Summary
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan Simpson, Dr. Ernie Reilly, and Michelle Buchanan discuss how families can navigate the complexities of holiday gatherings. They explore the expectations placed on children, the dynamics of family interactions, and the emotional stressors that can arise during the holiday season. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual family members' needs, managing stress, and creating meaningful connections without the pressure of perfection. Practical tools and takeaways are provided to help families enjoy a more peaceful and joyful holiday experience.
Takeaways
THE COUNSELING CORNER — CONTACT US
Website: www.counselingcorner.net
Phone: 407-843-4968
Email: info@counselingcorner.net
Address: 1631 Hillcrest St., Orlando, FL 32803
FOLLOW US:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1631CounselingCorner
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Chapters
00:00 Navigating Holiday Expectations with Kids
11:13 Understanding Family Dynamics During the Holidays
17:57 Emotional Underpinnings of Holiday Stress
24:02 Managing Family Tensions and Parenting Styles
31:03 Tools for Reducing Holiday Stress
33:45 Final Takeaways for a Peaceful Holiday Season
Keywords
holiday stress, family dynamics, parenting tips, emotional well-being, holiday traditions, kids behavior, family gatherings, mental health, holiday expectations, resilience
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan Simpson, Dr. Ernie Reilly, and Michelle Buchanan discuss the challenges couples face during the holiday season. They explore common holiday opinions, relationship stressors, and practical strategies for maintaining healthy connections. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and creating shared meaning in relationships, especially during the demanding holiday period.
Takeaways
THE COUNSELING CORNER — CONTACT US
Website: www.counselingcorner.net
Phone: 407-843-4968
Email: info@counselingcorner.net
Address: 1631 Hillcrest St., Orlando, FL 32803
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingcornerorlando/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1631CounselingCorner
Meet Our Counselors:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healthy Holiday Habits
02:06 Holiday Opinions: True or Trouble?
14:11 Deep Dive: Relationship Stressors During the Holidays
18:02 Real Holiday Scenarios: Navigating Family Dynamics
30:54 Main Takeaways for Couples During the Holidays
Keywords
holiday habits, relationship stressors, family dynamics, communication, couples counseling, holiday traditions, emotional connection, boundaries, expectations, mental health
In this episode of Real Life Counseling by The Counseling Corner, host Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW are joined by child and play therapists Amanda Riendeau, LCSW and Andreina Bello, LMHC to explore the truth about ADHD—what it really is, how it affects kids differently, and what parents can do to support their children.
Dr. Ernie explains ADHD as a “high-performance sports car with low-performance brakes,” describing how brain chemistry—especially dopamine processing and prefrontal cortex function—makes focus and regulation more difficult, not impossible. Amanda and Andreina share what ADHD looks like in real therapy rooms, highlighting differences in how it presents between boys and girls, and the emotional experiences of parents seeking help.
The conversation covers common myths about ADHD (from screen time to discipline and medication), offers insights into play therapy and family dynamics, and provides practical tools parents can use right away to build structure, connection, and confidence at home.
Listeners will come away encouraged—reminded that children with ADHD don’t have “broken brains,” but rather different brains that can thrive with understanding, support, and the right strategies.
Key Takeaways:
ADHD is a neurological difference, not a character flaw. It’s about brain wiring and dopamine processing—not laziness or lack of willpower.
Kids with ADHD can focus—just not consistently. They often hyperfocus on stimulating tasks but struggle with sustained attention on less engaging ones.
Girls with ADHD are often overlooked. They tend to present as inattentive, perfectionistic, or anxious rather than hyperactive, leading to underdiagnosis.
Parents often feel frustration, shame, and worry—but there is hope. Therapy helps families move from confusion to confidence.
Structure beats strictness. Clear routines, visual schedules, and predictable expectations support focus better than punishment.
Discipline means teaching, not punishing. Children need guidance and modeling to develop self-regulation skills.
Medication is not the only solution. The best outcomes come from therapy, skill-building, and—when necessary—medication used wisely.
Play therapy empowers kids. It gives children language for their emotions, builds self-esteem, and helps them develop coping strategies.
Celebrate small wins. Confidence grows through small successes and consistent encouragement.
Parental modeling matters. Children learn focus and emotional regulation by watching how parents manage their own.
Simple, consistent tools help. Try short “focus buddy” sessions, break tasks into steps, use timers, and praise effort over results.
Your child is not a problem to fix. They are a unique gift—one whose differences can become strengths with the right support.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
CONNECT WITH THE COUNSELING CORNER
🌐 Website: www.counselingcorner.net
📍 Address: 1631 Hillcrest St., Orlando, FL 32803
📞 Phone: 407-843-4968
📧 Email: info@counselingcorner.net
FOLLOW US
Meet Our Counselors:
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, host Ryan Simpson engages with child therapists Amanda Riendeau, LMHC and Andreina Bello, LMHC along with Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW, to explore the complexities of children's emotions and the role of play therapy in helping children navigate their feelings. The conversation covers the importance of co-regulation between parents and children, what a play therapy session looks like, and how parents can support their child's emotional development. The therapists share success stories and emphasize that seeking help is a smart choice for families facing challenges.
Takeaways
For more information or to talk to one of our licensed counselors please visit www.counselingcorner.net
Connect with us:
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, hosts Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW engage with a group of counseling interns from the University of Central Florida. They discuss their journeys into the field of counseling, the dynamics of conflict in relationships, and the importance of communication and intimacy. The conversation delves into common reasons couples seek counseling, the role of psychoeducation, and the significance of understanding attachment theory. The interns share insights on forgiveness, debunk myths about relationships, and emphasize the ongoing work required to maintain healthy partnerships. This episode highlights the fresh perspectives of the next generation of therapists and their commitment to helping others navigate life's challenges.
Takeaways
For more information or to talk to one of our licensed counselors please visit www.counselingcorner.netConnect with us:
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, hosts Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW engage with David and Dayanna, a couple who share their journey through marriage counseling. They discuss their love story, the challenges they faced, and the importance of communication and counseling in their relationship. The conversation highlights the significance of ongoing support, the impact of parenting on their marriage, and the tools they've gained through counseling to navigate their relationship. David and Dayanna emphasize the value of seeking help and the transformative power of counseling in building a strong partnership.
Takeaways
For more information or to talk to one of our licensed counselors please visit www.counselingcorner.net
Connect with us:
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan Simpson, Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW, and Dr. Judi Allen, LCSW, explore the differences between three prominent therapy modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). They discuss the effectiveness, applications, and session dynamics of each approach, while also addressing common misconceptions and what clients can expect during their first therapy session. The conversation highlights the transformative power of these therapies in helping individuals overcome trauma and mental health challenges, concluding with inspiring stories of client success.
For more information about these topics please visit the Trauma Therapy section of our website. Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Therapy Modalities
03:42 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Explained
06:37 Diving into EMDR Therapy
09:32 Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Overview
13:14 Comparing Modalities: When to Use Each
20:55 Session Dynamics: CBT vs EMDR and ART
23:14 Understanding EMDR and ART Therapy
27:45 Choosing the Right Therapy: The Role of Counselors
31:39 Debunking Myths: EMDR, ART, and CBT
37:57 What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
41:30 Stories of Hope: Transformative Therapy Experiences
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan Simpson, Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW, and Dr. Judi Allen, LCSW discuss the critical issue of distinguishing between teen burnout and depression. They explore the signs of depression in teenagers, the impact of burnout, and the importance of parental support. The conversation emphasizes the role of therapy in helping teens navigate their emotional challenges and highlights success stories of clients who have overcome these issues. The episode concludes with encouragement for parents to be present and supportive in their teens' lives.
If you're looking for help or support with a teenager you care about please visit www.counselingcorner.net to find helpful resources or get in touch with our team.
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW discuss the intricacies of marriage counseling, exploring what couples can expect during sessions, the importance of communication, and practical habits for building healthier relationships. They delve into common issues such as resentment and recurring conflicts, emphasizing that one partner's willingness to engage can significantly impact the relationship. The conversation highlights the importance of gratitude, understanding, and teamwork in navigating marital challenges.
For more information or to see the show notes please visit www.counselingcorner.net/real-life-counseling-podcast
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan and Dr. Ernie delve into the complexities of anxiety in adults, exploring its symptoms, the impact of technology, and effective coping strategies. They discuss the importance of understanding anxiety as a common struggle rather than a character flaw, and emphasize the value of therapy and support. The conversation also highlights practical techniques for managing anxiety in daily life, as well as how to support loved ones dealing with anxiety.
Key Takeaways:
For more information or to talk one of our licensed counselors please visit www.counselingcorner.net
In this episode of "Real Life Counseling" by The Counseling Corner, hosts Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly dive into the complexities of anxiety in children. They explore the signs parents might overlook, discuss effective therapeutic approaches like CBT, and share practical tips for supporting anxious kids. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help children navigate anxiety. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that aims to empower families and foster healthier relationships.
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, we meet Dr. Ernie Reilly and dive into the evolving landscape of mental health. Join us as we explore how perceptions have shifted since 1998, breaking down the barriers and stigma that once surrounded mental health counseling. Discover why therapy is not just for those in crisis, but a powerful tool for anyone seeking growth and healing. Whether you're considering therapy for yourself or a loved one, this conversation offers insights into the transformative power of counseling. Tune in to learn how therapy can be a step towards a stronger, more resilient you
For more information about Dr. Reilly, his services, our counseling/mental health in general visit his site at www.counselingcorner.net