Patrick M. DeCarlo Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

08/18/2025

“How did you do that?”

My six-year old daughter asked the question in a state of amazement. I set out the X-ACTO knife, the Elmer’s craft glue, the magazines, and the self-healing cutting mat and said, With this!

We had a set of magazines we bought — 60+ dollars worth for just a few! — from her “About Me” collage project for her First Grade teacher to get to know her. I figured I ought to get some legs out of it, too, because it cost so much money.

And the question got me thinking…we hear so often from child psychologists about modeling great behavior: how to regulate emotions or how to have good manners in public. But one of the essential ways that I’ve always concretely “regulated my emotions” was through the construction of art, whether it was music, writing, photography, performance art, and now, collaging.

Living the Art Life is an excellent way for children to maintain healthy ways of not only voicing the internal world, but giving voice to sticky issues that they aren’t so ready to vocalize.

I suggest to all parents to showcase yourself as an artist in the world by journaling, reading, performing, wondering, commenting, and engaging with the world with a creative eye.
What are your favorite ways to get through the existential crises that is being alive?

07/19/2025

Try them. Or else?

If you’re spiraling, stuck, or just slightly unwell — start here.

06/16/2023

Religion has many mental health benefits, be it in prayer, ritual, ceremony, or social cohesion.

www.patrickmdecarlo.comAre you curious about how faith and religion can benefit your mental health? Join us as we explore the research that proves there is a...

06/13/2023

For those who have already begun using steroids and are experiencing negative mental health impacts, seeking therapy is an important step. Therapists can help individuals to identify the underlying causes of their steroid usage, and to work through the emotional challenges that come with the decision to stop using these substances.

Many people report both positive and negative aspects of steroid use and therapy paired with consultation with a doctor can help mitigate the emotional risks.

06/06/2023

It's important to be patient when communicating with someone with BPD. People with BPD often have difficulty regulating their emotions and may need some time to calm down after becoming upset. Additionally, they may need some time to process information before responding. It's important to give them the time they need without rushing or pressuring them

Dating partners can activate these simple rules to better cope with volatility in their relationship.

05/23/2023

Sleep is essential to our mental well-being and a healthy lifestyle. Poor sleeping habits can wreak havoc on our brains, leading to impaired judgement and behavior. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to re-establish good bedtime routines and ensure adequate rest each night. With the help of an experienced therapist, such as myself, setting up healthier sleeping patterns isn’t out of reach!

The first course of treatment as a therapist ought to be addressing any sleep issues.

05/20/2023

Are you struggling with Anxiety Medications and Alcohol?

We understand that anxiety medications and alcohol can be a tricky combination, especially if you're trying to balance an increasingly chaotic life. It can lead to dangerous side effects and mental health challenges, but getting help doesn't have to be scary.

Our counseling services are designed to offer professional support so you can make the right choices for your wellbeing. We believe in providing individualized solutions that are tailored to fit each unique situation. Take the first step on the road to recovery today.

Is it okay to mix Xanax with alcohol?

05/19/2023

Infidelity is a heartbreaking experience for any couple. But it doesn't have to be the end. With couples counseling, you and your partner can take the first steps towards rebuilding trust and strengthening your relationship.

Infidelity can be healed with online therapy today! Patrick M. DeCarlo offers FREE tips here.

05/18/2023

For many new moms, the experience of parenthood can be overwhelming and full of unexpected challenges. It's not uncommon for women to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety during this time.

As unbelievable as it may sound, mental health challenges such as postpartum depression are surprisingly common among new mothers. But despite its frequency and effects on almost 1 in 9 new moms each year, these issues remain somewhat taboo topics that can go undiscussed and unnoticed for far too lo

05/17/2023

Women and young adults have experienced the greatest increases

In the U.S., a new high of 29.0% of adults have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime, and 17.8% currently have or are being treated for it.

05/16/2023

Have you ever thought about how spirituality can affect your mental health, regardless of your religious beliefs? While practices like prayer and mindfulness offer incredible tools for finding mental well-being, developing a spiritual life can enrich your journey even further.

Let's break it down: Prayer is about communicating with a higher power, while mindfulness is about being present and observing our thoughts and emotions. Despite their differences, both practices share common ground in spirituality.

Spirituality is more than just religion; it's a personal journey that helps us understand our purpose and interconnectedness. It reminds us that we're part of something larger and fosters empathy and compassion for others.

But spirituality isn't just about feeling a sense of belonging. It also provides resilience during tough times, encouraging personal growth and self-awareness. By aligning our actions with our core beliefs, we experience a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Don't limit yourself to prayer and mindfulness alone. Embrace spirituality and unlock its potential to enhance your mental well-being, regardless of your religious stance.

04/05/2022

Yesterday I provided commentary on intimate partner violence for CBS 4: Miami. I spent many years working with survivors of domestic violence and it's heartbreaking to see outcomes like this.

“The actual presence of a firearm in the home sees the risk of homicide domestic violence cases go up by 500%. So, I’m not at all shocked that weapons had been used and ultimately were the thing that sadly ended up taking this woman’s life,” says Patrick DeCarlo, a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Miami-Dade police have released the name of the man they say shot and killed his wife at a North Miami Beach Jewish community center on Sunday.