens. Together, we can empower your teenager to overcome anxiety, depression, and other emotional hurdles, guiding them towards a brighter, more resilient future. Unlock a brighter future through EMDR Therapy with Bayview Therapy With EMDR therapy, a transformational path awaits. Through a combination of evidence-based techniques and a safe therapeutic environment, we guide teenagers towards healing and growth. EMDR enables teens to process traumatic memories, release emotional distress, and develop positive coping strategies. By rewriting negative self-perceptions, EMDR empowers teenagers to cultivate a healthier self-image and embrace a life filled with renewed confidence. At Bayview Therapy, our therapists understand the unique needs of teenagers and the importance of parental involvement. Together, we forge a collaborative partnership with parents to provide comprehensive support throughout the EMDR journey. Our goal is to unlock your teen's potential, instill resilience, and empower them to thrive in all aspects of life. Contact our teen therapist Alexa von Oertzen today at 954-391-5305 to embark on a life-changing journey towards a brighter future with EMDR therapy at Bayview. As a teen and family therapy specialist, Alexa offers a wealth of experience in helping teens overcome emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, and negative self-perception. Alexa provides counseling at our Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs counseling offices. She also provides online counseling via our secure telehealth platform for those who reside in Florida.

We’re thrilled to announce that Bayview Therapy has partnered with the First Responder Children’s Foundation to provide FREE counseling for Florida based children (age 5 - 25) of first responders through the Resiliency Program. First Responder Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit that supports first responders and their families with scholarships, grants, bereavement assistance, and mental health support. They are based in New York and are expanding their services to additional states with Florida being one of them. Their goal is to help as many children, teens, and young adults from first responder families as possible. They offer a ton of amazing programs and are now focusing on mental health as part of their mission. At Bayview Therapy, we also have a huge passion for helping first responders and their families. For the past several years, we’ve partnered with the Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council (BSAC) to provide crisis counseling for the families of fallen officers and support their organization in many other ways. We are honored for the opportunity to continue serving first responders and their families across the state of Florida through the Resiliency Program. We have vast experience working with the families of first responders and have several Certified First Responder Counselors on our team. Through the Resiliency Program, children (age 5 - 25) of first responders are eligible to receive up to 10 counseling sessions for free. They must have at least one parent who is a first responder and can apply by submitting an application. For more information about the Resiliency Program for children of first responders, see the below: Here's the link to the Resiliency Program Application.

Do you find yourself doubting and questioning if your partner truly loves you? Do you find yourself anxious that your partner may decide one day that they don’t want to be in the relationship anymore? Quite often, people find their true self-esteem and self-worth get brought up when they are in a vulnerable and intimate relationship. When you have high self-esteem, you are more likely to feel secure in your relationship. On the contrary, when we have low self-worth, we tend to feel insecure in our relationship. There are a variety of ways that low self-esteem can impact your relationship. Here are a few of them: Heightened Anxiety: Anxiety is frequently triggered within a relationship when we are struggling with our self-esteem. If we are feeling unworthy or not good enough, we may question why our partner is choosing to be with us. Our thoughts may become preoccupied with the fear of our partner realizing our unworthiness and ultimately leaving us. Since our brain finds evidence for what we believe to be true, we can even start to overthink certain behaviors or statements our partner makes and perceive it through the lens of not being good enough. Self- Sabotage: Self-sabotage tends to happen when our circumstances supersede what we believe we deserve. If we are feeling unworthy but have a healthy and happy relationship, a fear of the relationship ending may be triggered. Our brain is all about keeping ourselves safe and sometimes that means we end up sabotaging something that is positive in our lives. If we sabotage the relationship, our brain at least feels in control and it also validates our original belief system of, “I’m not good enough”. Even though we know that low self-esteem does not serve us, our brain is comfortable in it since that is all it knows! Projection Onto Your Partner: Low self-esteem and anxiety often gets projected onto our partner. This can come out as heightened irritability and arguments. We find it is “easier” to be angry or irritable toward another person than it is to sit with our unworthiness and negative self-talk. Projection onto our partner can also go hand-in-hand with self-sabotage. Allowing Toxic Behaviors: When we explore what we do and don’t deserve in our lives, it is greatly impacted by how worthy we feel. If we have a healthy and positive self-worth, we demand what we feel we deserve. With a poor self-worth, we may find ourselves allowing toxic behaviors because we do not feel we deserve more. We tend to settle because we feel, “This is all I will get”. Lack of Boundaries: If we do not feel worthy as a human, we do not feel worthy of getting our needs met. We don’t feel confident to speak up regarding our boundaries, feelings, and needs. Low self-worth frequently comes with people-pleasing tendencies. We find that other people’s needs and feelings are more important than ours. You deserve to live a life with fulfillment and positive self-worth. If you are struggling with low self-esteem and noticing the impact it has on your relationship, therapy may be the next step for you. Your therapist will assist you in identifying contributing factors to your low self-esteem and help guide you to developing a positive self-talk and improved self-esteem. I provide counseling for adults at our beautiful office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information on my approach to counseling or EMDR therapy, click here. I also provide counseling via our secure telehealth platform for those who reside in the state of Florida. If you’re ready to get started with your complimentary consultation, give me a call at 954-391-5305. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you live your best life!

Time seems to be moving at the speed of light this summer and it's almost time to get school supplies and new uniforms ready. Some of us will opt to take the denial route, procrastinating on all the inevitable preparations until the very last minute. But I’m here to offer an alternative plan. Finding pockets of time to help set your family up for a smooth transition does not have to be rocket science. Here are a few strategies that can make the back to school transition easier. 1. Create a countdown calendar: Display a calendar to mark off the days until school starts, helping kids visualize the upcoming event. This allows everyone to get into the mindset of school being on the horizon and can help to manage expectations along the way. Bonus: Print a themed calendar tailored to your child's interest. Think sports, spiderman, barbie, bluey, roblox, flowers, unicorns, etc. Get them involved and make it a fun activity! 2. Check-ins during dinner time or car rides: Use these moments to discuss your family's routine, including pick-up/drop-off schedules, extracurricular activities, and expectations for sleep and wake times. This can help your children know what to expect with the changing schedules and can make it easier to adjust to those changes. 3. Establish nighttime and morning routines: Plan and practice consistent routines to set your family up for success, ensuring everyone gets enough sleep and starts the day smoothly. Take time to prepare for school the evening before so there’s no last minute scrambling the morning of. Make sure the backpacks are packed and lunches are prepped the night before. Give everyone enough time to get dressed for school and have breakfast (if possible) to fuel up before heading out for the day. 4. Discuss anticipated challenges: Talk openly with your kids about potential challenges they may face during the school year, such as homework or social situations with friends. Offer guidance and reassurance as situations arise. Encourage them to talk with you about how things are going at school and with their friends. 5. Address previous year's challenges: Reflect on any difficulties experienced in the previous school year and brainstorm strategies together to overcome them this time around. Use this as an opportunity to review what they learned and how they grew the previous year. Highlight positive changes that you’ve noticed with their growth over the past year to boost their confidence in handling any potential challenges they may face this year. 6. Focus on the positives: Ask your children what they are looking forward to about going back to school. This can help build excitement and anticipation for the new year. Try to amplify things they enjoyed in previous years too. 7. Identify sources of help: Encourage your kids to reach out for assistance if they encounter any challenges. Discuss trusted adults, teachers, guidance counselors, or friends they can turn to for support. Remember, each child is unique, so tailor these ideas to fit your family's specific needs and preferences. Need additional support during the back to school transition or anything else you may be struggling with when it comes to parenting your child? I invite you to contact me for your complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305. I would be happy to speak with you about how I can help! Good luck with a successful transition back to school! I provide counseling for children, teens, parents, and families at our beautiful Fort Lauderdale office. I also offer online therapy for those who reside in the state of Florida through our secure telehealth platform. For more information about my approach or services, click here.

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, finding a balance between work, personal life, and self-care can seem like an elusive goal. The constant juggling act can lead to overwhelming stress, impacting our mental and physical well-being. In this blog, we will explore the effects of stress on our lives, discuss the importance of balance, and provide practical tips to help you manage stress and achieve a more harmonious life. It is important to understand what stress is and how it impacts your life. Stress is a natural response to life's challenges, but when it becomes chronic and unmanaged, it can wreak havoc on our overall well-being. Prolonged stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and a variety of physical health issues. Achieving a balance in life is crucial to minimize stress and maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Having a better understanding of the areas of your life that stress can impact and the importance of balance in each of them is crucial. 1. Mental Health: Finding balance allows us to recharge and rejuvenate, reducing the risk of mental health issues. It provides the necessary space for relaxation, self-reflection, and personal growth. 2. Physical Health: Chronic stress can lead to a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and other physical ailments. A balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest can help combat these effects. 3. Relationships: Balancing work and personal life is essential for maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. It allows us to give time and attention to our loved ones, fostering stronger connections. 4. Productivity and Creativity: When we are overwhelmed by stress, our ability to concentrate and be productive diminishes. On the other hand, a balanced life promotes increased focus, creativity, and better decision-making skills. Here are some tips you can add to your toolbox for achieving balance and managing stress: 1. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. 2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and establish boundaries to prevent overload. Delegate tasks when possible and avoid overcommitting yourself. 3. Time Management: Prioritize your tasks and create a schedule that allows for both work and personal time. Avoid multitasking and focus on one task at a time. 4. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily life. This can include deep breathing exercises, journaling, or practicing gratitude. 5. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support group when you feel overwhelmed. Talking about your stressors can provide a fresh perspective and emotional support. 6. Disconnect from Technology: Allocate specific periods of time to disconnect from technology and enjoy some screen-free moments. This will help you recharge and reduce the constant stimulation. 7. Regularly Assess and Adjust: Regularly evaluate your priorities and commitments. Eliminate or delegate tasks that do not align with your values or contribute to your well-being. Remember that achieving balance in life is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, commitment, and a willingness to make changes. By managing stress and finding equilibrium between work, personal life, and self-care, you can lead a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Remember, balance looks different for everyone, so find what works best for you and make it a priority. If you or someone you know needs guidance on how to find balance in this fast, hurry up world, give me a call at 954-391-5305 to schedule your complimentary consultation. I provide counseling and heart centered hypnosis/hypnotherapy in English and Spanish at our beautiful Coral Springs office. I also provide online counseling through our secure telehealth platform for those who reside in the state of Florida. For more information about my approach, click here.

The term resentment gets thrown around in everyday language and while it is a common emotion many people experience at some point throughout their lives, I’ve found it helpful to unpack this emotion further with many of my clients when they mention it. To start with, resentment is a feeling of anger from being treated unfairly in some way, whether it be a slight injustice (e.g., a careless comment from a colleague) or serious mistreatment (e.g., societal, large-scale experiences of racism or religious persecution). Resentment does not arise from any particular mental health condition and again, is a relatively common emotion, as most people have experienced some form of unfair treatment and become angry over it. So is Resentment Basically Another Word for Anger? Anger and resentment are closely related and while some people might write a whole article highlighting the subtle differences between the two, I feel there is one major difference that holds clinical utility for clients. Anger is a normal and natural reaction people experience in the present when life is not going the way one thinks it should; it’s a refusal to accept what is. It can also occur as a secondary emotion, or in reaction to feeling hurt, scared, or inadequate; however, the person feels too vulnerable experiencing such emotions and resorts to anger, instead. Resentment, on the other hand, is a negative feeling towards someone or something that stems from the past. It’s about re-experiencing past wrongs and the associated feeling of anger; holding onto that anger and thinking about the event over and over again such that the past clouds your perception of the current. Resentment often develops when a person does not adequately express their emotions following a painful experience. This might be because they felt too angry or ashamed to discuss their emotions at the time or perhaps a certain power differential made them feel they needed to just ignore it and move on. Those who are codependent or non-confrontational may be especially prone to resenting others given their challenge in effectively communicating their emotions. The lesson here is that we can never fully suppress our feelings without expecting them to show up sooner or later, in one form or another. If a person’s anger towards a person or situation goes unchecked, a grudge develops over time, possibly leading to more severe feelings of hatred and a desire for revenge. So What Are the Top Ways I Can Tell If I Am Holding onto Resentment? While each person and situation are unique, here are some common signs of resentment: Passive aggressive comments or behaviors, including sarcastic remarks. Increased agitation towards the person that feels unexpected. Feeling like you want to escape the relationship or becoming emotionally withdrawn. Decreased intimacy if occurring within a romantic relationship. Frequently complaining to others about the person. Some feelings of resentment are more fleeting and short-lived, particularly if a person realizes an event was misinterpreted in some way or they receive an apology. Other times, resentment can linger over time as the person continues to think about the event and experience the emotional distress associated with it. Holding onto resentment in this context can spread like a toxic gas, leading a person to start misinterpreting current events, in which they perceive themselves as a victim in every situation. “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”- Nelson Mandela So it Sounds Like Resentment is a Bad Thing and I Need to Stop Feeling This Way Quickly? Like I tell all my clients, emotions are neither good nor bad. Oftentimes, they develop for a reason and are alerting us to something we need to pay attention to. It is when we ignore them or try to push them away that they become stronger and disguise themselves to find an alternative route in. I recently had a client ask if resentment can be a good thing and besides providing my spiel about approaching emotions in a more neutral manner (i.e., neither good nor bad) with curiosity, I was left to think about this further after our session concluded. By definition, resentment is a form of anger or upset in response to a perceived injustice so resentment can be a way of identifying maltreatment that you may have skipped over for whatever reason. As such, resentment can be an advocate for safety, self-worth, and emotional healing if processed appropriately, as well as relationship repair. How to Work Through Feeling of Resentment I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to processing feelings of resentment and a treatment approach should only be developed after a qualified clinician obtains necessary background information. However, such work often targets the following areas: Identify and explore the context of the resentment. Who is it in relation to? What was the event (or events) that sparked feelings of anger? What made it difficult to express your anger at that moment? Is this a recurring pattern for you? Is it possible you had a role in the feeling of resentment? Sometimes resentment stems from how you perceive a situation and time is needed to examine that situation from multiple angles. Consider why letting go is difficult. Letting go can trigger fears of losing one’s identity if the resentment has been held for a long time. The feeling becomes so familiar and provides a sense of security. Who would you be or what would your life look like if it was not dominated by feelings of resentment? Explore empathy. Try seeing a situation from another perspective when the event that caused the resentment was based on a misunderstanding or the person does not feel they did anything wrong. Practice gratitude. Focusing on the ways in which you are fortunate can help with feelings of resentment, which often thrive on a self-victimization mentality. Address issues as they occur. Learn effective communication skills, the art of compromise, and how to decide if it is best to move on from a potentially toxic relationship. If you feel you are experiencing difficulty managing feelings of resentment and would like to learn ways of processing such feelings so they have less of an impact on your emotional health and relationships, contact us at 954-391-5305 to schedule a session with Dr. Taylor Phillips. Dr. Taylor Phillips is a Licensed Psychologist located at our beautiful Coral Springs office who also provides online therapy across the state of Florida. Give us a call today to schedule your complimentary consultation to see how Dr. Phillips can help you experience more fulfilling relationships!

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, anxiety disorders have become increasingly prevalent, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. So much so that many have developed ways to live with their symptoms, despite how debilitating it is at times, because they just don’t know that a life without them is possible. Anxiety is something that everyone experiences to some degree throughout life and because of this it is often minimized or dismissed in those that experience more severe, clinical anxiety issues. Many don’t seek treatment because the people around them chalk it up to them being “too sensitive” or “over-reactive,” so instead they are left thinking there is something inherently wrong with them and just internalize it. For those that do seek out help, it’s hard to figure out what kind of support is needed. Is it best to focus on coping skills? Is it better to talk out situational stress? Should you see a therapist or a psychiatrist or both? Are there support groups that may be the best route? It’s a lot on someone whose body and mind are already overwhelmed and on edge. This blog post aims to shed light on the benefits of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a promising and transformative treatment option for anxiety disorders. What Are Anxiety Disorders? Before diving into the advantages of EMDR therapy, it is essential to comprehend the full nature of anxiety disorders and the various presentations of them. Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, and distress. Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder fall under this umbrella term and are often the most commonly known. But there are others as well; for example, there is separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, agoraphobia and other specific phobias. Even obsessive compulsive disorders and trauma disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could fall under the umbrella of anxiety-related disorders; although this is not how they are categorized in the DSM these days. What Is EMDR Therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is a comprehensive psychotherapy approach that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), bilateral stimulation, and psychodynamic therapy. EMDR therapy is guided by eight distinct phases that facilitate the processing and resolution of traumatic memories and associated negative beliefs. The process starts with discussing treatment goals, developing a plan and teaching various self-soothing techniques to help you manage distress. The next phase is called “desensitization.” During this phase, you will focus on a specific distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, which is a big term meaning to stimulate the left and right hemispheres of your brain typically through eye movements, rhythmic sounds or alternating vibrations from a handheld device. Once you have desensitized the level of distress, you’ll move into the next phase called “installation.” This where positive beliefs are identified and strengthened to replace negative thoughts associated with the traumatic memory. And the final stage is to process any residual physical sensations associated with the traumatic memory using the same bilateral stimulation process. So why do all this? Well, keep reading. The Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Anxiety Disorders Effective Processing of Traumatic Memories: EMDR therapy can assist you in processing and integrating distressing memories, allowing you to develop adaptive resolution. This means that your brain will gain new perspective and put pieces of the puzzle together in a way that allows you to move forward without emotional charge and distress. Reduced Anxiety Symptoms: Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in alleviating anxiety symptoms. By targeting the root causes of anxiety, EMDR therapy promotes deep healing and symptom relief, leading to improved overall well-being. Enhanced Emotional Regulation: EMDR therapy equips you with valuable tools and skills for emotional regulation. By processing traumatic memories and related negative emotions, you’ll learn to manage your emotions more effectively, reducing anxiety triggers and enhancing emotional resilience. Resilience Building: EMDR therapy can help you build resilience by challenging negative beliefs and fostering positive thoughts. Through the use of bilateral stimulation and reprocessing techniques, you’ll develop a stronger sense of self and gain the ability to face future challenges with increased confidence. Complementary Approach: EMDR therapy can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities, such as medication, traditional talk therapy, or mindfulness-based techniques, to provide a holistic treatment approach for anxiety disorders. It is adaptable and can be tailored to meet your individual needs. EMDR Therapy Can Help You Thrive You’re not crazy and you’re not alone. You don’t have to “just live with it” anymore. There are treatments that can have a tremendous impact on your quality of life. If you’re looking for a new way to work through your anxiety and the underlying factors that contribute to it, you’ll want to consider EMDR therapy as an option. It’s a specialized treatment with incredible outcomes. As an integrative or holistic mental health therapist, Nicole Ambrose uses EMDR therapy and other modalities to address anxiety, trauma and chronic stress. With her you’ll learn tools to help you regulate your body, develop routines that support your health, work through situational triggers and stress, learn to establish boundaries to protect yourself in an unpredictable world, and heal from the experiences that keep you stuck in a state of constant fear and worry. If you’re ready to start EMDR therapy at our Coral Springs office or online through our secure telehealth platform, call 954-391-5305 for your complimentary consultation. For more information about EMDR with Nicole, click here.

Often, when working with couples in therapy, I find that both partners have shared goals but lack an understanding of one another or struggle to communicate their thoughts and needs effectively. Understanding your partner plays a large role in being able to better communicate. The 5 Love Languages are a great tool to use to increase this understanding and aid a healthier dynamic within your relationship. The 5 Love Languages were discovered by Dr. Gary Chapman and highlight the idea that different people have different ways of expressing and understanding their idea of love. Even in committed relationships, it is important to understand that our partners may view their idea of love differently than ours. Knowing your own love language, and knowing your partners, can help to mesh these different ideas of love and expression into a more cohesive way of understanding each other. First, let’s identify the different types of love languages and explain them in easy-to-understand terms: Words of affirmation - Value verbal acknowledgment, encouragement, compliments, and words of appreciation. Quality time - Value spending undistracted time with your partner. Gifts - Value visual signs of love, regardless of price, with an emphasis on thought and meaning behind the gift. Acts of service - Value your partner going out of their way to help you. Physical touch - Value physical acknowledgment and intimacy. There are many online sites available to take The Love Languages Quiz. You can follow the link below that will take you to the official site and you can have your results in just a few minutes! It is important to note that you may want to select multiple answers to each question, but don’t! Out of the options given for each question, choose the one that has the most meaning for you. The Love Language Quiz I have my answer, now what do I do with it? Knowing your love language gives you insight into your understanding of showing and receiving love. With this insight, you can better communicate with your partner and be loved in a way that is most meaningful for you. Knowing your partner’s love language is helpful in the same way. If you both understand love differently, the thought and showing of love can be miscommunicated. For example: Your love language is quality time, but your partner’s love language is giving gifts. Your partner may get you something nice each week to show their love, but the message is lost because you would much rather be spending time on date nights or cozy nights in together. Without knowledge of each other’s preferred way to be loved, the message gets lost. If your partner is aware of your love language, they can communicate their love in ways that are better received by you. Instead of buying you a gift each week, maybe a date night gets planned or a fun getaway. It works the same way on the other end too. Now that you know your partner’s love language is giving gifts, you can give them something as a special token of love, even if it’s not what you would prefer. Being able to understand each other and love in ways that are most meaningful for each other allows an increase in connection. This increased connection paves the way for a healthier relationship overall. My partner knows my love language is quality time, but they keep giving me gifts. What should I do? Everyone processes the meaning of love and how to show affection differently. It’s common that even if your partner knows your love language, they don’t always show this effectively. This gives you an opportunity to understand them better. If your partner’s love language is giving gifts, but yours isn’t, it provides you an opportunity to flip your perspective. Knowing your partner’s love language allows you to recognize that receiving gifts from them isn’t because they are ignoring your love language, it is because this is what love means to them. You can flip the script from “they aren’t respecting my own love language” to “they are showing me love in a way they know how.” This also paves the way for more honest and vulnerable conversations. Expressing that you understand their way of showing love, but also that you have different values, allows more honest communication and effort moving forward. What if I have more than one love language? Sometimes, you can score evenly or close to evenly for more than one love language. This isn’t a bad thing! This provides more ways to understand your meaning of love. It’s okay to value both words of affirmation and acts of service. In communicating this with your partner, it gives them more options to express their love to you in a way that is most meaningful. The Love Language Quiz At the end of the day, communication is key. Communicating your needs and your way of thinking is an important part of having a healthy dynamic within your relationship. The Love Languages are a great way to have a better understanding of your values, and your partner’s values, thus prompting the start of healthier communication. When people are loved in a way that is meaningful for them, they tend to invite the idea of healthy communication in, so this works full circle! If you’re wanting additional help to enhance your relationship with your partner, contact us for your complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305. You deserve to have a healthy, thriving relationship! Alyssa provides counseling for adults and couples at our beautiful Plantation, Florida office and also offers online therapy through our secure telehealth platform for those who reside in the state of Florida. For more information about Alyssa Woolslair and her approach to couples counseling or marriage therapy, click here.

As we navigate life's ups and downs, mental health care becomes a crucial aspect of maintaining our overall well-being. Therapy, a cornerstone of mental health care, offers significant benefits that extend beyond the therapy room. At Bayview Therapy, located in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and Coral Springs, Florida, we are committed to providing quality therapeutic services that can make a transformative difference in your life. Here are the top five benefits of mental health counseling and how Bayview Therapy can guide you on your journey to wellness. 1. Improved Understanding of Self Therapy provides a safe space for self-exploration. Through this process, you can gain a deeper understanding of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, which can lead to increased self-awareness and self-confidence. At Bayview Therapy, our highly skilled therapists use a personalized approach to help you delve into your inner world and discover your true self. 2. Better Coping Strategies For Life’s Challenges Life is unpredictable and can sometimes throw curveballs our way. Therapy can equip you with the tools to handle these challenges more effectively. Whether it's stress management, dealing with loss, or navigating relationship issues, our therapists at Bayview Therapy can teach you various coping strategies tailored to your unique situation. 3. Enhanced Relationships Therapy can also improve your interpersonal relationships. Through exploring your relationship patterns and working on communication and boundary-setting skills, you can enhance your connections with others. Our expert psychologists and therapists in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and Coral Springs, Florida, are experienced in relationship therapy and can guide you towards healthier and more fulfilling relationships. 4. Reduction of Symptoms Therapy is a proven method for reducing symptoms of various mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. At Bayview Therapy, our professional therapists utilize evidence-based treatment modalities to help you alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 5. Promotion of Personal Growth and Development Therapy is not just about resolving issues; it's also about growth and development. It can help you set and achieve personal goals, foster resilience, and promote a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. At Bayview Therapy, we focus on your holistic growth, encouraging you to strive towards your full potential. Therapy offers a multitude of benefits. At Bayview Therapy, with locations in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and Coral Springs, Florida, we're dedicated to providing top-notch therapeutic services that cater to your unique needs. Whether you're dealing with a mental health condition, unexpected life's challenges, or simply seeking personal growth, we're here to support you on your journey. You deserve to live your best life so let us help you get there… If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to contact us at 954-391-5305 to schedule your complimentary consultation so we can discuss how we can help you or your loved ones. Let's embark on this journey to wellness together.

I’m always amazed at how much we go through to avoid having a difficult conversation. We probably cause ourselves more stress, more anxiety and more frustration by NOT having the conversation than actually having it. There are seven fundamentals that can help us have a difficult conversation whether it’s with a loved one, a colleague, a neighbor, etc. These are life skills that can help us have healthier relationships in every area of our life. How to Have a Difficult Conversation: 1) Figure out the real issue you want to address. Before you have the conversation, allow yourself some time to get clear on what the real concern is for you.. Sometimes what we think is the issue (“You never call me, I always have to call or text you first”) is actually a symptom of a larger issue (“I don’t feel like you care about our relationship as much as I do.”). When we only talk about the symptoms, we can stay stuck at the surface level issue. This is usually when it becomes an argument that feels like “tit for tat”. So take some time to figure out what you REALLY want to address. 2) Figure out the outcome that you’d like to have as a result of having the conversation. And how you’re going to cope if that outcome doesn’t happen. What do you want to get out of the conversation or tangible change would you like to see? Is there something specific that you need from the person or people you’re having this conversation with. Be clear with yourself and with them. You also need to be aware that you may not receive what you’re hoping for and if that’s the case, how will you feel? What can you do to cope with that? Many times we go into difficult conversations unclear about what it is we actually want or expect and that lack of clarity finds its way into the conversation. It can create frustration, at a minimum, for everyone involved. We also become blindsided when we don’t receive what it is we’re expecting whether that’s something tangible or a certain feeling or emotion so it’s helpful to give this some consideration before even going into the conversation. 3) Put yourself in the other person’s shoes for a moment. Do they know there’s an issue? How might they see it? I know this can be really hard sometimes, but take a deep breath, close your eyes and for a moment visualize yourself in their shoes, looking at the situation through their eyes. What do they see? Do they know there's an issue? What might be some of their concerns? Developing empathy for the other person’s perspective can go a long way in a conversation. If the other party knows you’ve got their perspective in mind, it may help them feel heard and understood in the conversation. Please understand that conveying empathy, doesn’t negate or minimize your perspective or experience. 4) Schedule a time to have the conversation when you’re both able to be present and focused. If at all possible, schedule a time to have this conversation. Try to make sure it’s at a time and in a space where you can each be mentally and emotionally present. It’s very hard to be involved in any conversation when you’re distracted by other people, phones, bells, whistles, etc. 5) Be clear about your concern and the outcome you’d like. Remember the concern(s) you identified in #2? Clearly state this in the conversation. You may assume the other person knows what you mean, but often that’s not the case. Assumptions lead to miscommunication. 6) Give space and time for the other person to talk and show empathy when they do. It’s easy to be so preoccupied with what we need to get out that we don’t leave room for the other party to share or respond, especially if their response isn’t steering the conversation in the direction we want it to go. Take a breath and let the other person share. Show empathy for their perspective (remember, imagine yourself in their shoes) and remember, expressing empathy doesn’t mean they’re right and you're wrong or that your perspective is no longer relevant. When people feel heard and understood they are more likely to hear you and stay engaged in the conversation. 7) Determine whether or not your desired outcome is possible and what next steps might be. Once you’ve stated your desired outcome and have decided whether or not it’s possible based on the conversation, it’s up to you to decide how you’d like to proceed moving forward. Sometimes our outcomes don’t align with the other person or people and that’s ok. In those situations, it’s important to reflect on what’s in our control (how we respond, what we decide is our next step) instead of focusing on what’s not in our control (another person’s decisions and reactions). These tips can be helpful when it comes to having many difficult conversations; however, it’s also ok to discern when having a conversation is NOT the answer and may cause more harm. Reaching out to a trusted therapist can help you prepare to have difficult conversations and also help you determine those situations where it may not be the best option. Counseling is a great resource if you want additional help with communication and/or conflict management in your relationships. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation at 954- 391-5305 to discuss how we can help. Dr. Kim Grocher, LMFT is one of our therapists located at our Fort Lauderdale office and also provides virtual therapy via our secure online platform for those clients who reside in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. For more information about her approach, click here.

School is out! Children look forward to summer all year. Kids are super excited to be free of responsibility, escape homework, and break free of teacher demands for a few months. Parents too look forward to this time to slow down, have a change of pace, and make new family memories. Some children will go to sleepaway camp, day camp, vacation, while others will take a real break and relax at home. Despite all the positive vibes, parents have the added burden of keeping their children busy in an attempt to avoid the typical tantrums and the inevitable whine: “Mom, I'm bored”. How can you keep up the summer fun all summer long? Creating and maintaining structure in your home. Here are 4 tips to help you with maintaining structure during the summer. Keep Up Your Routine - Children and families thrive with routine and structure. Although we can’t exactly match the consistency school provides, it helps to keep children on a daily schedule. This includes meal times, bathing, bedtime routines, and bedtime. Nap time may be a necessity in the summer too! Of course there is room for flexibility like sleeping in on weekends (like that ever happens!) or a late night, but overall, sticking to the schedule keeps your children well rested and aware of the expectations of the day which in turn makes them more cooperative. A hungry and tired child can be irritable, cranky, and irrational, which is not what you look forward to during summertime fun. Make a Visual Schedule - Prior to summer, sit down with your spouse or family as a whole and set expectations for the summer. Include your children in exploring their interests for the summer and what excites them. What are they most looking forward to? Is there anything special that will make their summer a blast? Facilitate communication surrounding this so all family members are bought in and looking forward to what’s to come. Things to include could be outings to parks, splash pads, museums, water parks, farms, and other child friendly activities. Don’t forget to include things the adults like to do too! Movie night, an ice cream party, game night, the possibilities are endless. Including things like quiet time, reading time, or even some educational activities help with the overall balance and peace. Once you have a general idea…make it visual! Children succeed with transitions and changes when they know what to expect and can visually see what is expected of them. There are tons of visual schedules to purchase, but a homemade one typically works best. Involve your children in the creative process and include them in making the schedule. The more involved they are the more excited they will be to participate. Get Outdoors - The summer heat hits hard, but getting outside daily is essential. Being outside, separating from screens, and feeling fresh air has a large impact on mood and wellbeing. Physical activity is essential for children. Children have tons of energy to burn. Riding a bike or scooter, playing tag, or going for a nature walk are all ways to engage children outside. Getting outside also makes room for cool down and chill activities afterwards, like a popsicle or a family movie. Back-Up Plan - It is inevitable that at some point things will take a turn and you will hear the dreaded, “Mom, I’m bored” or find your children crying about a broken banana or a toy car they can’t find. Despite all the planning, that’s okay…we expect this! But, it does help to have a plan. Talk in advance with your child about options of things they can do when they are bored or when they need to calm down. This could be presented as a “Calming Corner” or just a special area or basket. Things to include may be a new set of markers, coloring books, bubbles, a book, word search, or other random dollar store finds. Whatever comes up, you can handle it with a back-up plan in your pocket. Remember to always include parents' breaks too! This doesn’t exclude working parents, a break between work and being with the kids is a necessity too. A quick walk outside, a morning coffee, a short meditation, or a chapter in a book can go a long way. Get a sitter, family member, or friend to help when you can. We need to be our best selves to be with our children all day, and we can’t do that without taking care of ourselves first. Make this a priority! Have Fun - The most important takeaway… Have fun! Summer is a time to rejuvenate, appreciate less responsibilities, and create family memories. The time spent together are memories your children and you will cherish forever. By keeping these tips in mind, you can be present with your children, ensure an awesome summer for the family, and enjoy yourself too! Counseling and Parent Coaching Can Help Your Family Thrive! If you and your family are needing additional support with maintaining structure or any other parenting concerns, contact us for your complimentary consultation at 954-391-5305. We offer counseling and parent coaching at our beautiful offices in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation, Florida. We also offer online counseling or parent coaching across the state of Florida via our secure telehealth platform. For more information about Jessica Califf, LMFT and her approach to counseling with kids and families, click here.

El agotamiento, el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión han sido epidemias mundiales durante años. Estos desafíos pueden crear síntomas como disminución de la energía, dificultad para levantarte en la mañana, falta de interés en las cosas que solías hacer, dolor del cuerpo sin explicacion, preocupación excesiva por tener una enfermedad, comer o beber en exceso, dificultad para dormir, y sentirse agotado físicamente y/o emocionalmente. Muchas personas intentan tratar esos síntomas con medicamentos sin receta, y cuando finalmente consultan a su médico primario se frustran porque estos medicamentos no tienden a abordar la raiz de estos síntomas persistentes. Muchos de nosotros adquirimos hábitos que no son saludables o pueden llegar a ser adictivos en nuesro intento de controlar o sanar los sintomas mensionados anteriormente. Tenemos tendencia a utilizar comportamientos y cosas, lo que sea necesario, con tal de cambiar temporalmente como nos sentimos, porque esos sentimientos/emociones son dolorosos y muy incomodos. La realidad es que cuando empezamos a querer adormecer o escapar de los sentimientos negativos que son incómodos (es decir, el agotamiento, el estrés, la depresión, la ira), también terminamos adormeciendo los buenos sentimientos (es decir, la gratitud, la alegría, la felicidad, etc.). Eventualmente, desarrollamos una adicción física, emocional y psicológica a la comida, las drogas, el alcohol, el sexo, las compras, los juegos de azar y cualquier otro comportamiento que nos ayuda a escapar emociones que no quieremos sentir. Quizás te estas preguntando si hay otra manera; una mejor solucion? ¡La respuesta es sí! Querer cambiar tu vida es el primer paso. Hay un mundo lleno de posibilidades cuando te comprometes a querer más para tu vida y cuando te das cuenta de que te mereces algo mejor. En terapia e hipnoterapia con clientes, hablamos mucho sobre la voz interior que ignoramos cuando estamos envueltos en adicción. Esa voz que te dice que te mereces algo mejor y que no puedes seguir viviendo de la forma en que has estado viviendo tu vida. Si estás leyendo esto y te preguntas cómo puedes crear un cambio positivo de una manera en donde puedes realmente disfrutar tu vida, entonces estas escuchando esa voz interna. En este momento, estás abriendo tu subconsciente a posibilidades creativas de esperanza, sanación y empoderamiento. Una vez que escuchas esa voz interior, tienes una oportunidad para tomar un momento y ser honesto contigo mismo a lo que realmente esta pasando dentro de ti. La verdad es que podrías continuar buscando esa validación externa y seguir tratando de manipular los resultados de situaciones que realmente no puedes controlar. O puedes tomar un momento y reconocer que esa voz interna a lo mejor te esta diciendo que es hora de ver y hacer las cosas diferente. Solo escuchando esa voz experimentaras el cambio necesario. Ten en cuenta que una vez que comiences a mirar dentro de ti, descubriras que hay cosas sin resolver del ayer que pueden estar impidiéndote avanzar. Fritz Perls, el fundador de la Terapia Gestalt, habló acerca de "asuntos pendientes", que se refiere a cómo nosostros tendemos a reprimir sentimientos y experiencias que están almacenados en el subconsciente. Estos “asuntos pendientes” que no se resuelven pueden, eventualmente, convertirse en un montón de problemas que siguen activándose en nuestro presente. En nuestra adultes se presentan como patrones negativos de pensamiento, sentimiento y comportamiento que son persibidos como habitos malos. Sentir tus emociones sin tener que cambiarlos o adormecerlos requiere práctica. Mi invitación para ti es escuchar la voz interna que te anima a hacer las cosas de otra manera y te dice que te mereces más y mejor. Date la oportunidad de encontrar el origen y curar los asuntos no resueltos que continúan acumulándose y manifestandose en tu adultez como depresión, estrés/ansiedad y agotamiento. Recuerda que no tienes que seguir participando en comportamientos autodestructivos como el alcohol, las drogas, los patrones no saludables de alimentación, los comportamientos obsesivos, etc. Es momento de buscar ayuda y dejarte guiar por un experto que pueda ayudarte a sanar del pasado y seguir adelante con tu vida. Escoje un terapista que se alinee con tus valores. Unete a un grupo de apoyo comunitario, como las reuniones de AA/NA. Si te encuentras preguntándote si existe otra forma de sentir, vivir y ser, entonces estas empezando el primer paso de tu sanacion. Recuerda que todos comenzamos en alguna parte. Lo que más importa es tu voluntad de cambiar y tu deseo de querer una vida mejor. Cada uno de nosotros empieza con el deseo de intentarlo. Recuerda, ¡la recuperación es posible! Te invito a llamar al 954-391-5305 para tu consulta de cortesía. Juntos podemos decidir si la terapia de conversación o la hipnoterapia es una buena opción para ti dependiendo de tus necesidades y objetivos. Para obtener más información sobre la hipnosis centrada en el corazón, haga clic aquí. Ofrezco hipnosis y terapia en Coral Springs, Florida, y en todo el estado de Florida a través de nuestra plataforma segura de terapia virtual. ¡Espero poder ayudarte a sanar el ayer y avanzar en una dirección más saludable y feliz!