Empowering Children with Autism in Lake Mary – Your Trusted Support System
We know how hard it can be to watch your child struggle—with communication, social interactions, or sensory overload. As a parent, your heart aches because you just want your child to feel understood, confident, and capable.
But figuring out where to begin? That can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Lake Mary comes in.
We specialize in autism therapy that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs, strengths, and pace. Whether your little one needs help expressing emotions, connecting with others, or navigating the world around them, we’re here—with compassion, expertise, and real solutions.
At TLC, we don’t just focus on behavior—we focus on your whole child. Our goal is to help them build confidence, communication skills, and independence—so they can thrive in their own beautiful way.
You’re not alone in this. We’re with you, every step of the way—helping you and your child create a brighter, more connected future.
What is Autism Therapy and Why Does It Matter?
When your child is on the autism spectrum, everyday moments can feel overwhelming—for both of you.
They might struggle to make friends, understand emotions, or even get through a routine without feeling frustrated or overstimulated. And as a parent, it can feel heartbreaking not knowing how to help.
That’s where Autism Therapy comes in—and why it matters so much.
At Total Life Counseling (TLC) in Lake Mary, we provide the kind of support that meets your child where they are, and helps them grow—emotionally, socially, and behaviorally.
Through proven methods our warm and experienced autism therapists in Lake Mary help children:
- Build meaningful friendships and understand social cues
- Express emotions in healthier, more confident ways
- Reduce anxiety, meltdowns, or aggressive behaviors
- Cope with sensory overload and overwhelming environments
- Develop independence in daily routines like dressing, eating, or school transitions
At TLC, we believe every child has unique strengths—and with the right guidance, those strengths can shine. Our approach is compassionate, personalized, and always focused on helping your child (and your family) feel seen, supported, and empowered.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We’re here to walk beside you, every step of the way.
Why Early Autism Therapy Matters?
When your child is on the autism spectrum, every milestone matters—and we know how much you want to see them grow, connect, and feel confident in their world.
At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we believe that early intervention can make all the difference. Our personalized autism counseling in Lake Mary is designed to gently support your child’s development while empowering your whole family.
With the help of our compassionate and skilled autism therapists, we focus on:
- Strengthening communication and social interaction so your child can express themselves and build relationships
- Reducing problematic behaviors through supportive, research-backed behavior strategies
- Encouraging emotional resilience, helping your child better navigate frustration, anxiety, and transitions
- Providing parent and family counseling so you feel confident, informed, and never alone in this journey
We know every child is different—and so is every therapy plan. That’s why we work closely with your family to create an individualized approach that supports growth at home, in school, and in the community.
| Let’s take this step together. Your child’s potential is powerful—and we’re here to help it shine. |
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How TLC Helps Children with Autism in Lake Mary?
At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we understand that no two children on the autism spectrum are the same. Each child has their own strengths, challenges, and ways of seeing the world—and that’s exactly where our care begins.
Our warm and experienced autism therapists in Lake Mary are here to provide more than just therapy. We offer a safe, nurturing space where your child feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether they’re struggling with communication, social skills, or emotional regulation, we’re here to walk with them—and with you—every step of the way.
We know this journey can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why we partner closely with families to create therapy plans that truly reflect your child’s needs and goals—because healing works best when we work together.
If you’re looking for personalized, compassionate autism therapy in Lake Mary, TLC is here for you.
| Same-week appointments available—book yours today and take the first step toward lasting support. |
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy)
We know how tough it can be when your child is struggling to express themselves, connect with others, or handle everyday routines. As a parent, your heart aches for them—you want to help, but it’s hard to know where to begin.
At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we’re here to walk that journey with you. Our warm and experienced ABA therapists in Lake Mary offer compassionate, personalized support that meets your child where they are.
Through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we help children with autism:
- Find their voice – developing clear and confident communication
- Feel more in control – replacing difficult behaviors with helpful ones
- Grow in independence – learning to navigate daily routines with ease
We know every child learns differently. That’s why we create therapy plans that feel safe, encouraging, and full of heart—whether in your home, your child’s school, or our cozy clinic.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
f your child often feels overwhelmed by big emotions, struggles with anxiety, or has a hard time managing stress—you’re not alone. Many children with autism spectrum disorder experience emotional ups and downs that are hard for them to explain or manage on their own.
At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a warm, supportive setting to help your child:
- Understand what they’re feeling and why
- Learn simple tools to calm their mind and body
- Replace negative thoughts with more helpful, confident ones
- Build emotional awareness and healthy coping strategies
Our compassionate mental health counselors in Lake Mary work closely with each child to gently guide them through this process, always at their own pace. We believe every child deserves to feel understood, empowered, and emotionally safe.
Social Skills Groups
If your child finds it hard to make friends, join conversations, or feel comfortable in group settings—you’re not alone. For many children with autism, social situations can be confusing, even overwhelming. And as a parent, watching your child feel isolated or left out can be incredibly painful.
At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we understand just how important connection is—for your child, and for you.
That’s why we offer gentle, supportive social skills groups where children can:
- Practice everyday social interactions at a pace that feels safe and manageable
- Understand body language, facial expressions, and tone without pressure or judgment
- Learn how to build and keep friendships, step by step
- Grow confidence in who they are, while feeling accepted just as they are
Led by experienced and caring autism therapists in Lake Mary, our groups are more than just lessons—they’re a space where your child can feel understood, included, and encouraged.
Sand Tray Therapy
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your child struggling—but even more so when they can’t find the words to explain what they’re feeling. Maybe they’ve started acting out. Maybe they’ve become quiet and withdrawn. You know something’s going on, but you’re not sure how to reach them.
That’s where Sand Tray Therapy at Total Life Counseling (TLC) can make a powerful difference.
This gentle, play-based therapy gives children a safe and natural way to express what they’re feeling—without needing to talk. Using miniature figures and a tray filled with soft sand, children create scenes that reflect their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s more than play—it’s their inner world made visible.
Whether they build peaceful landscapes or chaotic storms, every grain of sand tells a story. Our compassionate therapists are trained to interpret these symbols with care, helping your child process emotions like anxiety, fear, or grief—at their own pace.
No pressure. Just space to feel, explore, and heal.
And for parents like you, it opens a window into your child’s emotional world—giving you insight and tools to support them with greater empathy.
| At TLC, we don’t just help your child feel heard—we help them feel safe, seen, and understood. Let’s walk this journey together. |
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Supporting Your Child Every Step of the Way
At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we know how overwhelming it can feel when your child is struggling—and you’re not sure where to turn. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to walk beside you with care, clarity, and compassion.
Here’s how we help:
- We see the whole child: Not just the diagnosis. Every child with autism spectrum disorder has unique strengths—and we’re here to help those strengths shine.
- We offer the right tools, at the right time: From behavior analysis to CBT and social skills training, we tailor every step of therapy to meet your child exactly where they are.
- We listen—to your child and to you: You know your child best. We’ll work together to create a personalized plan that fits your family’s needs and feels doable in your daily life.
- We create a safe space for growth: Our warm, welcoming environment helps children feel understood, supported, and confident as they learn and grow.
- We’re here for parents too: Raising a child with autism can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Testimonials
A Few Kind Words From Satisfied Clients
“He is doing so well! We are continuing with the diet changes and vitamins and his attitude is so much better. You were right! – kids don’t see you for very long [because of the diet, supplements and coaching]! We are so grateful for your help. We were in a bad place before we saw you and I am really amazed at the difference.”
Anne Marie
Parent
“So glad you duked it out with us. You always gave way above and beyond what I think most in your field would have. And I don’t think anyone else could have reached our teenage son as you did. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.”
Kristi
Parent & Teacher
“Jim, thank you again for giving so much of your time on Friday. The feedback I got from everyone that attended was extremely positive. I also gave a copy of your DVD to one of our teachers. Your help will make an enormous difference for Daniel both at home and at school.”
Anonymous
“We were so thankful to Total Life Counseling. Over the past five years, we had seen five other counselors/psychologists with our son, but in the last 1 1/2 years our son gained skills to cope. The ADHD/Social Skills group helped our son realize that he was not alone. The parenting skills group helped us know how to anticipate problems and equipped us to handle them. Thank you to Jim and the caring team of professionals at Total Life Counseling – you are an answer to prayer.”
Tim & Janet
Parents
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!
Brandon Feinberg
MS, LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Male Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
Audrey DeBruler
MS, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Faith Based Counseling, Trauma Recovery, Anxiety 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.
Struggling with ADHD, ASD or Defiance?
It’s Time to Stress Less!
Everyone knows someone struggling with ADHD, ASD or Defiance. So, Jim West Developed the StressLess Educational Series as a comprehensive video program to help people all over the world! StressLess Now or Book Jim as a Guest Speaker Today! Click for more info and free video tips.
Lake Mary Office Location
Our Lake Mary office location, conveniently located at 725 Primera Blvd, Primeira court one, in Lake Mary, FL provides marriage, family, child, adolescent therapy and more services for all ages.
Total Life Counseling Lake Mary
725 Primera Blvd
Primera Court One, Suite 135
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Why Choose TLC for Autism Therapy in Lake Mary?
When your child is facing challenges, you want more than just therapy—you want a team that truly understands. At Total Life Counseling (TLC), we walk beside you with open hearts, real expertise, and unwavering support.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Therapy That’s All About Your Child: Every child is beautifully unique, and so is our approach. We create personalized therapy plans that nurture your child’s strengths and gently guide them through their struggles.
- Therapists Who Truly Care: Our team isn’t just experienced—we’re deeply compassionate. From autism therapy and ABA to emotional support, we’re here to lift your child up, one step at a time.
- Support for the Whole Family: We know this journey affects everyone. That’s why we empower parents and caregivers with tools, encouragement, and honest guidance—because when families thrive, children do too.
- Therapy That Fits Your Life: We offer flexible sessions—in our warm, welcoming clinic, in your home, or even at school—so your child can feel supported wherever they feel safest.
- Proven, Gentle Methods That Work: We use evidence-based techniques that help your child grow with confidence, communication, and resilience—at a pace that feels just right for them.
| You’re not in this alone. We’re here to help your child feel seen, heard, and celebrated—just as they are. Let’s take that first step together. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my child needs autism therapy?
If your child has trouble communicating, making friends, or managing emotions, therapy can help. A consultation with an autism therapist Lake Mary can provide insight into the best next steps.
2. What therapy approach is best for my child?
We offer ABA therapy, CBT, social skills training, and family counseling, all customized to your child’s needs.
3. Can therapy take place at home or school?
Yes! We offer school-based and home-based therapy in Lake Mary to provide support in familiar environments.
4. How soon can we start therapy?
Our therapists are available quickly—often within a week of your call. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
5. Does insurance cover autism therapy?
Many insurance plans cover autism therapy in Lake Mary. Our team can help verify your coverage and discuss payment options
Total Life In The News
Total Life Counseling Play Therapy Experts Have Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
Our subject matter experts have participated in over 200 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.