TL;DR Structural Family Therapy (SFT), created by Salvador Minuchin, reorganizes family interactions to fix root causes of conflict. It focuses on boundaries, roles, and power balance to improve communication and connection. Key techniques: family mapping, enactments, boundary making, unbalancing, [...]
TL;DR Video games can be addictive for kids, offering quick rewards, connection, and a sense of control. Signs of harmful gaming include neglecting responsibilities, sleep disruption, irritability, and withdrawal from real life activities. Often, gaming is an escape from [...]
TL;DR PTSD from childhood trauma can show up as overthinking, emotional outbursts, anxiety, or feeling shut down-even if the trauma happened long ago and isn’t fully remembered. Childhood trauma happens when a child faces something overwhelming, like abuse or [...]
TL;DR Marriage counseling helps couples talk openly, heal old wounds, and reconnect with each other. It improves communication, reduces recurring conflicts, and rebuilds trust in the relationship. Counseling is not only for couples in crisis; it can also strengthen [...]
TL;DR Anxiety can cause chest pain that mimics a heart attack. Pain is usually sharp, tight, or stabbing, not crushing. Caused by stress hormones, muscle tension, and shallow breathing. Often triggered by panic attacks or emotional stress, not physical [...]
TL;DR Marriage counseling can work for many couples, especially when both partners are committed to change and open to the process. It helps improve communication, rebuild trust, and resolve conflict through guided techniques and structured therapy sessions. Common myths [...]
TL;DR Anxiety can cause shortness of breath through your body’s fight-or-flight response. It often feels sudden, shallow, and comes with other symptoms like a racing heart or dizziness. It usually improves with breathing exercises or calming techniques. Asthma, heart, [...]
TL;DR Play therapy themes are recurring patterns in a child’s symbolic play that help therapists understand what the child is feeling or working through, especially when they can’t express it in words.Common themes include power/control, safety, nurturance, aggression, rescue, and [...]
TL;DR Yes, play therapy is evidence-based, supported by numerous studies and randomized controlled trials. Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) is a widely researched, non-directive approach that builds emotional strength through the language of play. Meta-analyses show positive results for anxiety, [...]
TL;DR What it is: A form of psychotherapy using play as a child’s language Who it helps: Most effective for children aged 3–12, adaptable for others How it works: Toys, art, and stories help kids express what they can't [...]
TL;DR ADHD is highly genetic, with heritability estimates around 70–80%. Twin studies show the difference: ADHD appears in 76% of identical twins vs. 32% of fraternal twins. It can come from either parent, and may show up differently across [...]
TL;DR Yes, ADHD can be considered a disability under U.S. law (ADA, Section 504) when it significantly limits daily functioning like learning or working. It’s classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the DSM-5 and often qualifies for school or [...]
Introduction May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national event dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and empowering individuals to prioritize their mental wellness. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has served as a cornerstone [...]
There is considerable discussion surrounding how to improve the United States. Recently, a longstanding truth has surfaced, becoming a focal point in conversations about steering our nation in the right direction. This truth states that good fathers and the essence [...]
The word "defiant" is characterized by a boldly resistant or challenging attitude, with synonyms including rebellious, insolent, and insubordinate. Here are grounded, respectful strategies to help reach and support defiant children, especially when their behavior feels challenging or resistant. It [...]
School’s out for summer! But it’s not 1972, its 2023, and the ways families and kids spend their Summers between each school year have not changed entirely. Kids still go to camps, attend tutoring sessions, go to school of [...]
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a complex mental health condition and disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, self-centered behavior, and a lack of empathy toward the needs of others, often associated with significant functional impairment and related [...]
In this country, thousands of chemicals are permitted in food products, and while many are probably safe for consumption, a few have been associated with significant health issues related to pathogens. In 2023, the California Food Safety Act was [...]
How does traveling impact individuals with ADHD differently compared to those without the condition? Traveling can be especially challenging for individuals with ADHD due to the inherent disruptions in routine, sensory overload, and struggles with organization that are characteristic [...]
Listening is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, and it holds immense power in building strong relationships, especially with your daughter. By leading through listening, you not only demonstrate genuine care and empathy but also create a safe space [...]
What are the common symptoms of ADHD in children and adults? Common symptoms of ADHD, which is a medical condition and a form of attention deficit in children and young people, include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, which can impact [...]
Selfish in Relationships It's difficult to criticize someone for their selflessness. We are educated to value kindness, generosity, and the needs of others around us greatly. One of the earliest lessons many of us recall from our toddler years [...]
On average, an American looks at their phone 205 times daily, devoting roughly one-quarter of their awake hours to this social media addiction and addictive device due to excessive screen time that affects daily life in the United States. [...]
3 Tips to Help you Avoid Valentines Day Disappointment by Orlando Marriage Expert Jada Jackson, MS. It comes around once a year; to some it’s not a real holiday, and to some it’s expected to be a promising occasion—Valentine’s Day. The sensationalizing [...]
10 Tips to Protect Your Child | Student-Teacher Relationship | Michelle Preston A high school teacher having sex with a teenaged student is the hot topic this week. Once again, a female teacher is accused of seducing a young [...]
Key Highlights Social skills are essential for effective peer interaction and can be developed at any age. Socially awkward individuals may struggle with body language, social anxiety, be a target for bullying and negative beliefs. Early identification and intervention [...]
Key Highlights Orlando Relationship Counseling offers expert tips for couples to strengthen their relationship. Celebrity couples who made it work and like Nick and Vanessa Lachey's, Jenifer Lopez and Ben Afleck, Jay Z and Beyonce, and Tom and Rita [...]
Key Highlights Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Early intervention is crucial for children with autism, as it can lead to better developmental outcomes. [...]
Mental health problems, also known as mental illnesses, are conditions that affect a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. They can range from common problems such as anxiety and depression to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar [...]
Social media can affect us negatively today in several ways. Firstly, it can lead to addiction and consume a significant amount of our time, leading to procrastination and lack of productivity. Secondly, social media can create unrealistic expectations and [...]
Introduction: How to Help Electronic Addiction In today's digital age, children are increasingly becoming dependent on electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. This overdependence on technology, including popular platforms like Instagram, can have negative effects on their physical [...]
Key Highlights Understanding ADHD in children is crucial for effective co-parenting strategies. Consistency and communication are key elements in co-parenting a child with ADHD. Behavioral strategies, such as positive reinforcement and structured routines, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Educational [...]
Introduction: Delay Smartphones until Sixteen In today's digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, including those of teenagers. However, there is growing concern about the impact of early smartphone use on teen mental health. Many [...]
Spring break provides a fun time for children and families to get away and take vacations. Many families choose to come to Orlando Florida as it is the number one destination to visit. To ensure you have the best [...]
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 [...]
Autism Symptoms in Adults Checklist: A Complete Guide Source Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects millions of adults across the United States, presenting unique challenges in social communication, behavior, and daily functioning. Recent [...]
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 [...]
Disordered eating does not discriminate when it comes to age, race, gender, ethnicity, weight, or sexual orientation. Typically eating disorders can appear majority in younger populations, in teens and young adults. Don’t be fooled, eating disorders also can start [...]
Modern food science has taught us that our diet affects our health, but how does it affect our self-esteem? As a kid, we learn that some food choices are good for us, while others aren’t. Though this black-and-white explanation [...]
How to Stay Motivated in our Wellness Goals Intro Many of us have the desire to focus on our health and wellness but have a hard time getting started and staying involved. Exercise, diet, and mental health all require [...]
"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 [...]
Orlando Relationship & Marriage Counselor offers tips for Safe-Dating, in light of the devastating murder of a University of Virginia lacrosse player, many of us are asking, how safe is it to date? Dating is an important milestone in [...]
The effects of trauma are not limited by factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The experience of trauma is common among both adults and children, but it is especially prevalent in the lives [...]
What is Trauma? Trauma refers to our emotional response to distressing life experiences. Trauma comes in many different forms and ranges in how severely it affects someone. Given that trauma is such a universal experience, few people will live [...]
Lake Mary Trauma therapist answers ways to determine your stress anxiety risk. My alarm clock is going off, the kids aren't ready for school, traffic is gridlock, my annoying boss never takes a day off, and bills continue to [...]
Orlando trauma counselor and PTSD therapist answers questions like the following: "I have heard of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but never understood what it is. Could you provide some information about this disorder?" PTSD is an anxiety disorder that [...]
Missing deadlines, disorganization, and losing focus can be frustrating, especially within your career. ADHD is largely misdiagnosed throughout adulthood. Dealing with ADHD at work can be hard for anyone, but the key to succeeding is to adapt your habits [...]
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 pose serious [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
