The Counseling Corner

Emy Fernandez

The Counseling Corner will be featuring expert interviews from both psychologists, psychotherapists and coaches from Coral Gables Counseling Center and from other experts and resources in the community. The interviews will include topics such as relationships, phobias, fears, traumas, attachment issues, women's issues, health and wellness and child development, among other topics.

  1. 02/10/2025

    Domestic and Sexual Abuse with Tiffany Perez, LMHC

    Featuring:  Tiffany Perez, LMHC Hosted by: Gabriela Reyes, LMFT Description: In this episode of The Counseling Corner, we discuss trauma with a focus on one of its most painful and complex forms: domestic and sexual abuse. Our guest, Tiffany N. Perez, LMHC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Coral Gables Counseling Center, shares her expertise with Gabriela Reyes, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist on how domestic abuse impacts survivors—emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Tiffany explains the different forms abuse can take, why leaving abusive relationships can feel overwhelming but how Listeners will also hear about: How to recognize the hidden signs of abuse. The role of shame, fear, and isolation in keeping survivors silent. Healing strategies, including mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga, and hypnosis. Steps toward empowerment, safety, and self-connection after abuse. This is a compassionate and eye-opening conversation designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer hope for those affected by domestic abuse. And Tiffany ends with recommended tips if you are in an abusive relationship Resources discussed: Maid Netflix Drama: https://www.netflix.com/title/81166770   It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out for help. Following are some resources. M.U.J.E.R. https://www.myfloridalegal.com/vicitm-services-providers/mujer-inc National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text "START" to 88788 Dial 911 the code is: I want to order a pizza. For more on Tiffany, Gabi and Emy you can check their pages at  Tiffany Perez, LMHC Gabriela Reyes, LMFT Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

    41 min
  2. 22/05/2025

    A Balanced Life with Passion Projects

    Released: May 22, 2025 Guest: Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach and Gabriela Reyes, LMFT Episode Summary: In today's episode, Dr. Alex (or Dr. Cheech), discusses with Gabi and Titi how he has incorporated into his busy schedule, his passion for music.  In addition to his business, he has created the space to be part of a local band – Chili Guys – and also be present for his family and friends. They dive into the transformative power of passion projects — those meaningful, energizing pursuits that fuel your creativity and add purpose to your life. Whether you're looking to reignite your spark, explore a side hustle, or simply reconnect with your interests, passion projects can be the key to a more fulfilling, balanced life. Join us as we explore what makes a passion project different from your typical hobby, how to carve out time for what you love, and real-life stories of people who've built incredible things from their passions — without quitting their day jobs. What You'll Learn: The difference between a hobby and a passion project Why passion projects matter for your mental health and motivation How to identify what you're passionate about (even if you're unsure) Strategies to start — and stick with — your passion project Real-life examples and inspiring stories How passion projects can lead to personal growth, community, and even income Favorite Quote from the Episode: "We should never die with music inside." Wayne Dyer   Stay Connected: If this episode inspired you to start (or restart) a passion project, we'd love to hear from you! Screenshot this episode and tag us on social with your biggest takeaway. Connect with us on Instagram: @coralgablescounselingcenter Connect with Dr. Alex on Instagram: @chiliguys_music For more on Premier Athletic Rehab Center (PARC) you can visit parc-pt.com Subscribe & Review: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Counseling Corner for more insightful conversations on health and wellness! For more on Cristina and Gabi, you can Cristina N. Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

    34 min
  3. 01/05/2025

    Therapy Without the Couch

    Released: May 1, 2025 Guest: Dr. Todd Giardina Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach and Emy Fernandez, Certified Coach Episode Description: In this episode of The Counseling Corner, we sit down with Dr. Giardina to explore his innovative approach to mental health and the exciting new projects he's working on. Our conversation goes beyond traditional therapy as we delve into holistic wellness—mental, physical, and everything in between. Dr. Giardina highlights the essential lifestyle changes we can make to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. We also discuss concierge care and the varying levels of mental health support available today, helping listeners understand how to choose the right fit for their needs. Finally, Dr. Giardina introduces us to his podcast, Therapy Without the Couch, and gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming book of the same name. What You'll Learn: ✔️ The connection between mental and physical wellness ✔️How concierge mental health care works and who it benefits ✔️The different tiers of mental health care and how to navigate them ✔️Practical changes you can make to live a better, healthier life ✔️A behind-the-scenes look at Therapy Without the Couch, the podcast and upcoming book  Who Should Listen? If you're curious about modern approaches to therapy, want to take ownership of your wellness journey, or are looking for practical, real-world mental health insights—this episode is for you. Dr. Giardina brings a fresh perspective that bridges traditional care with innovative, personalized solutions. Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more listeners like you! For more on Dr. Giardina, Cristina and Emy you can check their pages at Dr. Todd Giardina Cristina N. Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Coach To learn more about our practice and the rest of our clinicians, you can visit us at: Coral Gables Counseling Corner

    49 min
  4. 30/03/2025

    #108 A Deep Dive into "It Ends With Us"

    Released: February 6, 2025 Guest: Lucia Fernandez Silveira, LMFT Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach and Gabriela Reyes, LMFT Episode Description: In this episode of The Counseling Corner, we dive into It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover—a novel that has sparked deep conversations about love, resilience, and the cycle of abuse. We explore the psychological themes in the book, discuss its impact on readers, and share professional insights on recognizing unhealthy relationships and breaking generational patterns. What You'll Learn: ✔️ How It Ends With Us portrays domestic violence and emotional resilience ✔️ The psychology behind difficult relationship dynamics ✔️ The importance of self-worth and setting boundaries ✔️ How real-life experiences shape our understanding of love and trauma Who Should Listen? Anyone who has read It Ends With Us, enjoys book discussions with a psychological lens, or wants to learn more about the emotional and mental health themes in the novel. Resources: https://www.thehotline.org/ https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/ https://www.domesticshelters.org/ Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more listeners like you! For more on Lucia, Cristina and Gabriela, you can check their pages at Lucia Fernandez Silveira, LMFT Cristina N. Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

    36 min
  5. 10/01/2025

    #107 Setting Goals - Do SMART Goals Still Work?

    Episode Title: #107 Do SMART Goals Still Work? Released: January 9, 2025 Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach and Emy Fernandez, MBA, Life Coach Episode Summary: In this episode of The Counseling Corner, we take a deep dive into the classic goal-setting framework: SMART goals. While they've been a go-to method for decades, do they still hold up in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world? We explore how this system can help you stay focused, whether it's still relevant, and when it might fall short. What You'll Learn in This Episode: A quick refresher: What are SMART goals? The pros and cons of setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When SMART goals work best—and when they might limit creativity or adaptability. Real-world examples of people using SMART goals successfully (and when they didn't). How to evolve your goal-setting approach to fit your unique needs and circumstances. Who Is This Episode For? This episode is perfect for anyone looking to level up their personal or professional goals, including entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and anyone curious about self-improvement. Blogs & Podcasts Emy Fernandez's Blog on indecisions: Blog on Indecisions Ricardo Sardiña's Blog on goals and fears: Blog on Goals and Fears James Clear's Blog on goal setting: Blog on Goal Setting The Counseling Corner Podcast on New Year Resolutions: New Year Resolutions - Do They Work? Jenna Kutcher Podcast on goals: Forget Traditional Goal Setting Let's Keep the Conversation Going: We'd love to hear from you! Are you using SMART goals, or have you found an alternative that works better? Connect with us on @coralgablescounselingcenter and share your thoughts. Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more listeners like you! For more on Cristina and Emy, you can check their pages at Cristina N. Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

    47 min
  6. 02/01/2025

    #106 New Year Resolutions - Do They Work?

    Title: New Year Resolutions - Do They Work? Released: January 2, 2025 Featuring: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Life Coach Each January, millions embrace the tradition of New Year's resolutions, seeking a fresh start. But why do we set these goals, and why do so many of them fail? In this episode, we explore the psychology behind resolutions, common pitfalls, and strategies for success. Resolutions represent a firm decision for change, fueled by optimism and the symbolic reset of a new year. Popular goals include weight loss, career advancement, and improving relationships. However, despite good intentions, many resolutions falter due to vague goals, unrealistic expectations, and the "all or nothing" mindset. Without a clear plan, setbacks often derail progress. Statistics reveal a high failure rate: only 8% of people achieve their resolutions, and many abandon them by mid-January. This highlights the need to focus on small, achievable goals. Using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and celebrating progress can keep motivation alive. Accountability tools, social support, and self-compassion after setbacks are critical for long-term success. For those who find resolutions too rigid, consider alternatives like setting broad intentions or choosing a theme for the year (e.g., "Growth" or "Balance"). These flexible approaches allow for adaptability and personal growth without the pressure of perfection. Remember, forming lasting habits takes time—far beyond January—and adjusting goals as needed ensures they remain effective. Ultimately, it's okay to forgo resolutions entirely. Reflecting on your needs without external pressure can lead to organic growth. Whether you set goals or not, the key is patience, flexibility, and self-compassion. Share your experiences with resolutions—what's worked, what hasn't—and join us in embracing meaningful progress this year. For more on Emy or Cristina you can check their pages at: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Life Coach Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach

    44 min
  7. 20/12/2024

    #105 Navigating the 1st Trimester of Pregnancy

    Title: #105 Navigating the 1st Trimester of Pregnancy Released: December 19, 2024 Featuring:  Tiffany Perez, LMHC Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach and Emy Fernandez, MBA, Life Coach   Episode Title: Navigating the First Trimester of Pregnancy Description: In this first episode of a series of The Counseling Corner, Emy and Titi dive into the joys, challenges, and changes of the first trimester of pregnancy with Tiffany Perez.  Tiffany joins them to share her insights and experiences. From hormonal shifts to emotional highs and lows, they discuss what to expect during weeks 1–12 of pregnancy and how to navigate this transformative time. Episode Highlights: 1. Introduction to the First Trimester Overview of the first trimester: what happens during weeks 1–12. Major physical changes: morning sickness, fatigue, and breast tenderness. Emotional changes: balancing excitement, anxiety, and mood swings. 2. Hormonal and Physical Changes How hormonal shifts drive physical and emotional changes. Common symptoms: nausea, bloating, and frequent urination. Practical tips for managing early pregnancy discomforts. 3. Mental Health in the First Trimester Understanding the emotional rollercoaster: anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. How hormonal changes can influence mood. Strategies for prioritizing mental well-being during early pregnancy. 4. Coping with First Trimester Fatigue Why fatigue is common in early pregnancy and how to manage it. Balancing work, family, and personal time while dealing with energy dips. Rest, relaxation, and self-care tips to recharge. 5. Navigating the Emotional Impact Addressing the fear of miscarriage and its effect on mental health. Managing the "waiting to announce" period emotionally. Tips for handling emotional highs and lows with mindfulness. 6. Self-Care and Support Systems Building a self-care routine for physical and mental well-being. The importance of seeking support from partners, friends, and professionals. How to establish a reliable support system during early pregnancy. 7. The Pregnant Partner's Experience How partners or co-parents can actively support the pregnant person. Open communication to address emotional needs together. Ways to ensure mutual understanding and teamwork. 8. Working While Pregnant Navigating work-life balance with pregnancy symptoms. Adjustments like flexible hours and remote work to ease the load. Tips on communicating needs with employers. 9. Looking Forward to the Next Trimester A sneak peek at what to expect in the second trimester: physical relief and new challenges. Preparing for the transition into this exciting next phase of pregnancy. Key Takeaways: The first trimester is a time of significant physical and emotional changes. Hormones play a major role in shaping symptoms and moods, but self-care and support are vital. Mental health is as important as physical health during early pregnancy. Communication and a strong support system make navigating the first trimester easier. Connect With Us: Follow The Counseling Corner for more conversations on mental health, wellness, and personal growth. Don't forget to tune in next time as we explore the second trimester of pregnancy! For more on Tiffany, Cristina and Emy, you can check their pages at Tiffany Perez, LMHC Cristina N. Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

    42 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Counseling Corner will be featuring expert interviews from both psychologists, psychotherapists and coaches from Coral Gables Counseling Center and from other experts and resources in the community. The interviews will include topics such as relationships, phobias, fears, traumas, attachment issues, women's issues, health and wellness and child development, among other topics.