About Jim West

Adolescent Expert, Jim West offers expert advice to Local and National TV News & Schools Internationally and provides phone or face-to-face counseling in the Orlando area. Jim is an Author, Communicator, School Consultant, Nationally Certified and State Licensed Counselor and specializes in counseling for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). Jim has been interviewed for multiple TV, Radio, magazine and newspaper articles. He is president of Total Life Counseling Center and his Total Life approach accelerates the therapeutic & healing process by relating to children, adolescents and adults and incorporating wellness. Jim’s clients travel from all over Florida, England, Georgia, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas as he has been able to treat clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression and more with FDA approved supplements and Dietary Modifications. 85% of his clients have not needed medication or used less medication than when they first came to Total Life Counseling Center.

The ADHD Effect on Marriage: What Are 10 Common Struggles?

Key Highlights The ADHD effect on marriage is real about 38% of individuals with ADHD report that their marriage nearly ended in divorce. Symptoms like distractibility, forgetfulness, and impulsivity can strain communication and emotional connection. Signs of inattention or forgetfulness [...]

By |2025-11-19T13:24:18+00:00November 14th, 2025|ADHD, Jim West|

What Are The 10 Most Effective Couples Therapy Activities?

Key Highlights Couples therapy activities help partners reconnect, rebuild trust, and improve communication through intentional daily practice. Simple exercises like daily check-ins, gratitude lists, and active listening foster emotional intimacy and deeper understanding. Communication-focused activities teach empathy, better listening [...]

By |2025-11-15T06:35:05+00:00November 6th, 2025|Couples, Jim West|

Does Couples Therapy Work? What You Should Know

Key Highlights Couples therapy helps partners rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional connection. Around 70–80% of couples report positive outcomes after consistent therapy sessions. Therapy works best when both partners are open, honest, and willing to make changes [...]

By |2025-11-15T06:35:31+00:00November 6th, 2025|Couples, Jim West|

What Are the Best Anger Management Techniques for Teens?

Key Highlights Teen anger often stems from stress, identity struggles, and emotional overwhelm. Recognizing early signs of anger helps prevent outbursts and promotes calm. Understanding the stages of anger allows teens to pause before reacting. Practical anger management techniques [...]

By |2025-10-31T10:19:31+00:00October 31st, 2025|Anger, Jim West|

What Are the Best Anger Management Techniques for Kids?

Key Highlights Anger is a natural emotion in children that often signals unmet needs or frustration. Understanding common triggers helps parents respond with empathy instead of punishment. Early signs like tense posture, loud voice, or tears show when anger [...]

By |2025-10-31T10:19:46+00:00October 31st, 2025|Anger, Jim West|

Essential ADHD Treatment For Kids: What You Should Know?

TL;DR Early treatment of ADHD prevents academic struggles, low self-esteem, and long-term emotional challenges. Behavioral therapy, medication, and structured lifestyle support form the core treatment options for kids. School-based interventions such as IEPs, 504 plans, and classroom strategies improve [...]

By |2025-09-19T07:35:05+00:00September 19th, 2025|ADHD, Jim West|

All Natural Support For ADHD For Kids​: What To Know?

TL;DR Natural ADHD support uses lifestyle strategies to boost calm, focus, and confidence. Nutrition with omega-3s, iron, zinc, and fewer additives supports mood and brain health. Regular exercise, especially outdoors, sharpens focus and reduces impulsivity. Mindfulness, neurofeedback, and memory [...]

By |2025-09-19T07:17:47+00:00September 19th, 2025|ADHD, Jim West|

Top ADHD In Kids Symptoms: What to Look For?

TL;DR ADHD in kids is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, organization, memory, impulse control, and self-regulation. Symptoms vary by type: inattentive (daydreaming, forgetfulness), hyperactive-impulsive (restlessness, impulsivity), or combined (a mix of both). Early ADHD combined type signs often [...]

By |2025-09-19T07:05:08+00:00September 17th, 2025|ADHD|

Is It Just Rebellion Or ODD In Teens? Key Warning Signs

TL;DR ODD is a behavioral condition that goes beyond typical teenage rebellion and causes persistent defiance and conflict. Teens with ODD often show frequent anger, irritability, arguing, refusal to follow rules, blaming others, and vindictive behavior. The causes of [...]

By |2025-09-26T09:50:37+00:00September 17th, 2025|Odd in kids|

What’s ODD in Kids? Recognizing Unusual Traits

TL;DR Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a persistent behavioral condition in children marked by defiance, irritability, and conflict with authority figures. ODD develops from combined biological, psychological, and environmental influences, often overlapping with ADHD, anxiety, or learning difficulties. Children [...]

By |2025-09-11T18:45:09+00:00September 11th, 2025|Jim West, Odd in kids|

Tips to Reach Defiant Children

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 [...]

Orlando Counselor’s Tips and Traveling Advice for People With ADHD

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 [...]

By |2025-04-17T20:33:49+00:00April 1st, 2025|ADHD, ADHD, Adults, Autism, Blog, Children, Jim West, Orlando, Parenting, Self-Care, Teens|

Strategies to Enhance Active Listening with Your Daughter From Orlando Counselor

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 [...]

3 Tips to Help you Avoid Valentines Day Disappointment

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 [...]

By |2025-06-05T08:00:55+00:00February 5th, 2025|Updates|

Sex, Students & Teachers | 10 Tips to Protect Your Child | Michelle Preston | Family Counselor

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 [...]

Orlando Social Skills Groups for Effective Peer Interaction

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 [...]

How to Help Electronic Addiction | Orlando Counselor

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 [...]

Co-Parenting a Child with ADHD | Orlando Counselor

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 [...]

Orlando Counselor on Dangers of Spring Break

        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 [...]

Complete Guide: Autism Symptoms in Adults Checklist: Orlando Counselor

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 [...]

By |2025-05-05T17:14:18+00:00March 15th, 2024|Anxiety, Autism, Blog, Depression, Diet, Family, Jim West, Orlando, Parenting, Self-Care, Self-growth, Social Skills|

Orlando Counselor on Benefits of Sensory Enrichment Therapy | High Functioning Autism Parenting

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 [...]

By |2025-04-15T10:05:30+00:00March 15th, 2024|Anxiety, Aspergers, Autism, Children, Family, Jim West, Orlando, Parenting, Teens, Treatment Alternatives|

Let’s Discuss Eating Disorders | Orlando Counselors

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 [...]

5 Ways Dads Impact Teen Self Esteem | Penn State Study | Orlando Counselor Jim West

"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 Counselor on The Effects of Trauma

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 [...]