Anxiety is something that effects everyone at some point in their lives. Some people seldom experience it, but for others, it is something that is constant. Anxiety is often described as unrealistic and excessive worry that is difficult to control that occurs for days or longer. Feeling on edge, having shortness or breath, tiredness, and shakiness are signs of anxiety. Anxiety can drastically effect your everyday life. When it gets to a point where it is overwhelming it may be time to seek out help. Counselors are a great resource. They can teach relaxation skills as well as others to help cope with anxiety. The goal of counseling is to combat the feelings of anxiety and teach new skills in order to effectively cope with the anxiety as well as the symptoms that come along with it. Please visit http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com/ to learn more about the many counseling services we offer. You can also call 813-244-1251 for any questions or to set up an appointment with one of our many great therapists!

It is relatively common to find children clinging to their parents at a young age. Parents usually say, “He/She is a shy child.” The question is, is the child shy or do they have social anxiety? The child’s social anxiety may be misinterpreted as shyness. Here are some behaviors to look for that may point to social anxiety. The child: -May make limited or no eye contact. -May exhibit hypersensitivity to criticism, rejection, and disapproval. -May need excessive reassurance of being liked or approved by others. – May have limited or no close friendships outside of family members. If you see some of these behaviors in your child it may be helpful if you place your child in new social settings and encourage them to interact with their peers. It would be beneficial if you help your child in the development of social skills that will help them become more comfortable with social interactions. It may be beneficial to talk to a counselor and learn how to reinforce positive social interaction skills for your child and for the child to learn how to socialize in a way that they do not fear the interaction. Visit http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com/ to learn more about our counseling services or call 813-244-1251 to schedule an appointment with one or our great therapists today!

Communication, we all know how important it is to all relationships whether is is between family members, friends, coworkers,etc. These days communication is happening on many different platforms. It is not always a simple face to face interaction or phone call. Many people communicate through technology, such as email, texts, or social media outlets. Unfortunately, many of us lead busy lives and do not make effective communication a priority. Failure to communicate effectively causes frequent misunderstanding which could lead to arguments. It is critical that communication take place in a healthy manner in order  to maintain happy and healthy relationships. It is important to implement these skills and practice them. Counseling is a great resource to learn effective communication skills such as fighting fairly and effective listening. Visit our website http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com/ to learn more about our counseling services or call 813-244-1251 to schedule an appointment with one of our many great therapists!

The blame game we all play it. Sometimes it is difficult to take responsibility for our actions and accept fault. I mean who really wants to admit that they were at fault for something?….That’s right, pretty much no one, so the blame game goes on. It is easier to blame it on someone or something else than to take into account how you actually played a role in the situation. The blame game often goes on in social relationships, especially with those that are close to us. Unfortunately it has some negative consequences often causing dissatisfaction within the relationship and possible avoidance of one another. It is important to start talking to one another and stop blaming. Another important thing to keep in mind is how your own actions contributed to the issue. Try to stay on topic and not bring up past issues. Use “I” statements to describe how you feel instead of using “you” statements disparaging your partner. If you have difficulties within a relationship, a counselor can help. Check out http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com/ for more information. You can also call 813-244-1251 with any questions or to set up an appointment.

Spring is just around the corner! Are you ready for a fresh start? For many, spring is a time to clean out the old to prepare for the new. Why not do the same for your mind? Do something for yourself and get to know you a little better! We have many great therapists with years of experience. Check out our website http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com or call 813-244-1251 for any questions or to set up an appointment today!

Both Affordable Counseling Center and Star Point Counseling Center offer premarital counseling sessions. Learn how to communicate effectively and learn how to cope with unexpected stress. Many people plan and prepare for the wedding, why not do the same for your marriage? Your marriage is constantly evolving, be prepared for the unexpected. Visit http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com/ or call 813-260-8892 to make an appointment!

Affordable Counseling Center offers a variety of services including couples, family, and premarital counseling. Do not wait until things are out of control, seek counseling early to help remedy difficult situations. Our variety of counseling services is sure to fit any situation you are going through. Please visit http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com/ or call 813-479-3510 to make an appointment

Happy New Year from Affordable Counseling Center! Unfortunately with the new year also comes new stresses. If at any time you feel overwhelmed or just need to talk please visit http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com/ or call 813-260-8892 to make an appointment.

As the new year gets closer people to tend to reflect on the events that occurred over the past year both good and bad. Its during this time of reflection that many think about the resolutions that they made the previous year and failed to stick to. This year instead of just making resolutions, make a plan that you will put into action. It is easy to say, “Starting January 1st I am going to start doing BLANK….” Do something to make it happen! Make a list of goals and steps to complete your goal. Having a goal is usually not enough. Having a plan that you put into to action is what makes you meet your goal. Many people see the new year as a fresh start. Do something good for yourself and set up goals with achievable steps so you can continue to see that you making steps toward accomplishing whatever you are trying to accomplish. You can achieve your goals and if you need help along the way either identifying your goals or making a plan to achieve them call 813-260-8892 or visit http://www.affordablecounselingbrandon.com/

As the weather changes so does your mood. It is important that you listen to your body. It is easy to develop the winter blues. Here are some signs that your winter blues may actually be depression. 1) Depressed mood. 2) Diminished enjoyment or interest in activities that were previously enjoyable. 3) Lack of energy. 4) Loss of appetite. 5) Suicidal thoughts. Some goals to combat depression are to: 1) Recognize, accept, and cope with your feelings of depression. 2) Develop healthy relationships with others that help prevent the relapse of depression symptoms. 3) Develop healthy thoughts and beliefs about yourself that help alleviate your depressive symptoms and prevent the relapse of depression symptoms.

As the holidays approach, families come together, and communication difficulties can emerge. Here are some difficulties that commonly occur: 1) Family members experience arguments and misinterpretations frequently. 2) Positive comments and affirmations occur rarely or not expressed at all. 3) Family members interrupt or talk over each other frequently. 4) Many times miscommunication occurs. Some goals to combat these difficulties are: 1) to identify the problem areas of communication. 2) Gradually discuss particularly volatile topics with reduced tension and conflict. 3) Improve and increase the number of positive verbal comments. To learn more about how to improve communication visit http://www.starpointcounselingtampa.com/ or call 813-244-1251 to set up an appointment!

Every couple has times of stress and difficulties instead of looking at in a negative way, try and see it in a new light. If you have been begrudged, forgive. If you have torn down each other, repair. If you have injured another, help each other to heal. If there is a conflict, find a compromise. If you have judged, pardon.