The counselors at Orlando Counseling Specialists are committed to meeting the needs of everyone who seeks our help.  The heart of our counseling center is to provide a safe place for people of all ages, with any kind of struggle or need, where someone can walk beside you in your journey toward emotional and spiritual health and wholeness.

COUNSELING SPECIALITIES:

1. MEN & WOMENS ISSUES

Some of the common issues men and women face include: Depression, Anxiety, Marital Conflict, Sexual/Verbal/Physical Abuse, Grief & Trauma Recovery (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Divorce and Addictions.  We work with anyone struggling with any mood disorder or personality disorder and another issue we commonly see relates to spiritual issues of guilt and shame.

2. TRAUMA

We have a specialist who works with men, women and children who have suffered from various types of trauma, including physical abuse, emotional and verbal abuse, and sexual abuse, as well as other types of trauma such as grief and loss.  At therapy technique called EMDR is used to help those who are experiencing the anxiety and depression that comes from such trauma.

3. FAMILY THERAPY

When working with children, adolescents and teens, I specialize in family therapy.  I believe there are optimum results when the entire family is involved in helping one child who is struggling.  In is common for many struggles to begin in the home for a variety of reasons, this is why it is important to focus on the family as I also focus on the child.  It is my goal to always move the child toward a better relationship with their parent, not put a wedge between them.  In working with families, I am able to observe family relational patterns and other issues that are easy to manage once they are brought to the forefront

4. CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND TEENS

The two greatest needs our children face while they are in school, are one, good and trusting friends, and two, acceptance among their peers.  Every issue mentioned, in some way, is related to these two needs, so it shouldn’t be a surprise when we see the behaviors and attitudes of our children changing at times as they seek to make friends and gain peer acceptance.  Common struggles among children, adolescents, teens and their families include:

Depression
Depression is best defined by feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness to the degree that it interferes with normal functioning.  If depressed feelings persist and impact the child’s ability to function, then we need to be concerned.

Social and Performance Anxiety
Though anxiety is one of the most common disorders among children, adolescents and teens, with proper intervention, any child ca overcome general anxiety, social anxiety and performance anxiety and avoid a lifetime of suffering.  In Middle School, children worry about social status, social acceptance, academic and athletic performance.  A parent should be concerned when worry is impacting a child’s functioning.  It is not based on what the child is worry about, but on his or her level of functioning.

Self-Destructive Behaviors
The most common self-destructive behaviors we see in adolescents and teens include, “cutting”, eating disorders, and sometimes suicidal ideation.  Self-destructive behaviors are much more difficult for adults to recognize and understand.  When a child stops eating, or binges and purges, or cuts themselves, and discusses suicide with friends, it usually is an indication that they are in some kind of emotional pain and parents need to get them the help that they need.

Bullying
Bullying is much more of a common problem than one might expect, but it happens all the time.  In Middle School and High School, we are seeing many types of bullying.  For example, there is cyber bulling, emotional bullying, physical bullying, racist bullying, sexual bullying and verbal bullying, and in a few cases stalking.  Bullying impacts a child’s self-esteem and often causes depression.  In the worst cases, it can create more destructive behaviors in teens and adults.

ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among children and adolescents has become an ever increasing issue.  Many children are placed on medications, yet few seek the counseling they need to learn the skills to manage their emotions.  Once children have the tools, I believe they can do anything.

Psycho educational Testing and Diagnostic Testing
For t hose who are interested in testing their children with the basic psycho educational testing or any diagnostic testing, I have the opportunity to provide this service for you.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder and Conduct Disorder
Any child, adolescent or teen who is out of control with their anger, disrespectful behavior toward authority, or destructive and harmful behaviors, should seek immediate help.

Addictions
Common addiction among adolescents and teens include: Alcohol, Overeating, Over Exercising, Compulsive Shopping, Pornography, Sexual and Emotional Addictions, and Video Games.

5. PLAY THERAPY

Play therapy is used when working with young children and adolescents.  It is designed to help the therapist and child to interact and engage in conversations through play, in order to draw out the child as well as help the therapist and child develop a good and safe environment for successful counseling to take place.  We have a counselor here who loves to work with children through play therapy and we have found it to be very effective.

6. GENDER IDENTITY AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION ISSUES

As our culture has changed, so have the attitudes and behaviors changed in the area of sexual identity.  Though gay, lesbian, and bisexuality are leading the charge in our Middle Schools and High Schools, I have found in my practice that many of our children and adolescents are struggling to make sense of their sexuality and are doing so through experimentation.  I believe that a young person cannot define his or her sexual orientation by their experimentation.  As I work with those who desire guidance, I explore with them, their experiences, needs and emotions in order to help them make sense of their struggles.  I also help to educate parents as to the whys behind a struggle such as this, and encourage open, honest communication with their adolescent or teen.  In most cases, this is just another area where our young people are experimenting, and for those who seek help and guidance, most work this issue out in positive ways.

7.  GROUP THERAPY

Group therapy is available for adolescent and teen boys and girls on a variety of topics.  We also provide support groups for adults who are struggling with a variety of issues.  Check out more information about groups by clicking on speaking events.