Get Inspired with #HispaFam - May 2026 Newsletter
“…there is hope. Even if today you cannot see it clearly. Stay. Breathe. Rest if you need to, but do not give up.
Tomorrow may feel different.”
-Dra. Denisse C Lamas, President and Founder, Hispanic Family Counseling, I
Words from Dra. Denisse Centeno Lamas, President and Founder:
These past few days, I’ve been reflecting on how most of my social media posts tend to focus on achievements, important events, and happy moments. Rarely am I vulnerable enough to talk about the challenges, the tears, the emotional exhaustion, and how difficult the journey can be — even when, from the outside, it may appear successful.
And it’s interesting how life works. Sometimes we are celebrating a victory and suddenly everything changes. What once felt stable becomes pain, disappointment, or uncertainty. Unexpected situations arise, the body becomes tired, the mind does too, and we begin to wonder how much more we can endure.
A few months ago, I found myself emotionally exhausted. I remember thinking I needed to stop because I simply could not keep going the way I was. I felt alone, sad, and disconnected. And although outwardly I continued functioning, internally I was trying to understand how to move forward without losing myself in the process.
With time, I understood something important: being human often also means feeling broken. It means crying, feeling disappointed, questioning everything, and still choosing to keep walking forward. Not because we have all the answers, but because somewhere within us there is still even the smallest hope that things can get better.
Many times we wish life would allow us to stay a little longer at the top of the mountain, enjoying our victories before facing another battle. But life does not always work that way. There are seasons when it feels like one hardship after another — when we barely leave one difficult situation before another even bigger one appears. Times when it feels like we are constantly moving backward. And yet, we are still here.
Today I understand that I do not want my wounds to change my essence. I do not want to become a bitter, cold, or distrustful person. Because although there are people who disappoint us, there are also people who support us, love us, walk beside us, and remain.
Recently, I watched a play called Every Brilliant Thing. The story revolves around a person who, from childhood, began making a list of small things that made life worth living: an ice cream cone, a conversation, a song, a burst of laughter. Simple things, yet deeply powerful.
And I thought about that deeply.
Because even in the midst of pain, there are always reasons to continue. Sometimes small. Sometimes quiet. But they exist.
Today, one of those reasons is my husband, who has shown me love not through grand speeches, but through his constant presence during the most difficult moments.
And maybe today you are tired too. Maybe you feel like you cannot see a way out, like you have lost hope, or like you want to give up. To you, I want to say: there is hope. Even if today you cannot see it clearly. Stay. Breathe. Rest if you need to, but do not give up.
Tomorrow may feel different.
And while that tomorrow arrives, maybe it is worth beginning our own list of small things that make life beautiful.
With peace, hope, and love,
-Dra. Denisse Centeno Lamas, President and Founder, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
“To bloom is to emerge, heal, grow, and discover the beauty that has always lived within you. Even in the midst of difficulties, life has the ability to renew itself… and so do you. Isn’t that wonderful?”
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Reflection May 2026
I ended our conversation last month by inviting you to give yourself permission to bloom.
To bloom is to emerge, heal, grow, and discover the beauty that has always lived within you. Even in the midst of difficulties, life has the ability to renew itself… and so do you. Isn’t that wonderful?
Today, ask yourself:
What color is your flower?
What size is it?
In what kind of soil do you envision it?
Can you sense its fragrance?
What place does it take you to?
Do you admire it, or fear that it may wither?
How beautiful is the flower you see within yourself?
Now, connect that flower to yourself and recognize your own beauty. Focus on what is true and lasting. Do not fix your gaze on what is fleeting and temporary. Recognize your worth, your essence, and your light.
Admire yourself, love yourself, value yourself — even if no one else does. Because everything begins with you and within you.
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Building Hope Through Soul Shop Facilitator Training
Hispanic Family Counseling had the honor of hosting the Soul Shop Facilitator Training for Hispanic Churches.
Our President, Dr. Denisse Centeno Lamas, together with David Galván, participated in the training of five new Hispanic facilitators who successfully completed their certification.
We remain committed to bringing hope, education, and suicide prevention to our community.
Reliving the joy of childhood
Hispanic Family Counseling had the honor of sponsoring and participating in the very first Golden Age Game Day held at the Iglesia Cristiana Hispana del Norte, Discípulos de Cristo.
It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, fellowship, and cherished memories as our seniors enjoyed classic childhood games like yo-yo competitions, spinning tops, dominoes, hot potato, slingshot target games, and so much more.
The event began with the lighting of the torch to officially open the games and ended with the passing of the torch for next year’s celebration, continuing what is now a beautiful new tradition.
More than just games, it was a day of connection, joy, and becoming children again, even if just for a moment.
A special thank you to Nickmi for the invitation and for organizing such a meaningful and heartwarming event for the community.
We are grateful to have been part of such a special day and to continue supporting and serving our senior community with love and care.
An Evening Dedicated to Hope and Mental Health Awareness
Our President and Founder, Dr. Denisse Centeno Lamas, attended the gala hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at Jazz at Lincoln Center, joining leaders, professionals, and advocates dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Events like these remind us of the impact a community can make when people come together to support, educate, and bring hope to others. We believe in conversations that break stigma, create connection, and truly make a difference in people’s lives.
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Compassion
Hispanic Family Counseling proudly congratulate Dr. Olga Molina on her retirement from the University of Central Florida.
Our President and Founder, Dr. Denisse C. Lamas, attended the retirement celebration event in recognition of Dr. Molina’s years of dedication, leadership, and service to the community.
We are deeply grateful for her collaboration throughout the years, especially during the response to the Orlando nightclub shooting, where her commitment to crisis intervention made a meaningful impact on our community.
We celebrate her remarkable legacy and wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.
In the heart of one of the most iconic cities in the world, a powerful message shines bright in Times Square:
“Your Mental Health Matters.”
We are proud to see Dra. Denisse Centeno Lamas, President and Founder of Hispanic Family Counseling, representing our mission and bringing hope, awareness, and support to thousands of people from all around the world.
Because caring for your mind is caring for your life.
If you want to learn more about our work and impact on communities, follow us on our social media platforms.
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➡️ Read the new blog post:
When Difficult Seasons Make You Question Your Worth
There are moments in life that change the way we see ourselves.
Difficult experiences, emotional pain, rejection, burnout, loss, or constant stress can slowly affect our confidence and self-worth. Sometimes, after carrying so much for so long, we begin to question our value, our abilities, and even who we are.
Many people continue functioning outwardly while internally feeling disconnected from themselves.
But your worth does not disappear during difficult seasons.
Even when you feel exhausted.
Even when life feels uncertain.
Even when you are struggling emotionally.
Your value is not based only on productivity, achievements, appearance, or how much you are able to give to others.
There is still a part of you that deserves compassion, care, and patience.
Signs You May Be Disconnected From Your Self-Worth
Constant self-criticism
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
Difficulty recognizing your accomplishments
Comparing yourself to others
Feeling like you are “not enough”
Ignoring your own emotional needs
Feeling guilty for resting or setting boundaries
These feelings are more common than many people realize, especially during stressful or emotionally overwhelming periods.
Small Ways to Begin Reconnecting With Yourself
Practice kinder self-talk
Pay attention to the way you speak to yourself during difficult moments. Ask yourself:
Would I speak this way to someone I love?
Acknowledge what you have survived
Take a moment to reflect on challenges you have overcome. Sometimes we focus so much on what is still difficult that we forget our own resilience.
Allow yourself to rest
Rest is not weakness. Emotional healing requires space, patience, and recovery.
Seek support
Healing does not have to happen alone. Talking to a trusted person or mental health professional can help you process emotions and reconnect with yourself in healthier ways.
Healing is not about becoming a completely different person. Sometimes healing is about returning to yourself with more compassion and understanding.
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we believe that every person deserves support, healing, and safe spaces where they can reconnect with their emotional well-being and self-worth.
Because even after difficult seasons, your value remains.
-By Sheila Burgos
Roselys Rosario, CBHCM
Targeted Case Manager
Roselys was raised in Cayey, Puerto Rico. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Turabo in Gurabo, PR, in 2012, specializing in Criminology. That same year, she relocated to Central Florida where she completed her Master's in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management at Ana G. Mendez in 2016, along with classes to complete her Master's in Health Service Management at the same university. She has been working as a Case Manager since 2015, dedicating her empathy, love, and commitment to each family as if they were part of her own. She works with children, adolescents, and adults. Roselys, a mother of one, a wife, and a business owner in Central Florida, is also a breast cancer survivor and cherishes the beautiful way God cared for her at all times.
"I love being a TCM; it's who I am. I live social work with a prettier name from the perspective of helping families, and that makes me happy."
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