Every Veterans Day (November 11), we pause to honor the people who wore the uniform. The public often hears about the invisible wounds of war—PTSD, depression, moral injury, traumatic brain injury, suicide risk. Naming those realities matters. But there’s another side of the story that deserves equal attention: for many, military service also cultivates protectiveContinue reading “Veterans Day: Honoring Service—and the Strength It Builds”
Author Archives: NavarroCounseling
Real-life “NPCs”: why people sometimes move on autopilot — and what you can do about it
You’ve probably joked about people who seem like video-game characters: they show up, follow a script, react the same way every time, and vanish. Calling someone an “NPC” (non-player character) is funny — but there’s a real, simple explanation behind that feeling: most of us run a lot of our lives on autopilot. That’s notContinue reading “Real-life “NPCs”: why people sometimes move on autopilot — and what you can do about it”
Parenting Our Childhood Instead of Our Children
The other day in session, I heard a phrase that stopped me in my tracks:“Parents are parenting their childhood instead of their children.” It wasn’t from a book or podcast — it came directly from a client.And what made it even more interesting is that, like many of my clients, this person is also aContinue reading “Parenting Our Childhood Instead of Our Children”
Falling in Love with AI: A Psychotherapist’s Perspective
As a psychotherapist, I’m already noticing a rise in clients discussing emotional attachment—even romantic feelings—toward artificial intelligence (AI) companions and chatbots. While this may sound like science fiction, recent studies show that people can and do develop bonds with AI that resemble human relationships. For some, this brings temporary comfort. For others, it exposes deeperContinue reading “Falling in Love with AI: A Psychotherapist’s Perspective”
5 Minutes to Change the Way You Stress
I’m a big fan of Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University who has done remarkable work explaining how the brain and body interact. Recently I watched one of his presentations on fear, and he mentioned a study that really stuck with me: just five minutes a day of voluntary stress can dramatically reduceContinue reading “5 Minutes to Change the Way You Stress”
CBT for Chronic Pain: A New Service at Navarro Counseling
I’m excited to share that I have officially completed training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) and received my certification. As someone who has personally lived with chronic pain, I know how deeply it affects not just your body, but also your emotions, thoughts, and daily life. That’s why I am so gratefulContinue reading “CBT for Chronic Pain: A New Service at Navarro Counseling”
Navarro Counseling Now Offering EMDR-focused Therapy
I am thrilled to announce that I have completed my EMDR Core Skills Training and can now offer this transformative therapy at Navarro Counseling. My own EMDR experience was life-changing, allowing me to reprocess hidden memories. EMDR helps with both major and minor trauma, facilitating healing and emotional control.
A Parent’s Punishment Blog: The Coincidence We Can’t Ignore
The post highlights alarming trends in youth mental health, suggesting a potential link to social media use. Suicide rates have surged significantly, along with increases in depression, self-harm, and bullying. The author urges parents to reflect on these statistics and their implications for children’s well-being and mental health.
Understanding ‘Ignorant Selfishness’ in Kids
The content discusses “ignorant selfishness” in children, highlighting that this behavior often stems from their developmental stage rather than malice. Parents are encouraged to understand these behaviors, adopt practical strategies, and establish clear boundaries to foster connection. The piece emphasizes the importance of nurturing emotional awareness in children while also ensuring parental self-care.
Beat the Weekend Heat: Mental Health Tips for South Florida This Friday & Beyond
As South Florida braces for another scorching weekend (July 25–27), with daytime highs climbing into the mid‑90s and heat indices topping 105°F, it’s more important than ever to recognize how extreme heat affects our minds—not just our bodies—and leverage our Sunshine State perks to stay cool, connected, and calm. 1. Heat & Anxiety High temperatures triggerContinue reading “Beat the Weekend Heat: Mental Health Tips for South Florida This Friday & Beyond”
My pain is my teacher
My pain is my teacher, But I don’t know why it has to be, it just does. My pain gives me lessons that I don’t want. Sometimes I feel it does it just because, but when I look deep, I know it’s not true. It’s just hard to tell because it feels like a taunt.Continue reading “My pain is my teacher”
Psychedelic‑Assisted Therapy: The Promise of Psilocybin for Treatment‑Resistant Depression
Psilocybin, the active component in magic mushrooms, is gaining attention for treating resistant depression. Recent FDA breakthroughs with formulations like COMP360 and CYB003 have shown promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating rapid relief and lasting effects. Psilocybin therapy combines doses with psychotherapy, facilitating new perspectives and enhancing mental health.
Hurricane Season Trauma: Coping Strategies for South Florida Residents and First Responders
Summer 2025 is expected to have a high number of Atlantic hurricanes, raising concerns in South Florida. Anxiety spikes among residents due to stressful storm preparations, with many experiencing PTSD-like symptoms post-event. Support resources are emphasized for both residents and first responders to cope with the psychological impacts of disasters effectively.
🧠 Mental Health Monday: Yoga, Resilience, and the Power of the Self-Care Cycle
The recent pop-up yoga event in Coral Springs highlighted the importance of small self-care practices for emotional resilience. Raymond Navarro outlines the Self-Care Cycle, emphasizing five steps—Awareness, Movement, Reflection, Connection, and Replenishment—to combat stress and enhance mental well-being. Residents are encouraged to engage in daily self-care.
💛 Loving the Unlovable: How Compassion Can Transform Your Mental Health
The post discusses the transformative power of compassion over resentment when dealing with those who have caused us harm. It highlights the mental health benefits of practicing compassion, which include reduced anxiety and improved clarity. The author emphasizes that compassion does not excuse harmful behavior but frees us from emotional burdens while advocating for healthy boundaries.
🧠 10 Stoic Quotes That Changed My Mental Health (And Might Help Yours Too)
✨ “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” — Seneca
This one Stoic quote changed the way I manage anxiety—both in my own life and in my work as a therapist. So often, our stress comes not from the moment we’re in, but from the story we’re telling ourselves about what might happen.
I put together a list of 10 powerful Stoic quotes that have helped me and my clients build resilience, emotional control, and peace of mind.
🧠 Read the full list here: [your website/blog link]
#MentalHealth #Stoicism #TherapistThoughts #EmotionalWellness #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy
Toxic moms vs Good Fathers
Fathers play a crucial role in child development, providing emotional resilience and social competence through structured involvement. However, maternal gatekeeping can limit this participation, perpetuating cycles of absenteeism and dysfunction. Strategies to overcome gatekeeping include open communication and parenting education, emphasizing the need for cooperative co-parenting to enhance children’s well-being.
The Parenting Dilemma: Should You Let Your Kids Make Mistakes or Try to Control Their Choices?
Parenting Through Guilt: Letting Go and Supporting Growth Being a parent is hard—there’s no sugarcoating that. We face countless challenges if we want to be good parents, but today, I want to talk about the guilt that comes with watching our kids struggle. The kind of struggle I’m referring to isn’t about mental or physicalContinue reading “The Parenting Dilemma: Should You Let Your Kids Make Mistakes or Try to Control Their Choices?”
The Emotional Cloud: Why We “Hear” Our Feelings More Than Our Thoughts
Every once in a while, something hits me during a session with a client, prompting me to explore a concept I call the “emotional cloud.” It’s an idea many of us can relate to: being so overwhelmed by an emotion that its intensity makes it nearly impossible to recognize or consider any logical choices inContinue reading “The Emotional Cloud: Why We “Hear” Our Feelings More Than Our Thoughts”
What is Generalized Anxiety disorder?
Navigating Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Insights and Strategies As a licensed therapist and advocate for mental health awareness, I’m thrilled to launch a series aimed at enhancing understanding and providing support for various mental health conditions. Through this series, we aim to empower our readers with knowledge about disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and shareContinue reading “What is Generalized Anxiety disorder?”
Sad or Depressed?
The Difference Between Being Sad and Being Depressed Sadness and depression are terms often used interchangeably in everyday language, yet they represent significantly different experiences on the spectrum of human emotions and mental health. Understanding these differences is crucial, not just for academic purposes, but for recognizing when it’s time to seek help for oneselfContinue reading “Sad or Depressed?”
The world does not have to change because you feel a certain way…learn to check yourself
Navigating the Complex World of Feelings: A Therapist’s Perspective It’s been a week since my last post, a lapse I attribute to the busyness of life and its inevitable distractions. As a licensed therapist, I too experience moments of deviation from my goals – a reminder that behavior change often follows a ‘two steps forward,Continue reading “The world does not have to change because you feel a certain way…learn to check yourself”
Ice baths and Mental Health
Rediscovering the Transformative Power of Ice Baths: A Journey in Physical and Mental Wellness As a psychotherapist with a deep interest in the interplay between physical practices and mental health, I’ve rediscovered a powerful tool in my wellness arsenal: ice baths. This isn’t just a tale of physical rejuvenation; it’s a story about mental andContinue reading “Ice baths and Mental Health”
Becoming Self Aware
The Journey to Self-Awareness: Navigating Through Levels and Life’s Challenges Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. In my experience as a psychotherapist, I’ve observed that self-awareness often emerges in levels, influenced by life experiences, including trauma. This article delves into what self-awareness is, its connection to our experiences, and how it shapes our interactionsContinue reading “Becoming Self Aware”
Boundary Battles: The Tough Truth About Protecting Your Mental Space!
Setting Boundaries: Navigating the Challenges and Standing Your Ground In my psychotherapy practice and personal life, I’ve observed the complexities of setting boundaries, especially when they’re established later in relationships. Recently, I had to assert my boundaries with someone close, a decision that was long overdue. This experience highlighted several key aspects of boundary-setting, whichContinue reading “Boundary Battles: The Tough Truth About Protecting Your Mental Space!”
The Stages of Grief
Navigating the Complex Journey of Grief: More Than Just Loss Through Death From a Licensed Psychotherapist Grief is a profound, universal emotion that extends beyond the loss of a loved one. It can stem from various life changes, including the end of relationships, career shifts, or even the loss of personal ideals. This article exploresContinue reading “The Stages of Grief”
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Do you think better when its loud?
“The Sound of Productivity: How Loud Background Noise Can Enhance Concentration and Sleep” brought to you by a licensed Psychotherapist In a world that often associates quiet with focus, it might surprise you that for many, including myself, loud background noise is the secret ingredient to concentration. As a psychotherapist, I’ve discovered this intriguing phenomenon:Continue reading “Do you think better when its loud?”
How do we protect ourselves from our own ego and pride?
Ego and Pride: A Delicate Balance of Self Ego and pride are intricate elements of our psychological makeup, often perceived differently across cultures and societies. Growing up in South Florida, I witnessed firsthand how these traits are not only celebrated but are also deeply ingrained in societal values. Defining Ego and Pride Ego, in theContinue reading “How do we protect ourselves from our own ego and pride?”
What’s the deal with Selfcare?
The Pillars of Self-Care: A Guide to Nurturing Your Well-being Self-care is more than a buzzword; it’s a fundamental practice essential for mental and physical health. At its core, self-care encompasses three critical aspects: sleep, diet, and exercise. But there’s more to it than just these. Let’s delve into these foundational elements and explore additionalContinue reading “What’s the deal with Selfcare?”
Boundaries vs Ultimatums
Navigating Boundaries and Ultimatums: Key Differences and Impacts in Relationships Introduction The distinction between boundaries and ultimatums can often become blurred in relationships, impacting mental health and trust dynamics. Drawing from my own experience, where setting a boundary was misinterpreted as giving an ultimatum, it’s clear that understanding these concepts is crucial for healthy interpersonalContinue reading “Boundaries vs Ultimatums”
The Overwhelming Sound of pain
Published in Oct 2022 and republished with edits Dec 2023 A personal account from Raymond Navarro LMHC MS “I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more” (C.S. Lewis). When you think of pain, do you think of it as physical or mental? GrowingContinue reading “The Overwhelming Sound of pain”
Fear vs Anxiety
Navigating the Terrain of Fear and Anxiety: Understanding and Coping In the complex landscape of human emotions, fear and anxiety often intertwine, yet they are distinct experiences. Understanding the difference between these two emotions is crucial for developing effective coping strategies. This article delves into the nuances of fear and anxiety, their triggers, and howContinue reading “Fear vs Anxiety”
Goal setting and how it helps your mental health
Setting Goals for Mental Health: Navigating the Path to Well-being As the New Year approaches, many of us are contemplating setting goals. It’s a time-honored tradition, but beyond the excitement, goal setting plays a crucial role in mental health. This article explores how effectively setting and managing goals can decrease anxiety, mitigate negative emotions, andContinue reading “Goal setting and how it helps your mental health”
Winning Arguments but Losing Trust? The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Accountability!
The Crucial Role of Accountability in Trust and Relationships Introduction In the realm of personal and professional relationships, the value of aligning words with actions cannot be overstated. Accountability, or the lack thereof, significantly influences how we are perceived and how we perceive others. This article explores the multifaceted nature of accountability, the importance ofContinue reading “Winning Arguments but Losing Trust? The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Accountability!”
The STOP Trick for Instant Emotional Control
Mastering Emotional Regulation: The DBT STOP Skill As a psychotherapist, I often find myself delving into various therapeutic strategies to aid clients in managing emotions effectively. One such powerful tool from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the STOP skill, an acronym that stands for Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully. This skillContinue reading “The STOP Trick for Instant Emotional Control”
Why am I always SAD during the holidays?
Navigating Through the Gloom: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than just the winter blues. It’s a subtype of depression that typically occurs in the winter months. This article sheds light on SAD, outlining its diagnostic criteria, potential causes, and effective coping strategies, emphasizing the role of exercise and structured routines.Continue reading “Why am I always SAD during the holidays?”
4 Secret Habits of the Highly Successful: Transform Your Life Now!
The Success Quartet: Sleep, Meditation, Exercise, and Reading In my practice as a psychotherapist, I’ve observed a compelling correlation between success and four key habits: adequate sleep, regular meditation, consistent exercise, and habitual reading. These practices are not just beneficial for physical health; they are pivotal for mental well-being and, by extension, for achieving successContinue reading “4 Secret Habits of the Highly Successful: Transform Your Life Now!”
Unlock the Secret: Why We Sabotage Ourselves and How to Stop!
Navigating the Labyrinth of Self-Sabotage: A Psychotherapist’s Perspective As a psychotherapist, I’ve often pondered the complexities of human behavior, particularly the tendency to self-sabotage. In my personal and professional journey, I’ve noticed a pattern: every few years, many of us, myself included, make choices that complicate our lives significantly. This phenomenon isn’t just about poorContinue reading “Unlock the Secret: Why We Sabotage Ourselves and How to Stop!”
Anxiety’s Secret Ally: How Cognitive Dissonance Fuels Inner Turmoil!
Understanding Cognitive Dissonance: The Mental Tug-of-War and its Impact on Anxiety Cognitive dissonance, a psychological phenomenon, introduces internal conflict when individuals hold contradictory beliefs or engage in actions conflicting with their beliefs. Unraveling its connection to anxiety reveals the complex interplay between conflicting thoughts and emotional well-being. Key Elements: Conflicting Beliefs: Individuals grapple with discomfortContinue reading “Anxiety’s Secret Ally: How Cognitive Dissonance Fuels Inner Turmoil!”
The connection between a depressed partner and not being accountable
“Living with Depression: Navigating Challenges and Cultivating Resilience” Welcome to the final day of our Accountability Series! Today, we address the complexities of living with a depressed person, offering insights on identifying, supporting, and safeguarding your own mental well-being. Understanding Depression: Living with a depressed person requires a deep understanding of depression itself. Explore theContinue reading “The connection between a depressed partner and not being accountable”
Transform Your Mind: The Untold Power of Emotional Accountability Unveiled!
“Accountability in Mental Health: Navigating Emotions and Behaviors” Welcome to Day 4 of our Accountability Series! Today, we delve into the intricate connection between accountability and mental health. Explore how taking responsibility for thoughts, emotions, and behaviors becomes a powerful tool for cultivating positive emotional well-being. Understanding Emotional Responsibility: In the realm of mental health,Continue reading “Transform Your Mind: The Untold Power of Emotional Accountability Unveiled!”
Unlock Professional Success: The Secret Sauce of Accountability Revealed!
“Accountability at Work: Enhancing Professional Growth” Welcome to Day 3 of our Accountability Series! Today, we embark on a journey into the professional realm, exploring how accountability becomes a catalyst for enhancing career growth. Join us as we navigate the intricate intersections of personal responsibility and professional success. The Professional Landscape: In the dynamic landscapeContinue reading “Unlock Professional Success: The Secret Sauce of Accountability Revealed!”
The Relationship Secret: How Accountability Transforms Love!
Accountability in Relationships Welcome to Day 2 of our Accountability Series! Today, we venture into the intricate realm of relationships and explore the pivotal role that accountability plays in nurturing and sustaining meaningful connections. Join us as we unravel the threads that bind personal responsibility to the fabric of healthy relationships. The Foundation of HealthyContinue reading “The Relationship Secret: How Accountability Transforms Love!”
Feelings are not facts
“The Power of Personal Accountability” Welcome to Day 1 of our Accountability Series, a journey into the profound realm of personal responsibility. In an era dominated by the complexities of human emotions and an evolving societal landscape, understanding and embracing personal accountability becomes a beacon of strength and self-discovery. The Accountability Shift in 2023: InContinue reading “Feelings are not facts”
Black Friday Stress? Can Gratitude and Self-Care Turn Shopping Chaos into Tranquil Bliss?
Black Friday Detox: Navigating Stress with Gratitude and Self-Care As the warmth of Thanksgiving lingers, we find ourselves on Black Friday, a day often associated with frenetic shopping. In this final installment of our series, let’s explore how gratitude and self-care can serve as powerful tools to navigate the stress that might accompany this bustlingContinue reading “Black Friday Stress? Can Gratitude and Self-Care Turn Shopping Chaos into Tranquil Bliss?”
Ever Wondered How Thanksgiving Gratitude Transforms Your Self-Care Routine?
“The Connection Between Gratitude and Self-Care: A Thanksgiving Journey” On this day of Thanksgiving, as we bask in the warmth of gratitude, let’s embark on a deeper exploration of its profound connection with self-care. In this special edition, we’ll traverse the intricate landscape where a thankful heart intertwines with practices that nurture personal well-being. JoinContinue reading “Ever Wondered How Thanksgiving Gratitude Transforms Your Self-Care Routine?”
Ever Wondered How Gratitude Can Turn Life’s Challenges into Triumphs?
Gratitude and Resilience: Navigating Challenges with a Thankful Heart As the echoes of Thanksgiving resonate, we venture into the heart of the week, exploring the intricate connection between gratitude and resilience. Beyond the jubilant gatherings and shared feasts, gratitude emerges as a steadfast companion in navigating life’s inevitable challenges. In this exploration, we’ll unravel theContinue reading “Ever Wondered How Gratitude Can Turn Life’s Challenges into Triumphs?”
Unlocking Everyday Happiness…
Gratitude Practices for Everyday Mental Wellness As we continue our journey into the week of Thanksgiving, it’s opportune to explore practical gratitude exercises that extend beyond the holiday festivities. Gratitude, when woven into our daily lives, becomes a powerful tool for enhancing mental wellness. In this installment, we’ll unravel various gratitude practices—simple yet impactful—that individualsContinue reading “Unlocking Everyday Happiness…”
“Wait…There’s science behind being grateful?”
The Science of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Impacts Mental Well-being As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Thanksgiving, it becomes an opportune moment to unravel the layers of gratitude and its intricate connection to our mental well-being. Beyond its role in holiday traditions, gratitude possesses a profound scientific influence on the neural and psychological landscape.Continue reading ““Wait…There’s science behind being grateful?””
Navarro Counseling 