In today’s digital world, where AI interactions are becoming more commonplace and misinformation spreads rapidly, the value of genuine, in-person relationships cannot be overstated. As a psychologist practicing in my hometown of Plantation. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of real human connection in therapy and everyday life. The Role of Trust in Mental Health Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, especially in individual counseling and therapy. Without trust, vulnerability becomes nearly impossible, and true healing remains out of reach. In a time when digital interactions often lack authenticity, face-to-face human contact provides certainty and grounding. Research has shown that the therapeutic alliance—a term used to describe the relationship between a therapist and client—is one of the strongest predictors of positive therapy outcomes. The presence of a trusted individual can help regulate emotions, foster self-exploration, and ultimately lead to profound personal growth. How Human Connection Alleviates Anxiety and Depression Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression thrive in isolation. While virtual communication and AI-driven therapy tools can offer convenience, they lack the warmth, empathy, and nonverbal cues that in-person interactions provide. Studies have demonstrated that physical presence, eye contact, and even subtle social gestures like a reassuring nod or a compassionate smile activate brain regions associated with emotional regulation and stress reduction. For those struggling with mental health challenges, seeking support from a professional therapist in Plantation, Broward County, or anywhere in South Florida can be a life-changing decision. In-person therapy fosters a deeper sense of connection, allowing individuals to feel truly heard and understood in a way that digital platforms cannot fully replicate. Certainty in an Uncertain World In a world where false narratives can easily spread and AI-generated interactions blur the lines between reality and fiction, face-to-face contact serves as a powerful anchor. Human relationships built on trust and emotional presence provide clarity and reassurance. Real relationships cultivate empathy, strengthen resilience, and offer a safe space to explore vulnerabilities without fear of judgment. The Benefits of Having a Therapist: Scientific Support A growing body of research underscores the effectiveness of therapy in treating a variety of mental health conditions. These include: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Trauma, and many of life’s challenges. A meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that therapy leads to significant improvements in emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. Here at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness, we are oriented towards optimal wellbeing rather than limiting our scope to symptom and problem based goals. As a clinical psychologist, I have come to appreciate that the real value of a therapeutic relationship is not just having someone to help us alleviate our pains but more importantly having someone to help us optimize our gains. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology further confirms that individuals who engage in therapy report higher levels of life satisfaction and emotional stability compared to those who do not seek professional help. Seeking Help: A Step Toward Healing If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress, consider seeking therapy with a licensed psychologist. Whether you reside in Plantation, Broward County, or another part of South Florida, in-person therapy provides a space to build trust, explore vulnerabilities, and develop healthier coping strategies. At the end of the day, nothing can replace the depth and authenticity of real human connection. In an era where AI and digital interactions are prevalent, let’s not forget the profound impact of a meaningful conversation, a comforting presence, and the power of being truly seen and heard. At the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness, We Nourish ~ You Flourish! Lisa Saponaro, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Planting the seeds for personal growth www.Lsaponaro.com 954-577-0095 (office) 954-560-9567 (cell)

What is all the buzz about mindfulness? Many of us have heard about the importance of being mindful, but how many of us really know what it means? Before the 1970’s, mindfulness only existed in Eastern societies that practiced Buddhist meditation. It was not until an American professor, Jon Kabat-Zinn, introduced the idea to the West in 1979 that mindfulness began gaining traction as a healing modality. He defined mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Since the advent of mindfulness in the United States, there has been a wealth of empirical research that has come out in support of these interventions across age, ethnicity, and gender. Research has shown that mindfulness can effectively treat an array of psychological issues, including: Anxiety disorders Depressive disorders Obsessive compulsive disorders Panic disorder Chronic pain Substance use Personality disorders Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Contrary to how the name sounds, mindfulness can actually help us decrease the fullness we often feel in our minds and allow us to engage more intimately with the present moment. Through bringing more mindfulness to our moment-to-moment experiences, we feel more connected to our authentic selves and increase feelings of wholeness, appreciation and joy. By engaging with feelings of gratitude and awe our experiences of depression and anxiety can lose power. There are a variety of formal mindfulness practices that are often beneficial to start with but once developed, mindfulness is a skill that can be applied informally to every aspect of your life. Here are a few formal mindfulness practices you can engage in: Mindfulness Meditation: Practice sitting upright with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, feet planted firmly on the ground (or cross legged), heart open in a dignified but relaxed way for several minutes. Let yourself just be and experience the stillness within you. Each time a thought, emotion and/or sensations arises, acknowledge it with acceptance and compassion and then bring your attention back to your breath. Mindful Walking: Find a place to walk where you feel safe and relaxed. As you walk, bring your attention to the body. With each step you take, notice your feet making contact with the ground. Take notice of any sensations in your body. Watch your limbs naturally coordinate to help you maintain balance. Notice the rhythm of your breath as you walk and how it coincides with your body movements. Mindful Eating: Find a small piece of food, such as a raisin, and focus mindfully on the raisin to where you are experiencing the fullness of each bite. Take notice of the texture, taste, smell, sound and other sensations of the food. If a thought arises, acknowledge and accept it, and bring yourself back to the food item (can work with any food). Yoga: As you begin to stretch a specific region in the body, you may begin to feel the resistance and discomfort in that area of the body. Through mindfulness, we can begin to make space for these feelings and sensations by acknowledging them with acceptance, patience and compassion. By acknowledging the resistance and discomfort and then returning our attention back to the breath, we come to realize that the pain in the body is not us and is merely passing through us as visitors do in a guest house. Once formal mindfulness practices have been exercised and the muscle of mindfulness have begun to grow, then one can begin engaging in informal practices of mindfulness, such as: Washing Dishes: As you begin to wash the dishes, take notice of the sensations in your hands as you make contact with the warm water, soap, and dishes. Slow the rate of washing down to where you can be fully present with each item that is being washed. Observing Nature: As you go out into nature, take notice of all that is around you. Slow down and let yourself gaze on the different shapes and colors of the trees, plants, animals, and landscape. Listen to the sounds of the birds chirp and the rustling of the leaves as you walk by. Showering: As you step into the shower, feel the sensations in your body as the warm water makes contact with your skin. Listen to the sounds of the warm water spraying all around you. Observe and accept any thoughts and feelings as they arise and return yourself back to the present moment experience of taking a shower. Parenting: Take a moment to pause when you are with your child and bring your full presence and attention to the moment-to-moment interactions you are having with them. Mindfulness has the ability to increase our parenting skills, which in turn positively impacts our children and the relationship we have with them. Mindfulness is not a technique to learn but a way of living to adopt. All of us have the capacity to cultivate mindfulness and similar to muscles, each time we exercise our attention by bringing it back to the present moment, the muscles of mindfulness grow. At the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness, there are a host of practitioners who have been professionally trained in mindfulness-based exercises and are ready to support you with leading a more mindful lifestyle. Located in the heart of Plantation, Florida and servicing Broward County and Florida communities including Davie, Sunrise, Cooper City, Weston, and Fort Lauderdale.