It Begins Within Blog

Delve into a rich collection of articles on mental health, relationships, and personal growth, curated by the team of experts at It Begins Within Healing Center.

What to Expect in Therapy at It Begins Within: A Guide from Dr. Perleoni
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

What to Expect in Therapy at It Begins Within: A Guide from Dr. Perleoni

Considering therapy in Tampa Bay? Dr. Mary Perleoni, founder of It Begins Within, shares what to expect: our rigorous therapist selection process (we interview 100+ clinicians for every 1 hired), personalized matching, evidence-based approaches, and why your therapeutic relationship matters most. Learn more about therapy at our Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota locations.

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Rekindling Intimacy & Navigating Mismatched Libidos
Melissa Zetner, LMHC, NCC, Melissa Zetner, LMHC, NCC,

Rekindling Intimacy & Navigating Mismatched Libidos

Mismatched libidos are more common than most couples realize. Learn why intimacy fades, how desire shifts across life stages, and how couples therapy helps partners rebuild emotional and physical closeness with compassion and structure.

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Signs Your Child May Be Masking Depression or Anxiety
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

Signs Your Child May Be Masking Depression or Anxiety

Many children hide anxiety or depression behind good grades, humor, or “I’m fine.” Dr. Mary Perleoni explains the subtle signs parents often miss—and how child and teen therapy in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota can help your child open up, feel safe, and heal.

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Healing Sexual Intimacy After Childbirth
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

Healing Sexual Intimacy After Childbirth

Childbirth changes everything—including intimacy. Our Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota therapists share how to rebuild closeness, confidence, and connection after baby. Learn practical, compassionate steps to heal together.

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Understanding Short-Term vs. Long-Term Therapy
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

Understanding Short-Term vs. Long-Term Therapy

Choosing between short-term and long-term therapy isn’t just about time — it’s about the kind of healing you’re seeking. In this article, Dr. Mary Perleoni, Tampa therapist and founder of It Begins Within Healing Center, explains how to decide which approach best fits your goals, lifestyle, and emotional readiness across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.

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The Guide For Overcoming Sexual Performance Anxiety
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

The Guide For Overcoming Sexual Performance Anxiety

Sexual performance anxiety is more common than most men realize. At It Begins Within, our licensed therapists in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota help men retrain both mind and body through evidence-based therapy, mindfulness, and medication support—so confidence and connection return naturally.

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Helping Your Child Cope With Bullying Through Therapy
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

Helping Your Child Cope With Bullying Through Therapy

Bullying today often leaves no bruises—just anxious mornings, isolation, and self-doubt. In this in-depth guide, Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC, explains how therapy helps kids rebuild confidence, manage anxiety, and reconnect with family support. Drawing from CBT, play therapy, and PCIT, she offers practical advice for parents in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota who want to help their children heal—and know they’re not alone.

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A Guide to Therapy in Sarasota
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

A Guide to Therapy in Sarasota

Thinking about therapy in Sarasota? Here’s what you need to know about when to start, who to see, and how to find the right therapist for you.

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What You Can Do When Your Partner Refuses Therapy
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

What You Can Do When Your Partner Refuses Therapy

When your spouse refuses counseling, it can feel like your relationship is slipping away. The truth is, you can still make meaningful changes—even if you attend therapy alone. Learn how to break unhealthy patterns, rebuild connection, and protect your marriage when your partner won’t go.

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A Parent’s Guide to School Refusal and What to Do
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

A Parent’s Guide to School Refusal and What to Do

When a child refuses school, it’s rarely about laziness. School refusal is often a warning sign of deeper struggles like anxiety, depression, or bullying. This parent’s guide explains the causes, what to watch for at different ages, and how therapy can help kids and teens return to school with confidence.

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Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Childhood Trauma
Melissa Zetner, LMHC, NCC, Melissa Zetner, LMHC, NCC,

Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Childhood Trauma

Divorce doesn’t just end a relationship—it can reshape a child’s entire sense of safety.
At It Begins Within, we specialize in trauma-informed care that helps families heal, stabilize, and reconnect. Learn how clinical assessments, co-parenting support, and targeted therapy help children thrive after emotional injury.

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Top 5 Mindset Shifts Every Sports Parent Should Know
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

Top 5 Mindset Shifts Every Sports Parent Should Know

Supporting your child’s athletic journey goes beyond practice and game-day pep talks. In this article, our team shares five powerful mindset shifts that every sports parent should know—backed by insights from elite trainers, sports psychologists, and performance therapists. Whether your child is chasing a college scholarship or simply learning to love the game, these tips will help you show up in the most impactful way.

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The Ultimate Couples Therapy Workbook
Mary Perleoni Mary Perleoni

The Ultimate Couples Therapy Workbook

Strengthen your relationship with our Couples Therapy Workbook—filled with therapist-approved exercises and activities designed to boost communication, deepen intimacy, and foster lasting connection. Perfect for couples seeking practical tools to grow together.

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