The La Luz Blog
Uncommon Red Flags in Teen Relationships
WRITTEN BY: SARAH RIVERA, LPC-S Not all teenage relationships are filled with love and happiness, and uncommon red flags in teen relationships that parents shouldn’t ignore can sometimes be hidden beneath the surface. For many parents, watching their teenager engage...
Setting Mental Health Goals You Can Stick To
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PATRICK, LMSW - When you’ve been through tough significant life events, setting mental health goals you can stick to can feel overwhelming. But goals can also be a powerful way to take back control of your life, one step at a time. “For I know the...
Achieve Your New Year’s Goals and Improve Your Mental Health
WRITTEN BY: Britney Vincent, LPC As we start a new year, it’s a great time to think about what we want to change in our lives. Achieve Your New Year's Goals and Improve Your Mental Health by recognizing that how we feel and think plays a big role in making those...
How to Recover from Post-Holiday Blues
WRITTEN BY: Sarah Rivera, LPC-S “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy New Year.” The season was filled with joy, cheer, and celebrations—or so it seems for everyone but you. What happens when the season leaves you with post-holiday blues? When the holidays that...
Breaking Free: Healing from Trauma and Creating Healthy Habits
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER STOUTE Trauma and stress have a way of embedding themselves into our bodies and minds, influencing how we think, feel, and respond to the world. These unresolved experiences can affect our physical health, mental well-being, and even our daily...
6 Easy Ways to Stay Grounded During Holiday Stress
WRITTEN BY: Sabrina Del Angel LPC-Associate Supervised by Dr. Maria Haiyasoso LPC-S The holidays are here, and with them come the lights, traditions, and… stress? Yes, for many of us, this “joyful” season can feel like a whirlwind. Between gift shopping, family...
How to Choose Gratitude in Difficult Times
Thinking of November, most of us think of Thanksgiving and the holidays. But what if the holidays don’t feel like the “Thanksgiving spirit”? It’s hard to feel thankful when things are tough. Especially when the holidays seem to be getting us down rather than up. How...
Hispanic Heritage Month: Mental Health and Depression Awareness
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PATRICK, LMSW Welcome to our October edition of the How Do I Know? blog series! Last time, we explored how to recognize the signs of anxiety. This month, we're turning our focus to a topic that affects many but isn't always easy to talk...
Understanding Anxiety on World Mental Health Day
WRITTEN BY: By Jennifer Patrick, LMSW Welcome to our “How do I know” blog series at La Luz Counseling! This October, we’re diving into all things mental health to help you recognize the signs and know when to seek a helping hand. Today, in honor of World Mental Health...
Tackle Back-to-School Jitters: What Parents and Kids Should Know
WRITTEN BY: Sabrina Del Angel, LPC-Associate supervised by Dr. Maria Haiyasoso LPC-S. Going back to school is exciting, but it can also bring some nervousness. It's totally normal for kids and teens to feel a little anxious about starting a new school year. Whether...
5 Simple Ways to Help Manage After School Anxiety in Children
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PATRICK, LMSW Does your child seem overwhelmed after school? It's pretty common for after school anxiety in children to occur during the transition from school to home. Between homework, after-school activities, and just needing some downtime,...
The Benefits of Virtual Counseling: Therapy That Fits Your Life
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PATRICK, LMSW Have you ever felt like life’s challenges are piling up, leaving you stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Maybe you’ve considered therapy but hesitated because of the time commitment or the thought of going to a therapist’s office....