Romina Papadopulos M.A.

Hi everyone!! I’m recently fully certified in Relational Life Therapy (RLT). This is a gold standard model for couples counseling which addresses power dynamics, attachment styles, trauma, and coping/communications skills all the the course of couples counseling.

If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult relationship issues and you’d like a type of counseling that will truly bond you and your partner, give me a call ❤️

-Stephen R. Covey

"Talking to Strangers" by Malcolm Gladwell offers numerous insights into human behavior and communication.

Here are ten lessons from the book:

1. Truth Default Theory: People tend to default to believing others are telling the truth, often without strong evidence to support it. This can lead to misunderstandings and misjudgments.

2. Mismatched Communication: Sometimes, our assumptions about how people should behave or communicate can lead to misinterpretations of their intentions or actions.

3. Transparency Illusion: We often believe that people's facial expressions or body language reflect their true feelings or intentions accurately, but this isn't always the case. People can be good at masking their emotions or intentions.

4. Coupling: People's behavior is often influenced by the context in which they find themselves. Understanding this concept helps explain why people might act out of character in certain situations.

5. Default to Truth: Our tendency to believe others can make it difficult for us to detect deception or manipulation. Being aware of this bias can help us approach interactions with a healthy dose of skepticism when necessary.

6. Truth Default Bias: Acknowledging that our default assumption of truthfulness can lead to errors in judgment can help us become more cautious and discerning in our interactions with others.

7. Communication Barriers: Even when we believe we're communicating clearly, misunderstandings can arise due to cultural differences, linguistic nuances, or other barriers to effective communication.

8. Intuition vs. Reality: Our intuition about people's intentions or character can be unreliable, especially when dealing with strangers. It's essential to critically evaluate our initial impressions and seek additional information before forming conclusions.

9. Context Matters: People's behavior can vary significantly depending on the context in which they find themselves. Avoid making snap judgments about individuals based on isolated incidents or limited information.

10. Understanding Complexity: Human behavior is complex and often defies simple explanations. Rather than relying on stereotypes or oversimplified narratives, it's crucial to approach each interaction with an open mind and a willingness to explore the nuances of individual experiences.

These lessons highlight the importance of approaching interactions with humility, empathy, and a willingness to question our assumptions. By recognizing the complexities of human behavior and communication, we can navigate interactions with strangers more effectively and with greater understanding.

Book: https://amzn.to/3Udi8ru

You can also get the AUDIO BOOK for FREE using the same link. Use the link to register for the AUDIO BOOK on Audible and start enjoying it.

This year Heart Bonds Counseling and Indira Rodriguez Vargas joined Longboat at the annual NAMI walk!!

Now practicing out of Longwood!!

Come see our new place

Longboat Counseling Services is moving locations!!! Starting December 19, 2023, we will be practicing out of Longwood, Florida!!

At Longboat Counseling Services, we believe it’s vital to nurture your tribe.

Longboat does this with its sister practices and this is one way to do it. At TOUGH MUDDER.

Here you will see the therapy Private Practive owners of Wabi Sabi Wellness, LLC., Longboat Counseling Services, and Zeal Therapy with Indira Rodríguez Vargas, MA and Kathleen Hawkins, also owners of their own private practices and Kathleen doubles as the Director of the Marriage and Family Research Institute at UCF

Healing doesn't happen when you get what you want. Healing happens when you stop trying.

No one can give you closure but yourself and you know you will have achieved it when the issue is no longer important enough to keep space in your mind.

It’s really cool when you start reading a book on the 300th birthday of a character. Well…300 years and 3 days

ADHD homework tricks

ADHD is what happens when the brain cannot make enough dopamine to communicate with the prefrontal cortex, which is the executive function center of the brain. These simple tricks can boost dopamine allowing more focus for homework assignment completion.

1.) put low volume music with a steady beat on while you study

2.) take a 5 minute break every 30 minutes (this number depends on the age of the child) to stretch, browse Pinterest, or get a little change of scenery

3.) get a homework buddy and do your homework together every night at the same time

4.) have your parent give you a mini-snickers after each completed assignment

5.) pick 3 different homework locations and do a different subject in each one

Tomorrow, Longboat Counseling Services is going to Lyman High School to show their mental health support staff a little love and personally introduce them to one of our superstars Imamia, who speaks 3 languages and can help a good portion of their ESOL students.

https://longboatcounseling.com/our_staff/imamia/

When is it time to seek help with a mental healthcare provider?

Going to counseling is a very personal decision. I like to tell my clients that it’s important to think of mental health counseling like how we think of going to a physical health expert.

1.) Some of us are very proactive. We like to hit the gym and eat well and we like to check in with health instructors. These are my clients who are in the maintenance stage of change. When they come see me once a month to every six months, I act much more like a consultant. I help them tweak their routine or validate what they are already doing.

2.) Some of us wait until we get slightly injured. These are my clients who are working with me through adjustment disorders. Kind of like going to a physical therapist. I help them stretch their minds to help them see things in a new more productive way; and I help them pinpoint the thoughts that are maladaptive and harming them and we straighten those out and get them back on track quickly

3.) Some of us wait until we have a clinical disorder. This means that the mental health disorder is starting to compromise work or relationships. This might be like when you realize something is going on with you that isn’t getting better and your loved ones don’t know how to help but it’s still very treatable. This is like dealing with a broken bone, maybe a stomach ulcer. Not life threatening but still very uncomfortable. This is where we begin exploring how you developed the disorder and when I’ll give you coping skills, techniques to help you feel PHYSICALLY more comfortable (you read that right; we get physical pains from emotional disorders) as well as help in getting you to change.

4.) Some of us wait until crises. This is like going to the ER. Your life is falling apart and it’s going to take a lot of work from many different directions. This is where I work on helping you remove your immediate stressors and then start doing ALL the things from back to front. We do trauma exploration, stretch your ideas and thoughts to help you do new behaviors, understand your maladaptive schemas and replace them with healthier ideas, and teach you physical exercises to make your body more comfortable.

5.) some of us have chronic conditions. Maybe a personality disorder in which case a pretty consistent relationship with your therapist might be most helpful

I personally go to my therapist between examples 1 and 2. I believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But you can come in any time and we will know EXACTLY where we need to meet your needs 😁

The formula for self care is easy: treat yourself as you would treat your child. Newsflash, we all have an inner child in need of love and attention. Take care of yourself

1.) Eat well. Get your nutrients and take your vitamins. Studies show that vitamin D has an antidepressant effect. And why wouldn’t it? We get it from milk (the first thing we learn to eat) and sun (that large disc in the sky that reminds us we are alive). Likewise, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc get your central nervous system working well. The last thing we want is for our nerves to misfire; that can lead to anxiety symptoms

2.) Exercise. Our children play games, we can too. Join a dodgeball league or take up pickleball. This brings in dopamine and endorphins (a natural pain killer)

3.) Play dates. Hang out with good friends and open up. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, oxytocin bombs go off in your friends brains and they will show you more care. When you receive the message that you matter to then, oxytocin bombs go off in your mind. Suddenly you’re in a love fest with your tribe.

4.) Groom. Washing hair, brushing teeth, taking baths, shaving beards and legs. All of those things are grounding techniques that put you square into your body and shut the noise off your mind. Additionally, if you take the time to express gratitude to the various parts you’re grooming, you are more likely to have a healthier body image. Take the time to lovingly floss those teeth so you’re confidence builds and you can flash that smile to connect

5.) Intellectual stimulation. You’d teach your kid the ABCs, you should read a book or a comic. Read something to exercise your imagination. This can get you in touch with your subconscious; it can help build empathy; and it can stimulate emotional processes.

6.) SLEEP. Period.

https://www.facebook.com/100068273207128/posts/650653953887039/?mibextid=cr9u03

Couple workshop Join us for The Thriving Couples Lab! This is an online event designed to help couples strengthen their relationships and thrive together.

Last night was my favorite networking event ever 😁.

I had almost all my favorite ride or dies in the business turn up. The only one missing was my friend Kathleen. But my other therapy siblings from grad school were there (they’re literally my blood in the business. I stop everything for them), my ultra besties from the downtown HD days were there (they’re my mentors and share such a unique history with me-they’ve known me since I was a lowly intern working for FREE to get my hours during grad school), my cherished Longboat interns, my business partner, Alex, was there, and we met some really great new therapists too. And I learned so many new things!!!

I feel grateful and humbled to have connected with such honest genuine people.

And I’ll continue arguing spending 15 minutes discussing the nuanced differences between 80s and 90s punk was absolutely necessary for rapport building 😤

Hi everyone!! Please join me and Dr. Coralis Solomon on this fun interactive couples workshop.

See you soon!

The Thriving Couples Lab: Improving Communication Join us for The Thriving Couples Lab! This is an online event designed to help couples strengthen their relationships and thrive together.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thriving-couples-lab-improving-communication-tickets-667041147027?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Thriving Couples Lab: Improving Communication Join us for The Thriving Couples Lab! This is an online event designed to help couples strengthen their relationships and thrive together.

Hello everyone!!! I’ve hired a couple of new therapists that work with preteens, teens, and young adults.

If you’re interested in getting your kid a therapist that 1.) takes Cigna or Aetna 2.) can negotiate a reduced rate 3.) can squeeze you in during primetime (after school and after work hours), send me a DM. I will hook you up, especially if you need reduced fees. Office is  on the border of Altamont Springs in Maitland.

I can be contacted here for appointments and info

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thriving-couples-lab-improving-communication-tickets-667041147027?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail

The Thriving Couples Lab: Improving Communication Join us for The Thriving Couples Lab! This is an online event designed to help couples strengthen their relationships and thrive together.

Using a mental health program designed for law enforcement may help remove barriers that often prevent officers from getting the mental health care they need.

https://bit.ly/3YX9Dm6

Understanding and supporting neurodiverse young people can be challenging and rewarding all at the same time 🫶. One approach that's gaining attention for its relevance in this context is Polyvagal Theory.

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory sheds light on the role of the autonomic nervous system in our emotional responses and social interactions. It's a powerful tool for educators, therapists, and caregivers seeking to create supportive environments for neurodiverse individuals.

Polyvagal Theory is useful because it helps us understand how our bodies react in emotional and social situations. For neurodiverse young people, who often experience heightened sensitivities, this theory offers insights to create supportive environments.

By recognizing how their bodies respond to stress and social interactions, we can help them better regulate their emotions, engage socially, adapt sensory spaces, build trust, and communicate effectively. It's a valuable tool for their overall well-being.

Ways of Incorporating Polyvagal Theory into Your Work with Neurodiverse Young People

* Create a Safe Space: Prioritize a calm, non-threatening environment where neurodiverse youth can feel safe and supported. This aligns with the Polyvagal concept of the "ventral vagal" state, promoting social engagement and connection.

* Recognize Stress Signals: Be attentive to signs of stress in neurodiverse individuals, which may include changes in facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language. Respond with empathy and reassurance.

* Co-Regulate: Help co-regulate their emotions by modeling calm and emotionally attuned behavior. Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the importance of caregivers and educators in co-regulation.

* Flexible Communication: Adapt your communication style to match the needs and preferences of the individual. Some neurodiverse youth may benefit from visual cues, while others may prefer verbal communication.

* Promote Sensory Comfort: Pay attention to sensory sensitivities and create an environment that accommodates their sensory needs. Some neurodiverse youth may benefit from quieter spaces, sensory tools, or specific sensory activities to feel more comfortable and engaged.

* Empower Emotional Awareness: Encourage emotional self-awareness by teaching neurodiverse young people to recognize their body's signals of stress and providing strategies to self-regulate. Polyvagal Theory underscores the connection between physiological states and emotions.

Parenting can be a challenging journey, but understanding Polyvagal Theory can make it easier. This theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how our bodies respond to stress and safety in social situations. Let's simplify it and see how it can help you raise emotionally resilient children.

Polyvagal Theory is like a roadmap for your child's emotional responses. It has three zones:

Social Engagement (The Green Zone): This is where you want your child most of the time. It's the safe, connected, and open zone for learning and building relationships.

Fight or Flight (The Yellow Zone): When children feel stressed or threatened, they enter this zone. It's a natural response to danger.

Freeze (The Red Zone): In extreme stress, children might enter this zone. It's a protective mechanism but not a place to stay.

Understanding Polyvagal Theory can help you:

Recognize Their Zone: Identify your child's emotional state - green, yellow, or red. This helps you respond effectively.

Respond Appropriately: Adjust your response based on their zone. Offer comfort in the red zone, a break in the yellow zone, and support in the green zone.

Build Trust: Create a safe environment where your child's emotions are acknowledged and validated.

Teach Emotional Skills: Use the theory to teach emotional regulation. Teach deep breathing or mindfulness techniques.

Practical Tips:

Active Listening: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, and listen actively. Validate their emotions.

Self-Regulation: Teach self-regulation strategies like deep breathing or counting to ten.

Safe Space: Ensure your home is a safe place where your child feels comfortable expressing themselves.

Visual Aids: Simplify the theory with visuals or diagrams your child can understand.

By applying Polyvagal Theory in your parenting journey, you can create a nurturing environment where your child thrives and develops essential life skills.

As we work toward improving our mental health, here’s a friendly reminder that a small step in the right direction is better than a big step in the wrong direction.

This is the work of Egon Schiele, one of my favorite artists. I once hung his art from the office lobby. It is provocative, grotesque, s*xual.

Schiele, an Austrian, was in Vienna as my heroes were bringing psychology and psychotherapy to the world. What must it have been like to have him and Klimt painting and partying while Freud and Adler treated their patients with experimental new ideas and treatments? Schiele was very much influenced by Freud and launched a series of paintings on death and s*x. The world was beginning to look inwards and allowing itself to examine our hugest sources of anxiety. Living (s*x and procreation) and dying.

Sadly Schiele died in the Spanish flu pandemic about 100 years before COVID 19 hit us.

If this triggers you. Good. Allow it to. And then face the anxiety, befriend it, and desensitize yourself to it. We cannot conquer that which we cannot see

DeSantis has signed into effect the "Protections of Medical Conscience Act” which allows health care providers to turn patients away based on their religious, moral, and ethical beliefs.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that myself and the other therapists at Longboat Counseling Services do not presume to have moral and religious superiority to anyone else and therefore will not be turning anyone away for mental healthcare, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender (assigned at birth or otherwise), s*xuality, or race.

We at Longboat will continue practicing ethically as outlined by the Florida Board of Mental health counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists by providing excellent care and preventing harm to those in need. We believe that discrimination is harmful to those in need.

Reciprocity en route!! I may soon be able to treat clients across state lines for the states listed in the pact. This is the 24th state to sign it.

: The dream of many licensed professional counselors to practice across state lines continues on as North Dakota becomes the twenty-fourth state to sign the Counseling Compact into law!

More info: https://bit.ly/44dpFum