• Contact Now Request Appointment

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • 17900 NW 5 Th Street
    Suite 103
    Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
    admin@insightbehavioralcenter.com
    (954) 388-0800

  • Alejandra Corujo

    My WordPress Blog

    • Home
    • Services
      • Individual Counseling
      • Family and Couples Therapy
      • Trauma Focus Therapy
      • Life Coaching
      • Behavior Therapy
      • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
      • Group Therapy
      • Teen Counseling
      • Addiction Therapy
      • Clinical Hypnosis
      • Clinical Sexology
    • General Information
      • FAQs
      • Rates and Insurance
      • Client Forms
      • Appointment Request
    • Resources
      • Recent News
      • Mental Health Links
      • Physical Health Links
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Contact Us

    How to Control Your Anger

    March 31, 2020

    Someone slides into the parking spot you had your eye on. A coworker takes credit for your work. Your spouse runs up $200 on the credit card without discussing it first. These are things that are apt to make you angry. And that’s okay. Anger is a natural response to many life events. Like other […]

    Read More

    How to Control Your Anger

    March 31, 2020

    Someone slides into the parking spot you had your eye on. A coworker takes credit for your work. Your spouse runs up $200 on the credit card without discussing it first. These are things that are apt to make you angry.

    And that’s okay.

    Anger is a natural response to many life events. Like other emotions, anger helps us understand our world and how we feel about it. When managed well, anger can provide a healthy release and be a motivator for transformation. But when we experience too much anger, to the point of becoming out of control, it can have lasting ramifications.

    Our Brain on Anger

    When anger reaches a very high level, our pre-frontal cortex, that is the part of the brain responsible for cognitive thought and reasoning, becomes hijacked. The amygdala, our primal emotional/instinctual part of the brain that induces the “fight or flight” response, takes over and we are no longer capable of rational thought.

    When aroused to anger, our brains can no longer take in new information. This means if our partner or loved one is trying to talk sense into us and explain something, we CANNOT hear them. All we are aware of is that we must defend ourselves as if our very life depends on it. We feel under extreme attack and are ready to fight back.

    How to Control Your Anger

    Now that you know how your brain responds, it’s time to learn some techniques to manage your extreme anger.

    Take a Breather

    You know that the hotter you get, the more your brain shuts down and becomes unable to process any information. There is no sense in you continuing to talk/argue with someone. Your best course of action is to put the fire out before it begins to rage by calling a time out and taking a breather.

    Exercise

    The body’s “fight or flight” response releases powerful hormones that are intended to help us fight or run. Without this physical release, they can linger in the body and cause health problems. Going for a walk, run or lifting weights can be a great way to burn through these hormones and release soothing endorphins.

    Seek Out Counseling

    Managing extreme anger can be very challenging, especially in the beginning. A mental health professional will be able to share coping strategies and techniques to control outbursts.

    If you or someone you love has anger management issues and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch with me. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

    Filed Under: Anger, General

    Remote Telehealth Services

    March 16, 2020

    Dear members of the community: Based on the escalating coronavirus pandemic, and for the benefit of the entire community, Insight Behavioral Center is providing patients the option to continue their treatments with Telehealth Services beginning on Monday March 16th, through at least May 31st. This measure is designed to promote social distancing, which experts say is […]

    Read More

    Remote Telehealth Services

    March 16, 2020

    Dear members of the community:

    Based on the escalating coronavirus pandemic, and for the benefit of the entire community, Insight Behavioral Center is providing patients the option to continue their treatments with Telehealth Services beginning on Monday March 16th, through at least May 31st.

    This measure is designed to promote social distancing, which experts say is central to preventing the spread of disease. This is a dynamic situation; it is important that you continue to stay alert to updates on the Center for Disease Control & Prevention website.

    It is important to note that there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the IBC community. However, in an abundance of caution, patients with any symptoms of sickness should remain at home to avoid any further complications for themselves and others.

    Remote Telehealth Services

    During this unusual time, it is imperative that Insight Behavioral Center works with each patient to confirm remote Telehealth Services, provide guidance for remote therapy, and set expectations. The Telehealth Services from home arrangement is to begin Monday to the extent possible. Please let us know in advance if you prefer to avoid coming to the office or if you do prefer to come in. On Sunday the State of Florida announced 39 new coronavirus cases, which is an indication that the virus is being transmitted through “community spread.”

    The expectations during remote Telehealth Services are:

    • All employees, on-site and working remotely, will fulfill their duties and work hours.
    • All therapists are to remain connected to secured systems during normal working hours and following all IBC policies related to access, data security, and data confidentiality.
    • During this period of remote Telehealth Services, therapists will avoid travel and are asked to practice social distancing.

    Please contact Insight Behavioral Center at (954) 388 – 0800 or at insightbehavioral@icloud.com for any arrangements or concerns.

    Telehealth Services will be rendered via:

    • Skype: Go to Contacts tab >> Add Contact (Upper-Right Corner) >> Invite to Skype >> QR Code >> Scan QR

    • Google Hangouts: call or text: (954) 399 – 0518
    • FaceTime: insightbehavioral@icloud.com

    Please continue consulting the Center for Disease Control & Prevention website for the latest news, as well as instructions on how to self-quarantine and other useful links on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

    Our IBC family remains strong. Thank you for your patience and support as we work through these unprecedented times. Please stay healthy.

    <!–

    –>

    Filed Under: General

    Pets Are Better Than Medication

    March 12, 2020

    “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.” – Thom Jones For many of us, our home is just a house unless there is something with four legs and a tail sharing the space with us. Our pets are not only cuddly […]

    Read More

    Pets Are Better Than Medication

    March 12, 2020

    “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had.”

    – Thom Jones

    For many of us, our home is just a house unless there is something with four legs and a tail sharing the space with us. Our pets are not only cuddly and cute, they give us unconditional love.

    But it turns out our pets actually offer us more than “just” unconditional love; they seem to also have the ability to help our physical and mental well-being.

    Research has found that the bond we share with our animals can do everything from improve our cardiovascular health to lower our cholesterol and decrease our blood pressure.

    Beyond these physical health benefits, our animal companions can help our mental and emotional life as well. Here are some ways your pet is better than medication.

    Our Pets Teach Us Mindfulness

    Have you ever just watched your dog or cat find a swath of sun as it streams into your house in the afternoon? They seem to luxuriate in the warmth and energy of the sun in those moments. Nothing else matters to them but enjoying the feeling of the sun on their body.

    Our pets can teach us how to be more mindful and enjoy every moment of our life if we let them. Studies have shown that mindful meditation, which simply means to be fully in the present moment, helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

    Let your pets be an example and try and spend more time just “being” instead of “doing” so much.

    Pets Relieve Stress

    Let’s face it, each of us faces our fair share of stress in life. But research has shown that our dogs and cats act as de-stressors. This is why a growing number of companies such as Atlantic Health System, Mars Inc., Amazon, and Etsy, to name a few, are allowing employees to bring their dog to work.

    College students are a segment of the population that also feels a lot of stress. When the University of British Columbia brought therapy dogs on campus, allowing a group of 246 students to pet and cuddle them, the students reported their stress levels decreased significantly after the interaction.

    Pets Offer Empathy

    There are numerous accounts of war veterans who, when they experience pain and agitation, are comforted by their service dog who will run into the room, somehow sensing their need for empathy.

    Recent findings from the University of Vienna suggest that dogs can sense emotions and even differentiate between good and bad ones. There are numerous reports of cats living in nursing homes, sensing when someone is about to pass and going to lie on their bed.

    The long and short of it is, when we are feeling tired, scared, sad and alone, our pets are there to remind us that we are not alone and that they love us very much. For those of you who have pets, hold them tight and show them your appreciation. For those of you that don’t have pets, it may be time to take a trip to the local shelter.

     

    Filed Under: General

    How to Set Healthy Boundaries

    February 26, 2020

    Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up […]

    Read More

    How to Set Healthy Boundaries

    February 26, 2020

    Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up in households that were unsafe and unstable, and where there was a constant invasion of personal boundaries.

    If you can relate, chances are you have a hard time creating healthy boundaries to create the life experience you wish to have. Here are some ways you can begin to do so:

    Identify Your Limits

    You can’t set boundaries unless you discover where it is you personally stand. You’ll need to take a bit of time to recognize what you can and cannot tolerate. What makes you happy and what makes you feel uncomfortable and stressed? Only until you have made these discoveries can you move on to the next steps.

    Don’t Be Shy

    People who have similar communication styles are easy to engage with. These people will quickly understand what your new barriers are. But people who have a different cultural background or personality may not easily understand your boundaries. With these people, it’s important to be very clear and direct.

    Pay Attention to Your Feelings

    People who have a hard time setting boundaries don’t often allow themselves to acknowledge their own feelings because they’re usually too busy worrying about everyone else’s.

    You’ll need to start recognizing how people make you feel in order to know whether your new boundaries are being crossed or not. When you’re with someone, make mental notes, or even jot down in a journal how that interaction made you feel.

    If, after spending time with someone, you feel anger or resentment, this is a sign that the person may be overstepping your boundaries. Reiterate to this person what your boundaries are. If they continue to disrespect you and them, you will want to cut yourself away from further interactions.

    Make Self-Care a Priority

    Put yourself and your needs first. This may feel strange and even somehow wrong if you’ve spent your entire life taking care of others. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings and get what you need to feel happy and well.

    Speak with Someone

    If you’ve spent an entire life with a sense of low self-worth, you may find setting boundaries quite difficult. In this case, it’s important to speak with a therapist that can help you discover where these feelings are coming from and how to change your thought patterns and behavior.

    If you’d like to explore therapy, please get in touch with me. I would be happy to help you on your journey toward self-care.

    Filed Under: Couples/Marriage, General, Issues for Women

    How to Boost Your Self-Esteem

    December 18, 2019

    What does it mean to have a healthy self-esteem? Some people think it means you are okay with how you look. Other people think you must accomplish something big in your life to have a good self-esteem. But the reality is, having a healthy self-esteem means you like and appreciate yourself faults and all. A […]

    Read More

    How to Boost Your Self-Esteem

    December 18, 2019

    What does it mean to have a healthy self-esteem?

    Some people think it means you are okay with how you look. Other people think you must accomplish something big in your life to have a good self-esteem.

    But the reality is, having a healthy self-esteem means you like and appreciate yourself faults and all. A good self-esteem can be the difference between being a happy, resilient individual, able to face life’s challenges head on, and someone who suffers from depression and anxiety and is often overwhelmed with life.

    If you have struggled in the past with self-esteem issues, there are some things you can do to give it a much-needed boost:

    Face the REAL Reality

    Are you someone that generalizes your lack of self-esteem? By that I mean, do you make generalities about yourself such as, “I’m an idiot,” “I’m not pretty enough or smart enough?” The truth is, we all act like idiots from time-to-time, and most human beings on this planet can find someone who is smarter and more attractive than they are.

    If you’re going to work on your self-esteem, you need to first recognize that you often lie to yourself with these generalities. It may be a very convincing lie from your point of view, but it’s still a lie.

    To become familiar with reality, make a list of 10 of your strengths and 10 weaknesses. If you have a hard time coming up with your strengths, think about what others have said about you: you’re a good listener, you are thoughtful, you cook a mean burger.

    When you’re done making this list, you’ll see there are plenty of things you are really good at. And, some of the weaknesses may be things you can absolutely change over time and with some effort.

    Forget About Perfection

    Perfection doesn’t exist. Now you may think all of those Hollywood A-listers that are on the cover of magazines are the epitome of perfection, but even they are air-brushed, photoshopped and have a team of people following them around so their hair is never out of place.

    Stop spending your energy trying to have the perfect face, body, bank account, career, children or relationships. None of that exists. Focus your energy on achieving attainable goals like obtaining your degree and enjoying hobbies.

    Get to Know Your Authentic Self

    We spend so much of our lives comparing ourselves to others that we don’t really take the time to get to know ourselves. Beyond strengths and weaknesses, who are you as a person? What makes you happy or excites you? What hobbies do you enjoy? What kind of brother or sister are you?

    The more you know about yourself, the more chances that you’ll find things out you really like.

    If you would like to speak to someone about your self-esteem issues, please be in touch with me. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

    Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, General, Issues for Women, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Teens/Children

    5 Free Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

    September 2, 2019

    When we talk about our mental health, we’re talking about much more than a clinical diagnosis. Your mental health also refers to your psychological well-being. Having a healthy psychological well-being means you’re able to better manage your emotions as well as your mood. Every day presents its unique challenges, and a healthy mental state can […]

    Read More

    5 Free Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

    September 2, 2019

    When we talk about our mental health, we’re talking about much more than a clinical diagnosis. Your mental health also refers to your psychological well-being. Having a healthy psychological well-being means you’re able to better manage your emotions as well as your mood. Every day presents its unique challenges, and a healthy mental state can help you take challenges in stride.

    1. Positive Affirmations

    Repeating an affirmation can help you create a positive mental outlook that will be a driving force in your life. Use a search engine to look up “positive affirmations” and you’ll find several ideas of words and phrases that resonate with you, and things you struggle with. You can also try searching for something more specific, such as “positive affirmations for women” or “positive affirmations to improve self esteem”.

    Repeat your phrase or phrases during meditation, either out loud or in your mind. Repeating affirmations or mantras during consistent meditation practices can help you overcome negative self-talk, which will greatly improve your mental health.

    2. Gratitude

    Practicing gratitude will sharpen your attention towards the positive aspects of your life. By focusing on what’s good, you’ll start to notice and appreciate other positive things in your life. Gratitude is more than just a feeling; it is a choice. By choosing to be grateful, you can keep your mind distracted from negative thoughts.

    3. Eat Healthy

    Eating healthy is a vital part of positive mental health. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains will slowly release energy into your bloodstream, creating a consistent level of energy that won’t leave you feeling tired or sluggish. Eating healthy will also provide a mental boost because you’ll feel good about your healthy food choices.

    4. Sunshine

    Sunshine is a great way to boost your mood. Put on some comfortable walking shoes and take a leisurely walk around your neighborhood, or a local park. Exposure to sunlight will help your brain release serotonin which will boost your mood, and help you feel more calm and focused.

    5. Get Some Sleep

    A good night’s sleep is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. When you’re well rested, you’re naturally energized. Regular sleep also boosts your immune system as well as your cognitive and mental health.

     

    You have the power to improve your mood. By making some healthy additions to your daily routines, you can develop regular habits that will improve your overall mental well-being.

    Are you having trouble staying positive or managing your moods? A licensed mental health professional can help you find better coping strategies, and offer additional support and guidance to help you live a more balanced life. Call my office today, and let’s schedule a time to talk.

    Filed Under: General

    Advice on Staying True to New Year’s Resolutions

    December 29, 2018

    Be honest, did you make New year’s resolutions this year that you have yet to stick to? If so, you’re not alone. Researchers have found that typically 77% of people are only able to keep their resolutions for 1 week, 64% keep them for one month, 50% for 3 months, and only 19% are able to […]

    Read More

    Advice on Staying True to New Year’s Resolutions

    December 29, 2018

    Be honest, did you make New year’s resolutions this year that you have yet to stick to? If so, you’re not alone. Researchers have found that typically 77% of people are only able to keep their resolutions for 1 week, 64% keep them for one month, 50% for 3 months, and only 19% are able to keep their resolutions for over one year!

    If only New Year’s resolutions were more like leather sofas during hot summer months, we’d all be able to stick to them easily. But no matter what we do, it sometimes seems impossible to lose that weight, stop smoking, or learn a new language (among many other pledges).

    If you’re feeling guilty for not being able to stick with your resolutions, here are some ways you can stay true to them:

    Be Sure They are Doable

    Many people set themselves up for failure when setting unrealistic goals. If your resolution is to lose 50 pounds by summer, that may not be realistic for your personal situation.

    In order to be successful, you’ve got to pick the right resolution, meaning, it has got to be personal to you, it has got to be achievable by you, and you have to create a plan to get there.

    Take Baby Steps

    If your resolution is to exercise more, don’t plan on working out for two hours each day, six days a week. Your body won’t be able to handle that if you’ve been inactive for some time. It will feel painful and you’ll want to give up. Instead, start small and build gradually. Decide to go to the gym twice a week for half an hour, then three times a week for an hour, etc.

    Tackle One Resolution at a Time

    Maybe you want to lose weight, build muscle, learn Mandarin, and start writing that novel. These are all great goals to have, but good luck tackling all of them at the same time.

    Your best bet is to prioritize and tackle one goal at a time. Is your health at risk? If so, losing some weight should probably be a priority. Will learning Mandarin help you get that job promotion? Then maybe that should be on top of the list. Only when you feel you have a handle on one goal and have made progress should you consider adding another resolution to your “to-do” list.

    You may also want to ask for support from friends and family. Accepting help from those who care is one great way to make sure you stick to your goals. Also, consider seeking help from a trained therapist. Mental health professionals can offer powerful tools that can help you uncover obstacles, where they came from, and tools to help you overcome them.

    If you’d like to explore treatment options, please be in touch. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help you stick to your resolutions and move your life forward.

    Filed Under: General

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    17900 NW 5 Th Street
    Suite 103
    Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

    (954) 388-0800 admin@insightbehavioralcenter.com

    Contact Today

    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

    Insight Behavioral Center LLC.
    admin@insightbehavioralcenter.com | (954) 388-0800

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 - Brighter Vision

     

    Loading Comments...