Activities Around Tampa to Help You Stay Cool & Reduce Stress from A Young Adult Therapist

As we know Florida can get pretty humid and hot especially during the summer months, you may be looking for places to keep yourself entertained to avoid any summer boredom, or loneliness. Have you considered that Tampa and St. Petersburg area offer a lot of great indoor activities to avoid that summer sun and heat? Sure the beach is always a great option but we know that eventually it gets too hot, and the potential for sun burn, heat exhaustion, etc can set in.

Fun Indoor Activates in Tampa & St Petersburg

Here are activities around town here are a few of our teams favorites:

Armature Works in Tampa Heights/Downtown offers great food, events, and water views. Allowing for a communal space for you to meet new people, friends, and family all summer long.

Another great place is Cinebistro with locations at Hyde Park Village in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, FL offering an elevated movie experience with dining, and super comfy lounge seats for you to enjoy a great movie.

International Plaza offers a wide variety of shopping options, food, and events all summer long to gather with friends and family, with over 200 stores to choose from.

Dali Museum in St. Pete carries the largest collection of Dali's work outside of Europe and there are so many unique pieces to look at. With lots of opportunities for learning about Dali’s fun and quirky personality along with his brilliant talent as an artist.

Pin Chasers can be another great option allowing you to have some indoor/air conditioned fun, from bowling classes, tournaments, cyber bowling, late night bowling and just plain ‘ol regular bowling too.

Other Techniques to Lower Stress This Summer

While doing fun activities or really any one thing can’t eliminate stress there are some other things you can do to manage it. These include:

• Sleep hygiene- sleeping regular hours consistently

• Cultivate a sense of humor- having fun and taking things less seriously

• Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water

• Having solid boundaries in relationships

• Avoid people-pleasing behaviors

Meeting With A Young Adult Therapist in Tampa Can Help

We understand that you have a lot of therapy options to choose from in Tampa or St. Pete, and we want to assure you that working with one of our Florida-licensed young adult therapists will help you address any summer blues you may have. When schools are out for summer, and perhaps you are finding yourself feeling lonely, bored, overwhelmed with the changing of seasons, traffic to the beach, or the threat of tropical storms we are here to help provide you guidance. Whether it is to get through “an everyday issue” or something significant that you’re struggling with.

There are plenty of coping strategies and outlets for your experiences feeling stuck and/or feeling like you have to go through it alone hopefully doesn’t become your reality and reaching out for help can feel empowering and potentially the right step for you to make towards healing. Besides encouraging you to utilize coping skills, a young adult therapist at WellMinded Counseling can help you build awareness and insight, and challenge your thoughts/perspectives that may be creating barriers for you in the long run. Choosing the right therapist can make all the difference, we encourage you to talk with someone on our team to see if they are the right fit for you.

Start Therapy to Beat Summer Blues with a Young Adult Therapist in Tampa, FL

Are the summer blues, or something more serious, weighing you down? It's time to take control of your emotional well-being and reclaim your happiness! Our young adult therapists in Tampa understand the unique challenges you may be facing during this season. Whether it's the pressure to have the "perfect" summer or feeling isolated from your peers, therapy at WellMinded Counseling can provide the support and guidance you need to navigate these emotions. Don't let the summer blues dictate your experience any longer. Start by following these steps:

1. Reach out to talk with a Florida-licensed therapist

2. Schedule your first appointment for Tampa therapy

3. Work towards building resilience, finding joy, and creating a summer filled with growth and self-discovery.

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

WellMinded Counseling offers a variety of services when it comes to therapy:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By: Caroline Anawate

The Theme for this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month is Drawing Connections: prevention Demands Equality.

This theme discusses how there is a link between sexual violence to systems of oppression, therefore we can’t talk about sexual violence without also talking about racism. As individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions we must build these systems surrounding us on racial equity and respect. Systems of oppression such as racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism, and others contribute to higher rates of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse. 

Discussions about racial issues, equity, and inclusion are important to be having in all spaces. One must draw connections between themselves, history, and the world around them to create and help build awareness. 

It is evident that certain groups of people are at higher risk for sexual violence and that those same people are also the most impacted by inequitable systems and oppression in our society. 

Important Statistics:

• More than 1 and 4 non-Hispanic Black women (29%) in the United States have faced sexual violence in their lifetime (Basile et al., 2022).

• More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3%) have experienced violence in their lifetime (Rosay, 2016).

• 1 in 3 Hispanic women (34.8%) reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime (Basile et al., 2022).

• 32.9% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence (Tomsa et al., 2021).

•  47% of all transgender people have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives (James et al., 2016).

It is important to strive to build equity and respect within our communities, and workplaces in order to make real and lasting change.

Importance of awareness and education

When discussing combatting sexual assault, it is also important to build awareness and educate individuals on consent. 

What is consent?

Consent must be freely given and informed, and a person can change their mind at any time. Consent is more than a yes or no. It is a dialogue about desires, needs, and levels of comfort with different sexual interactions.

The impact of sexual violence extends beyond the individual survivor and reaches all of society. It is important to build awareness and fight against sexual assault not only during Sexual Assault Awareness Month but every month. 

Resources

Connecting with support can be extremely important after a sexual assault.

Here are some important resources:

• https://www.nsvrc.org/after-sexual-assault

• https://www.raliance.org/rape-crisis-centers/

• https://www.rainn.org/

• https://www.stopitnow.org/

• https://www.alongwalkhome.org/

• https://www.nsvrc.org/saam/2021/survivorresources

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

Your First Counseling Session: Here's What to Expect

By Karli McClure, LSW

You’ve found the right therapist to start therapy with. Now it’s time to schedule your first therapy session. Good news! The challenge of finding a therapist is over. So, now it’s time to get acquainted. 

The First Step of Counseling is the Intake

The first counseling session is called, “intake” as this is a time for your therapist to ask assorted questions about your past, present, and hopes for the future. This is important: don’t feel nervous or feel like your therapist is judging you. These questions are meant to help your therapists develop a relationship with you and a recommendation for counseling. 

Your therapist will ask questions about your family's history with mental health, symptoms you are currently having or have had previously, history of past traumas, and what brings you to therapy today. Although it would be impossible for your therapist to learn all there is about you in an hour, this will at least give them a starting point on things you two will begin to work on. Essentially, this session is for the therapist to gather a whole and accurate picture of you. 

Be Vulnerable & Build A Partnership

The therapist isn’t the only person who asks questions during this session. You’re allowed to ask them too. In fact, at WellMinded Counseling, I encourage my clients to ask me anything they want. I find that it is much easier to be open and honest with someone when they are open and honest with you.

Always remember: therapy is a partnership.  If you find that your therapist is not a good fit, it is always okay to try to find a new one. Therapy is all about supporting and empowering you as the client. I challenge you to be as vulnerable as you can with your therapist because that is when real progress can be made. 

Setting Your Goals With Your Tampa Therapist

All therapists conduct intakes their own way, but typically at some point in the session, your therapist will ask what goals you have for therapy. This question tends to be the most challenging part of the session for some. Your goals should be specific, measurable, and obtainable. What do you hope to gain from therapy? What would you do if your anxiety was not getting in the way of your everyday life? These goals are going to help your therapist support you in the ways you need. 

Therapy can be scary, challenging, and uncomfortable and at the same time, it is life-changing, beautiful, and exciting. Growth and change do not happen after one session. However, each session is a step closer to obtaining your therapy goals. Be kind to yourself through this process and trust that your therapist is leading you in the right direction toward the person you want to be. 

Start Counseling in Tampa, FL or Boulder, CO

Take the next step towards your journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Schedule your first therapy session now and unlock the transformative power of counseling. Remember, the intake session is just the beginning—a chance for your Tampa therapist to understand your unique story and create a tailored plan to support you. Embrace vulnerability and build a partnership with your therapist, where honesty and openness lead to breakthroughs. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek a therapist who truly resonates with you. Together in counseling, we will set achievable goals that pave the way for positive change. Embrace the challenges, embrace the beauty, and embrace the excitement of this life-changing process. Take the leap and embark on a path toward becoming the best version of yourself.

1. Reach out for a free consultation

2. Schedule your first appointment at WellMinded Counseling

3. Embark on a path toward becoming the best version of yourself

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES We Offer in Colorado & Florida

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

Ways to Care For Your Mental Health

By: Amber Cherrette

Along with attending Therapy for young adults, there are many ways that you can take care of and improve your mental health.

There are different categories of care that are important to consider that can all have a large impact on your mental well-being day to day. How well your physical needs, social needs, mental needs, and spiritual needs are being met will play a role in the picture of your overall mental health.

Caring for your mental health by fulfilling these needs will look different for each and every person. One person may feel their social need is met by spending time with a large group of friends,  while another may get this need met by connecting with a family member over a video call. While engaging in these activities, it is important to check in with yourself to see if the specific activity was fulfilling for you, because even though you might hear others feel positive after going for a run, a yoga class might better suit your need for physical movement.

Different Ways, Besides Therapy for young adults, to Care For Your Mental Health Based On Your Needs

Below are examples of ways in which to care for your overall mental well-being within each of these categories.  

Social Needs 

• Volunteering at a cause that is important to you 

• Reaching out for connection or support during a rough time 

• Establishing healthy boundaries  

• Spending time with people you enjoy 

• Checking in with friends or relatives who live at a distance 

• Joining a support group or club that fits your interests 

Mental Needs 

• Taking a break from the internet/social media 

• Journaling 

• Writing a to-do list 

• Reading a book that interests you 

• Learning a new skill or language 

Spiritual Needs 

• Meditating  

• Spending time in nature 

• Identifying what you value and what you find meaningful 

• Attending a place of worship 

It is important to be mindful of these aspects and how they impact your mental health personally, remembering, there is no one way to care for your mental health.  Incorporating some of these activities slowly will help them to become habits in the long term. Maybe one week you try yoga a few evenings and feel more positive afterward,  and then another week you drink more water and have more energy, and another you take a social media break. The impact can grow over time as you add in ways to meet each need. Engaging in caring for these different needs can be a wonderful compliment to your work in counseling.

Start Therapy for Young Adults & Support your mental health in Tampa, fl

It's time to take charge of your mental health and embark on a journey of growth and wellness. With our team of compassionate and experienced therapists, you'll find a safe space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges.

Take the first steps towards a healthier, happier you by:

1. Reaching out to WellMinded Counseling today

2. Schedule your first appointment for therapy for young adults

3. Start supporting your mental health in a way that meets your needs

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

How to Find the Best Therapist for You in Florida & Colorado

By: Malhia Best

When it comes time to choose the right therapist the process can seem overwhelming. 

There are a variety of options to look for a therapist that fits your mental and emotional health while supporting your needs through your therapy journey. 

“Your job is to find somebody who maps onto the concerns you have, somebody you feel comfortable with, and somebody who you believe will be helpful and supportive to you,” says Lynn Bufka, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and associate chief of practice transformation at the American Psychological Association (APA)

One of the first steps in the therapeutic process is researching to find a therapist 

As there are many therapists in each state and city and it can be difficult to interview each therapist, narrowing down which therapist would be a good fit for you is to decide what is important for you. For example in-person therapy vs online therapy, cost of therapy, or populations the therapist specializes in. 

Different types of mental health professionals might focus on different processes in the progression of your mental illness and walk you through different treatments. As there are various types of health professionals that include, professional therapists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and so on. 

The next step after choosing a Therapist is to have a consultation

A consultation with a therapist allows for you to essentially interview with the professional in order to see if going forward would be a good fit for you. 

Some questions you might ask a therapist: 

-Do you have a supportive or directive approach to therapy? 

-What do therapy sessions look like? 

- Tell me about your therapy approach? 

Lastly is building rapport with your mental health professional 

After choosing the therapist you would like to work with you’ll build a schedule with the therapist on when to regularly see them. 

As the therapeutic process begins it may feel uncomfortable to discuss intimate and vulnerable feelings with someone new. It is important to choose a therapist with that you feel comfortable and feel open to discussion as you go through the therapeutic journey. 

Source: Everyday Health 

Start Therapy With A Therapist That Is The Right Fit For You In Colorado or Florida

At WellMinded Counseling we understand the importance of finding the right therapist for your needs so that you have a successful and healing therapeutic journey. Whether you are in Colorado or Florida our counselors can provide you with therapy that is tailored to you. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Schedule a free consultation to get to know our therapists

2. If we are the right fit schedule your first appointment

3. Start working on your mental health and wellness

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling