The Counseling Corner

Released: July 16, 2026

Guest: Jorge Sanchez, RMHCI

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another episode of our Getting to Know Us series, where we're introducing the therapists and coaches who make up the Coral Gables Counseling Center team.

As we continue spotlighting the men in our practice, we're sharing the unique experiences, perspectives, and passion our male therapists bring to supporting clients on their mental health journeys.

In this episode, we sit down with Jorge Sanchez, RMHCI, to learn more about what inspired him to pursue a career in mental health, his approach to working with clients, and the values that guide his work as a therapist.

During our conversation, Jorge discusses:

• What inspired him to become a mental health counselor
• His approach to building trust and creating a safe, supportive environment for clients
• The importance of resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth
• What he hopes every client takes away from the therapeutic process
• Why he believes healing begins with connection and understanding

Whether you're considering therapy for the first time, searching for the right therapist, or simply interested in getting to know the people behind our practice, this conversation offers an inside look at Jorge's compassionate and thoughtful approach to helping others.

At Coral Gables Counseling Center, we believe that finding the right therapist begins with connection. Through this series, we hope you'll get to know the clinicians who are dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and thrive.

You can schedule an appointment with Jorge Sanchez, RMHCI, or one of our many clinicians by emailing [email protected] or calling our office at 305-445-0477.

Getting to Know Us is an ongoing podcast series featuring the therapists and coaches of Coral Gables Counseling Center. Throughout the year, we'll share conversations that offer insight into our clinicians' backgrounds, specialties, and personal approaches to helping clients create meaningful, lasting change.

Website: www.coralgablescounseling.com Instagram: @coralgablescounselingcenter

Released: July 9, 2026

Guest: Ricardo Sardiña, LMHC

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another episode of our Getting to Know Us series, where we're introducing the therapists and coaches who make up the Coral Gables Counseling Center team.

In honor of the men in our practice, we're continuing to spotlight the unique experiences, perspectives, and expertise our male therapists bring as they support our clients on their mental health journeys.

In this episode, we sit down with Ricardo Sardiña, LMHC, to learn more about his path into the counseling profession, his approach to helping individuals and families, and what continues to inspire his work after more than 20 years as a therapist.

During our conversation, Ricardo discusses:

• What inspired him to become a mental health counselor
• His approach to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for his clients – especially his adolescent clients
• His experience working with youth in crisis and how it shaped his perspective as a therapist
• Why building trust and connection is at the heart of meaningful therapeutic change

Whether you're considering therapy, looking for the right therapist, or simply interested in getting to know the people behind our practice, this conversation offers an inside look at Ricardo's compassionate and client-centered approach to helping others heal and grow.

At Coral Gables Counseling Center, we believe that finding the right therapist and coach begins with connection. Through this series, we hope you'll get to know the clinicians who are dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

You can schedule an appointment with Ricardo Sardiña, LMHC, or one of our many clinicians by emailing [email protected] or calling our office at 305-445-0477.

Getting to Know Us is an ongoing podcast series featuring the therapists and coaches of Coral Gables Counseling Center. Throughout the year, we'll share conversations that offer insight into our clinicians' backgrounds, specialties, and personal approaches to helping clients create meaningful, lasting change.

Website: www.coralgablescounseling.com Instagram: @coralgablescounselingcenter

Released: June 25, 2026

Guest: Carlos Escanilla, LMHC

Episode Summary

Welcome to another episode of our Getting to Know Us series, where we're introducing the therapists and coaches who make up the Coral Gables Counseling Center team.

In honor of Men's Health Month, we're continuing our spotlight on the men in our practice and the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to supporting clients on their mental health journeys.

In this episode, we sit down with Carlos Escanilla, LMHC, to learn more about what inspired him to become a therapist, his approach to working with clients, and his passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges with greater self-awareness and resilience.

Beyond the therapy room, Carlos is also a lifelong musician, and he shares how music has shaped his perspective on creativity, connection, and emotional expression - qualities that naturally influence the way he works with clients.

During our conversation, Carlos discusses:

• His journey into the mental health profession and what led him to become a therapist
• How his passion for music has influenced his personal and professional life
• His approach to building trust and creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients
• The importance of authenticity, emotional awareness, and meaningful connection
• How therapy can support individuals through anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, and personal growth
• What he hopes every client experiences through the therapeutic process

Whether you're considering therapy for the first time, looking for the right therapist, or simply interested in getting to know the people behind our practice, this conversation offers an inside look at Carlos's compassionate and thoughtful approach to helping others - and how both therapy and music have shaped his journey.

At Coral Gables Counseling Center, we believe that finding the right therapist begins with connection. Through this series, we hope you'll get to know the clinicians who are dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and live more fulfilling lives.

You can schedule an appointment with Carlos Escanilla, LMHC, or one of our many clinicians by emailing [email protected] or calling our office at 305-445-0477.

Getting to Know Us is an ongoing podcast series featuring the therapists and coaches of Coral Gables Counseling Center. Throughout the year, we'll share conversations that offer insight into our clinicians' backgrounds, specialties, and personal approaches to helping clients create meaningful, lasting change.

Website: www.coralgablescounseling.com Instagram: @coralgablescounselingcenter Follow Carlos: @thecarlosescanilla

Released: June 6, 2026

Guest: Dr. Todd Giardina

Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the first episode of our Getting to Know Us series, where we're introducing the therapists and coaches who make up the Coral Gables Counseling Center team.

In honor of Men's Health Month, we're beginning by spotlighting the men in our practice and exploring the experiences, perspectives, and passions that shape their work as clinicians.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Giardina to learn more about his journey into the mental health field, his approach to helping clients, and his thoughts on the unique challenges men face today.

During our conversation, Dr. Giardina discusses:

· What inspired him to become a psychologist

· His approach to creating a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship

· Common mental health challenges facing men today

· The importance of emotional awareness, vulnerability, and connection

· How therapy can help individuals navigate stress, relationships, life transitions, and personal growth

· What he wishes more people understood about mental health and seeking support

Whether you're considering therapy, currently working on your own personal growth, or simply curious about the people behind our practice, this conversation offers a meaningful introduction to one of our dedicated clinicians.

At Coral Gables Counseling Center, we believe that finding the right therapist starts with connection. Through this series, we hope you'll get to know the compassionate professionals who are committed to helping our community heal, grow, and thrive.

You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Giardina or one of our many clinicians by emailing us at info@coralgablescounseling or calling our office at 305-445-0477.

Getting to Know Us is an ongoing podcast series featuring the therapists and coaches of Coral Gables Counseling Center. Throughout the year, we'll share conversations that offer insight into our clinicians' backgrounds, specialties, and personal approaches to helping clients create meaningful change.

Website: www.coralgablescounseling.com and Instagram: @coralgablescounselingcenter

What if dating didn't have to feel so confusing, exhausting, or repetitive?

In this special episode, we introduce Love Lab - an interactive workshop designed to help you date with more clarity, confidence, and intention. We explore the challenges of modern dating, the patterns many people unknowingly repeat, and how self-awareness can transform the way we connect with others.

Whether you're tired of surface-level connections, recovering from unhealthy relationship patterns, or simply wanting a healthier approach to dating, Love Lab was created to give you practical tools and meaningful insight.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why modern dating feels emotionally draining
• Common dating patterns and red flags
• The role of attachment, communication, and self-awareness
• How to date with intention instead of anxiety
• What to expect from the Love Lab workshop
• Creating healthier, more authentic connections

Love Lab is more than a dating workshop — it's a space to reflect, learn, connect, and grow.

Workshop Details

📍 Love Lab Workshop📅 May 30, 2026⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM📍 Coral Gables Counseling Center, 2600 South Douglas Rd, Suite 1003, Coral Gables, FL

Registration

Call our office at 305-445-0477 or email us at [email protected]

Connect With Us

www.coralgablescounseling.com @coralgablescounselingcenter

#LoveLab #DatingWorkshop #ModernDating #HealthyRelationships #DatingWithIntention #RelationshipGrowth

Released: May 7, 2026

Guest: Dr. Mark Smith

Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach and Emy Fernandez, MBA

Episode Summary:

What starts as a casual DNA test quickly becomes life-altering.

In this deeply personal episode, one of our clinicians shares the unexpected results from an AncestryDNA test that revealed the man who raised him was not his biological father. We explore the emotional fallout, identity questions, family dynamics, and ethical complexities that can emerge from direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

Together, we discuss:

• Why he decided to take the DNA test
• The moment the results didn't make sense
• Discovering an unexpected biological connection
• Processing shock, grief, anger, and curiosity
• How genetic testing is reshaping family narratives
• The psychological impact of late-life identity discoveries
• Advice for anyone considering at-home DNA testing

This episode is an honest conversation about truth, family, identity, and what happens when technology uncovers secrets long buried.

What You'll Learn:

• How a simple ancestry test uncovered a life-changing family secret
• The emotional impact of discovering unexpected biological parentage
• How DNA testing is reshaping identity, relationships, and family history
• The psychological challenges that can follow shocking genetic discoveries
• How clinicians think about grief, identity disruption, and family systems after revelations like this
• Important considerations before taking an at-home DNA test
• Why truth, biology, and family are often far more complicated than we expect
• What "NPE" (Not Parent Expected) means and why these discoveries are becoming more common

Stay Connected:

If this episode sparked questions about DNA, identity, or family discovery, we'd love to continue the conversation with you. Share your biggest takeaway by screenshotting this episode and tagging us on social media.

Follow us on Instagram: @coralgablescounselingcenter

Subscribe & Review:

Enjoying The Counseling Corner? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more listeners discover thoughtful conversations around mental health, wellness, and the human experience.

For more on Dr. Smith, Titi and Emy, you can check

Dr. Mark Smith

Cristina N. Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach

Emy Fernandez. MBA, Life Coach

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

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

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

Released: April 10, 2025

Guest: Cristie Besu, RN, Certified Sports Nutritionist and founder/CEO of Boundless Vitality

Hosted by: Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Life Coach and Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Episode Description: In this episode of The Counseling Corner, we dive into the fascinating world of peptides with Cristie Besu, RN and the owner of Boundless Vitality. Peptides are revolutionizing health and wellness, offering benefits ranging from enhanced recovery and anti-aging to improved cognitive function and overall vitality. Our guest breaks down what peptides are, how they work, and how they can be used to optimize health.

Key Takeaways:

• What peptides are and how they function in the body
• The most popular peptides for longevity, performance, and wellness
• How peptides can support healing, recovery, and cognitive function
• The science behind peptide therapy and its growing popularity
• Safety, accessibility, and how to get started with peptides

Call to Action: Want to learn more? Connect with Cristie Besu and Boundless Vitality at https://www.instagram.com/boundlessvitalitymiami or https://www.boundlessvitalityinc.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