The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) defines a traumatic event as any scary, dangerous or violent event that poses a threat to the physical safety, well-being, or bodily integrity of a child. Sometimes, traumatic events may directly involve the child. Other times, the event involves the parent, guardian, or another caregiver. Negativity, bullying and neglect by one or both parents can be considered emotional childhood trauma. Threats to the physical safety of a loved one may be just as traumatic as direct threats to the child. These experiences can trigger strong physical and emotional responses, which may persist long after the event passes. Some children develop child traumatic stress : a visceral response to childhood trauma that may affect their daily lives and emotional well-being for years or even decades after the triggering event. Types of Childhood Trauma A child may experience a number of potentially traumatic events, including the following: Abuse (sexual, physical, psychological) Life-threatening accidents or illnesses Violence in school or the community Bullying Domestic violence (witnessing or experiencing) National disasters Acts of terror Public health crises such as COVID-19 Loss of a loved one, especially when sudden or violent in nature Refugee or war experiences Neglect Signs of Childhood Trauma in Preschool Children Fear of separation from parents or guardians Nightmares Poor eating habits and sudden weight loss Persistent cries or screams Signs of Childhood Trauma in Elementary Schoolchildren Having feelings of guilt and shame Becoming fearful or anxious Having sleeping problems Having difficulty concentrating Signs of Childhood Trauma in Middle and High School Children Depression Feelings of alienation Eating disorders Self-harming behaviors affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251

Our therapists at Affordable Counseling Center in Brandon, Riverview & Tampa, Florida teach these communication skills to our couples who see us for couples counseling, couples therapy, marriage counseling & marriage therapy. Talk to each other. No matter how well you know and love each other, you cannot read your partner’s mind. We need to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings that may cause hurt, anger, or resentment. It takes 2 people to have a relationship and each person has different communication needs and styles. Couples need to find a way of communicating that suits their relationship. Healthy communication styles require practice and hard work. Communication will never be perfect all the time. Be clear when communicating with your partner, so that your message can be received and understood. Double check your understanding of what your partner is saying.When you talk to your partner, try to: set aside time to talk without interruption from other people or distractions like phones, computers or television think about what you want to say be clear about what you want to communicate make your message clear, so that your partner hears it accurately and understands what you mean talk about what is happening and how it affects you talk about what you want, need and feel – use ‘I’ statements such as ‘I need’, ‘I want’ and ‘I feel’ accept responsibility for your own feelings listen to your partner. Put aside your own thoughts for the time being and try to understand their intentions, feelings, needs and wants (this is called empathy) share positive feelings with your partner, such as what you appreciate and admire about them, and how important they are to you be aware of your tone of voice negotiate and remember that you don’t have to be right all the time. If the issue you are having is not that important, try to let the issue go, or agree to disagree. Non-verbal communication When we communicate, we can say a lot without speaking. Our body posture, tone of voice and the expressions on our face all convey a message. These non-verbal means of communicating can tell the other person how we feel about them.If our feelings don’t fit with our words, it is often the non-verbal communication that gets ‘heard’ and believed. For example, saying ‘I love you’ to your partner in a flat, bored tone of voice, gives 2 very different messages. Notice whether your body language reflects what you are saying. Listening and communication Listening is a very important part of effective communication. A good listener can encourage their partner to talk openly and honestly. Tips for good listening include: Keep comfortable eye contact (where culturally appropriate). Lean towards the other person and make gestures to show interest and concern. Have an open, non-defensive, fairly relaxed posture with your arms and legs uncrossed. Face the other person – don’t sit or stand sideways. Sit or stand on the same level to avoid looking up to or down on the other person. Avoid distracting gestures such as fidgeting with a pen, glancing at papers, or tapping your feet or fingers. Be aware that physical barriers, noise or interruptions will make good communication difficult. Mute telephones or other communication devices to ensure you are really listening. Let the other person speak without interruption. Show genuine attention and interest. Use assertive statements like ‘I feel…about…’, ‘What I need is…’. Be aware of your tone. Be prepared to take time out if you are feeling really angry about something. It might be better to calm down before you address the issue. Ask for feedback on your listening from the other person. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com

Many people think of having couples therapy as a last resort before divorce, but that is absolutely not the case. Relationship counseling can help couples with good relationships become even stronger. If you are interested in marriage counseling success and would like to discuss options for Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, couples therapy please call us today. Read further to learn more about relationship therapy. Let's face it, couples argue. A certain amount of arguing is even healthy for a relationship. It helps bring relationship issues in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, to the forefront so that they can be confronted and worked on to strengthen your bond. When these arguments carry on for long periods of time, become a frequent occurrence, or lead to violence they become a problem that weakens and endangers the relationship. The key to any healthy relationship is communication. When communication breaks down it can put distance between the people involved in the relationship and damage it. If you feel that you are not able to effectively communicate with your partner, couples therapy can help. Couples therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, teaches you to communicate in a more effective manner. Skills like listening and compromising are enforced so that disagreements can be settled in a way that leaves both sides feeling better. Intimacy issues are another reason a couple may consider therapy. It is a difficult issue to bring up for many people and involves many sensitive topics. A therapist at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can help by asking the right questions and putting the couple at ease when discussing such a personal subject. Another reason for couples therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, could be for parenting help. You may have a different outlook on parenting than your spouse. The upbringing of a child is one of the most important responsibilities of a couple and it can lead to problems. If you and your spouse are divorced it can introduce more challenges into the process. A couples therapist at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can help you reach agreements on how to raise your children and instill effective ways to communicate with each other and with your children.

Don't waste one more day - anxiety counseling At Affordable Counseling Center can help We help you identify solutions to relieve stress and anxiety that are specific to your personal situation. To begin with, we acknowledge that anxious feelings develop from the way that you think. Anxious feelings are almost always accompanied by anxious thoughts (whether you recognize them or not), many of which aren’t based in reality or facts actually present in your situation. Anxiety in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, often comes with countless “what if?” questions. Questions that have no answers. And always picturing the worst-case scenarios. We help you change the way you relate to those thoughts in order to change the way you feel. At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, we mostly rely on a combination of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), the gold standards for treating anxiety (and depression) with the highest success rates. Both ACT and CBT can be effective short-term approaches, so we only keep you in therapy while you're having symptoms, not for years to come. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, find that working mindfulness into our approach to anxiety helps patients begin to understand their thoughts and feelings. Sometimes just becoming aware of the anxious thoughts can provide relief. We teach you to notice your thoughts and observe them as a non-judgmental spectator. And to recognize that thoughts are just thoughts. Many are surprised to discover their mind has been telling them lies for years! We also help you learn to recognize those lies, and make decisions by choice rather than emotion. When we finish your anxiety counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, our goal is for you to leave feeling more prepared, and having a stronger sense of self-confidence in your ability to tackle all of life's challenges. The tools and skills you learn will be available to help you well beyond the end of our time together. It's impossible to avoid all stress, but you don’t need to feel anxious all the time.

If you are reading this blog, you may find yourself wondering…does relationship counseling really work? Perhaps you are considering relationship counseling for the first time, or maybe you’ve had some previous relationship counseling experiences that have been discouraging or disheartening. Many couples have some reservations about going to relationship counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL . Here are some common myths and misconceptions about relationship counseling. Common Myths and Misconceptions about Relationship Counseling: Myth: We have to be on the brink of divorce to go to relationship counseling.  Truth: Couples often do even better in counseling when they seek help before they are on the brink! When couples can still identify their strengths and express love to each other, they are primed to work on the tougher challenges of life. Even if you are on the brink but still think there are reasons to stay together, relationship counseling can be beneficial. Myth: My partner is the problem! Truth: Many couples are in an unhealthy dance with each other, and when both partners start addressing their side of the dance, the relationship improves. (Note: there are relationships where one partner is primarily responsible for the disconnect - see examples below under “indicators of unsuccessful marriage therapy”).  Myth: Our love should be enough.  Truth: Love in a committed, long-term relationship requires nurturing and attention. Even if your original feelings of love were strong, it is very normal to find yourself needing to adjust communication or connection patterns as you age and your relationship reaches new stages.  Myth: Our relationship is fine just as it is. Truth: If there are indicators that your relationship is NOT fine (e.g., affairs, high conflict, emotional distance), it may be that you and/or your partner are in a state of denial about how disconnected you are. Honesty about what is affecting your relationship in a negative way can be a huge first step toward healing.  If you resonate with any of the myths or just feel skeptical about relationship counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, in general, there is good news! According to the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, the success rate of relationship counseling is around 70% . Research also shows that couples who seek out therapy increase their chances of staying together and report improved communication and connection with each other.   Indicators of Successful Marriage Therapy Increasing levels of commitment to the relationship Increasing empathy Increasing emotional connection Setting aside quality time with each other to connect and work through challenges Improving communication that includes curiosity about the partner’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives Indicators of Unsuccessful Marriage Therapy Low levels of commitment by one or both partners Underlying issues of abuse, infidelity, addictions, or other unresolved mental health concerns Communication roadblocks (Gottman suggests that criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling are the "four horsemen" that contribute to a failing relationship) Couple doesn’t feel their therapist is a good fit or doesn’t understand their particular story or concerns If you are interested in trying relationship counseling for the first time, Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, would love to support you. If you have had some negative experiences with relationship work in the past, we would love to address what went wrong and work with you to reach your goals.

Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, therapists offer research-proven marriage and couples counseling to provide couples with the relationship skills needed to: Feel emotionally and physically closer Resolve conflict Be able to have calm, involved conversations about difficult topics Understand each others’ needs, and be able to respond Understand and communicate your own needs Know that you’re enough for your partner, and important to your partner, even when you don’t get it exactly right Be more patient with each other Understand why you’re having trouble getting along when you know you love each other so much Decide whether or not to separate Stay connected even when you disagree Heal after an affair, addiction, major secret, or shattered trust Parent together harmoniously, even when you see things differently Manage your step family and extended family issues HOW DOES IT WORK? The first step in marriage/couples counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is to understand what’s getting in the way of conflict resolution, closeness, and/or trust.   Every couple has a cycle, or patterned way of trying to resolve conflict together. Sometimes the cycle is positive and they can get through it on their own; at other times it’s a negative cycle and they get stuck.  Another way to describe the negative cycle is as a pattern of communication happening below the surface of partners’ actual words or behaviors. This “deeper” conversation isn’t about details; it’s about unmet relationship needs. Until these relationship needs are addressed, the real conversation will usually go nowhere. When couples in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, get stuck, the following ends up happening: one partner escalates while the other shuts down, both partners get escalated and there’s a fight or heated argument, or both partners withdraw from the conversation. Whichever way, the problem doesn’t get resolved. Instead it gets pushed under the rug, only to resurface later. Other times it may seem as if there’s resolution, but it isn’t lasting. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, counselors are highly trained to help couples understand their negative cycle, which is more often than not completely out of awareness when they begin counseling. When couples don’t have a clear understanding of what’s going wrong, it’s impossible for them to fix things on their own. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, therapists spend the first several sessions helping couples understand their negative cycle. Once couples and their therapist in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, understand what  isn’t  working, Affordable Counseling Center can start working on replacing the negative cycle with a positive one. In the process, couples begin to feel empowered to resolve their problems on their own, and emotionally closer. As couples begin to have repeated positive experiences with one another, trust begins to build. Over time, the relationship begins to thrive. Many couples are struggling with complicated issues such as affairs, abuse, addictions, sexual issues, chronic health conditions, or more.  While Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, treat all couples with the same approach, we adapt our work to each couple’s unique situation. Please contact us to learn more about how our counselors specifically help couples who are struggling with these more complicated issues.

What is Depression? Depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. Feeling sad and disconnected at times is a normal part of being human. If these feelings become intense or prolonged, it can helpful to seek professional support at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL. Many life stressors that people experience, such as job loss, life transitions, or ending a relationship result in feelings of sadness. People who struggle with depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, tend to experience a low mood that is more severe and persistent than mild sadness in response to a stressor. There is not one way people experience depression. For some it persists for many months without reprieve, and for others it comes and goes in waves. Depression can make it difficult to feel motivated, enjoy activities, and carry out tasks of daily living. It can also result in negative thinking spirals that can be difficult to break out of. Symptoms of Depression at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL. Common symptoms of depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or numbness. Loss of interest in activities that are typically enjoyed. Feeling unmotivated/disconnected/hopeless. Loss of energy/increased fatigue. Feeling worthless or guilty. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much. Thoughts of death or suicide. Treatment for Depression If you struggle with depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, you do not have to struggle alone. Depression can feel like a never-ending hole that is impossible to climb out of. With the right support and skills, it’s possible to spot signs of depression before it takes over, and to manage it skillfully during times when it does. Treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have shown promising results in the treatment of depression. If you are experiencing depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, it is important to discuss concerns with your doctor. To learn more about how Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, support people with depression, schedule a appointment today.

As any relationship expert will tell you, the foundation of a healthy and successful partnership is built on effective communication. Relationship Counseling is a valuable tool for enhancing communication, strengthening connection, and navigating various life transitions, such as retirement and the empty nest phase. Relationship Counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, helps couples in improving communication and tackling life's challenges. Relationship Counseling is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the unique dynamics and challenges of romantic relationships. It involves both partners working with a therapist to identify and address issues related to communication, emotional intimacy, and conflict resolution. Relationship Counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can be beneficial for all couples, regardless of the severity of their problems or the length of time they have been together. By improving communication and strengthening connection, relationship counseling can be a crucial tool for navigating life transitions, such as retirement and the empty nest phase. The Importance of Communication in Relationships Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. It allows couples in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs openly and honestly, fostering a deeper understanding of one another. Furthermore, good communication helps partners resolve conflicts and navigate challenges with empathy and respect. Common Communication Issues in Couples There are several common communication issues that couples may face in their relationships. These include: Misunderstandings: Misinterpreting each other's words or intentions can lead to confusion and conflict. Defensiveness: Reacting defensively to criticism or feedback, rather than being open to change or growth. Stonewalling: Refusing to engage in conversation or address issues, effectively shutting down communication. Criticism: Attacking a partner's character or personality, rather than focusing on specific behaviors or concerns. Contempt: Expressing disrespect or disdain for a partner, undermining the connection and trust in the relationship. Relationship Counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can help address these communication issues by teaching partners new skills and strategies for engaging with one another in a more open, honest, and respectful manner.

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias and separation anxiety disorder. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment. Symptoms Criteria for generalized anxiety disorder include: Persistent and excessive worry about different events or activities Inability to control this worry At least three of the following symptoms: Restlessness Fatigue Inability to concentrate Irritability Increased muscle soreness Disrupted sleeping patterns Risk Factors Developing an anxiety disorder is normally an unconscious process. Having flashbacks of past traumatic events can trigger high levels of anxiety and contribute to mental illness. These thoughts can trigger our Fight or Flight system and result in the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline is the body’s natural way to defend ourselves and prepare for a fight. It causes our capillaries to constrict, our digestion to slow down, our heart rate to increase and our breathing to quicken. These factors may increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder: Stress due to an illness. Having a health condition or serious illness can cause significant worry about issues such as your treatment and your future. Trauma. Children who endured abuse or trauma or witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder at some point in life. Adults who experience a traumatic event also can develop anxiety disorders. Stress buildup. A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Other mental health disorders. People with other mental health disorders, such as depression, often also have an anxiety disorder. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are. Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can run in families. Drugs or alcohol. Drug or alcohol use or misuse or withdrawal can cause or worsen anxiety. Anxiety Treatment Behavioral therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, helps people suffering from anxiety disorders to identify the object or situation that is triggering symptoms of anxiety. This behavior based therapy introduces stress management techniques that help mitigate the physical symptoms of anxiety. Behavioral therapy sessions can be conducted as individual or group sessions. You should try to find support group sessions with others who have an anxiety disorder to learn real-life coping strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, focuses on the treatment of mental health disorders including substance abuse and anxiety disorders. Behavioral therapy provides behavior modification treatments for anxiety disorders by reframing thoughts and behaviors. Stress management is one of the most important treatments for anxiety and is a component of cognitive-behavioral therapy. People with anxiety disorders can discuss important health topics and learn how to manage the symptoms of anxiety by joining a support group where they can discuss stress management techniques for specific phobias. For example, support groups can act as a forum for members who share a common phobia to learn new ways to interact with their environment. Since there are other people who share this common trait, you can learn from each other and share a wealth of knowledge. Prevention There’s no way to predict for certain what will cause someone to develop an anxiety disorder, but you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms if you’re anxious: Get help early. Anxiety, like many other mental health conditions, can be harder to treat if you wait. Avoid alcohol or drug use. Alcohol and drug use can cause or worsen anxiety. If you’re addicted to any of these substances, quitting can make you anxious. If you can’t quit on your own, see your doctor or find a support group to help you. Stay active. Participate in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself. Enjoy social interaction and caring relationships, which can lessen your worries. Anxiety is treatable, and there are mental health professionals who understand what you’re going through. You don’t have to suffer alone with your anxious thoughts and feelings. Anxiety can amplify your feelings, and make you believe that your problems are insurmountable. That’s not true, and you CAN find support and you CAN feel better. You’re entitled to live a fulfilling life, and part of that is learning to cope with anxiety.

What is Couple Therapy Couple therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is a means of resolving problems and conflicts that couples have not been able to handle effectively on their own. It involves both partners sitting down with a trained professional to discuss their thoughts and feelings. The aim is to help them gain a better understanding of themselves and their partner, to decide if they need and want to make changes, and if so, to help them to do so. People seek therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, for a range of problems and every couple is different but here are some common issues: Lack of communication frequent or constant arguments Unfulfilled emotional needs Financial concerns Conflicts about children Affair or apparent loss of affection and caring Traumatic event, such as an illness or loss in the family. Why Should I choose Couple Therapy At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL. The purpose of couples therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is to restore a better level of functioning in couples who experience relationship distress. The reasons for distress can include poor communication skills, incompatibility, or a broad spectrum of psychological disorders that include domestic violence, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The focus of couples therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is to identify the presence of dissatisfaction and distress in the relationship, and to devise and implement a treatment plan with objectives designed to improve or alleviate the presenting symptoms and restore the relationship to a better and healthier level of functioning. Couples therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can assist persons who are having complaints of intimacy, sexual, and communication difficulties.

Depression eradicates your sense of joy. The good news is, depression therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, with an experienced and compassionate counselor can be very effective in guiding you through and out od your depression. It can help you identify and address what is keeping you stuck in an unhappy and unproductive cycle of thinking and behaving. With guidance and support at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, you can develop the positive perspective and  the tools needed to effectively manage and even overcome symptoms, and have a productive, balanced and happy life. In our depression counseling sessions, one of the therapists at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, will provide you with the safe, respectful and caring environment needed to work through challenging thoughts and emotions. Healing occurs when we feel connected, safe and supported. As you and your therapist at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, develop a safe and trusting relationship, you can begin to explore the underlying causes and triggers of your depression. We all feel stuck or lost sometimes. By identifying past pains and traumas, we’re able to accept and acknowledge our experiences and release them. In counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, you can learn effective coping strategies to address your uncertainty, discomfort and tension. We can teach you and help you practice relaxation and meditation exercises, which can not only elevate mood, but also help you access the wisdom that resides within. Through your therapy process at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, you can increase self-awareness, identify personal strengths, foster a stronger connection to yourself and feel more centered and grounded in your life. You can begin to accept and love yourself for all who you are. With help, guidance and a willingness to engage in the process, it’s possible to cultivate a happy and fulfilling life. You can find more joy in your daily experiences, connect with loved ones, enjoy more energy and find balance, purpose and direction in your life.

Other therapists in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, just ask you how you feel each week or get lost in the details of your most recent couple conflict. That approach will leave you feeling stuck week after week. You need effective marriage counseling. At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, we’ve taken very seriously the need to offer much more than just questions about your feelings or things to “try” out between sessions. We know that even good marriages can get stuck in unhealthy patterns. We know that even when both partners want to do the right thing, fundamental personality differences and intensely different hopes and dreams can really get in the way of getting what you want out of your relationship. We know you want to take back control over your relationship and not leave anything to chance. You’ve put too much into your marriage to let some outside force get in the way or ruin it. Let Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, show you why our approach to marriage counseling is different. Let us show you what we offer that changes everything about what you can expect from your marriage counseling experience. Read on to learn more. What makes Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, different when it comes to marriage counseling? Knowing the secrets of motivation styles Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, studied the research on what actually motivates people to do what they do. This isn’t something they teach in school. We use this unique understanding of human motivation to help you and your partner actually do things you want to do, but can’t seem to get yourself to do on your own. You find yourself acting differently with much more ease than ever before. This isn’t average marriage counseling. It’s almost like magic. Giving you a change experience Change isn’t something that happens in your head. It happens in your heart. While other therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, approaches try to get your think differently, we know that you can’t think your way out of your feelings. Affordable Counseling Center experience in therapy is more important than anything else. When you feel what change is like in our office, your mind and body will start to feel different, even after you go home. Change becomes almost invisible–it just happens. Bypassing mental defenses Have you ever tried to convince your partner of something you felt really strongly about and got nowhere? The harder you tried to get your point across, the more stuck the conversation became. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, understand the science behind facilitating real listening and real understanding even in the most entrenched conflict. In your marriage counseling sessions, we will show you how to maximize the likelihood that you’ll be heard when you share how you feel in your relationship. Providing you with language We’ve heard it so many times before, “I wish my therapist could just come home with me and tell me what to say. They have a special way with words.” We actually send you home with just the right words to use in that next conversation when you usually get tongue tied. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, help you practice exactly what to say that will change the entire course of the conversation. You leave the office feeling powerful. It’s an amazing experience that is unique to our approach.