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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Tips for Changing Schools and Social Adjustment | Back to School Will I make friends as great as my old friends? Will I make friends at all? Who will I sit with at lunch? Will I connect with my [...]
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 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. [...]
The mental health crisis among teenagers is a growing concern that needs immediate attention. According to a recent study, one in every five teenagers experiences some form of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or stress. This is [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
What are the most common types of trauma that people in Orlando seek counseling? The most common types of trauma that people in Orlando seek counseling for include car accidents, natural disasters, domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood abuse. Trauma [...]
"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 Mental Health Counselor on 4 self-esteem tips the Superbowl Commercial “Like a Girl" commercial teaches! You may have caught the reality-based commercial in which girls of various ages were asked to “Run like a girl.” The commercial beautifully [...]
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 [...]
Disney’s Frozen is all the rage ever since it came out and there are many redeeming qualities in reference to girls self esteem tips! Even my 3 year old girl is obsessed with it. She can sing all the [...]
Ever stopped and wondered what happened to my sweet little baby girl while glancing at you’re teenage daughter struggling with self-esteem, relationships, and mood swings? It seems that it is a rite of passage in our society for teenage [...]
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 [...]
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics (Journal of American Medical Association) reported that between 2016 and 2020, youth anxiety increased a 29% in the United States. How Can I Show Support To Someone Suffering From Anxiety? If you are [...]
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 [...]
The school year has begun and soon so will Fall sports for many our children. Soccer, baseball, t-ball are all slated to begin. And unless you’ve been under a rock then you may not have heard of Mo'ne Davis, [...]
This article summarizes the potential positive and negative impacts of social media on children and adolescents, primary areas for mental health, and well-being concerns. Approximately 95% of youth ages 13-17 reported using some type of social media platform; with [...]
Roughly 75% of teenagers have access to computers, video game consoles, and smartphones. With such a high percentage of teens having access to personal technology, 40% of teen boys say they spend too much time playing video games and [...]
According to statistics, most kids are spending three and a half hours a day on social media. This is alarming because kids who use social media more than three hours a day risk doubling their mental health issues which [...]
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 [...]
Summer is coming to a close. Play dates, family vacations and trips to grandma’s house may have made for a great time. With over a week left until school starts, the thought of going back to school may elicit [...]
Over the past 10 years, Social media has significantly influenced our daily lives. Facebook and Twitter have become commonplace for dating, connecting, and socializing. Most recently, studies have shown an increase in college aged drinking, especially among male students. [...]
Orlando Teen Counselor Therapist “The thing I remember most about middle school was how tough it was. You're not quite an adult, but you're not a kid anymore.” Jen Walters” It is this battlefield of questions that we leave [...]
Roughly 95% of adolescents aged 13-17 report using social media. Social media use can present mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression, in children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media. This [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Attachment is vital to a child and the caregiver's responsiveness to the child is paramount to securing that attachment. Attachment issues are very prevalent in our society today and can play out in a variety of ways. Things such [...]
As Valentine’s Day approaches, everyone is thinking about that special someone or those friends that have never left your side. On this special day we celebrate love and friendship. Friendship is an interesting phenomenon. As human beings, we enjoy [...]
Have you ever struggled with accepting help when needed? How about believing “yes you can accomplish it all” to then find yourself overwhelmed? One of my biggest struggles is accepting help or even asking for help when I need [...]
Student Mental Health Statistics Florida ranks 30th in the nation for dealing with youth mental health 1 in 10 Florida kids suffered a major depressive episode in the last year 2/3rds of those kids said they never got help [...]
The impact of infertility is not discussed enough, but it is a prevalent problem. Its effects take a toll on a person physiologically and mentally. One in eight couples have reported to have difficulty conceiving or maintaining pregnancy. There [...]
Students with learning disabilities such as ADHD often have trouble with homework and maintaining focus on assignments that require full attention. Some common problems are seen in children with ADHD such as easy distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, inattention, fidgeting, and [...]
With summer coming to an end, many kids have experienced a change in their sleeping habits. Children get less sleep in the summer due to long nights of staying up late without the responsibility of having school the next [...]
According to Orlando anxiety counseling experts we all experience anxiety, but it can be especially hard for many people. There are several aspects of life that may induce anxiety. Recently, fidget rings have surfaced and seem to be helping [...]
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. [...]
"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 [...]
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 [...]
Mean Girls, Slumber Parties, and Suicide/3 Tips to Help Parents Understand Bullying Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Indirect Aggression may provoke adolescents to suicide if not addressed in time. On April 16, 2011, a slumber party in Minnesota became national news [...]
Tips for helping a friend who is cutting
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 [...]
