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 [...]

Instagram Beauty Pageants | Teen Girls Self-Esteem | Orlando Counselor Tips for Parents

From Toddlers and Tiaras to Instagram Beauty Pageants, young girls are throwing themselves onto the merciless stage of judgment, comparisons, criticism and pain. According to an ABC News report, “Among the hottest activities on social media these days is [...]

7 Tips to Keep your New Year’s Resolutions | Forbes | Marriage Counselor Daily Buzz TV

2019 New Year's Resolutions | 7 Tips to Keep your New Year's Resolutions | Forbes Did you make a New Year’s Resolution for 2019? If you did, there is a strong possibility that you will not see it through to [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

5 Things to Say to a Child or Teen if a Peer Commits Suicide | Empathy Now | Orlando Counselor

Lake Mary Teen Suicide: 5 Things to Say to a Child or Teen if a Peer Commits Suicide A Lake Mary High School teen who struggled with mental health issues and who had just broken up with her boyfriend [...]

Super Bowl Commercial What “Like a Girl” Really Means Teaches 4 Self-Esteem Lessons | Orlando Counselor

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 [...]

3 Lies Teen Girls Believe | Orlando Teen Counselor Dana West, LCSW

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 [...]

Eating Disorders in Teens | Orlando Counselor

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 [...]

3 Things You Can Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Suffering From Anxiety and/or Depression.

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 [...]

Mental Health Counseling Awareness | Orlando Counselor

      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 Counselor | Video Tips to Keep your Child or Teen off the Bully Radar | Fox 35 Expert Jim West

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 [...]

Drug use in Central Florida Elementary Schools | 4 Common Signs of Substance Abuse in Teens

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 [...]

5 Steps for Back to School Success: Orlando Counselor

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 [...]

Facebook Posts Detect Alcohol Abuse in College Students | 4 Tips to Identify At-Risk Intoxication Dallas Counselor

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. [...]

Infertility and Its Effects: What You Need to Know

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 [...]

Overeating: Symptoms, Causes, and Coping Mechanisms for Better Mental Health

     Many people turn to overeating as a coping mechanism when they are dealing with difficult emotions or stress. Eating can provide a temporary distraction from negative feelings, and the act of eating can release feel-good chemicals in the [...]

Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Treatments | Orlando Counselor

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that affects a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. It is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, ranging from episodes of mania (a state of elevated [...]