"I don't understand why my daughter is so sad lately? "Why is my son spending time with bad influences?" "Why does my daughter go out with abusive guys?" "Why does my son have such low self esteem?" If you [...]
Have you lost influence with your teenager? Do you worry they listen way to much more to our side influences? How has social media impacted your teens mental health and self image? As parents we always are concerned about [...]
Eating disorders can and typically are debilitating and cause extensive long-term damage to those suffering from them. Teens are at an even greater risk for developing eating disorders, with most of them occurring between ages 12 and 25. During [...]
As the semester draws to a close and the end of semester papers, projects, and assignments deadlines quickly approach, it is understandable student anxiety levels rise during this time. Stress is a completely normal part of life but can [...]
April is the season of springtime and growth! This is an excellent time of the year to facilitate the growth of your mental health and development. Mental health is a critical topic to talk about. By being transparent about [...]
Orlando Based Counselor | Video Tips to Keep your Child or Teen off the Bully Radar | Fox 35 Expert Jim West and his marriage, family experts provide counseling with offices in Lake Mary, Orlando, East Orlando, Clermont & Winter [...]
What Is World Mental Health Day? World Mental Health Day, on October 10th, is a day for everyone to unite their efforts to improve the mental health of people around the world. The theme selected for this year’s Day [...]
Orlando drug abuse counselors comment on recent news related to increased drug use in elementary schools. Every parent's biggest fear is to find out whether or not their child is using drugs or alcohol. There is never an easy [...]
Orlando Counselor on ADHD Social Skills Gaps - BFFs We love to celebrate with those we feel closest to, and a best friend forever (BFF) is one who is there when we feel lost or sad and need to [...]
Summer is well underway and that means no sleep schedules, no eating schedules and more importantly no screen time schedules and while this may seem like every kids dream, the habits that start in the summer have a risk [...]
Why Sensory Enrichment Therapy? You may find that your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder is easily captivated by visual stimulation, songs, repetitive sounds, and tactile play. Although it may seem that children with ASD are highly in-tune with their senses, [...]
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability, characterized by differences in the brain. People affected by autism often have problems with social interaction, repetitive behavior/ movements, and impulsive behaviors. Autism affects 1 in 44 children in the U.S. Autism [...]
Bipolar disorder commonly known as manic depression is a severe mental health disorder. It is linked to genetics and is usually triggered by a stressful situation, such as being sexually abused, an illness, or an overwhelming life-altering problem. It [...]
Spring break provides a time of relaxation and stress-free fun. With all this, there are some risk factors to be aware of, so to ensure you have the best time, follow these tips. Alcohol: During spring break there is [...]
Nicholas Sparks is no stranger to heart-wrenching passion and the kind of love that only star-crossed lovers share. Teary eyed audiences have come to expect this from his novels and their film adaptions, but do the rose colored glasses [...]
As the winter holiday season is coming up, we have to maintain awareness of our mental health. For many of us, the holiday season is filled with joy, fun, and time to gather with family and friends. Although, for [...]
Not everyone can handle pressure, especially the pressure that college athletes face. This pressure has caused several college athletes and perfectionists to have mental health challenges and ultimately take their own life. Having such high expectations to live up to [...]
Physically (In)Active Adolescents Physical activity helps our bodies (and our minds) to stay in shape. Unfortunately, it seems as though children in the United States are staying less and less physically active. Although screen time and electronic devices most likely [...]
For many of us, the Fourth of July is a celebratory event filled with family and barbecuing. For others, the holidays can be quite difficult to face. Dealing with Loneliness Loneliness is a very common emotion to experience during the [...]
With summer in session, school’s out and the kids are home. If you’re one of the many parents having trouble finding activities for your children to do this summer, you’ve come to the right place. “I’m bored...” It's inevitable. You [...]
According to a federal report done by the National Center for Education Statistics, there were ninety-three gun-related incidents in the United States that resulted in lives lost on school property in 2021 alone. Lives as young as twelve years old [...]
Hate Father’s Day? Here’s How to Turn the Day Around If you’re reading this article, you are probably one of the many dads hoping to get through the day. Like any holiday, I guarantee many past emotions are brought to [...]
"In a world that is increasingly technological, we use our electronic devices for everything, from work-related matters to personal communication. Think about it, dads. When was the last time we expressed our sentiments in a truly thoughtful way to our [...]
What is the gut-brain connection? Your brain communicates with your gut daily, and vice versa, in order to maintain digestion and health. Research suggests that the organisms in the gastrointestinal tract can influence mental health greatly. In fact, the gut [...]
Orlando family counselor offers as simple conflict resolution program to resolve conflict quickly and get back to privileges. “Sorry! Sorry! Sorry,” is what students/siblings receive over and over again, and then the perpetrator receives a time out, grounding, loses privileges [...]
Orlando ADHD Counseling Expert Jim West, MA, LMHC interviewed by Fox 35 | ADHD linked to High Fat Diet? | University of Illinois Food for Thought: Another study linking proving that how we eat effects how we think! There was [...]
As the holidays and the cold weather quickly approaches, it has become increasingly more important than ever to be considerably mindful of those around us. The holidays can be a very exciting time for many but can understandably be [...]
Since Musical.ly rebranded to TikTok in 2018, the notoriety of the app skyrocketed surpassing popular apps like Uber. With TikTok’s specifically tailored algorithm, any teen can be pushed onto the For You page seen by millions throughout the world [...]
Why do we tend to sleep less during the holidays? We tend to be more active and social; oftentimes might forget to maintain a normally scheduled nighttime routine and disrupt our sleep cycle. This disruption could pose serious negative effects. [...]
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Surgeon General Murthy, symptoms of both anxiety and depression have doubled during this time with about 25% of the youth experiencing depressive symptoms and about 20% experiencing symptoms of anxiety. There has [...]
Daily Homeschool Schedule Advice The coronavirus pandemic is continuously changing our lives, but one thing for sure is, you’re unsure of how to go about the next few weeks. Like most parents, you’ve suddenly found yourself solely responsible for your [...]
Going back to school has always been a stressful time. School supply shopping, school clothes, class schedules, getting your child back onto a school schedule, bus times, etc..But things have become an entirely new level of stress because of Covid-19. [...]
“Reducing Stress from Tests!” “I am going to fail the FSA and repeat third grade!” “I don’t have enough time for the test!” “I can’t sleep the night before the test!” February and March many students across the state prepare [...]
If you were to sit in on a public classroom in 2022, vs sitting in one in 2019, you would see a clear difference in the mood, energy, and overall flow of the day. The pandemic of 2020 still [...]
The Social Dilemma If you’re anything like the other 182.8 million Netflix subscribers, you probably saw “The Social Dilemma” in Netflix's “trending now” category. This hour and a half movie supposedly covers the dangers of social media on human behavior [...]
Relationships can be difficult, but when you add a global pandemic, quarantines, curfews, and the mass hysteria flowing through society, relationships can seem almost impossible. You’re stuck in the house all day, unable to distract yourself with your usual daily [...]
The coronavirus has become a global pandemic. Schools are shut down, bars, restaurants, beaches, almost everything has closed its doors. Some people aren’t able to go into work, and some have completely lost their jobs. Should you be afraid? The [...]
Suddenly Homeschooling because of the Coronavirus? How to Guide Learning at Home In the many changes to everyday life due to coronavirus, school and day-care closures are one of them. Unexpectedly everything from major universities, to day-care centers have shut [...]
Tips when Quarantined to Relieve Stress, Keep your Kids Busy and Bond with your Family Background With coronavirus spreading daily and the uncertainty of the future, things can be extremely stressful. Don’t be ashamed if you begin to feel this [...]
How do you compete and land the job with 500 qualified applicants who want the job as well? Let’s start with looking at all the ways you find a job. There are 16 job hunting methods and they are as [...]
"She was my good girl . . . she was ashamed of her sister's behavior over the past couple of years and swore to learn from her mistakes . . . she was always home by curfew . . . [...]
Seung-Hui Cho was bullied by fellow high school students who mocked his shyness and the strange way he talked, according to classmates. He probably heard “Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!” over and over again. "Sorry" a word forced under pressure in schools [...]
An Orlando Executive or Business Coach comments on ways to develop your team and maximize their strengths! Scores of major companies have made coaching a core part of executive development. My belief is that, under the right circumstances, one-on one [...]
Recognizing and Protecting Against Suicidal Ideation in Teens "One in six!" That's how many high school students reported having serious suicidal ideation in a U.S.-wide survey in 2015 (Kann, 2016). In other words, over 16% of high school students in [...]
Get Ready For Summer Social Skills Camps Orlando Florida FL Summertime is the perfect time to help your child improve his or her social skills in preparation for the upcoming school year. Does your child try too hard to [...]
Orlando Career Coach and Counselor asks the following question. Has the changing economy created job security concerns for your career? More than likely career stability and choices are at the forefront of our thoughts and desires. Have you giving [...]
“You don’t understand!” “You don’t have a clue what I am going through!” “You don’t know what your talking about!” If you have not heard these statements from you teenager get ready because it’s coming! However, during these transitional [...]
Are you getting frustrated trying to get your child or teen on the autistic spectrum out the door in the mornings? Here are some tips and tricks for helping children with autism reach morning goals by using a reward system: The [...]
"You're stupid!" as a young child in day care cowers in the corner. "Nobody likes you!" followed by kicking and hitting by an older child trying to show he is tough and in control! Sound strange or unreal for [...]
Jamey Rodemeyer was found dead in his yard September 18, 2011. Over the past year his mother reports he was questioning his sexuality. He was a victim of gay bashing, hateful slurs, and bullied at school and online through [...]