Get Inspired with #HispaFam - April 2026 Newsletter
“You are, in many ways, your own medicine.
And when you remember this, hold it with gratitude—
for yourself,
for all that you have carried,
and for the beautiful, almost miraculous ability to feel joy again.”
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Reflection April 2026
Today, a phrase returned to me—quietly, yet deeply rooted since our last conversation:
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
And perhaps it’s no coincidence that it comes back now, as spring begins to unfold in its silent yet undeniable language.
Everything is blooming.
Colors are awakening.
Scents rise gently into the air.
Sunsets feel painted with greater intention.
Nature does not rush, yet it never forgets to remind us of something essential:
beauty is still there… even after the difficult moments.
And in the midst of it all, I understand something simple and profound:
the medicine I need already lives within me.
It is in the ability to pause, to observe, to feel, to allow myself to be amazed again.
It is in choosing joy—not as a denial of what hurts, but as a conscious act of care.
Laughter may feel distant when the heart carries weight.
But sometimes, a small moment is enough:
a light conversation,
a sincere presence,
an instant where simplicity gives us back our breath.
Surround yourself with those who inspire you to let go, even if just for a moment.
Allow yourself to laugh without explanation.
Rest from what is heavy, even if only briefly.
Because in that pause… something begins to mend.
Laughter softens.
The heart opens.
The body listens.
And little by little, what is broken finds space to breathe and rest.
You are, in many ways, your own medicine.
And when you remember this, hold it with gratitude—
for yourself,
for all that you have carried,
and for the beautiful, almost miraculous ability to feel joy again.
Today, like spring, give yourself permission to bloom.
With love
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Honoring Connection in Support of Suicide Prevention
Our founder, Dra Denisse Centeno Lamas, participated in a meaningful activity with the AFSP Puerto Rico Chapter this past Saturday at El Morro, where volunteers gathered to share a beautiful moment of connection and community.
Participants flew kites, enjoyed each other’s company, and reconnected with their inner child—highlighting the importance of joy, presence, and togetherness in mental health and well-being.
Each volunteer has felt the call to support this cause through personal experiences that foster purpose and empathy.
The mission of saving lives and raising awareness about suicide prevention continues to guide the work of AFSP Puerto Rico, reflecting a deep commitment to the well-being of the community.
Hispanic Family Counseling is proud to support and uplift initiatives that promote mental health awareness and connection. 💙
✨ Remember: you are not alone.
A Day of Support and Connection for Families with ASD
Hispanic Family Counseling was proud to participate in the SENSES Park Family Day & Resource Fair, a community event designed to connect Osceola County residents with valuable supports and services for families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The event brought together approximately 250 community members, primarily families and children, creating a welcoming space for connection, education, and access to resources.
During the event, HFC interns Katia Mendez and Laurie Carreras actively engaged with attendees by sharing information about available services, offering guidance, and helping raise awareness about the importance of accessible mental health support for the ASD community. Their participation reflected a strong commitment to service, compassion, and community outreach.
This meaningful experience not only allowed families to learn about available resources, but also provided our interns with the opportunity to connect, serve, and grow in their professional journey while making a positive impact in the community. 💙
Strengthening Bonds Through Shared Moments
The administrative team at Hispanic Family Counseling gathered for their monthly meeting in a beautiful space of connection, where they created personalized candles filled with intention and creativity.
With our CEO, Dr. Nidia Medina, and our Founder Dr. Denisse Centeno Lamas, among the admin staff, the gathering felt even more special—bringing everyone together in a meaningful and relaxed way.
Amid aromas, laughter, and shared moments, the bonds that unite the team were strengthened—reminding us of the importance of connecting, pausing, and enjoying time together.
It was a space filled with warmth, closeness, and genuine camaraderie. 💙
#HispanicFamilyCounseling #TeamConnection #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthMatters #TeamBuilding #CommunityAtWork #WellnessInTheWorkplace #Gratitude #MindfulMoments #StrongerTogether
Honoring Growth, Community, and Leadership
We shared a very special moment at Hispanic Family Counseling. We hosted an enriching Lunch & Learning with Gabe Fernández from Central Florida Behavioral Hospital and Yareilys Bonilla, who provided valuable information about services now available in Spanish for the Latino community.
We also took the opportunity to surprise our President as she celebrates earning her doctorate—an achievement that fills us with pride and joy!
Thank you to everyone who was part of this gathering and continues to support the well-being of our families.
#HispaFam#CentralFloridaBehavioralHospital#Doctorado#Leadership
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How to Reconnect With Joy When You Feel Heavy
Small practices that support your mind, body, and emotional well-being.
There are moments in life when everything feels heavier than usual.
Energy is low. Motivation fades. Even the idea of joy can feel distant.
If you’ve been there, you are not alone—and there is nothing wrong with you.
Emotional heaviness is often the result of a nervous system under stress. When the brain perceives overwhelm, it naturally shifts into protective states that can make it harder to feel pleasure, connection, or ease.
The good news is that joy is not something you lose—it’s something you can gently reconnect with.
Not through pressure or force, but through small, intentional experiences that help your body feel safe again.
Why Joy Can Feel Out of Reach
When we experience stress, anxiety, or emotional strain, the body releases cortisol and other stress hormones. Over time, this can impact areas of the brain responsible for mood and motivation, such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system.
Research shows that chronic stress can:
Reduce emotional flexibility
Lower dopamine (the “motivation and reward” neurotransmitter)
Increase feelings of fatigue and disconnection
This is why joy doesn’t always come easily during difficult seasons.
But just as the brain can adapt to stress, it can also relearn safety, connection, and positive emotion.
Reconnecting With Joy Through Micro-Practices
Joy doesn’t require a major life change.
It often begins with small, consistent moments that gently signal to your nervous system: you are safe, you can soften.
Here are a few evidence-based ways to begin:
1. Sunlight: A Natural Mood Regulator
Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms and increases serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and well-being.
Studies show that even 10–20 minutes of sunlight per day can:
Improve mood
Support sleep quality
Increase energy levels
✨ Try this: Step outside in the morning or late afternoon. Notice the warmth on your skin. Let your body pause.
2. Music: Shifting Emotional States
Music has a direct impact on the brain’s reward system. Listening to music you enjoy can increase dopamine release and reduce stress.
Research suggests that music can:
Lower cortisol levels
Improve emotional regulation
Enhance feelings of connection
✨ Try this: Create a “gentle joy” playlist. Even one song can begin to shift your state.
3. Nature: Resetting the Nervous System
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain associated with stress and fear.
Ecotherapy research indicates that nature exposure can:
Reduce anxiety and rumination
Improve mood and attention
Support overall mental health
✨ Try this: Sit near a tree, walk in a park, or simply observe a flower. Let your senses engage without rushing.
4. Safe People: Co-Regulation Matters
Humans are wired for connection. Being around safe, supportive individuals helps regulate the nervous system through a process called co-regulation.
Positive social interaction can:
Increase oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”)
Reduce stress responses
Improve emotional resilience
✨ Try this: Reach out to someone who feels safe—a friend, family member, or colleague. Connection does not need to be deep to be meaningful.
Gentle Reminders for the Hard Days
Reconnecting with joy is not about ignoring what hurts.
It is about creating small openings where light can enter.
You don’t have to feel joyful to begin
Small moments are enough
Rest is part of healing
Your pace is valid
Even a brief pause—a breath, a smile, a moment of stillness—can begin to shift your internal state.
You Are Not Broken
If joy feels far away, it does not mean it is gone.
It simply means your mind and body may be asking for care, rest, and gentle support.
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we believe in meeting individuals where they are—offering tools, guidance, and compassionate care to support emotional well-being.
A Final Thought
You don’t have to force joy.
You can invite it back—slowly, softly, and in your own way.
Because even in the heaviest seasons,
the capacity for joy still lives within you.
-By Sheila Burgos
Elidio Suriel, MS,
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Elidio was born in Bonao, Dominican Republic, where he worked as a Second Language teacher for elementary, high school, and university students. In 1983, he moved to New York City, where he served as both a school volunteer and a caseworker, providing counseling to young people, parents, families, and community members. Elidio furthered his education in New York, attending the State University of New York at Stony Brook for training in Life Skills for Adolescent Parents. He also completed a workshop in Social Work with Families Involved in Domestic Violence at Hunter College School of Social Work, and training in “Educate the Community, Save the Family” at Lincoln Hospital. Additionally, he pursued real estate studies at St. John’s University, psychology at Touro College, and completed 600 hours of training in Television Production, Direction, Studio & Remote Operation, and Editing at the Center for the Media Arts. Holding degrees as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in Florida and Preventive Medicine Doctor (PMD) in California, Elidio opened the Brooklyn Naturopathic Center in New York. In 1991, he became a U.S. citizen and returned to the Dominican Republic, where he established Centro Naturista Nutrisa SRL and hosted a radio and TV show, Alternativas hacia la Salud (Alternatives toward Health). While in the Dominican Republic, Elidio earned a law degree (Licentiate DJ in Law) from the Universidad Abierta para Adultos (UAPA) and a BS in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s degree in Family Therapy from Universidad Nacional Evangélica (UNEV).
In June 2017, Elidio relocated to Kissimmee, Florida, where he worked as a Nutritional Consultant for Chamberlain Natural Products, and later as a mental health therapist at Preserver of Destiny and Carousel Therapy Center. Since March 2019, he has been a Mental Health Therapist at Hispanic Family Counseling Inc., providing bilingual Spanish-English counseling to individuals and families. He has completed 27 courses and 88 credits via CE4LES.com, an approved provider by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. Elidio is also certified as a Mental Health First Aid USA provider by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and other recognized entities. Elidio has pursued continued education in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University and is currently enrolled at Cambridge College, where he is completing courses required by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. He holds a LIMHC Registration Number from the Florida Board.
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