Healthy Holiday Habits Part 2: Navigating Family Dynamics
The holidays can put families under intense pressure—overstimulated kids, packed schedules, extended family expectations, and the quiet fear of “getting it wrong.” In Part 2 of Healthy Holiday Habits, Dr. Ernie Reilly and Michelle Buchanan shift the conversation from couples to families, offering realistic guidance for navigating meltdowns, routines, and multi-generational dynamics with more calm and connection. This episode shares practical tools to help parents lower the pressure, respond with grace, and create a Christmas season rooted in peace, resilience, and relationship—not perfection.
Healthy Holiday Habits (Part 1): How Couples Can Stay Connected & Stress-Free
The holidays can feel like a relationship stress test—more schedules, more family dynamics, more expectations, and less emotional bandwidth. In this special two-part series kickoff of Healthy Holiday Habits, Ryan sits down with Dr. Ernie Reilly (Founder of The Counseling Corner) and Michelle Buchanan, LMHC (couples and family specialist) to unpack why even strong couples feel strained this time of year—and what to do about it.
Together, they challenge common “holiday opinions” like chasing Hallmark-level perfection, keeping an always-open-door policy with family, or assuming a big argument is just “part of the season.” Instead, they point couples toward realistic expectations, healthy boundaries, and practical routines that build connection—like daily check-ins, weekly planning meetings, and small rituals of gratitude and affection. Michelle shares how many conflicts are predictable and perpetual, and how couples can prepare for them by identifying triggers and the “elixir” that brings them back together. Dr. Ernie adds a powerful reframe: the holidays don’t break good relationships—they reveal what needs attention.
If you want your season to feel less like survival mode and more like shared meaning, this episode offers simple, actionable habits you can start today—so you can stay connected, even when life gets loud.
ADHD in Real Life: Helping Kids Focus, Thrive, and Feel Understood
In this powerful episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW sit down with child and play therapists Amanda Riendeau, LCSW and Andreina Bello, LMHC to unpack what ADHD really looks like in kids—and what parents can do to help. Together, they explore the brain science behind ADHD, differences between boys and girls, the emotional experience of parents seeking help, the role of play therapy, and practical tools families can use immediately at home. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s behavior is “just being a kid” or something more, this episode provides clarity, hope, and encouragement from seasoned child therapists who work with ADHD every day.
When Little Hearts Feel Big Feelings — Understanding Child & Play Therapy
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, host Ryan Simpson engages with child therapists Amanda Riendeau, LMHC and Andreina Bello, LMHC along with Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW, to explore the complexities of children's emotions and the role of play therapy in helping children navigate their feelings. The conversation covers the importance of co-regulation between parents and children, what a play therapy session looks like, and how parents can support their child's emotional development. The therapists share success stories and emphasize that seeking help is a smart choice for families facing challenges.
Fresh Perspectives on Marriage and Couples Counseling — From the Interns at Counseling Corner
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, hosts Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW engage with a group of counseling interns from the University of Central Florida. They discuss their journeys into the field of counseling, the dynamics of conflict in relationships, and the importance of communication and intimacy. The conversation delves into common reasons couples seek counseling, the role of psychoeducation, and the significance of understanding attachment theory. The interns share insights on forgiveness, debunk myths about relationships, and emphasize the ongoing work required to maintain healthy partnerships. This episode highlights the fresh perspectives of the next generation of therapists and their commitment to helping others navigate life's challenges.
Real Talk: What Marriage Counseling is Really Like
In episode 7 of Real Life Counseling, hosts Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW engage with David and Dayanna, a couple who share their journey through marriage counseling. They discuss their love story, the challenges they faced, and the importance of communication and counseling in their relationship. The conversation highlights the significance of ongoing support, the impact of parenting on their marriage, and the tools they've gained through counseling to navigate their relationship. David and Dayanna emphasize the value of seeking help and the transformative power of counseling in building a strong partnership
CBT vs EMDR vs. ART: What Are They? What’s the Difference? And What’s Right for Me
In episode 6 of Real Life Counseling, Ryan Simpson, Dr. Ernie, LCSW, and Dr. Judi Allen, LCSW explore the differences between three prominent therapy modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). They discuss the effectiveness, applications, and session dynamics of each approach, while also addressing common misconceptions and what clients can expect during their first therapy session. The conversation highlights the transformative power of these therapies in helping individuals overcome trauma and mental health challenges, concluding with inspiring stories of client success.
Teen Mental Health Focus: Depression vs. Burnout
In this episode, Ryan Simpson, Dr. Ernie Reilly LCSW, and Dr. Judi Allen LCSW discuss the critical issues of depression and burnout in teenagers. They explore the signs and symptoms of both conditions, how to differentiate between them, and the importance of parental support. The conversation emphasizes the role of therapy in helping teens navigate these challenges and shares success stories that highlight the positive outcomes of seeking help. The episode concludes with encouragement for parents to stay engaged and supportive as their teens face these emotional struggles.
Marriage Counseling for Healthier Relationships
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW delve into the complexities of anxiety in adults, exploring its symptoms, the impact of technology, and effective coping strategies. They discuss the importance of understanding anxiety as a common struggle rather than a character flaw, and emphasize the value of therapy and support. The conversation also highlights practical techniques for managing anxiety in daily life, as well as how to support loved ones dealing with anxiety.
Can Counseling Actually Help Me (or my Family)?
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, we meet Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW and dive into the evolving landscape of mental health. Join us as we explore how perceptions have shifted since 1998, breaking down the barriers and stigma that once surrounded mental health counseling. Discover why therapy is not just for those in crisis, but a powerful tool for anyone seeking growth and healing. Whether you're considering therapy for yourself or a loved one, this conversation offers insights into the transformative power of counseling. Tune in to learn how therapy can be a step towards a stronger, more resilient you
For more information about Dr. Reilly, his services, our counseling/mental health in general visit his site at www.counselingcorner.net
Understanding Anxiety in Kids: A Guide for Parents
In this episode of "Real Life Counseling" by The Counseling Corner, hosts Ryan Simpson and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW dive into the complexities of anxiety in children. They explore the signs parents might overlook, discuss effective therapeutic approaches like CBT, and share practical tips for supporting anxious kids. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help children navigate anxiety. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that aims to empower families and foster healthier relationships.
Navigating Adult Anxiety: Insights and Strategies
In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan and Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW delve into the complexities of anxiety in adults, exploring its symptoms, the impact of technology, and effective coping strategies. They discuss the importance of understanding anxiety as a common struggle rather than a character flaw, and emphasize the value of therapy and support. The conversation also highlights practical techniques for managing anxiety in daily life, as well as how to support loved ones dealing with anxiety.