Navigating Big Feelings
Here are some practical tips for managing big feelings—like anger, sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm. These strategies are designed for adults and older kids, and they can also be adapted for younger children with some guidance in the first place.Tips to Manage Big Feelings1. Name the FeelingIdentifying and verbalizing your emotions can be a powerful tool in managing them effectively. A [...]
Nurturing Relationships
How can communication improve a romantic relationship? Effective communication fosters understanding and trust in romantic relationships, deepening affection. By openly sharing feelings and discussing issues constructively, partners can appreciate each other's shortcomings. Active listening strengthens emotional connections and intimacy. This transparency resolves conflicts, enhances closeness, and creates a supportive environment for a healthier, more fulfilling relationship. Here are some [...]
Celebrating Dads: The Unsung Heroes of Parenting
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 of fatherhood can significantly enhance America. Positive transformation starts not in Congress but at home, and organizations like the National [...]
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 is essential to approach these situations with empathy and understanding, recognizing that defiance can often stem from various underlying issues, [...]
Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar I Disorder, and Bipolar II Disorder are distinct mental health disorders with similar symptoms and overlapping characteristics, but critical differences in presentation, duration, and effective treatment options for the right treatment. Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by significant changes in unstable moods and behavior change, and relationships. Individuals with BPD often struggle with intense [...]
ADHD-Friendly Games and Activities from Orlando Counselor
Here are some fun ADHD-friendly games and activities designed for elementary-age children. These activities support attention, self-regulation, impulse control, and emotional expression, while also being fun and engaging. What are the common symptoms of ADHD in children and adults? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the [...]
Winter Garden Shots Fired: Trauma Recovery Techniques
May 31st, 2025 the recent domestic dispute between a married couple off Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden, Fla., where gunshots were reported outside downtown Winter Garden City Hall during a domestic dispute on Saturday evening, involved the Winter Garden Police Department and has understandably left the community shaken. Despite the fortunate absence of physical injuries, when families were [...]
Unlock Success: 6 Essential Tips for ADHD Support
Helping an elementary school child with ADHD involves supporting their emotional regulation, attention skills, and confidence — while also equipping caregivers and teachers with practical strategies. Managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires a combination of strategies and support, as individuals often face challenges with inattention, focus, organization, and impulse control that can impact various aspects of their lives. [...]
Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder Traits
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), also referred to as sociopathy, is a complex mental health condition characterized by a lack of empathy and persistent patterns of disregard for others' rights, societal norms, and ethical standards, often resulting in individuals exhibiting antisocial traits and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder by manipulating others for personal gain while ignoring the negative consequences of [...]
Exploring Personality Disorders and Mental Health Disorders
Understanding the distinctions between personality disorders and other mental health conditions is crucial for the diagnosis of a personality disorder and treating these conditions effectively. While both fall under the umbrella of mental health issues, they differ in their symptoms, duration, impact, and treatment approaches. Individuals with personality disorders often struggle to form and maintain close relationships due to [...]
Understanding PTSD in Doctors: Essential Support Strategies
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by exposure to traumatic events, particularly the traumatic event of witnessing or experiencing life-threatening situations. While commonly associated with military personnel and first responders, PTSD symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder in medical doctors is an underrecognized yet critical issue related to mental health problems. Physicians [...]
First Responders: Effective Strategies for PTSD Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health issue among first responders, including law enforcement officers (LEOs), firefighters (FFs), emergency medical services technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. These professionals face unique occupational hazards that expose them to repeated trauma, placing them at a much higher risk for PTSD compared to the general population. This essay explores the prevalence of [...]
Treating Nurses with PTSD: Challenges and Solutions
Nurses, including clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), play a crucial role in the healthcare system, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care through their expertise, compassion, and dedication. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises after exposure to traumatic events, such as violence, unexpected death, or life-threatening situations. While PTSD is often associated with military [...]
Orlando Mental Health Counselor’s Tips for Smart Screentime
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 rock classes, catch up on sleep, go for bike rides, vacation with family, go to the beach, get bored, go [...]
Identifying Narcissistic Personality Disorder Traits From Orlando Counselor
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 conditions like pathological narcissism, beginning by early adulthood. Understanding its traits and treatment options is essential for diagnosis and management. [...]
Orlando Counselor on Antisocial Personality Disorder Traits
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), also referred to as sociopathy, is a complex mental health condition characterized by persistent patterns of disregard for the rights of others, societal norms, and ethical standards, which can put individuals at a high risk of causing harm to themselves or others through various antisocial behaviors, including criminal behavior. In many cases, adverse childhood experiences [...]
Orlando Counselor on Understanding Personality Disorders
Understanding the distinctions between personality disorders and other mental health problems is crucial for diagnosing and treating these conditions effectively, particularly according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. While both fall under the umbrella of mental health issues, they differ in their symptoms, duration, impact, and treatment approaches, which a mental health provider should strongly consider, [...]
Orlando Counselor on Toxic Relationships and Your Mental Health
Toxic relationships encompass a range of detrimental behaviors, including jealousy, dishonesty, control issues, toxic communication patterns, lack of support, and betrayal. These behaviors can have severe repercussions on mental health in a romantic relationship, often resulting in heightened stress levels, increased anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Recognizing the signs of a toxic relationship is crucial to address issues promptly. [...]
Food Regulations and ADHD From an Orlando Counselor
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 enacted, prohibiting four harmful chemicals in food manufactured, sold, or distributed within the state to protect public health service. These [...]
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 of the condition. These challenges can often result in heightened stress levels, impulsivity, and difficulties with time management when compared [...]
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 for open and honest conversations to flourish. Active listening involves giving your full attention, being present in the moment, and [...]
Hypersensitivity Management for ADHD: Key Coping Techniques
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 a person’s mental health and ability to maintain high energy levels and focus on tasks. Additionally, individuals may experience a [...]
Self-Harm Counselor asks Should Self-Mutilation Be considered Suicidal Behavior
Orlando Self Harm counselor answers the question if self mutilation should be considered suicidal behavior? Although all behavior that causes tissues damage should be assessed for lethality, the intent of self-mutilating behavior is one of reaffirming life. So no, it is not a suicidal act and the person should not be treated as if they had attempted to end their [...]
Selfish in Relationships: Recognizing Behavior Patterns
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 is the importance of sharing. Acts of selflessness, such as prioritizing our partner's desires or going the extra mile for [...]
Orlando Screen Addiction Counselor
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. In the past five years alone, the time spent on screens has surged by at least 30%, and the rampant [...]