Adapting to change can be frightening at times, however, it is common to experience those feelings. Just like some adults, Teenagers may or may not know how to deal with these problems. Some may require counseling to help overcome. WHY MIGHT A TEEN NEED COUNSELING? Counseling is a great place to feel free and safe to talk about any issues. Some reasons a teen my counseling is listed but not limited to: lack of acceptance stress from school depression & anxiety self harm bullying WHERE DO I START? At Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida!starpointcounselingtampa.com https://starpointcounselingtampa.com/ https://starpointcounselingbrandon.com/the-counseling-team affordablecounselingbrandon.com

Stress overload, defined as excessive amounts and types of demands that require action, is a human response that is experienced as a problem and contributes to the development of other problems. SIGNS OF STRESS OVERLOAD CONSISTS OF: Anxiety or panic attacks. A feeling of being constantly pressured, hassled and hurried. Irritability and moodiness. Physical symptoms, such as stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain. Problems sleeping. Long list, little time It is crucial to be aware of your stress overload because it can affect your energy levels, relationship with others, mood, and performance in a work environment. Having stress overload can affect health conditions as well. HOW TO MANAGE STRESS: EXCERISE- Yoga is a great way to relax the mind, body and soul. BALANCE NUTRITION- when you turn to unhealthy habits, it can lead to feeling sluggish and lazy. Making sure to maintain a well balanced meal, aids in energy. TAKE A BREAK- When work is stressing you out, take a break and go enjoy some time with loved ones. However, don’t get too carried away. The work is still there! TALK ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS- It is important to be able to vent when needed and to find ways to manage such high levels. Starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com

Since early 2020, we have faced much uncertainty and many challenges while navigating new frontiers of change during a global pandemic. So many things look different, so many things feel different, and so many things are different. After facing months of things that are different, we now face decisions about COVID-19 vaccinations and that may result in anxiousness, stress, or other reactions. Affordable Counseling Center in Brandon Fl. & Tampa Fl. suggests these guidelines.  Do your research. Fear is often based in the unknown, so learn as much as you can. Consider what is worrying you. Are you concerned about possible side effects, how recommendation decisions are being made, or about how the vaccine works? Once you identify your specific thoughts and concerns, you can search for information that addresses the questions you may have and keep yourself informed. The CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines page (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines) is a great place to start.  Stay up to date. Keep yourself in the loop as progress is made with vaccines and vaccine distribution. Be careful not to get sucked into consuming too much news or social media – stick to a vetted vaccine tracker and allow yourself to take a break from news if it becomes overwhelming or intrusive to your daily routines.  Look towards officials you trust. The State of New Hampshire’s webpage (www.nh.gov/covid19) is a helpful resource. Other trusted sources regarding vaccine safety may include Dr. Anthony Fauci (Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are also reputable sources. It may also be helpful to find information from multiple trusted sources.  Think about the benefits compared to the risks. We don’t know everything about the new vaccines, but so far leading trials have been safe. Under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), known and potential benefits must outweigh the known and potential risks before a vaccine will be approved for use. Health and medical experts believe getting the vaccine will help you develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 and help keep you and your family safe.  Make decisions in your best interest. If your anxiety about vaccination is overwhelming, intrusive, or too much to cope with, it may be helpful to communicate with your primary care provider or a mental health professional. Communicating with a physician or a therapist may help you identify your specific concerns and may help you develop strategies for managing what you’re experiencing.  Common side effects may include pain or swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness, or headache.  Helpful tips for managing pain, discomfort, or other side effects include putting a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the injection site; using or exercising your arm; drinking plenty of fluids; and dressing lightly in comfortable clothing.  Remind yourself that side effects may feel like flu and even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. It may be helpful to contact your physician if redness or tenderness of the injection site increases after 24 hours or if your side effects are worrying and don’t go away within a few days. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com

Happiness looks different for everyone. For you, maybe it’s being at peace with who you are. Or having a secure network of friends who accept you unconditionally. Or the freedom to pursue your deepest dreams. Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more satisfied life is within reach. A few tweaks to your regular habits can help you get there. If you’ve ever tried breaking a bad habit, you know all too well how engrained they are. Well, good habits are deeply engrained, too. Why not work on making positive habits part of your routine? Here’s a look at some daily, monthly, and yearly habits to help kickstart your quest. Just remember that everyone’s version of happiness is a little different, and so is their path to achieving it. If some of these habits create added stress or just don’t fit your lifestyle, ditch them. With a little time and practice, you’ll figure out what does and doesn’t work for you. Daily habits 1. Smile You tend to smile when you’re happy. But it’s actually a two-way street. We smile because we’re happy, and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier. That doesn’t mean you have to go around with a fake smile plastered on your face all the time. But the next time you find yourself feeling low, crack a smile and see what happens. Or try starting each morning by smiling at yourself in the mirror. 2. Exercise Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness. Even some physical activity can make a difference. You don’t have to train for a triathlon or scale a cliff — unless that’s what makes you happy, of course. The trick is not to overexert. If you suddenly throw yourself into a strenuous routine, you’ll probably just end up frustrated (and sore). Consider these exercise starters: Take a walk around the block every night after dinner. Sign up for a beginner’s class in yoga or tai chi. Start your day with 5 minutes of stretching. Remind yourself of any fun activities you once enjoyed, but that have fallen by the wayside. Or activities you always wanted to try, such as golf, bowling, or dancing. 3. Get plenty of sleep No matter how much modern society steers us toward less sleep, we know that adequate sleep is  good health, brain function, and emotional well-being. Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep  every night. If you find yourself fighting the urge to nap during the day or just generally feel like you’re in a fog, your body may be telling you it needs more rest. Here are a few tips to help you build a better sleep routine: Write down how many hours of sleep you get each night and how rested you feel. After a week, you should have a better idea how you’re doing. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Reserve the hour before bed as quiet time. Take a bath, read, or do something relaxing. Avoid heavy eating and drinking. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Invest in some good bedding. If you have to take a nap, try to limit it to 20 minutes. If you consistently have problems sleeping, talk to your doctor. 4. Eat with mood in mind You already know that food choices have an impact on your overall physical health. But some foods can also affect your state of mind. For example: Carbohydrates release serotonin , a “feel good” hormone. Just keep simple carbs — foods high in sugar and starch — to a minimum, because that energy surge is short and you’ll crash. Complex Carbs such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains, are better. Lean meat, poultry, legumes, and dairy are high in protein. These foods release dopamine and norepinephrine, which boost energy and concentration. Highly processed or deep-fried foods tend to leave you feeling down. So will skipping meals. Start by making one better food choice each day. For example, swap a big, sweet breakfast pastry for some Greek yogurt with fruit. You’ll still satisfy your sweet tooth, and the protein will help you avoid a mid-morning energy crash. Try adding in a new food swap each week. 5. Be grateful Simply being grateful can give your mood a big boost. Start each day by acknowledging one thing you’re grateful for. You can do this while you’re brushing your teeth or just waiting for that snoozed alarm to go off. As you go about your day, try to keep an eye out for pleasant things in your life. They can be big things, such as knowing that someone loves you or getting a well-deserved promotion. But they can also be little things, such as a co-worker who offered you a cup of coffee or the neighbor who waved to you. Maybe even just the warmth of the sun on your skin. With a little practice, you may even become more aware of all the positive things around you. 6. Give a compliment Performing acts of kindness can help you feel more satisfied. Giving a sincere compliment is a quick, easy way to brighten someone’s day while giving your own happiness a boost. Catch the person’s eye and say it with a smile so they know you mean it. You might be surprised by how good it makes you feel. If you want to offer someone a compliment on their physical appearance, make sure to do it in a respectful way. 7. Breathe deeply You’re tense, your shoulders are tight, and you feel as though you just might “lose it.” We all know that feeling. Instinct may tell you to take a long, deep breath to calm yourself down. Turns out, that instinct is a good one. Deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress. The next time you feel stressed or at your wit’s end, work through these steps: Close your eyes. Try to envision a happy memory or beautiful place. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Slowly breathe out through your mouth or nose. Repeat this process several times, until you start to feel yourself calm down. If you’re having a hard time taking slow, deliberate breaths, try counting to 5 in your head with each inhale and exhale. 8. Acknowledge the unhappy moments A positive attitude is generally a good thing, but bad things happen to everyone. It’s just part of life. If you get some bad news, make a mistake, or just feel like you’re in a funk, don’t try to pretend you’re happy. Acknowledge the feeling of unhappiness, letting yourself experience it for a moment. Then, shift your focus toward what made you feel this way and what it might take to recover. Would a deep breathing exercise help? A long walk outside? Talking it over with someone? Let the moment pass and take care of yourself. Remember, no one’s happy all the time. 9. Keep a journal A journal is a good way to organize your thoughts, analyze your feelings, and make plans. And you don’t have to be a literary genius or write volumes to benefit. It can be as simple as jotting down a few thoughts before you go to bed. If putting certain things in writing makes you nervous, you can always shred it when you’ve finished. It’s the process that counts. 10. Face stress head-on Life is full of stressors, and it’s impossible to avoid all of them. There’s no need to.  Stress isn’t always harmful, and we can even change our attitudes about stress. For those stressors you can’t avoid, remind yourself that everyone has stress — there’s no reason to think it’s all on you. And chances are, you’re stronger than you think you are. Instead of letting yourself get overwhelmed, try to tackle the stressor head-on. This might mean initiating an uncomfortable conversation or putting in some extra work, but the sooner you tackle it, the sooner the pit in your stomach will start to shrink. starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com #counselingbrandonfl #counselingtampafl

COVID-19 Managing Stress Stress, Coping and Living a Healthy Life at Home Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Learning how to cope with stress and staying healthy while at home will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Tips to stay calm during this COVID-19 outbreak At Affordable Counseling Center in Brandon & Tampa Fl. we think when you feel anxious, these are some steps you can take to put those feelings in perspective: Information is useful—but too much information can be unhelpful. Limit news intake to what is actually providing new information, and stick to reliable news sources. There’s no benefit to watching the same news over and over. Take the necessary and recommended precautions, but don’t try to “innovate” new ones. As with all dangers, the trick is to be ‘careful enough.’ When we try to ensure 100% safety, we get caught up in unhelpful behaviors. Keep up daily routines, and make changes only when necessary. Maintaining regular schedules and routines is a good way to keep anxiety at bay and feel normal. Even if some changes need to be made, maintaining the overall routine is helpful. Don’t completely isolate yourself from other people. Fear of spreading the disease can cause some people to withdraw socially, but maintaining relationships and social support are good ways to combat anxiety. Even if you are in self-quarantine or mandatory quarantine, keep up social interaction using FaceTime/Skype, phone calls, or text messages. Limit screen time. Too much time on the phone or computer, on social media or websites, can lead to less activity and more anxiety. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com #stresscounselingtampaflstressstresstherapy

Child counseling in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL specializes in treating children, adolescents, and teens for a variety of issues such as poor academic performance, misbehavior, stress and anxiety, and learning disorders such as ADD/ADHD. We do this by working directly with your child and helping them to understand the root causes of the issues and what can be done to correct or prevent them in the future. Depending on the type of issue seen, our therapists may meet with just the child/teen, one or both parents, to get a better understanding of their concerns and the history of their child’s problem. Following the completion of the initial assessment, your child’s therapist will offer a treatment plan, which may include individual sessions with your child, sessions with your child and either one or both parents, or other members of the family. Addressing issues through compassionate, child counseling means less stress for everyone, bettering your relationships with your children. At Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, Florida! starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com

We understand that seeking out individual therapy for your child or teen can be stressful.  We know that you may be living with the frustrations and challenges that your child is struggling with.  We know that you want the best for your child and child counseling Brandon, FL and Tampa, FL is here to help. With adolescent counseling in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL,  children are given the opportunity to express their own unique thoughts and feelings at a pace they are comfortable with. At Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, Florida! starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com

Is your child having trouble at school? Your teenager, grade-schooler, or preschooler may be talking back, misbehaving, or lashing out at their friends or teachers. They might also be feeling overwhelmed or falling behind on their work. Watching a child struggle is extremely difficult, so it is only natural that you might feel discouraged. But if nothing you’ve done so far has worked, isn’t it time to try something new? Our family-focused approach will ensure that your whole family’s needs and experiences are taken into account with Child Counseling in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we will check in with you often and adjust our strategy as needed to promote continual progress toward your goals. At Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, Florida! starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com

We understand that seeking out individual therapy for your child or teen can be stressful.  We know that you may be living with the frustrations and challenges that your child is struggling with.  We know that you want the best for your. With adolescent counseling in Tampa, Fl and Brandon, FL,  children are given the opportunity to express their own unique thoughts and feelings at a pace they are comfortable with. At Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, Florida! starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com

All couples get trapped in negative communication patterns. For most of us, these patterns are hard to see clearly in our relationships. The problem comes when a negative pattern of interaction makes both people feel bad about themselves and each other. Over time, couples get more distant and their negative pattern more powerful. With Couples Counseling in Tampa, Fl and Brandon, FL, we will work with you to identify the underlying negative pattern that keeps you apart. We will also guide you to create a more helpful pattern for your relationship. Our goal is to always try to help both partners feel safe in our sessions. Life is too short to stay stuck in your negative patterns. At Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, Florida! starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com

Often times a child struggles simply because (s)he cannot explain his/her feelings and needs with words. By understanding how to speak the language of play, a therapist can fully understand what a child is communicating and what they need. As parents and caregivers, we believe that we should understand what our child is feeling and needing all of the time. The problem is, when a child doesn’t know, (s)he can’t communicate it. With child counseling in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we will help you by communicating the feelings and needs for your child. We believe that asking for help takes courage and also a great deal of love. We will honor your love for your child with deep respect throughout the therapeutic process. At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL we are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, Florida! starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com

Do you feel like your relationship is at a standstill? Are you and your partner stuck in the same argument loop every night? Do you feel like the you and your partner are drifting away? Do you desire more intimacy between you and your partner? All things can be improved, changed and bettered, with just a little support, no matter how big or small. With couples therapy in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL, you will learn how to communicate your feelings and needs, and get what you want out of your relationship. With our couples therapy sessions, we help people develop the necessary skills needed to maintain sustaining love. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa, FL and Brandon, FL would love to speak about how we may be able to help reconnect and rekindle your love for one another. We are currently offering online and over the phone counseling in Tallahassee, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, Florida! starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com