Therapy for ADHD Child Orlando: Calm, Confidence & Better Focus Start Here
Are you worried because your child seems overwhelmed, and you’re unsure how to help them feel better?
Watching your child deal with big emotions, school challenges, or behaviors that feel difficult to manage can be heartbreaking. Feeling tired, scared, or unsure of your next step doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you care deeply and want to support your child in the best way possible.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own; support is closer than you think.
At Total Life Counseling, we make therapy easy for kids to connect with. Through play therapy, interactive activities, and hands-on approaches, children feel safe, understood, and supported while learning real-life emotional and behavioral skills.
Families across Orlando trust us because we genuinely connect with children and support parents with compassion and clarity. If you’re looking for Orlando children’s therapy that helps your child feel calmer, happier, and more confident, you’re in the right place.
What Causes ADHD in Children?
ADHD isn’t caused by poor parenting, too much energy, or too much screen time; it’s a neurodevelopmental condition related to how the brain grows and functions.
While every child’s story is different, research points to several common factors. These are the influences most often linked to ADHD:
- Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families.
- Brain Chemistry: Differences in neurotransmitters like dopamine can affect focus and impulse control.
- Brain Development: Variations in areas that regulate attention, planning, and self-regulation.
- Prenatal or Early-Life Factors: Premature birth, low birthweight, early exposure to toxins, or brain injuries.
Most importantly, parents need to know this: ADHD is not your fault, and it’s not your child’s fault either. With the right support, children with ADHD can learn, grow, and thrive.
What Are the Most Common Signs of ADHD in Children?
ADHD symptoms often appear in two main areas: inattention and hyperactivity/ impulsivity. Some children struggle mostly with focus, some with self-regulation and activity levels, and many experience a blend of both. Here are the signs parents most often notice:
Signs of Inattention
These behaviors usually show up when a child is trying to follow directions, stay organized, or complete tasks:
- Difficulty staying focused or finishing tasks
- Trouble listening or following instructions
- Losing items like homework or school supplies
- Becoming easily distracted
- Forgetting routines, responsibilities, or steps in a task
Signs of Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
These signs tend to appear when a child is expected to sit still, wait, or manage impulses:
- Constant fidgeting or needing to move
- Trouble sitting still during meals, class, or quiet time
- Interrupting conversations or acting before thinking
- Difficulty waiting for their turn
- High energy that feels hard to control
Every child is unique. Some signs are subtle, while others are more noticeable. If these behaviors are happening frequently and making daily life more challenging, it may be time to explore an ADHD evaluation.
What To Expect During an ADHD Evaluation?
Diagnosing ADHD involves looking at your child’s behavior across different settings and understanding how those patterns impact daily life.
Because no single test can diagnose ADHD, professionals use several steps to get a full picture. Here’s what the process typically includes:
- A detailed parent interview about behavior, development, and concerns
- Questionnaires completed by both parents and teachers
- Observation of your child’s focus, attention, and behavior patterns
- Review of school performance, feedback from teachers, and classroom challenges
- Screening for related concerns like anxiety, ASD, or learning differences
- Standardized ADHD rating scales to assess symptom patterns
A diagnosis is made only when symptoms are consistent, long-lasting, and affecting your child’s daily functioning at home, school, or socially. The goal isn’t to label your child, it’s to understand their needs clearly so they can receive the right support and have a chance to thrive.
What Types of Counseling Services Are Available for Children in Orlando at Total Life Counseling?
Cyberbullying
Defiance
Depression
Grief
Moms and Me Workshop
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Oppositional Defiance Disorder
Total Life In The News
Total Life Counseling Subject Matter Experts Have Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
Our subject matter experts have participated in over 150 national & local news interviews and they are here for you!
At Total Life Counseling Center our Counselors are Experts for National and Local TV, Radio and Print Media. We have an excellent reputation amongst graduate & private schools, attorneys, doctors, therapists, providers and corporations. We strive to ensure our therapists have diverse clinical backgrounds, to allow us to match each client to the therapist that will best meet his or her needs.
What Makes Our Counselors Different?
Our counselors take a child-centered approach that helps kids feel comfortable, understood, and supported from the moment they walk in. Instead of relying only on traditional talk therapy, we use strategies that match how children naturally express themselves, through play, creativity, movement, and interactive activities. This allows kids to open up more easily and builds trust quickly.
We work with children and families throughout the Orlando area who are navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, defiance, grief, trauma, social challenges, or behavioral concerns. Our therapists are also skilled in supporting kids dealing with video game addiction, school stress, family changes, and emotional overwhelm.
Here’s how our counselors support your child:
- Create a warm, safe environment where children feel seen and heard
- Use play-based and experiential methods to reduce pressure and build comfort
- Teach practical coping skills for big emotions like anger, anxiety, and frustration
- Help improve behavior through gentle, consistent strategies
- Strengthen communication, social skills, and emotional awareness
- Work closely with parents, so progress continues at home
If you’re unsure why your child is struggling or how to start the conversation about their feelings, our team is here to guide you with understanding and clarity. At TLC, we meet children where they are and help them grow from there.
Why Families Choose Total Life Counseling?
When your child is struggling, you need more than generic advice; you need real help that actually works. That’s why families choose Total Life Counseling. We provide child-focused care that feels supportive, practical, and truly effective, making the process feel easier from the very first conversation.
At Total Life Counseling, we believe real growth happens when children feel safe, connected, and understood. Our approach blends emotional support with creativity and hands-on experiences, helping kids build confidence, learn coping skills, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
Here’s How We Create Real Progress for Kids:
Families choose TLC because our therapists do not rely on long, overwhelming conversations. Instead, we use engaging, child-centered methods that make therapy feel natural and enjoyable. Sessions may include:
- Play therapy and recreation activities
- Interactive games and video games
- Art, creativity, and movement
- Group experiences, retreats, and camps
- Laughter, popcorn, and genuine connection
This approach helps children open up more easily, manage emotions better, and build real-life social and emotional skills while feeling supported rather than pressured.
At TLC, your child is never just another appointment. They are welcomed, understood, and encouraged to grow in a space that feels safe, fun, and meaningful.
Licensed Counselors & Therapists
Meet Our Team of Certified & Experienced Professionals
Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, Masters Level Therapists, Espanol Counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Business Coaches, Image Enhancement Coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. Our team of certified and experienced professionals, dedicated to serving a comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship issues such as couples, women and men’s issues, children and teens with oppositional defiance, video game addiction, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, and trauma survivors, is here to support and guide you through your journey towards healing and navigating life transitions. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the counseling provided but also builds trust within the community and among potential clients, who may be seeking support.
We offer next level counselors specialized in areas such as relationships, video game & drug/alcohol addictions, abuse, trauma, depression, and ADHD. Our Therapists are EMDR (eye movement desensitization) trauma therapy trained, cognitive behavioral therapy, specialize in ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Children, and are also professional Gottman method marriage couples counselors to give the best results to couples and to provide the best comprehensive spectrum of mental health and relationship care for our clients.
Struggling with Anger? We offer 8 hour anger management group therapy!
Discounted Rates and the president of Total Life Counseling Center Jim West does not want to turn people away and we have counselors at various levels of experience at a discounted rate that are trained by our next level counselors!
Jim West
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR, national certified counselor
President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Author, Social Skills, ADHD, ODD, ASD, children, teens, and more!
Dana West
MSW, Licensed clinical social worker
Vice President, Counselor, Guest Speaker, Addictions, Trauma, Couples, Abuse, and more!
Mathew Martin
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Counselor, Coach, Guest Speaker, Marriage, Individual Males, Substance Abuse and more!
Brandon Feinberg
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Male Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
Lyris Steuber
MS, licesned marriage & family therapist
Counselor, Coach, Marriage & Family, Play Therapy, Divorce, Adolescent and more!
Valerie Ware
Psychologist and Behavioral Specialist
Psychological Evaluator, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Anxiety, Gifted, Career Pathways, and emotional assessments.
Gemima McMahon
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in Women’s issues, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Cutting, Couples, Children and Teenagers and more!
Pedro Michael Valdez IV
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in personality disorders, trauma, depression, and anxiety for individuals, families, and couples.
Audrey DeBruler
MS, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Faith Based Counseling, Trauma Recovery, Anxiety and more!
David Duany
MA, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Social Skills, and Anger Management counseling for children, young adults, and families.
Katherine Waldheim
MS, Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Trauma, anxiety, couples counseling, and child & adolescent counseling services and more!
Deciding to seek out counseling can be very scary, but picking out a specific counselor can sometimes be even scarier. Here at Total Life Counseling you can be sure that your child is receiving the best care possible. We have a highly qualified staff that is full of caring and approachable individuals. These very counselors are often asked to provide advice on local news networks,print media, and radio, as well as speak at various conferences and seminars across the state of Florida. We often hear that it is easy to relate and open up to our counselors, and that is something that we take great pride in. But what makes Total Life Counseling a different, interactive counseling experience?
Total Life Counseling Center:
Jim West is the president/owner. Since 2003 Jim has expanded his staff by training counselors his approach to connect with teens to handle the demands and needs of families and teens in Central Florida. Currently we have offices in Metro Orlando including Metro West, Winter Park, East Orlando, Lake Mary and Clermont. Additionally, Jim has always thought of creative experiential treatment approaches to reach those who might not respond to traditional therapies.
Connects quickly with students
Jim West and his team have a unique way of bonding with children and adolescents through Play Therapy, Power Point Presentations, Interactive Games, Recreation Therapy and staying current with the constantly changing world of the children & adolescents. Jim West and his team of expert counselors also stays current with adolescents and he speaks to students at school assemblies, youth groups and conventions.
Licensed Mental Health Male & Female Teen Counselors, National Certified Counselor – Child Experts
Parent Testimonial
“Jim, you’re such a “valuable tool” even though some of the things you explained to our son, his dad and I have explained many times, for some reason they just “get it” better when it comes from a neutral third party. It’s great, the way you get “right into their life using humor” and you start building that “trust” and “respect.” You definitely have a “Gift,” I’m just so thankful we’ve been given an opportunity to see that “gift” working in our lives.”
Retreats:
We provide retreats for schools as well to help students resolve conflicts and repair past hurts.
Summer Camps:
Since 2004 incorporating a Challenge Ropes Course has helped students mature significantly, socially and emotionally, increase confidence, become calmer, more compliant, improved leadership skills, and a more positive influence on their peers.
Speaking Engagements:
He is asked to speak throughout the country, the Caribbean and Central America to the following organizations to list a few:
Community Involvement:
Jim West the president of Total Life Counseling Center was the producer of Sunday Night Live (Virginia) & Standing Room Only (a Saturday Night Live type program for High School Students in Lakeland) as well as Club 77. Club 77 was a Smoke Free Drug Free & Alcohol Free club for High School and College age students. Sunday Night Live & Standing Room Only were run by college students and the actors were teenagers entertaining other teens. These programs have built incredible self-confidence and developed talents and leadership skills for many teens. Jim has kept in touch with some of the teens that were involved in these programs and most are now adults involved in their community mentoring adolescents in some way. Jim is in the process of developing similar programs in Orlando.
Leadership Social Skills Support Group:
We lead social skills groups for ages 6-10, 11-13 and 14-17. This group is covers anger management, social skills, dealing with perceptions, greeting people, starting conversation, resolving conflict, apologizing, etc. The group utilizes interactive games focusing on building trust, focusing, not interrupting, etc. The group also utilizes short Power Point presentations to maintain attention and focus. The group also processes appropriate ways to express feelings of frustration or hurt.
Call us for a 15 Minutes Complimentary Phone Consultation – (407) 248-0030
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right therapist for my ADHD child?
Choose a therapist experienced in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral interventions, and behavior management for young children and older children. Look for someone who understands the core symptoms of ADHD, collaborates with family members, and tailors treatment to your individual child’s needs.
Can occupational therapy benefit children diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes. Occupational therapy supports attention deficit, problem behaviors, and organizational skills by teaching new skills that improve academic functioning and daily routines. It complements behavior therapy and can help children manage core ADHD symptoms through structured activities that build independence and confidence.
What are the most effective therapy options for children with ADHD?
Evidence-based ADHD treatment includes behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, social skills training, and behavioral parent training. Many children benefit from a combination of treatments, including stimulant medication when appropriate. These approaches target the core symptoms of ADHD and strengthen positive behaviors and self-regulation.
Are there any therapy approaches for ADHD that involve parent training?
Yes. Behavioral parent training and parent training programs teach parents strategies like positive reinforcement, positive attention, and consistent structure. These programs help parents of children with ADHD support good behavior, reduce behavior problems, and improve family routines.
Is teletherapy effective for treating children with ADHD?
Teletherapy can effectively support ADHD effects and attention deficit disorder, especially for older children. Therapists use digital tools to teach organizational skills, coping skills, and behavior strategies. Research in the United States shows telehealth can improve core ADHD symptoms when delivered consistently.
What should I expect during my child’s ADHD therapy sessions?
Sessions focus on managing the core symptoms of ADHD through behavioral interventions, social skills training, and organizational skills training. Therapists teach new skills for attention, routines, and behavior problems, home and school behavior charts, while guiding parents on home strategies to support treatment of ADHD.
Any suggestions for ADHD child counseling near me?
Look for therapists experienced in ADHD, behavior skills, and emotional regulation. Many families start with behavioral therapy for ADHD child near me because it focuses on building routines, reducing problem behaviors, and strengthening coping skills. Choose someone who offers practical, child-friendly strategies you can use at home.
How to research for therapy for ADHD child near me?
Begin by reviewing specialists who use proven therapy interventions for ADHD child and support programs like occupational therapy for ADHD child or skills training. Explore websites, parent reviews, and therapist backgrounds to ensure the approach fits your child’s needs.
What helped your ADHD kid the most when it came to school or learning?
Many parents say consistent routines, positive reinforcement, and clear expectations helped most. Combining behavior therapy, school support, and patience made daily life easier. Teaching organizational skills, using visual reminders, and staying calm during tough moments also created real, steady progress for their child.
Total Life Blog
Articles & Tips From TLC Therapists
Total Life Counseling Center provides counseling, therapy, coaching, camps and career services for all of central Florida, including: Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, College Park, Dr. Phillips, Pine Castle, Conway, Windermere, Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oviedo, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Sanford, Deland, De Bary, Deltona, Daytona, New Smyrna, Cocoa, Titusville, Merritt Island, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, Mt. Dora, the Villages and the tri-cities of Tavares, Eustis and Leesburg.
Our counseling, therapy, camps, group, coaching and career services are conveniently located in:
Main Office:
Southwest Orlando FL | Metrowest, Windermere, Winter Garden, FL | 1507 S. Hiawassee Road #101, Orlando, FL 32835
Satellite Offices:
1. Winter Park, FL | Downtown Orlando, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, FL | 1850 Lee Road #215, Winter Park, FL 32789
2. East Orlando, FL | Waterford Lakes UCF | 1850 Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826
3. Clermont, FL | Minneola Groveland, FL | 100 N. Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711
4. Lake Mary, FL | Longwoord, Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Springs, FL | 1325 S International Pkwy #2221, Lake Mary, FL 32746
