Samantha Bickham, LMHC, EMDR Therapist

06/09/2026

One of the most healing experiences can be realizing that you're not the only one going through something.

Group therapy offers a space to connect with others, share experiences, learn new coping skills, and feel supported by people who truly "get it." Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, chronic illness, or another life transition, there can be a lot of comfort in knowing you don't have to carry it alone.

We recently shared a blog about the benefits of group therapy and how healing often happens through connection and community.

💛 Take a read and feel free to share with someone who might benefit.

🔗 Blog link:

Group therapy provides a unique opportunity to find support, reduce isolation, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Learn how group counseling can promote healing, personal growth, and a greater sense of belonging in a safe and supportive environment.

06/03/2026

✨ Exciting News from Calming Tides Counseling ✨

We are excited to announce the launch of our new group offering:
Healing After Heartbreak

A therapy group for women ages 25–40 navigating the end of a relationship.

As therapists, we know that heartbreak can impact so much more than a relationship. It can affect self-worth, confidence, identity, and a person's sense of connection.

While individual therapy can be incredibly valuable, there is also something uniquely healing about being in a room with others who truly understand what you're going through.

Facilitated by Casie Muse, Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, this ongoing in-person group will provide a supportive space for women to process, heal, rebuild confidence, and move forward with greater clarity and self-trust.

📍 Winter Park, FL
🗓 Mondays at 6:00 PM
💲 $55/session | Monthly package available
🌿 Ongoing group beginning July 13th

If you work with women navigating breakups, divorce, or relationship loss, we would be grateful if you would keep this group in mind as a referral resource.

Thank you to our incredible community of providers for helping connect people with the support they need. 🤍

Learn more and reach out -> https://www.calmingtidesfl.com/breakup-recovery-therapy-group

05/25/2026

High functioning anxiety can be difficult to recognize because on the outside, things may still look “together.”

You’re showing up, getting things done, helping everyone else, and pushing through. Internally though, it can feel like your brain never fully slows down.

We recently shared a blog exploring what high functioning anxiety can actually look like, from overthinking and perfectionism to difficulty resting and constantly staying busy.

If this resonates with you or someone you care about, we hope this feels validating and helpful 💛

Feel free to read and share.

https://www.calmingtidesfl.com/blog/when-anxiety-hides-behind-productivity-perfectionism-and-always-seeming-fine

05/13/2026

Maybe someone’s tone changes slightly and your brain immediately wonders if they’re upset with you.

Or a delayed text suddenly feels personal.

For many people with attachment trauma, this kind of hyperawareness develops because their nervous system learned that small shifts in mood, tone, or facial expression could signal conflict, withdrawal, or rejection.

Over time, the body becomes trained to scan for cues in order to stay emotionally prepared and protected.

So while these reactions can feel intense, they often make a lot more sense when you understand what your nervous system learned from past experiences 🩵

05/05/2026

Va**ng is something many teens are exposed to, and it’s not always easy to know how to handle it as a parent.

A lot of the time, it starts with stress, curiosity, or wanting to fit in and can turn into something harder to stop than expected.

We created a blog to help break this down and share ways you can support your teen in quitting without it turning into a constant battle.

If this is something your family is navigating, you’re not alone

Learn why teens start va**ng, how ni****ne addiction develops, and practical ways parents can support their teen in quitting. This guide explores social pressure, stress, and mental health factors, along with strategies to help teens reduce va**ng and build healthier coping skills.

05/01/2026

Excited to share that I was recently featured in an article on Moms Who Think discussing how to talk to your daughter about menstruation without creating shame.

The article highlights how conversations around periods have historically been shaped by generational discomfort and stigma, and how parents today have the opportunity to approach these discussions in a more open, supportive, and normalized way.

I share insights on the importance of early, ongoing conversations, the impact of language and tone, and how creating a safe, nonjudgmental space at home can help children feel more confident and supported as they navigate these changes.

At Calming Tides Counseling, we are passionate about supporting parents in having these meaningful conversations in ways that foster emotional safety, body awareness, and connection.

Grateful to contribute to this important topic and continue supporting families in these everyday, impactful moments 🩵

Period shame is passed down through generations, but that doesn't mean moms can't be cycle breakers for their daughters.

04/16/2026

One of our clinicians, Casie Muse, Marriage & Family Therapist that specializes in substance abuse, works closely with college students and young adults and sees firsthand how alcohol use can begin to impact mental health in ways that often go unnoticed at first.

What might start as a way to cope, socialize, or unwind can slowly turn into increased anxiety, low mood, disrupted sleep, and feeling more overwhelmed overall.

Many of the students she works with share that they didn’t realize how much it was affecting them until they began to take a closer look.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about awareness, support, and understanding what your mind and body may be trying to communicate.

If you’re navigating this yourself, or supporting someone who is, you’re not alone. 🩵

We put together a blog to help bring more clarity to this topic and offer guidance on what to look for and when to seek support.

We invite you to read and share with anyone who might benefit.

Learn how alcohol use impacts mental health in college students and young adults, including links to anxiety and depression, social influences, and when to seek support for yourself or a loved one.

03/31/2026

Anxiety doesn’t always look the same for everyone.

For some people, it shows up mostly in social situations. For others, it feels more constant and harder to pinpoint.

Understanding the difference can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and find the right kind of support.

In this blog, we talk through social anxiety vs generalized anxiety, share simple coping strategies, and explore ways to start feeling a little more in control.

If this resonates with you or someone you care about, we hope it feels helpful 💛

Learn the difference between social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder, common triggers, and effective coping strategies. Discover how EMDR therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and support lasting emotional regulation.