Caitlin McGuinness Counseling Services, PLLC

01/10/2026

Five years ago, I took a leap of faith and started my private practice journey. I didn’t know exactly how it would go. I just knew I wanted to create a space where teens and young adults could feel seen, supported, and empowered in their mental well-being.

Five years later, I’m grateful to say a daydream, conjured up in my high school Psychology class, has become a reality.

To my clients and your families: thank you for trusting me with your stories and allowing me the privilege to step into your world. Thank you for letting me sit with you through the tough moments, celebrate your wins, and laugh with you (because humor truly is the best medicine).

I also want to express gratitude for the fellow mental health professionals I’ve had the honor of getting to know along the way. Your collaboration, encouragement, and shared wisdom have supported me more than you know.

This work is a privilege, and it’s one I don’t take for granted. I love what I do because of you. Cheers to what I hope is decades more of getting to do this really cool job ☺️

08/28/2025

I am honored to share that Caitlin McGuinness Counseling Services has been voted a Best of Florida Regional Winner! 🏆

I’m feeling a mix of gratitude, excitement, surprise, and pride. When I started my practice in 2021, I assumed my impact would remain small since it was just me, and yet this recognition shows how meaningful even “small” work can be. Being nominated alone was such an honor but to have won truly feels surreal.

To everyone who voted, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to the clients and families who trust me to walk alongside them, you are the reason I love this work every single day. ❤️

07/25/2025

Sharing a wonderful volunteer opportunity in our community! Great for those who love fashion & helping others!

SignUp.com makes it easy to coordinate school events & classroom activities, fundraisers, snack schedules, potlucks & more!

07/23/2025

Attention Parents ‼️

School is just around the corner and it’s almost time for the dreaded “how was your day” conversation with your teen where you will surely be met with a one word answer and an eye roll. 🙄

Here are some ways you can switch it up and find a more effective way to connect with your teen. I suggest modeling how to respond by also talking about your day. The key is to use open ended questions so they can’t just say “yes” or “no”. Get the whole family involved in these talks so the spotlight isn’t on one person.

If you’ve been considering therapy for your teen, now is the time to start reaching out to therapists. Teen therapists’ schedules get very full once school starts, so reach out now to get scheduled!

07/21/2025

Exciting news! 🎉
Caitlin McGuinness Counseling Services has been nominated for “Best of Florida” in the Mental Health & Therapy Practices category!

Just being nominated is incredibly touching, and I’m so grateful to whoever put my name forward. As a solo practitioner, I know I can only reach so many people in need, but my hope is this nomination allows me to expand my reach to help more teens & young adults in Tampa Bay.

If you’d like to support my practice, you can vote once per day in each category through the link below. Every vote helps spread the word and expand access to quality care. Voting closes July 31st.

https://guidetoflorida.com/lutz/health-medical/caitlin-mcguinness-counseling-services-pllc

Feel free to share :)

04/29/2025

Absolutely honored to be invited to share in this panel of outstanding female business owners making a difference in the Tampa Bay community. I had such a great time answering questions about owning a business, what inspired us to do so, and providing business/life advice to the young women of the Tyrone Middle School Girlfriend’s Club.

03/21/2025

While I do not work with young children, I do care deeply about all children’s well being and development. The over exposure to screens starts young and can have lasting negative impacts by the time the teenager reaches my office. I suggest replacing screen time with activities that stimulate imagination, movement, social skills, problem solving, creativity, and motor skills.

Teachers say children can’t hold pencils, tie shoes, or use scissors.

Children today are struggling with basic fine motor skills, and experts believe increased screen time is a major culprit. Teachers report that young students are arriving at school unable to even turn the pages of a book.

Researchers say the decline in hands-on activities — like crafting, outdoor play, and puzzles — is being supplemented by screen time for years.

The problem? With screens replacing traditional playtime, kids are missing out on crucial movements that develop dexterity, patience, and focus.

To help reverse this decline, we must allow children plenty of outdoor play, which naturally incorporates endless fine motor opportunities (i.e., digging in the dirt, grasping & hanging from tree limbs, picking up small pebbles, etc.).

Let the children play!

learn more https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S088520062200031X?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/why-kids-are-losing-fine-motor-skills?utm_source=chatgpt.com

02/13/2025

Therapy takes time & effort and one of the best things you can do to help move the process along is to practice the skills & techniques discussed in therapy. Doing work between sessions can feel like a chore but once a client finally starts practicing the skills consistently they experience relief in symptoms, improved relationships, and an overall increase in positive feelings.

09/18/2024

Loft 181 is a fantastic organization that provides a FREE boutique for teen girls in foster care. Not only are they a wonderful resource for girls living in foster care, but also a great organization to volunteer with to earn those hours for graduation AND feel great about giving back. Check them out :)

SignUp.com makes it easy to coordinate school events & classroom activities, fundraisers, snack schedules, potlucks & more!

08/19/2024

I wanted to share a wonderful group therapy opportunity for teens & young adults with autism. Neurodiversity affirming and PDA informed!

They will both be in person in South Tampa. One is for ages 13-17 and the other is for 18-24. Contact Jennica directly to register: jennica@autismspectrumcounseling.com.

08/08/2024

Do any of these responses seem familiar? Sometimes our brains can’t tell the difference between a threat to our lives and a threat to our comfort. This can lead to some unhealthy responses to daily stressors.

Notice that each section mentions muscle tension. That’s because our bodies naturally tense when we perceive a threat. My clients learn all about this plus how to relax their muscles which helps us have more appropriate responses to everyday stressors.

PS: when school years start, therapist schedules fill up FAST. If you’re interested in getting started in therapy, make sure to contact the therapist you’re interested in ASAP 😊

06/28/2024

These groups are a great way to fight the summer slump (see my previous post). Groups are tonight at 4 and 5!

📣📣📣📣 STARS Counseling Services will be offering a free, supervised group for teens led by a student intern studying to become a clinical social worker. It's a safe space for teens to hang out, make friends, and engage in fun activities like group discussions and games. As a parent, you can trust that your teen is in good hands while socializing and learning valuable skills.

⭐️Groups will be held every Friday during the summer beginning June 7th.

⭐️Middle school group will be Fridays at 4:00

⭐️High school group will be Fridays at 5:00

⭐️Contact our office for more information and to see if your teen would be a good fit for the group

☎️ (401) 237-0788

🔗 www.starscounselingservices.com