dr-lisa-saponaro

Power of Real Relationships:Face-to-Face Human Connection Matters

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:50:00 GMT

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)

Reunification Therapy

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:45:46 GMT

Nurturing Healing and Reconnection at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness with Lisa Saponaro, Ph.D.

Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally tumultuous time for families, especially when children are involved. In situations where there has been a significant rift between a parent and child, reunification therapy offers a path to healing and reconnection. At the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness in Plantation, Florida, under the guidance of owner psychologist Dr. Lisa Saponaro, we understand the importance of supporting families through this delicate process. Dr. Saponaro offers reunification therapy to parents and children are adolescents who have been estranged.

Understanding Reunification Therapy :

Reunification therapy is a specialized form of therapy designed to help rebuild and repair the parent-child relationship when it has become strained or severed due to divorce or other family challenges. Reunification therapy is different than traditional talk therapy. This therapy aims to address the underlying issues that have contributed to the alienation or estrangement between family members, allowing parents and children to reconnect and rebuild trust.

Collaborative Approach to Reunification:

At the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness, we believe in a collaborative and organized approach to reunification therapy. Dr. Lisa Saponaro and her team work closely with parents, children, adolescents and other involved professionals, such as divorce attorneys and collaborative divorce specialists, to create a supportive and safe environment for healing. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the child's well-being are considered, including their emotional, psychological, and special needs, if applicable.

Tailored Therapy for Children and Adolescents:

Reunification therapy acknowledges that children and adolescents have unique needs and responses during the process of rebuilding their relationships with estranged parents. Our psychologists at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness are experienced in working with children of all ages, including those with special needs. We employ age-appropriate therapeutic techniques and evidence-based interventions to facilitate open communication, address underlying issues, and promote healthy attachment between parents and children.

Supporting Parents in the Process:

Reunification therapy recognizes the important role parents play in the healing journey. Dr. Lisa Saponaro and her team provide guidance and support to parents, helping them navigate their own emotions, develop effective co-parenting strategies, and foster a positive and nurturing environment for reunification. Through individual counseling, collaborative sessions, and educational resources, parents are equipped with the tools necessary to strengthen their relationship with their child and promote healthy family dynamics.

The Importance of Long-Term Well-Being:

Reunification therapy extends beyond reconciliation and focuses on the long-term well-being of the family. Dr. Lisa Saponaro and the team at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness strive to provide ongoing support and guidance, even after the formal therapy process has ended. This commitment ensures that families have the necessary resources and coping mechanisms to navigate future challenges and maintain healthy parent-child relationships.

Reunification therapy offers a path to healing, reconnection, and healthy family dynamics in the aftermath of divorce or family challenges. At the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness in Plantation, Florida, Dr. Lisa Saponaro and her team of experienced psychologists specialize in providing compassionate care and support to families undergoing reunification therapy. Through a collaborative approach, tailored interventions for children and adolescents, and a focus on long-term well-being, we aim to nurture healing and strengthen parent-child relationships. If you are seeking reunification therapy or wish to learn more, please visit our website or contact us for further information and assistance. Reunification services are typically provided in person in our Plantation office; however telehealth services may be used to supplement the process as appropriate.

Mindfulness in the Modern World

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 09:03:08 GMT

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.

Collaborative Divorce

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:48:07 GMT

Collaborative divorce provides a more cooperative alternative to traditionally litigated divorces and places the solutions and agreements in the hands of the involved parties. Unlike the pro se divorce, where each party represents themselves, in the collaborative divorce each party has their own attorney and both attorneys are committed to facilitating a working agreement. This provides partners the comfort of knowing their legal interests are represented while also feeling secure that the ultimate decisions belong to the family not the court . Unlike mediation, the collaborative professionals are committed to a collaborative result and are forbidden from participating in court proceedings in the event the collaborative process is terminated or unsuccessful. However, like mediation, the collaborative process facilitates empowerment of the family members, unique solutions, and is a less expensive route to divorce than litigation . The ideal resolution supports a caring, loving, and supportive relationship between children and their parents. While it is typical that no party gets everything they want, in a collaborative divorce, all parties can leave confident they will only sign an agreement they find acceptable.

The collaborative process focuses on identifying common grounds and clarifying values to ensure decisions are made with your long-term goals in mind. Collaborative divorce requires that all parties participate in an honest, good faith manner with the ultimate wellbeing of all members of the family in mind . The collaborative process often involves the use of a collaborative divorce Coach or Facilitator. As a mental health professional, trained in mediation, Lisa Saponaro, Ph.D. participates in the collaborative process as a Divorce Coach. The Divorce Facilitator is skilled at recognizing anxiety, depression, and other emotional factors that often get in the way of resolutions. Additionally, the coach is trained in communication strategies and mediation to support the collaborative process. In the role of Divorce Coach, Dr. Saponaro serves to clarify and identify the parties’ interests and goals, reduce misunderstandings, help develop viable co-parenting plans, and facilitate the family’s transition through the process.

Collaborative Divorce may be particularly advantageous to families with children as results are less likely to be relitigated in the future . It is associated with overall lower levels of conflict between the parents, which we know is most beneficial for the kids. Collaborative Divorce is a process designed with the best interests of the children and helps ensure their needs are kept in mind. In addition to the role of divorce coach, mental health professionals often serve in the role of Child Specialist in the collaborative process. The Child Specialist, who is a neutral mental health professional, is trained in child development and family systems as it specifically pertains to divorce and adjustment. This professional may meet with the children separately to gain a better understanding of their needs and wishes to promote their voice and support them during the divorce.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing in South Florida for the past 20 years. Throughout her career, Dr. Saponaro has consistently worked with children and families. In her private practice, the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness, located in Plantation, Florida, she offers diagnostics and assessment services for children and adults. Dr. Saponaro is experienced in treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Autism, PTSD, grief, addictions, and a variety of mood and behavioral problems. Dr. Saponaro has been recognized by the Broward County Courts as an expert in child matters as it pertains to divorce and has worked with other divorce professionals, such as attorneys, parenting coordinators, reunification specialists, Guardian Ad Litems, financial professionals, and others to help ensure families have well rounded care and children’s needs are paramount. After decades of working with families from a collaborative approach, Dr. Saponaro has joined the International Association of Collaborative Professionals and the South Florida Collaborative Professionals and is now practicing as a Collaboratively Trained Divorce Professional in the role of Divorce Coach and Child Specialist. Call 954-577-0095 or email Drsaponaro@gmail.com for more information on how to set up a consultation today.

Mental Health is Mental Wealth

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:16:40 GMT

Mental Health is mental wealth! Too much attention is focused on mental illness and not enough focused on our mental health. Evidence shows that good mental health supports good physical health, better immune function, healthier relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Too few of us dedicate enough time each day to our self care. Taking care of the basics such as: proper nutrition, exercise, good sleep hygiene and positive thinking all play into our well-being. Our thoughts and feelings, health habits, relationships, spirituality, careers, and leisure contribute to life satisfaction.

Don’t let stigma get in the way of getting help. One in Five adults experiences mental illness but less than half get treatment. “It’s ok not to be ok!” Don’t let guilt and shame keep you alone in your struggle. Therapy can help address many of the problems that arise in life and build strategies towards wellness.

Find Success with Behavioral Weight Loss Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:16:36 GMT

Weight loss therapy has been effective in helping people to lose excess weight. It does so by helping people to make behavioral changes that support weight loss while providing positive support and encouragement for safe, healthy weight loss. People that experience chronic weight fluctuations, binging, yo-yo dieting, compulsive eating, food addiction, and emotional eating can benefit from weight loss therapy. Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a licensed psychologist that provides professional weight loss therapy. She has many years of expertise in weight loss therapy and can help those ready to make the behavioral changes necessary to reach their weight loss goals.

Enjoy a Healthy Relationship with Food

Some people have a love hate relationship with food. They love to eat it food and it provides comfort when they feel anxious, depressed, or stressed. After eating certain foods or over indulging a person can then feel guilt and shame. Food is required for life. It provides us with the nutrition we need for everyday bodily functions. People can change problem behavior with food and enjoy a healthy food relationship with weight loss therapy. Dr. Saponaro listens to her clients weight loss and food concerns and goals in order to provide them with feedback and education on how to make positive change for weight loss.

Positive Change Equals Weight Loss

By making positive changes a person can begin to build healthy habits that will enable them to lose excess weight. People can break diet, binge cycles and other problem behavior in order to lose pounds and improve the way they feel about themselves. Weight loss therapy is a guilt free and safe method for weight loss. Therapy is provided in a safe, discreet environment that enables an individual to focus on themselves, change old habits, and make positive lifestyle changes that can help them cope with stress and pressure, while helping them to improve their health and self esteem. To inquire about weight loss therapy, please call (954) 560-9567.

28 Day Challenge: Sun Salutations

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:16:21 GMT

As a psychologist, who spends her day doing therapy, it is important for me to set goals for myself (for my own personal health and as a model to others). In Giada's feel good food, DeLaurentiis describes her daily practice of yoga to include at least 3 sun salutations. Inspired by one of my own role models, I decided to take on my own personal 28 day challenge of adding three sun salutations to my daily routine. Yoga can improve not only physical health but mental health, anxiety, and depression too! Here are my results - What are your wellness, exercise, or personal growth goals?

Therapy for Substance Abuse

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:41:03 GMT

ubstance abuse often starts out as experimentation. Friends may suggest it be tried or they state that the substance has relieved their own discomfort and may help. Drugs are most often used to escape from mental or physical discomforts providing a short-term fix with long-term consequences. Take the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it be low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or an unhappy family life. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat.

The Warning Signs Of Substance Addiction

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.
Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

U nexplained change in personality or attitude.
Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.

Substance Abuse Effects

No matter the type of drug or alcohol that is taken, substance abuse is the dysfunctional way in which the drug takes over the user’s life, disrupting his or her relationships and daily functioning at school, home, or work, leading to repeated drug-related legal difficulties, and negatively affecting his or her peace of mind.

Each substance abused causes a specific reaction physically and mentally. Drugs can speed up the heart causing a feeling of high energy such as cocaine or create a calming effect such as Marijuana. Any drug when abused can damage the tissues, organs and systems of the body causing long-term damage even death. It is through substance abuse treatment that an abuser can begin to break free from their addiction for improved physical and mental health.

Substance Abuse Treatment

The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments. Substance abuse and substance dependence can both be treated effectively. Substance abusers may not yet feel the compelling need to use the drug but with prolonged use may find that the drug is required to prevent withdraw symptoms such as shaking and nausea.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a licensed clinical psychologist who has developed and implemented programs. These experiences have allowed Dr. Saponaro to develop programs that help substance abusers through individual therapy. When drug abuse treatment is necessary Dr. Lisa Saponaro can provide useful information on in hospital treatment programs, community mental health centers and in office therapy sessions. Through a combination of treatment substance abusers can begin to detox the drugs from their systems in a safe environment and continue through a treatment process in order to live life drug free.

Plantation Psychologist

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:34:05 GMT

Life is full of a variety of experiences that affect our emotions, relationships, and inner thoughts. Marital stress, the death of a loved one, terminal illness, parenthood, and many other life experiences can lead to positive growth as well as pain, discomfort, and general dissatisfaction. These feelings may lead a person to seek psychotherapy, which has been proven to help many people with emotional, social, and behavioral problems. Therapy helps people to gain insight into the root causes of negative behavior patterns, ways to eliminate problem behaviors, learn to identity triggers, and manage stress. Therapy is beneficial in problem management and helps people to obtain personal growth.

Psychologist Plantation

Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist who operates her private practice in Plantation, Florida. Dr. Saponaro is a Plantation psychologist that provides several forms of counseling including individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, group therapy, parental planning, and psychological testing. She has had great success in helping those dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma resolution, substance abuse, family issues, child behavior, and emotional problems. She takes the time to get to know each client and understand his or her unique strengths and weakness. This understanding enables her to use appropriate techniques, which help them achieve their treatment goals.

Florida Psychologist, Plantation

Dr. Saponaro uses her experience and knowledge as a Plantation psychologist to provide her clients with support and useful feedback. She helps clients identify their strengths, overcome obstacles in their path, and reach their potential for personal growth. South Florida residents in search of a Florida psychologist can contact Dr. Saponaro by phone (954) 560-9567. Clients can also contact Dr. Saponaro via email at Drsaponaro@gmail.com or by clicking here. Dr. Lisa Saponaro serves Plantation (zip codes 33311, 33312, 33313, 33317, 33318) and surrounding cities of Sunrise and Davie, Florida. Her practice is located at 7820 Peters Road, Suite E-100 in Plantation, Florida.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Mental Health Assessment
What are your stress triggers?
Coping and Stress Management Skills Test

Personality Testing

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:22:27 GMT

Personality testing can identify specific characteristics that can be useful when making diagnoses, understanding underlying factors contributing to problems, and making appropriate treatment recommendations. Personality testing can also identify personality as a whole and is sometimes used by employers to determine appropriateness for certain type of jobs, and by courts when determining ability to parent and competency issues. There are times when personality testing may be court ordered or requested by a third party (e.g., school, employer, etc.).

An abundance of scientific research and thinking has gone into the topic of personality test development. Personality tends to refer to one’s pattern of relating to others. Personality traits tend to be relatively stable over time and across situations. All testing is conducted with the most recent versions of tests available. Each test used meets the local school board requirements of an outside evaluator. Confidentiality is maintained except where provided by law and results will not be disseminated to outside parties without a client’s express written permission or as required by law.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro in Plantation Florida offers personality testing in Broward County. Dr. Saponaro Ph.D holds a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She specializes in individual, couples and family psychotherapy and psychological testing, including personality testing. Dr. Saponaro utilizes techniques that have been proven to be effective with specific issues. She incorporates a mixture of conventional and alternative approaches, using a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client.

Positive Psychology: We Nourish You Flourish

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:15:04 GMT

Dr. Lisa Saponaro, your local Clinical Psychologist, has been practicing in her hometown of Plantation, Florida. Dr. Saponaro utilizes the contemporary concepts of Positive Psychology as a main part of her treatment philosophy to effectively approach sources of suffering such a depression or anxiety. After 20 years in the field of psychology, she knows that reduction of suffering is only a small part of therapy. Helping people flourish and build their wellness tool box is really Dr. Saponaro’s passion.

Dr. Saponaro undstands that relationships are a central part of our wellbeing and the therapeutic relationship is one that can be critical in helping a person resolve difficulties and uncover talents. Dr. Saponaro helps couples and individuals learn Active Constructive Responding to improve communication and lead to better relationships. She not only treats problems (mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, divorce, etc.); she incorporates the building of positive emotions, utilization of signature strenghts, clarification of values and finding meaning to help people unlock their true potential.

As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Saponaro strives to facilitate the tenants of Positive Psychology in her practice through education about core values and strengths. Traits such as compassion, perseverance, grit, gratitude and flow are cultivated helping people flourish and reach their goals. Dr. Saponaro provides expert guidance and supportive accountability for the individuals, couples and families that seek counseling services. She uses rigorous scientific data from the field of positive psychology to drive effective and dynamic treatments that can not only manage symptoms, but increase wellbeing and happiness.

One of the best things about Positive Psychology exercises is they make us feel good – they are simple and even fun. This leads to consistent implementation of growth inducing and resilience building techniques and overall easy improvement in wellbeing. One of Dr. Saponaro’s favorite positive psychology exercises based in gratitude. Think about something very specific that you are thankful for today and give thanks to the person responsible. See what happens to your mood afterwards. Finally! Something that is addicting and good for us! Dr. Saponaro looks forward to getting all of Plantation, Florida hooked on Positive Psychology. Dr. Saponaro truly believes that there is not only a solution to depression, anxiety and suffering; but that the limits of resilience, growth and the potential for happiness are endless. At the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness, our motto is We Nourish - You Flourish! South Florida, Come grow with us!

Group Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:06:23 GMT

Group Therapy is a highly effective method of addressing interpersonal issues and can be used to treat certain mental disorders (anxiety, depression, personality disorder, etc.) as well as personal issues ranging from relationship dysfunction, social skills and communication enhancement. With group therapy clients are able to interact freely with one another in group, they often recreate the difficulties that brought them to therapy in the first place. Group therapy offers trust and support to assist the individual in further growth and problem solving.

How Group Therapy Helps

Group therapy provides the unique opportunity to both observe and reflect on personal and interpersonal skills. There are opportunities to give and receive instant feedback in an interpersonal context that more accurately reflects real life. Group therapy offers support, alternative perspectives, or gentle confrontation to clients. Through this process, people develop new and more effective ways of relating with one another. Further benefits of group therapy may include the increase of hope, outlook, interpersonal training and conflict resolution.

Patients Participate For Successful Results

Dr. Saponaro has been running therapy groups since 1997 and participants regularly report “gaining a new perspective” as one of the most beneficial aspects of the group process. Group Members learn through active participation as well as observation. They gain trust with one another during sessions. Therapy aids clients in giving them better control over their emotions and behavior for mental health improvement and balanced living. Though it can seem difficult to open up at first, clients soon find themselves becoming more open and sharing their own thoughts, opinions and feelings with other group members. Realizing that you are not alone and that there are others who share your experiences is one of the qualities that makes group therapy so successful. By taking part in discussions, clients learn from others and begin to gain knowledge of alternative methods for communication with family, friends and co-workers. The support from other group members can also help to increase a client’s self esteem which can be extremely helpful in personal growth.

Therapist Dr. Lisa Saponaro

Dr. Saponaro is a practical, interactive, evidence-based therapist. She uses a treatment approach that provides support and practical feedback to help her clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. Dr. Saponaro utilizes techniques that have been proven to be effective with specific issues. Dr. Saponaro has extensive experience in helping clients meet personal goals through her specializations in individual, couples and family psychotherapy and psychological testing. She maintains a private practice in her home town of Plantation, Florida.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Listening Skills Test
Interpersonal Communication Skills Test
Social Skills Test
Assertiveness Test
Social Anxiety Test

Fight US Obesity with Weight Loss Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 12:00:50 GMT

In the past twenty years, obesity has been on a continual up rise. According to the CDC over one, third of US, adults are obese and seventeen percent of children and adolescents are obese. Obesity is a concern for many reasons, which include the adverse effect on ones health, a reduced life expectancy, and increased risk of health problems. Obesity increases a person's risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and other life threatening illnesses. On top of health risks, obese individuals also face ridicule and discrimination. The pain, discomfort, and dissatisfaction of obesity create a strong desire to lose excess weight. The process of weight loss requires a nutritious diet and physical exercise. This is not always enough to lose weight. Support and encouragement are also a large part of weight loss success. There is also one other factor for successful weight loss that people do not mention very often. This is positive behavioral change.

Discovering Weight Loss Roadblocks

Even if an individual begins to incorporate daily physical activity and begins to eat low fat foods and reduce sugar intake they may still struggle lose weight. One reason for this is an individual’s relationship with food. If a person overindulges on food when they experience stress or emotional upset, they are likely to take in excess calories, which will stall weight loss progress. Another roadblock is low self-esteem. If an individual has self-esteem or self worth issues they can often sabotage their weight loss by turning to food for comfort or giving up on effort due to feeling that they do not deserve to be healthy and happy. Weight loss therapy helps people to discover hidden factors that may be derailing their weight loss efforts. When a person discovers these factors, they can work towards changing negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve their weight loss goals.

Fight Obesity and Win with Weight Loss Therapy

Weight loss therapy enables a person to express their concerns, feelings, and goals. Their therapist listens and provides insight, education, and support to overcome weight loss obstacles and achieve safe, healthy weight loss through proven techniques. Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a licensed psychologist that provides weight loss therapy in Plantation, Florida. She works with clients in a comfortable and supportive environment within her private practice. She teaches clients rational self-counseling skills that will help them cope with stress and challenges in a positive way and avoid negative behavior (self bullying, over eating, etc.) by helping client's to develop healthier more effective patterns of behavior. To inquire about weight loss therapy, please call (954) 577-0095.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test
Diet and Weight Loss Test
Emotional Eating Test
Exercise IQ Test
Fitness IQ Test
Nutrition IQ Test
Goal-Setting Skills Test

Emotional Eating Radio Interview

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:54:31 GMT

Dr. Lisa Saponaro Emotional Eating Radio Interview - click here

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test
Diet and Weight Loss Test
Emotional Eating Test
Exercise IQ Test
Fitness IQ Test
Nutrition IQ Test
Goal-Setting Skills Test

Lose Excess Weight with Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:40:19 GMT

xercise and healthy food choices are a great way to lose body fat and help people achieve a healthy weight. However, these healthy habits may not be enough if binge eating or emotional eating is left unchanged. A person can still find it difficult to lose excess body fat even when they are consuming whole grains, lean meats, vegetables, and other healthy food choices. Over eating, is the main culprit for weight gain. Millions of people eat when they are angry, sad, and anxious, etc. Weight loss therapy can help people to achieve healthy weight loss goals by understanding what causes an individual to over eat or indulge in the types of foods that they do. By uncovering why a person uses food the way that they do, they can discover better ways to deal with stress; lives challenges, and lose excess body fat.

Change Self Defeating Patterns for Weight Loss

Pain, discomfort, and dissatisfaction are the main reasons why an individual will seek therapy. When a person is carrying excess body fat and weight, they often experience pain, illness, emotional distress, and frustration. Weight loss therapy can help a person to discover why they think, feel, and behave the way they do and how these thoughts and patterns of behavior have led to weight problems. They can also uncover roadblocks that are preventing them from making healthy changes and losing weight. Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a Plantation, Florida psychotherapist that specializes in individual therapy for weight loss. Dr. Lisa has experienced and overcome her own battle with weight loss. Her personal understanding and professional knowledge of therapy enable her to help clients to gain insight into their self and make the necessary positive changes to achieve healthy weight loss.

Access Personal Strength and Overcome Obstacles for Weight Loss

Dr. Lisa Saponaro believes that each person has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. She helps people to discover and strengthen personal abilities in order for an individual to change problem behaviors and deal with triggers in a healthy, positive manner. Dr. Saponaro provides weight loss therapy from her private practice in Plantation, Florida. She provides support and guidance to those interested in how to lose excess weight with therapy. She has experience helping people to overcome bad food habits. For those prepared to change negative patterns of thought and behavior in order to enjoy a healthy and more satisfying life, weight loss therapy may be the answer. To speak with Dr. Saponaro about weight loss therapy, please call (954) 560-9567.

For more information about how to lose excess weight with therapy.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test
Diet and Weight Loss Test
Emotional Eating Test
Exercise IQ Test
Fitness IQ Test
Nutrition IQ Test
Goal-Setting Skills Test

Effective Weight Loss through Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:38:28 GMT

Some people have tried repeatedly to lose excess weight, but they cannot seem to reach their goals. There may be underlying factors that sabotage their weight loss efforts. Weight loss therapy may be the solution to effectively losing weight. Therapy enables a person to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns with their therapist. Their therapist listens and responds with feedback that helps them to stop negative patterns of behavior and replace them with wellness strategies in order to achieve weight loss.

Strengthening Coping Skills

Stress is a powerful trigger for many people. How a person uses food and beverages or certain habits can be triggered by stress. A bad day at the office, heavy traffic, and household chaos can lead to over eating or poor food choices. Weight loss therapy can teach people how to handle stress in a more constructive way and avoid problem behavior. The key to effective weight loss through therapy is how it helps people to change their perspective, recognize challenges, and prepare to deal with future events in a healthy and positive way. Weight loss therapy can help a person to strengthen their coping skills, improve willpower skills, increase self-esteem, and provide support and encouragement.

Plantation Weight Loss Counseling

Dr. Lisa Saponaro of Plantation, Florida provides weight loss therapy/counseling from her private practice on south University Drive. She provides a comfortable, supportive environment where clients can build a trusting relationship in order to express concerns, set goals, and achieve healthy, effective weight loss. Dr. Saponaro has personal experience with weight loss, which enables her to understand the thoughts and feelings concerning weight loss on an intimate level. She is compassionate about weight loss concerns and uses her many years of experience as a licensed psychologist to help clients work through problems and find solutions for effective weight loss. To speak with Dr. Lisa Saponaro about weight loss therapy, please call (954) 577-0095.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test
Diet and Weight Loss Test
Emotional Eating Test
Exercise IQ Test
Fitness IQ Test
Nutrition IQ Test
Goal-Setting Skills Test

Achieve your Goals with Healthy Therapeutic Weight Loss

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:37:00 GMT

People that are seeking weight loss are faced with a million gimmicks, gadgets, and fad diets each day. This is no surprise in a society where the majority of adults are overweight or obese. The food and diet industry encourage weight problems and in turn become “fat” with profit the more we grow fat as a nation. The concern with some weight loss techniques is the question of their safety and effectiveness. To lose weight in a healthy, safe, and effective manner people should consider healthy therapeutic weight loss. Weight loss therapy does not just provide support and encouragement towards weight loss goals, it also helps an individual to deal societal pressures and messages that sabotage weight loss goals.

Plantation Weight Loss Therapist

Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a licensed psychologist that provides weight loss therapy/counseling. She provides a supportive and confidential environment in her private Plantation practice. Dr. Saponaro listens to her clients concerns and feelings about their weight and health goals. She helps her clients to uncover underlying factors that lead them to have an unhealthy relationship with food and she teaches them how to transform this negative relationship into a positive one. Dr. Saponaro is available to assist those that are ready to make a commitment to changing their habits and thoughts for positive wellness oriented ones that will enable them to achieve healthy weight loss goals.

Smart, Healthy Weight Loss with Therapy

When a person prepares to lose weight, they should be able to make a commitment to themselves to take the time and effort necessary to change their lives for the better. They can uncover inner motivation by speaking with Dr. Saponaro. They can discover how to set healthy, safe, and realistic weight loss goals. Dr. Saponaro can help clients to be held accountable for their efforts and provide support and encouragement to overcome obstacles and succeed in their weight loss. Dr. Lisa Saponaro has fought and won her own battle with weight loss. She uses her own experience alongside of professional therapy knowledge and scientifically valid techniques to help clients lose excess pounds with a healthy therapeutic weight loss process. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisa Saponaro, please call (954) 560-9567.

For more information about healthy therapeutic weight loss.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test
Diet and Weight Loss Test
Emotional Eating Test
Exercise IQ Test
Fitness IQ Test
Nutrition IQ Test
Goal-Setting Skills Test

South Florida Weight Loss Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:35:54 GMT

Weight loss therapy is effective in helping people improve motivation, strengthen willpower, and increase their chances of achieving weight loss and wellness goals. Call (954) 560-9567.

(United States, Florida, Plantation)- Obesity has become a growing epidemic in America. Weight loss can be a difficult and frustrating process. Being overweight can affect the way a person feels mentally, physically, and emotionally. Many people seek a diet or fitness equipment to help them lose weight. When these options do not provide the desired result, a person may feel hopeless, frustrated, or defeated. South Florida residents that are seeking help to lose weight can find support and guidance from Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. She is a clinical psychologist that has practical knowledge regarding weight loss strategies including motivational counseling, goal setting, nutritional modification, exercise and behavior changes, as well as pre- and post- counseling for recipients of weight loss surgery. She provides weight loss therapy with experience treating compulsive eating disorders (“food addiction”). Dr. Saponaro is located in Plantation, Florida on South University Drive. She can help clients to increase motivation and strengthen will power while helping them to simultaneously reduce the number of “cheats” by applying the lasted research and strategies emerging in this field. Visit www.lsaponaro.com.

Weight Loss Therapy Plantation

Dr. Saponaro provides weight loss therapy for those interested in overcoming an unhealthy relationship with food and a cycle of binge eating. People overeat for a variety of reasons. They may be tired, stressed, depressed, or anxious. Dr. Saponaro helps clients to understand what triggers them to over indulge in foods and gain insight to their behavior patterns. This helps clients to know why they do what they do and work towards making positive changes in order to achieve their weight loss goals. She can also help clients to manage stress more effectively. Reducing stress helps to increase willpower and can help clients resist triggers. It helps structure their lives in a way that enhances the chances of success.

Weight Loss Therapist Plantation

Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD has solutions for how to recover from a problematic relationship with food. She works closely with each client to help him or her work through a safe and effective program that targets over all wellness. Dr. Saponaro helps her clients to develop a more positive self-image and higher self-esteem, as they gain better understanding of themselves and their choices. She provides support and guidance that helps people overcome weight loss obstacles and achieve realistic goals for safe and healthy weight loss. Dr. Saponaro provides weight loss therapy and counseling for problem eating from her Plantation practice. To schedule an appointment concerning weight loss in Plantation, call (954)560-9567.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test
Diet and Weight Loss Test
Emotional Eating Test
Exercise IQ Test
Fitness IQ Test
Nutrition IQ Test
Goal-Setting Skills Test

Eating Disorder Treatment

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:32:54 GMT

A survey by SELF magazine in partnership with the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill showed that sixty-five percent of American women between the ages of 25 and 45 have an eating disorder and experience some unhealthy thoughts, feelings or behaviors related to food or their bodies. An eating disorder is categorized as any abnormal eating habits that create an insufficient or excessive amount of food being eaten. Binge Eating Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa are the most common eating disorders. These unhealthy eating habits can occur in people of any age, sex or class and can be associated with peer pressure, media body type standards, environmental conditions or other social situations.

While proper treatment can be highly effective for many of the specific types of eating disorders, the consequences of eating disorders can be severe, creating an abundance of health concerns and in the most worst circumstances even death (whether from direct medical effects of disturbed eating habits or from comorbid conditions such as suicidal thinking).

Eating disorder treatment varies according to the type and severity of the eating disorder, and usually more than one treatment option is utilized. After an assessment, eating disorder treatment goals and plans are developed in collaboration with the client. Dr. Saponaro works with the individual to provide the appropriate level of care as well as referrals to other professionals who can provide supportive services as well as more intensive services when necessary. The key to recovery is found in a person's willingness to "break" old habits and remain committed to eating disorder treatment long enough to restore healthy patterns of eating and resolve any underlying emotional issues.

Clients with eating disorders can also find therapy to be beneficial as they can reach underlying issues that may be the cause of the eating disorder. Trauma, Depression and Anxiety can add to a negative body image creating a toxic mental state and fueling the fire of an eating disorder. Eating Disorder Therapy can help a client to discuss his or her emotions and begin to better understand their disorder and ways to alter their thoughts and behavior in order to make the necessary changes for improved physical and mental health.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Eating Disorders and Emotional Eating Test
Diet and Weight Loss Test
Emotional Eating Test
Exercise IQ Test
Fitness IQ Test
Nutrition IQ Test
Goal-Setting Skills Test

Germanwings Crash and Mental Illness

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:29:57 GMT

How many times over the past few years have we heard about a mass shooting?What follows is a media frenzy over identifying the culprit: an isolated, delusional young man with mental illness. This time around it’s Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who prosecutors believe deliberately slammed the Airbus A320 he was flying from Barcelona to Duesseldorf into a mountain in the French Alps last Tuesday, killing all 150 passengers that were on board.

Call me a skeptic, but I think it’s all to easy to blame a dead person with a past history of mental illness for this tragedy. It’s much harder to take a long hard look at how we as a society perceive mental illness and take responsibility for creating an environment in which mental health treatment is often inaccessible, and even if it is available it is likely not to be utilized because one has to hide mental illness and fear getting diagnosed and treated because of stigma and the negative implications it may have on ones career and relationships.

According to APA Executive Director Dr. Katherine Noral, while research shows that investing in prevention-oriented programs can reduce mental illness and improve health, too few of these programs get the attention and the funding they deserve. The media headlines today scream “Germanwings co-pilot was treated for suicidal tendencies,” “received lengthy psychotherapy before receiving his pilot's license,” and “was prescribed antidepressants”. What do these headlines do? Create stigma. Just because one has a history of depression and suicidal ideation does not mean one is going to take down a plane with 149 people on board.

Depression is the “common cold” of mental illness and while often kept secret because of stigma, it’s likely that some men and women who have fought for our country overseas, your co- worker, neighbor, or perhaps a family member at one time or another experienced depressive symptoms (which include suicidal ideation) and may have even been treated for it with antidepressants or self medicated using drugs and alcohol.

While we still have a long journey ahead of us, fortunately there are some changes in the right direction. Alarmed by the steady increase in suicides over the past decade, military officials in recent years beefed up the number of programs and behavioral health specialists available for troops. Most recently in November of 2014, an event titled “Let’s Talk Solutions for the Future of mental Health” at the National Press Club brought together psychologists, journalists, scholars, veterans and advocates to discuss solutions in three areas: how to improve and increase mental health services for underserved and minority communities, how to improve care for veterans, and how to reduce stigma about mental illness. Also notable is the Chicago School of professional psychology that recently hosted an event titled “No Health Without Mental Health” that reviewed the latest research on prevention and treatment of mental illness, and their upcoming event on April 30th “Inside the Minds Studio,” is a thought leadership event addressing the intersection of the mental health profession and issues faced by veterans, military personnel, and their families.

I am currently working with a few of my colleagues on facilitating a government program in the community titled Media Smart Youth, aimed at empowering young people to develop awareness and critical thinking skills about the media’s role in influencing their choices (steering them towards foods high in fat, sugar and salt), and build skills to help them make healthy choices with relation to their minds and their bodies. Perhaps my next undertaking will be facilitating a program aimed at empowering people to develop awareness and critical thinking skills about the media’s role in creating and promoting a stigma associated with mental health. The journey began but we have a long road ahead.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/did-germanwings-pilot-use-crash-to-commit-suicide/

Depression Psychologist

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:25:41 GMT

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines a depressed person as experiencing feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. The exact numbers of people who have severe depression are not known but estimates indicate that about 12 million adults in the US have depression. Depression cuts across all barriers and affects all races, cultures and social classes. The encouraging news is that it may be successfully treated.

Depression Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Depression is not a personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away, but with the support of a health care professional, family and friends along with variety of depression treatment options, such as prescription medication and psychotherapy, depression sufferers can begin to cope and understand their disorder. Only a professional health care provider can determine the appropriate option to treat each individual case of depression.

Depression Counseling

Depression therapy or Psychotherapy has shown to be very effective for people with some forms of depression. Like all treatment options, psychotherapy can be used alone or in combination with medication or other treatments. Depression therapy can help to reduce depression symptoms by challenging and reversing negative beliefs and attitudes as well as help facilitate the resolution of role disputes and assist clients in overcoming problems with social skills and other interpersonal factors that may impact the development of depression.

Psychologist for Depression

Though speaking to family and friends can be beneficial to a person suffering with depression there are cases in which a depression therapist can better help through greater knowledge of the disorder and complete options for treatment. Dr. Lisa Saponaro of Plantation Florida is a depression expert offering support and practical feedback in order to assist her clients in resolving both current and long term issues. Dr. Saponaro utilizes techniques that have been proven to be effective with specific issues including depression which include both conventional and alternative approaches., Dr. Saponaro provides the highest level of support while working with each client to help him or her build on their strengths and to identify and achieve optimal mental health and methods for living a more balanced life.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Mental Health Assessment
Depression Test
Bipolar Depression Test

Trauma Therapist

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:23:37 GMT

Though Trauma disorders are most often associated with war and war is definitely traumatic, there are other events that can have the same effect on people. Verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, being the victim of or witnessing a violent crime, domestic violence, responding to a horrific emergency call, war, natural disasters, and car accidents are some examples of traumatic events. These events can have an effect on the brain that is physiological. Trauma survivors often experience both intense emotions as well as physical manifestations. Some of these feelings can include feeling numb or shut-off, depression counselling , suicidal thoughts, anxiety counselling therapy , fear, rapid pulse, foggy headed, chest tightness and more. A trauma therapist can effectively integrate all aspects of the individual such as upbringing, gender, values, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status for a wholesome recovery.

Trauma Survivors

It is difficult to say exactly why one person is able to cope with tragedy and another struggles. It is not weakness but often a matter of support. Having a supportive network of friends, family or a community who understand you when you are in need and who come together to support one another can positively impact the ability to cope. Having a calm, naturally positive type of temperament is another factor that makes a person more resilient than others. It is important to recognize that when in danger individuals may react similarly but their trauma responses will be unique them and they are the only ones who can define how it affects them. Processing a traumatic event can help the transition from the victim experience to identifying as a survivor. The transition period will differ from individual to individual but having a support network is essential, engaging in self-care, self-compassion and healthy and fulfilling interpersonal relationships can also positively impact a survivor’s recovery and find opportunities for post traumatic growth.

Trauma Treatment

For those suffering from the effects of a trauma, therapy can help. Trauma counselling therapy can help individuals to deal with the way trauma has changed their emotional responses and how these altered responses impact behavior. A traumatic experience can impact a person’s mental, behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Through therapy they can learn how to reduce the negative emotional and/or physical aspects of post-traumatic stress to provide more comfort. Therapy also provides a safe space for the survivor to identify triggers and acquire coping skills to manage symptoms. Individuals also have the opportunity to discuss the trauma as well as allow themselves to fully grieve. Once grieving occurs, many people need to start the work of learning how to be a part of the world again. The payoff of therapy is that people are no longer victims to the experiences that caused them to seek therapy and feel empowered to live their life. Those who have had positive experiences with trauma therapy attest the hard work is very much worth the outcome.

Trauma Therapist South Florida

Lisa Saponaro is a Florida licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years’ experience as a mental health practitioner. Among her areas of expertise are: depression, anxiety, trauma resolution, substance abuse, parental counselling therapy , family counselling therapy , child therapist for emotional problems, LGBTQ+ issues, career development, ADHD testing , and diagnostics and testing. Dr. Saponaro utilizes techniques that have been proven to be effective. She incorporates a blend of conventional and alternative approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to provide what will be most helpful for each client while being culturally sensitive.

Seeking Aid from a Psychologist Can Save a Marriage

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:19:52 GMT

There are times in a marital relationship where communication barriers are present and the connections between spouses have grown apart. To rebuild the bond between partners and improve communication, couples can visit a Plantation psychologist to save the marriage. Couples counseling helps people learn to communicate with one another in a more positive and effective manner. Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD is a marital therapist that guides couples through counseling methods in order to resolve conflict, reduce arguments, and build stronger communication skills that enable the couple to express their thoughts and feelings and increase overall closeness and intimacy.

Improve your Relationship with Therapy

Couples counseling or marriage therapy can help couples understand what triggers lead to arguments and barriers to intimacy in the relationship. Dr. Saponaro can also help couples to work through difficult areas of their relationship in order to reconnect and move forward as a couple with a closer relationship. Couples may work through problems related to infertility, infidelity, money, substance abuse, parenting, or other areas of concern with the support and guidance of Dr. Saponaro. She has over ten years of experience as a practicing clinical psychologist. In addition, not all couples seeking therapy wish to remain together. It is sometimes true that one or both partners are no longer willing to invest into the relationship further. Dr. Saponaro helps both partners clarify their commitment to the relationship and may even facilitate more amicable dissolutions when the parties agree their relationship will not work. She has helped couples make the vital decision to part ways and co-parent cooperatively when the relationship could not be mended. She also was able to help many couples to resolve their differences and enjoy a healthier relationship.

Plantation Psychologist Provides Relationship Therapy

Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD provides relationship therapy from her Plantation, Florida practice. She provides pre-marital, marriage, and dissolution counseling, helping couples at any stage of their relationship find solutions for their situation. She is listed as a Plantation psychologist on Psychology Today.com and can be followed on Facebook and other social media sites (Digg, Foursquare, and Twitter at LisaSaponaroPhD). She is a compassionate and caring psychologist that can help couples improve their relationship with therapy. To request an appointment with Dr. Saponaro, visit www.lsaponaro.com or call (954) 560-9567.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Relationship Health Test (for couples with kids)
Relationship Health Test (for couples without kids)
How much do you share with your partner?
Need for Space Test (codependence issues)
Love Diagnostic Test

Psychologist Plantation Florida

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:18:14 GMT

Couples face many challenges in their relationship. As two people join, they bring with them their own thoughts, opinions, and ways of doing things. A difference in opinion can occur when dealing with money, religion, parenting, etc. Couples that find themselves in an unsatisfactory relationship can learn how to better communicate and resolve conflict in a peaceful, healthy manner with psychotherapy (talk therapy). Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a Plantation, Florida psychologist that provides marital counseling for those seeking solutions for improving their relationships.

Coping with Relationship Conflict

Couples can seek counseling at any level of the relationship. They can seek pre-marital counseling, marital counseling, or counseling for marital dissolution. Counseling is intended to help couples improve and maintain healthy, long-lasting relationships. In the event of separation, the goal is to help the couple part ways in a peaceful and respectful manner. Counseling can help both parties better understand and resolve conflict. Couples counseling Plantation can help improve relationships dealing with chronic arguing, anger, infidelity, divorce, substance abuse, finances, and other common concerns.

Coping with Relationship Changes

A relationship can become stressed due to changes, such as role changes, retirement, unemployment, illness, or other situations. Partners can feel separated, frustrated, or overwhelmed with a variety of emotions from these changes. Couples counseling can help both parties to understand one another and provide tools for improved communication and conflict resolution. Couples can learn how to be supportive to one another. This can help the couple to reconnect and grow in their relationship. Psychologist Plantation Florida, Dr. Saponaro serves couples in Plantation (33322, 33323, 33324, 33325), Sunrise, and Davie. To inquire about an appointment for couples counseling Plantation call (954) 560-9567 or send an email to Drsaponaro@gmail.com.

Couples Counseling South Florida

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:15:16 GMT

The goal of couples counseling is to help couples understand and resolve their conflicts and improve their communication skills in order to achieve more satisfying relationships. Couples therapy may be sought during any phase of the relationship from pre-marital to dissolution. Couples often seek marriage counseling when nothing else seems to work and communication efforts fail. Couples counseling can be sought as a precautionary measure (e.g., couples preparing to wed), for couples who find it difficult to communicate, argue frequently or are contemplating divorce.

Couples Counseling For Improved Communication

Couples counseling or marriage therapy allows for the couple to communicate in new ways that can remove the aggression or pressure often felt during discussions about children, money or other continual concerns. Marriage counseling can also help couples work through trust issues, regain intimacy, better communicate, build honesty and reach forgiveness and reconnection. Saving a marriage or relationship takes effort on the part of both spouses. Couples can find solutions and attain goals through exercises, discussion and other methods offered by their therapist. They build comfort in order to share and work through their problems. It is a matter of conflict resolution through mutual respect, collaboration, cooperation, and commitment.

Conflict Resolution With Couples Counseling

Couples counseling offers methods that can assist couples in bettering communication skills in order to improve their relationship and learn new improved methods for conflict resolution. Thoughts, feelings, behaviors and interactions are discussed, shared and brought to the forefront of awareness. This insight often enables couples to better understand their partner. This does not mean that they will always agree but they can learn skills to communicate without a negative outcome for a happier healthier relationship. Dr. Lisa Saponaro PhD offers twelve years of experience and specializes in couples counseling in South Florida, West Broward and Plantation. She uses a variety of techniques to help couples meet their goals for relationship improvement and a stronger connection by building on their strengths and finding a common ground.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Relationship Health Test (for couples with kids)
Relationship Health Test (for couples without kids)
How much do you share with your partner?
Need for Space Test (codependence issues)
Love Diagnostic Test

Plantation Child Psychologist Provides Individual and Group Sessions for Youth

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:13:34 GMT

Children, adolescents, and adults can greatly benefit from therapy. Therapy can help a person to discover underlying factors that cause them to feel or behave in a specific way. Therapy can also help a person to change negative thoughts, feelings, and behavior for positive ones. Child therapy can help a young person who is dealing with divorce, a new sibling, a move, anxiety, anger, fear, self-esteem, eating disorders, or other life changes or concerns. Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD is a licensed Plantation child psychologist that provides individual and group therapy for children and adolescents. She provides a nurturing and therapeutic environment that provides a comfortable and safe place to discuss thoughts and feelings for positive change and improved mental health.

Plantation Child Psychologist

Plantation child psychologist, Dr. Saponaro has over ten years of experience helping youth and their families discover causes of conflict and make appropriate personal changes for improved mental health. Children experience academic stress, peer pressure, family stress, and life experiences that can leave them feeling overwhelmed. This sense of feeling overwhelmed can lead to behavioral changes such as sadness, tearfulness, aggression, anger, outbursts, and other outward behavior. Dr. Saponaro helps children to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a way that uncovers the causes of negative behavior, in order to find the most appropriate method for treatment for personal growth and strength building. She serves clients in and around Davie, Plantation, and Weston, Florida (Broward County).

Plantation Children Group Therapy

Dr. Lisa Saponaro provides a Plantation children's group therapy session known as Social Skills Group. This Plantation child therapy session enables children to come together for age appropriate discussions that help them improve their self-esteem, communication skills, build positive friendships, team work, problem solving, and character development. It can be a break through for a child to learn that others their age experience similar thoughts and feelings. Dr. Saponaro is a Plantation child psychologist listed on Psychology Today.com. She is available for Plantation child therapy Sessions by appointment. To schedule a children's therapy session in Plantation, call (954) 590-0501.

Bullying- The Real Scare this October

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:11:32 GMT

As October comes around, many things come to mind…pumpkins, ghouls, goblins…and bullying. As some of you may know, in addition to being the resident month of Halloween, October is also National Bullying Prevention Month. In support and celebration of National Bullying Prevention Month we would like to share some helpful information, resources and tips for parents and children about bullying and cyberbullying.

What is bullying?

The US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) defines bullying as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. In recent years, this definition has grown to include a disturbing set of behaviors known as cyberbullying.

The USDHHS defines cyberbullying as bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. The Center for Disease Control estimates that in 2011, 16% of high school students experienced a form of cyberbullying – and indeed this is a growing problem.

Bullying and cyberbullying have been found to be strongly related to several negative effects in youth including but not limited to low self-esteem, feeling of worthlessness, sadness and depression, unwillingness to attend school or class and even poor physical health. Even more frightening and disturbing is the increasing number of so called bullycide. Bullycide has been coined as a term for growing number of children and adolescents who commit suicide in response to feelings of desperation and hopelessness triggered by bullying or cyberbullying. There were two reported instances of bullycide in the US in the last 5 weeks!

What can we do?

As fast as technology was grown, we as parents, educators and caretakers must race to protect our children from this growing threat. First and foremost, creating and instilling healthy conflict resolution skills and resilience in the face of bullying for your children is key. If your child is able to identify bullying behavior and label this as more about the bully then themselves, they may be in a better position to avoid the harmful effects of bullying.

Filters and monitoring programs can be installed on home computers, tablets and smart phones to not only protect our children from sexual predators and illicit content, but can also facilitate appropriate monitoring to ensure your child is not the victim of cyberbullying.

Thankfully, in the war against bullying, the law is on our side! Florida state law identifies bullying and cyberbullying as a crime punishable by law! Parents are encouraged to file a police report any and every time their child experiences bullying or cyberbullying. Please remember – nothing is ever truly anonymous on the internet, and once it is out there, it is there permanently (even if you delete it or take it down)

What is NOT bullying?

As we already covered, both bullying and cyberbullying is an aggressive behavior that is repeated and involves a power imbalance. While certainly hurtful, inappropriate and deserving of a parent or teacher’s attention, one time incidents of teasing and physical aggression does NOT constitute bullying.

Children need to be able to have and solve their differences, and this may mean at times discovering how to deal with frustrations and anger with each other in appropriate ways. Additionally, children need to develop the ability to tolerate and become resilient to the negative or insensitive messages they are likely to encounter in adulthood. Bullying need not be a part of this important and healthy development.

In conclusion – bullying and cyberbullying is a very real and frightening threat facing all of our children, but we are not defenseless. Careful monitoring and skill building can go a long way towards protecting our children inside and out from the harmful effects of bullying.

Adolescent Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:06:04 GMT

The transition from childhood to adulthood is a time that can create a stir of emotions and conflict within a family. Sometimes those who know us the best can hurt us the most. This change puberty/adolescence) can cause families to find themselves on the battlefield of conflict every day. Troubled teens experiencing depression and bewildered parents both find themselves lost and hurting and in dire need of help. Adolescent therapy can help both parents and teens during this part of life. Teenagers are experiencing peer pressure, self-esteem issues, sexuality, bodily changes, and feelings of emotion that they do not understand at times. Parents feel their teens pushing away, growing up too fast or feel a drift and loss of connection. When families lose their way and find that they are dealing with connection barriers adolescent therapy can help.

Adolescent therapy can be offered in-group sessions where the family members or other adolescents meet together face to face with the therapist and discuss the issues and concerns at hand or through individual sessions that are one on one private discussions between a single person and the therapist. Either method of adolescent therapy can be beneficial. Clients are able to freely discuss their thoughts, feelings and concerns in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Finding the right therapy session is both a matter of personal preference, comfort and support of the therapist that provides counseling theories and techniques that lead to personal growth and wellness. After assessment the therapist may recommend one session technique over another if they see that the benefits of one theory outweigh another.

Adolescent therapy is simply a tool that enables adolescents to nurture their relationships with friends and family, change negative behaviors and work towards the development of self-understanding and personal growth. Family conflict can be resolved through adolescent therapy as well as family counseling. This can be in the form of an intervention for a teen who has a substance abuse problem, support for a loved one who has experienced trauma (Rape, Divorce, Death, etc.). Each client brings his or her own interpersonal conflict, values, ethics and opinions to adolescent therapy. It is the support that is shared through the therapist that can rebuild relationships and reach set goals for health and happiness. Dr. Lisa Saponaro of Plantation Florida offers group therapy and specializes in individual, couples and family therapy. She offers a variety of tools to help clients reach balanced living and experience personal growth.

Divorce Counseling For Children

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:59:11 GMT

Approximately one out of every two marriages today ends in divorce and a large portion of these families include children. Divorce can be traumatic to children creating intense emotions that cause conflicted feelings towards each of the parents. Children can feel fearful, confused, insecure, vulnerable, depressed, angry and overwhelmed. Children may act out by getting into more trouble, disrespecting others, displaying disobedience, and becoming angry. They may also act inwardly by developing excessive anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and isolation.

Children do best when parents can cooperate on behalf of the child and do not display aggression towards each other or use negative language towards the other parent in front of the children. Children are usually better off if they can have regular contact with both parents in addition to having as stable a home environment as possible. Counseling can help both the divorcing parents and the children within the family to cope with the changing dynamics.

By seeking the help of a professional child therapist who specializes in divorce, children can learn to cope with divorce, allowing them to express their own feelings about this event. Divorce therapy for children provides the support children need in order to express their emotions in safe, non-abusive, non self-destructive manner. Children usually need to be taught how to cope and how to express emotions in a safe way.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro specializes in Family Mediation, with more than a decade of experience working with children and families, she is able to facilitate all steps of a marital dissolution, particularly the factors related to co-parenting. The focus and commitment should remain on the children providing the common ground necessary in order to create a successful parenting plan. Effective October 1, 2008, Florida statutes require that all parties filing for divorce complete a parenting plan. According to the statutes (Ch. 2008-61 section 13), “Parenting plan means a document created to govern the relationship between the parties relating to the decisions that must be made regarding the minor child and shall contain a time-sharing schedule for the parents and child. By no means is divorce easy on any of the family members who are involved but divorce counseling can make coping easier and enable children to release the mass of emotions felt during divorce for health and well being. Dr. Saponaro involves children’s relevant support systems into treatment and works with parents to find the common ground necessary to parent effectively. Dr. Saponaro’s strength is ability to help identify and prioritize the needs of the children while still respecting the process of the adults involved.

Group Therapy Adolescents

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:55:22 GMT

Adolescence is a time when a young person begins to transition from childhood to adulthood. They experience behavioral, biological, social and psychological changes during “puberty.” The body creates a surge of hormone production creating physical changes and emotional changes that can lead to conflict. Group Therapy for adolescents can offer face-to-face interaction with other adolescents who talk with a therapist about issues or troubles. Group therapy offers instant feedback, with each person in the group expressing their own feelings, providing open social interaction. Within group therapy, any thoughts or feelings expressed/discussed are not mentioned outside of group sessions. This is part of the establishment of trust built through talking about personal thoughts, through honesty and commitment to the treatment.

Group therapy requires active participation and commitment. Clients can give and get immediate feed back about concerns, or issues that affect one’s life. Each client works through personal issues in a supportive, confidential atmosphere while also helping others. Difficult situations or occurrences can be recreated in order to give support and offer alternatives or even provide gentle confrontation. Clients learn how to resolve conflicts with alternative behaviors, new social techniques or methods to better relate to people. Through discussion adolescents learn that they are not alone and that multiple people experience or feel similar.

Group therapy is based on trust. It is the building of trust through conversation that allows people to open up their minds in order to work through personal conflict and reach resolution for personal growth and improved mental health. Group therapy can consist of strangers meeting for the first time in-group sessions or as a family group. This can allow for family members to discuss and learn communication skills without feeling shy, embarrassed or threatened. The therapist acts as a neutral mediator to help family members learn and listen to one another for conflict resolution. Group therapy enables people to trust one another and to feel free to care about others and help each other in a safe environment. Dr. Lisa Saponaro offers Group therapy sessions in South Florida, Broward County and Plantation. Dr. Saponaro understands that through discussion emotional wounds can be healed, confidence can be built and mental health can be improved.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Parental Planning: Children and Divorce

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:55:16 GMT

Divorce can be a very stressful event and can cause a lot of emotional confusion. Family, group or individual therapy can help a child cope with the stress of parental separation and work through the multiple feelings that they themselves experience as a child of divorcing parents. Through communication with a therapist children are given hope and guidance through this difficult time. Children can come to understand that their parents divorce is not by any means their fault and that they are still loved and cared for by both of their parents. Children who have divorced parents and have participated in therapy have a decreased chance of experiencing their own relationship issues.

When a marriage ends and divorce is chosen divorce counseling is available to help couples work towards a peaceful and respectful separation. When children are involved, their needs are the main focus. Florida statutes require that all parties filing for divorce complete a parenting plan. A parenting plan is a document created to govern the relationship between the parents relating to the decisions that must be made regarding the children in the relationship.

A child’s education, health care, physical, social, and emotional well-being are to be considered and cared for by both parents through shared time schedules. The parenting plan shall be developed and agreed to by the parents and approved by the court or, if the parents can not agree, established by the court. It is simply a set plan created in the best interest of the child to ensure that all of their needs are met for health and safety.

Children can easily feel overwhelmed and are very vulnerable during parental seperation or marriage dissolution. This is why a therapist that works with children should have experience with family counseling and be able to provide the trusting, comfortable atmosphere that a child requires to work through their own feelings of anger, sadness or even fear. Dr. Lisa Saponaro specializes in individual, couples and family therapy in South Florida and can help families who are going through or contemplating divorce in South Florida. She has the compassion for children that can help them to heal during this difficult event.

Bullying- The Real Scare this October

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:51:38 GMT

What is bullying?

What can we do?

What is NOT bullying?

Robin Williams Suicide highlights importance of treatment

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:45:49 GMT

Just yesterday the news of of the tragic loss of a treasured Hollywood star, Robin Williams, hit the headlines. Sadly, it appears that the 63 year old comedian and actor took his own life. Robin Williams has been open about his diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, not only as a source of pain, but also as a source of inspiration. He has been reported to have used his depressive and manic episodes as catalysts for his creative genius.

Too often our headlines are littered with the news that a beloved, respected and well known celebrity has committed suicide, often leaving a wake of disbelief, grief and wondering of what more could have been done. But what about what is left off of the headlines? The Center for Disease Control reports that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in individuals 10 years of age and older. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness it is the 3rd leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24.

Over 90 percent of people who commit suicide have been diagnosed with mental illness commonly including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders and eating disorders. Substance abuse and addiction are also associated with an increased risk of suicide. While mental illness may be a risk factor, by no means is it a death sentence. While there may be no cure for mental illness, every mental illness is treatable and can be managed into complete remission. With strong support, appropriate treatment and time Suicide is 100% preventable.

Lisa Saponaro, Ph.D. is committed to increasing awareness of suicide prevention through education, assessment and treatment of the underlying emotions, thoughts and beliefs that may increase suicide risk. You too can do your part by becoming educated about the warning signs and actions to take if you suspect a loved one may be a risk for suicide.

Warning signs may include, but are not limited to:

Talking about death and dying
Giving away personal belonging
Speaking about meeting or being with someone who has died
Expressions of powerlessness or hopelessness
Isolation from friends and family
Sudden termination of psychotherapy, pharmacological treatment or other wellness activities.
Increase in drug and/or alcohol use
Increase in the severity and/ or frequency of self-injurious behaviors and/or high risk behaviors.

Here are some considerations in joining the fight for Suicide Prevention:

If you suspect a friend of love one may be suicidal – don’t be afraid to ask “Are you suicidal?” While many report concerns with discussing suicide with a love one leading to suicide, there is no such effect and in fact more often leads to needed help.

The most loving act you can do for a loved one you suspect may be suicidal is to encourage them to get help. Encourage them to call 911, go to your nearest emergency room or utilize a suicide hotline such as 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) from the American Association of Suicidology.

An individual who is suicidal is likely to be experiencing a profound sense of hopelessness, powerlessness and loneliness. Efforts to connect your loved one to help show that there is a way out and that they are NOT ALONE. Never forget that there is always, always ALWAYS someone and more likely many people who are waiting, willing and motivated to help and carve a path out of the darkness. Dr. Saponaro is a licensed psychologist providing mental health services to the local south florida area with a practice located at:

7820 Peters Road, Suite E-100

Plantation, FL 33324

It has been said that suicide is a permanent solution for a temporary problem. We may never know the profound distress that lead Robin Williams to take his own life, but we can learn from this tragedy, grieve, and then march forward in the fight for Suicide Prevention.

Rest in peace, Mr. Williams, and thank you for the laughs.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:44:28 GMT

Bipolar Disorder is often misunderstood by those who have no affiliation with this mood disorder; however for those living with Bipolar Disorder it is a daily conflict with extreme mood swings that can range from a euphoric high to a painfully low feeling of emotion. Many people confuse Bipolar Disorder with Depression. Those suffering from Depression differ from Bipolar Disorder. To be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder you must experience both Bipolar Depression as well as experience Mania or Hypomania, which are periods of extreme highs that lead a person to be overly talkative, impressive and have an unusual abundance of energy.

Some of the symptoms of bipolar depression include:

Sadness
Feelings of worthlessness
Losing interest in things and activities you once enjoyed
Being overcome by feelings of guilt, failure, and hopelessness
Becoming sad and unable to concentrate, remember things, or even make simple decisions
Experiencing physiological changes like differences in appetite or weight, energy levels, and sleep schedules
Possibly thinking about death or suicide, in extreme cases

Symptoms of bipolar mania include:

Feeling unusually great and launching into several new projects at once
Sleeping a lot less, acting more fidgety, and talking much more
Mixing up thoughts and being easily distracted
Taking unnecessary risks
Going to extremes sexually, financially, and socially
Racing thoughts
Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Many people with bipolar disorder are able to manage their symptoms. Feeling better often involves a combination of education, medication, and therapy. Learning about Bipolar Disorder can help a person to learn coping techniques and better understand how to live with Bipolar Disorder and how psychotherapy in conjunction with medicine can result in improved mental health and well-being. Talk Therapy or Psychotherapy is a beneficial tool for treating Bipolar Disorder. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, past trauma, career difficulties, and life and spiritual crises can all be effectively improved with psychotherapy. Many types of medications are used effectively to treat bipolar disorder. A health care professional can work with those diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and develop a treatment plan specifically for them, it's important to follow the plan carefully. Speaking to your health care professional informs him or her about exactly how you are feeling can adjust your treatment adjusted, if needed for maximum benefit.

Some of the goals of bipolar disorder treatment
Reduce symptoms of depressive episodes
Reduce symptoms of manic episodes
Reduce the likelihood of future episodes/relapse
Reduce the severity of the disease
Provide assistance and support to patients and family

Dr. Lisa Saponaro specializes in individual, couples and family psychotherapy and psychological testing. With over twelve years of experience as a mental health practitioner she incorporates techniques that have been proven to be effective with specific issues such as Bipolar Disorder. She maintains a private practice in her home town of Plantation, Florida providing people from multiple areas of Southern Florida with professional therapy services.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Mental Health Assessment
Depression Test
Bipolar Depression Test

Mindfulness Group Now Open

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:41:00 GMT

Mindfulness is about being intentionally grounded in the present moment, allowing yourself to manage one moment at a time, helping you place full attention to the here and now. Although the effects of mindfulness impact each person differently, for many, it allows them to address life stressors in a calmer, intentional way and improves their quality of life.

For more information, click on the links below:

The 7 Most Inspirational Mindfulness Ted Talks
Psychology Today on Mindfulness
Example scripts for mindfulness practice at the Center for Koru Mindfulness
Our mindfulness group will teach participants mindfulness meditation techniques that can be particularly helpful in managing stress and anxiety.

Group schedule and format

Mindfulness group will run for 12 weeks.

Groups will take place on Fridays from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. First group to start on May 6th, 2016.

Groups consist of a brief educational piece related to mindfulness, followed by discussion and practice of mindfulness skills.

Connect with individuals who share your struggles, fears, and interests in these weekly group therapy sessions.

Cost

$45 each session, pay as you go
$40 each session, pay for 4 sessions at a time
$35 each session, pay for the full 12-session course.

Contact Us

Some insurance companies are accepted. Call us at (954) 577-0095 for more information about the groups.

Inspirational and informational TED Talks related to mental health

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:38:26 GMT

Conquer Food Addiction in Plantation, Florida with Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:24:46 GMT

Food addiction is a difficult battle that many people do not understand. It is like any other addiction, as it tests a person each day and it is a constant struggle to avoid temptation. Many people that suffer from food addiction do not know why they want to eat when they do or why they eat what they do. Many food addicts consume food when they encounter stress, anger, sadness, or other emotions. Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. provides therapy for weight loss in Plantation, Florida, as well as, food addiction. Dr. Saponaro understands weight loss frustration personally. She experienced her own weight loss battle. Her personal experience with weight loss combined with her professional training as a licensed psychologist, enables her to meet people where they are in their food addiction and help them understand why they behave and feel the way they do. She then teaches them how to change negative emotions, thoughts, and behavior for growth and personal goal achievement.

Use Therapy to Achieve Weight Loss in Plantation, Florida

Food and weight loss are intertwined. As human beings, we need food for survival, health, and every day bodily processes. When we eat food as a means of dealing with stressful situations or uncomfortable emotions, we create a negative relationship with food that hurts us emotionally and physically. Dr. Saponaro uses therapy to help her clients to see food as a positive and necessary part of life. She also helps them to learn coping skills and stress management techniques that help them avoid abusing food when triggers occur. When a person is able to eat food in a healthy way and make nutritious food choices they are better able to reach their weight loss goals. Therapy can help an individual to overcome food addiction and achieve weight loss in Plantation, Florida.

Therapy for Food Addiction in Plantation, Florida

Food addiction and obesity carries a stigma in society. People battling food addiction and excessive weight can feel embarrassed, ashamed, and defeated. Dr. Saponaro has the tools needed to gain control over these areas of concern. She educates, supports, encourages, and guides each client on his or her own personal journey towards self-discovery, healing, and happiness. Food addiction does not have to control your life. Take charge of your life, beat food addiction, and win the weight loss battle with therapy from Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Saponaro, please call (954) 590-0501.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Stress Management

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:22:47 GMT

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Child Psychologist Plantation

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:20:55 GMT

Children are similar to adults in that they experience stress, frustration, and disappointment. Recent studies suggest that parents underestimate the amount of stress in their children’s lives (APA Stress Survey: Children are more stressed than parents realize). The thoughts and feelings associated with life challenges may lead child to display social, emotional, behavioral problems. Some warning signs that your child may be having problems include: a drop in grades, school conduct referrals, social, withdrawal, moodiness, unrealistic worry and engagement in high risk behaviors such as alcohol with drug use. Parents who want to discover why your child acts out can seek answers from a caring child therapist, Lisa Saponaro, PhD. Dr. Saponaro is an expert in child behavior. She provides an understanding and supportive environment that enables a child to speak freely about his or her fears, feelings, and emotions and help you to discover the root causes of social, emotional, and behavioral problems and replace them with positive coping skills.

Plantation Child Psychologist

Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD is a Florida licensed child psychologist who specializes in family and child therapy. She builds a relationship with each client and gains insight into why an individual thinks and behaves the way they do. Once she discovers this she can help the client (child and parents) understand the root cause of the negative behavior and how to make behavior changes that will improve family communication and household balance. Children may act out because they are seeking attention, control, independence and approval, stressors, such as changes in family dynamics, grief and trauma can erode a person’s coping mechanisms and highlight the need for help.

Plantation Children's Counseling

Plantation child therapist, Dr. Lisa Saponaro, provides individual and family therapy. She can meet with family members together and separately in order to gain insight into family dynamics and communication styles. She can utilize the family’s strengths and help them work through problem areas. She can teach them how to build stronger bonds and positive communication skills. Children and families often lack the communication skills to properly express their thoughts and emotions. Dr. Saponaro can help them improve this area for personal growth and a return to peaceful and happy family relationships. To schedule therapy sessions for children with behavioral, social, or emotional problems call (954) 560-9567.

Plantation Florida Counseling

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:11:14 GMT

The winter season can bring with it stress, sorrow, and anxiety. Instead of focusing on gifting and baking, take some time to focus on your personal mental health. Psychotherapy, also know as talk therapy can help people to overcome obstacles, gain insight into negative behavior and eliminate self defeating patterns in order to make positive changes for improved mental health. Complete the year with a greater sense of self-confidence and personal growth with Plantation counseling services.

Plantation Florida Counselor

As the days grow short, the weather becomes challenging, and stress builds, this time of year can leave many people feeling overwhelmed. Counseling can help clients to improve communication skills, relationships, and self-image. Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. is a Plantation, FL Psychologist who helps people to enjoy more peaceful and balanced lives. She provides guidance, support, and expertise as her clients take this journey of self-discovery and personal goals. She serves clients from Plantation (33326, 33324, 33325) and the surrounding areas of Sunrise and Davie Florida.

Couples and Family Counseling Plantation

Dr. Saponaro is a licensed clinical psychologist that provides psychological testing, individual therapy, couples counseling in Plantation, family counseling, and group therapy. She has had great success in helping clients to overcome substance abuse, family issues, and relationship concerns. Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. Performs counseling services from her private practice located off University Drive in Plantation Florida. Her office provides an understanding and supportive environment, where she is able to help her clients identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and reach personal growth.

ANXIETY AND STRESS TESTS

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

ADHD Counseling

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:00:43 GMT

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobehavioral, developmental disorder that consists of attention problems and hyperactivity. ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children. According to the National Institute of Mental Health two million have ADHD. This means that in a typical classroom at least one child has ADHD.

Child Warning Signs of ADHD

According to the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry the following may be some of the signs a child will display if he or she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

Has trouble paying attention
Has trouble sleeping
Easily distracted
Has trouble finishing assignments at home and at school
Has trouble listening
Has trouble following multiple adult requests
Is squirmy or fidgets a lot
Cannot sit still, jumps out of seat to run or climb
Seems "on the go" or "busy" all the time
Talks a lot and interrupts others
Has trouble playing quietly

ADHD Diagnosis

Dr. Lisa Saponaro uses ADHD testing as a useful tool in determining if a student’s academic difficulties are the result of an attention problem, behavioral problem or underlying emotional issue. ADHD testing may include parent and teacher questionnaires, self-report measures, tests of attention, and personality inventories. This type of testing is often conducted in conjunction with some psychoeducational testing so that a more thorough and individually tailored academic plan can be recommended. Psychoeducational testing is often recommended when a child is struggling to keep up with academic demands, has been retained, or appears to have unusual difficulty with a specific subject. Psychoeducational testing is used to diagnose learning disabilities and provide recommendations for educational planning and special testing accommodations.

ADHD Counseling

There are multiple types of counseling or ADHD therapy that can benefit both the ADHD child as well as the parents of an ADHD child. Individual therapy using cognitive-behavioral approaches can be very helpful in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD. Teaching the ADHD child how to solve problems, and decreasing impulsivity are targeted goals. Teaching the Attention Deficit Disorder - ADHD child how to monitor his or her own behaviors provides a sense of accomplishment and source of positive self esteem to the child.

Family Therapy can help both parents and children providing knowledge of ADHD such as what to expect and what adjustments might be required. Family therapy for ADHD can also help soothe family tension or sibling jealousy as the ADHD child is likely to receive an abundacne of attention from the parents, both good attention and bad creating this jealousy. ADHD counseling can be found in West Broward Florida through the expertise of Dr. Lisa Saponaro of Plantation Florida 33324. Dr. Lisa Saponaro has extensive experience helping families set up, execute and find improvement in their child’s behaviors. By utilizing evidence based behavioral interventions she helps parents choose the optimal parenting strategies for the targeted area and works to individualize each plan of treatment to the family and their unique strengths.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Teen Suicide Prevention

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:00:41 GMT

Suicide rates for adolescents have risen over the past two decades. In 2019, approximately 1,600 teens between the ages of 12 and 17 died by suicide according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Suicide and COVID-19

Deaths by suicide in girls 12 to 17 began to rise in May 2020. In early 2021, emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts were over 50% higher. For boys 12 to 17, the increase was just under 4%.

When comparing the rate of teen suicide from 2019 to late 2020, there were approximately two times the amount of suspected suicide attempts every four months. Meaning, there have been more suspected suicide attempts since the start of COVID-19 in early 2020. This increase was driven largely by suspected suicide attempt hospital visits among females.

Social Media and Suicide

The use of social media by adolescents has been seen to impact mental health in recent years. Surveys of US teenagers show that teen depressive symptoms and suicide rates showed marked increases between 2010 and 2015, especially among females.

The teenagers surveyed who spent more time on social media were more likely to report mental health issues.Facebook research revealed that Instagram has made body image issues worse for one in three girls surveyed. More than 40% of teenage Instagram users who said they felt “unattractive” said the feeling began while using the app.

Those who spent more time on unplugged activities, such as in-person social interaction, sports, exercise, homework, and print media, were less likely to report these issues.

The High Rate of Teen Suicide

It is difficult to understand exactly why teen suicide is so high but the most likely causes of teen suicide carry risk factors that should be taken seriously. These risks may include aggression, disruptive behavior, substance abuse, and depression. These risk factors often play on the tumultuous feelings experienced by teenagers. Intense feelings can contribute to a teen’s sense of helplessness and to a general feeling that life is not worth living.

Teen Suicide Warnings

It is important to take the warning signs of teen suicide seriously and to seek help if you think that you know a teenager who might be suicidal.

Here are some things to look for:

Depressed mood or irritability
Disinterest in favorite extracurricular activities
Problems at work and losing interest in a job
Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug use
Behavioral problems
Withdrawing from family and friends
Sleep changes
Changes in eating habits
Neglect in hygiene
Physical complaints (aches, fatigue, migraines)
Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
Declining grades in school
Loss of interest in schoolwork
Risk taking behaviors
Complaints of boredom
Does not respond to praise as before

Teen Suicide Prevention

Support is key to teen suicide prevention. Teenagers need to know that you support and love them, and that you are willing to help him or her find hope in life again. One of the most effective ways to prevent teen suicide is to recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts and feelings and seek professional help. Some of the most effective youth suicide prevention programs consist of identifying and treating mental and learning disorders, substance abuse problems, problems dealing with stress and behavioral problems (uncontrollable aggression and impulses). Through mental health counseling, teenagers can find the hope that they need to continue towards a brighter future. Pediatricians often offer depression screenings which signal when a child may be at risk of self-harm. Dr. Lisa Saponaroworks with pediatricians in Broward County and offers suicide prevention counseling at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness inSouth Florida. Located in the heart of Plantation, the center is easily accessible from Davie, Sunrise, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Cooper City, and Southwest Ranches.

Since approximately 40% of adolescents who die by suicide have been treated for a mental health concern, it is important to screen broadly for suicide risk to help ensure at-risk youth are not missed.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Parent Test: Your Child’s Mental Health

Youth Mental Health Test

Bipolar Depression Test

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HOME” to 741741.

Anxiety Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:00:37 GMT

A study that was done by the Anxiety Disorder Resource Center found that approximately one-third of American adults have at least one anxiety or panic attack in their lifetimes. This startling data means that an anxiety disorder is the most common emotional disorder and is more common than alcohol abuse or depression. Anxiety is the unpleasant feeling of uneasiness, apprehension, fear or worry that the body naturally feels as a reaction to stress. When anxiety becomes excessive, it is perceived as uncontrollable or unavoidable by the client and interferes with functioning, this level of anxiety may be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. The term "anxiety disorders" encompasses several clinical conditions.

Some specific anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
Social Phobia
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Separation Anxiety
Specific Phobias
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD

Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

By seeking diagnosis from a professional anxiety disorder therapist a client can begin to understand and treat their disorder. Evidence-based techniques are utilized to teach relaxation and decrease the anxious symptoms. Psychological Testing is an evaluation that may be useful to clarify or provide additional information related to diagnoses. Symptoms of anxiety disorders often occur for no apparent reason and are persistent. The continuing anxiety or panic is often unrelated to any actual substantial cause. An anxiety disorder may coexist with other anxiety disorders, depression, other medical illnesses, or other conditions such as alcoholism or drug abuse. Anxiety Therapy may be highly effective for several anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, PTSD and social phobia. Anxiety therapy can include anxiety management training, which may include techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises. Therapy can help clients to achieve a higher self-esteem, learn to manage stress more effectively, eliminate problem behaviors and learn more about their triggers in order to gain insight into root causes, leading to improved personal mental health and well being.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Mental Health Assessment
Anxiety Test
Social Anxiety Test
What are your stress triggers?
Coping and Stress Management Skills Test

Individual Therapy

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:00:22 GMT

When a person finds themselves in a negative, “stuck” area of their life they hit a point that often leads them to seek help. Individual therapy or personal counseling can help patients who are suffering from suicidal thoughts, depression, addiction, anxiety, anger, past trauma and eating disorders. The Journal of Marital and Family Therapy conducted a study in which half of all patients receiving counseling experienced improvement after just eight sessions. More than seventy-five percent of these clients saw improvement at the end of six months.

This same study showed that patients who actively participate in a positive psychotherapy program may enjoy higher self esteem, better control of stress, an increase in positive self image and better understanding of how to cope when stressful situations occur. There are numerous cases where patients make progress towards accomplishing their goals and by conquering the initial problems that led them to therapy, find the process of therapy rewarding and choose to continue on a path of personal growth. Dr. Lisa Saponaro offers such therapy through support, encouragement, and increased awareness on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

By resolving personal conflicts and increasing one’s personal well being patients are better able to enjoy their place in society and enjoy healthier, happier relationships with spouses, family members and coworkers for a more balanced life. Dr. Lisa Saponaro specializes in individual therapy in South Florida, couples therapy in Broward county and family therapy in Plantation utilizing techniques that have been proven to be effective with specific issues. She incorporates a blend of conventional and alternative approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to deliver a service that will be most helpful for each client.

Understanding our strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward making meaningful changes. Take a free screening below to identify your areas of growth.

Psychological Testing

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 07:22:02 GMT

Psychological Testing is an evaluation used to to assess underlying psychological functioning such as cognitive and emotional functioning that may be useful in understanding a variety of mental health diagnoses. Psychological Testing consists of a number of prescribed tasks performed by an individual which are compared to a statistical table that allows the evaluator to compare behavior of the individual being tested to that of a norm group. Psychological testing can help to find giftedness or increased cognitive ability, it is useful in diagnosing learning disabilities as well as understanding underlying factors contributing to problems in personal relationships, work and social environments. This enables psychologists to make appropriate treatment recommendations for the improvement of the patients mental health and personal well being.

There are multiple areas of psychological testing services that can be beneficial in a mental health diagnostics testing for cognitive ability and IQ, psycho educational testing, ADHD diagnosis, Autism diagnosis, Asperger’s and other pervasive developmental disorders, social and emotional well being, personality testing, parenting ability and career readiness. These tests can assist in a proper diagnosis and suitable treatment method prescription that can improve a person’s mental health and well-being allowing them the opportunity to make personal alterations to improve their lives in areas of education, work, social and self.

Many people look to psychological testing when something negative occurs. Children who are highly intellectual may begin to find themselves in a class that is not challenging enough creating boredom and misbehavior. This is similar to children who have learning disabilities such as a child that is dyslexic who may choose not to do homework because of the frustration. ADHD can be found in both children and adults causing thought disruptions and lack of focus. Through psychological testing these areas can be diagnosed and guided help can be recommended in order to better address the concern that is creating dissatisfaction in one’s life.

Psychological testing allows a person to recognize what the key problem is for their troubles and how to correct behavior or repetitive patterns removing the distress and creating mental health improvement and self healing.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro specializes in individual, couples and family psychotherapy as well as psychological testing offering these services from her private practice in Plantation Florida.