Orlando’s Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy and Life Coach Professionals

Amy Smith, MA, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

My name is Amy Smith and I am a new counselor here at Life Skills Resource Group. I have been working in the mental health field for the past eight years, traveling from one side of Orlando to the other meeting with families and individuals in their homes. When you are invited into another person’s home you learn many wonderful things about that person and their family, which can be beneficial to the counseling process as well as to you as a counselor. Not to mention, you really learn your way around Orlando.

One thing that I learned as a counselor on the road in Orlando is that people are generally good and they have the best of intentions when it comes to their families. But good intentions do not always produce good results. Often, people just need a bit of guidance, new ideas, support, and above all, hope. When a family has given up hope in their ability to make progress toward their wants, needs, and goals, it is a great opportunity to seek help from an experienced counselor. When a child, individual, parent, or family has lost hope, the counselor can be entrusted with the task of re-establishing hope and inspiring the family to believe that positive change can take place.

A quote I came across recently by counselor Rabbi Shmuley says it best, “The real purpose of counseling a family [couple, child, individual] is not to point out right and wrong, but to inspire them to choose the right and reject the wrong”. A family without hope has no inspiration. Without inspiration, a family has little chance of making the right choices that will result in meaningful and positive change. Hope alone won’t solve the problem, but it’s a great place to start.

The Orlando counselors and life coaches at Life Skills Resource Group have made a commitment to help individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families regain hope and make positive healthy changes in their lives and would be honored to help you and your family. Please read about OUR TEAM here at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando and become familiar with the counselors and life coaches who are willing to help you on your journey.  Phone consultations are always FREE.

To read more about: Amy Smith
To contact: amyvsmith@earthlink.net
Phone: 407.435.1509

Jessica Stage, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Work Intern

Although the weather is still chilly, it is nearly March! What have you accomplished since January? Have some of your resolutions been neglected or forgotten? Spring is a time of new beginnings and the perfect time to speak to one of the Orlando life coaches or therapists at Life Skills Resource Group!

Spring cleaning is not just for your house! Your mind may have negative thoughts or anxious feelings that have outstayed their welcome. You may not realize how often you tell yourself that “I can’t do that!” or “they probably wouldn’t think I was capable”. There could be an opportunity for a great new career or meaningful relationship out there that you have overlooked due to not thinking you are worth it. A therapist can help you to find the faith in yourself that has been missing, assisting you to become more assertive and less anxious.

A bad habit can develop over a lifetime, but do not require many years to overcome! A counselor can share proven techniques that will empower you to end negative thought and behavior patterns. You may use food to give yourself a “reward” but wind up feeling guilty after overindulging. You may be so anxious that you don’t speak up enough at work, and get passed over for a promotion. Your angry outbursts may be threatening your relationship. These challenges are in your power to control, and overcome!

Just the journey to discover a therapist can be overwhelming. You may be wondering if you can afford therapy, how long it will take until you are “better”, and what kind of therapist is best for you. On the Orlando Life Skills Resource Group “Our Team” portion of the website you can see pictures and information about each of our therapists and their specialties. If you would like to know more or have a question, feel free to email or call any of us. In our FREE consultation we can answer these questions and let you know what your options may be.

Some of our therapist are in network with Cigna Behavioral Health, and we are able to work with many insurance policies to utilize your “out of network” benefits. You can complete our simple Insurance Verification Form and we can let you know the results.

Our team at Life Skills Resource Group wishes you luck in discovering a BETTER YOU this spring!

Jessica

To read more about Jessica Stage, MSW work at LSRG

Jean Austin Danner, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

The Counselors and Life Coaches of Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando do the work we do because we want to participate in making peoples’ lives and relationships better in some way. This may involve helping people: find peace of mind or joy in living, repair ruptured relationships, become more effective parents, learn how to cope with interpersonal situations that are not fixable, make some hard choices for the long-term good, or clarify and develop strategies to achieve specific life goals. Counseling and life coaching cannot provide solutions to all of life’s challenges, but there can be amazing benefit from accessing the resources of our trained professionals.

Although we have all learned similar psychological theories or life coaching approaches, each of us at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando uses our education and training in our own unique way. Clients are also an active part of the process. Counselors and life coaches contribute certain skills and understandings to the therapeutic encounter, but we are not the “experts” who prescribe what to do and how to do it, while the client passively receives that information. Clients already have their own strengths and skills to contribute. The therapeutic journey involves a co-creative dynamic that emerges from the interaction of each client and each practitioner.

Many people who seek counseling or life coaching do so because they are sad, worried, confused, feel overwhelmed, stuck, or somehow derailed in their lives. They may be trying to adjust to a loss (of a loved one, a job, a role, independent functioning, health, their sense of value). Counseling and life coaching are not just about solving problems, or helping alleviate distress, though. People can choose to come in because they want to grow and more fully develop themselves and their life potential. Reaching out for professional support reflects a desire and commitment to make life better.

As Counselors and Life Coaches at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando, we offer you our knowledge, our skills and our ability to hear you and be present with you. We want to help create a special place that allows you to come to know yourself in fresh ways and to develop new capacities. We know that we are honored by your choice to share your life stories with us and to let us walk some of your life journeys with you. We are each dedicated to doing our best for you.

So, click to read about OUR TEAM here at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando and check out the counselors and life coaches. Go ahead and contact any one of us to find out who we are and what we are about as you decide to take a helpful step for yourself and your life.  Phone consultations are always FREE.

Click to read about Jean Austin-Danner, MSW, LCSW or contact her at counselingwoman@earthlink.net, or 407.399.6311 for a Free Phone Consultation.

Jean Austin-Danner, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

by Jean Austin-Danner, MSW, LCSW

If you are looking for a counselor or life coach in Orlando, you might find it helpful to know why that professional is in this line of work. I am one of the counselors here at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando and this is my answer to that question.

I obtained my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work in 1990. I don’t completely remember why I chose that particular educational path. I had been through my own counseling during my college years and it helped a lot, so I was a believer. In college, as I took the introductory psychology and sociology courses to fulfill general education requirements, I also noticed that I felt a real attraction to working with peoples’ inner beings. It was exciting to discover this world of psychological stuff and I went where that flow took me.

Now, twenty plus years later, I have a somewhat different perspective. Over my time of working in this field, I have experienced many people coming to me expecting that I will have the answers to solve their problems, or a way to take away their pain. I remember once saying something like that to my own counselor, years ago. He responded, “Do you think I have a magic wand?” I sure wished he did. It has taken me a long time to realize that having this as a therapeutic goal, for myself or for my clients, is really not helpful.

So, if I’m not doing this work to solve peoples’ problems, or take away their pain, what am I doing it for? Einstein’s words have offered me a way of articulating my deepest desires in working with people. He contended that problems cannot be solved with the same kind of thinking, or at the same level of awareness, that contributed to the creation of those problems. My purpose in doing psychotherapeutic work with people is to facilitate changed awareness and perspective. I now see that this actually ends up helping with the pain and the problem-solving. As nice as a magic wand would seem to be (and there are times I still look for one), I am learning that the best benefit comes from grappling with our problems and learning what is there for us to learn.

This is not to minimize the reality that some people are in a lot of psychological distress. I do not believe people should have to live in that kind of life-draining pain, and there are certainly specific interventions to address the various sources of that distress. At the same time, I recognize that relief and joy can come from connecting with each other to share in each other’s struggling, to offer comfort, and to help strengthen and sustain each other as we take on the challenges of life.

I guess the answer to my question, then, is that I do this work because I believe in the value of the ‘struggle to become’, and I want to make myself available to connect with people, and offer my educated wisdom and skills to them, as they engage this struggle and work to shift to new perspectives, to figure out answers, and to find their bliss.

If any of this strikes a chord in you, please feel free to contact me at counselingwoman@earthlink.net or 407.399.6311, or click here to look at the profiles of Our Team of Counselors and Life Coaches at Life Skills Resource Group of Orlando. We are all dedicated to helping you “develop tools for a better you”.   Thanks for taking the time to read this!   Jean

To read more about Jean click her name.

Jessica Stage, MSW

Right now it is hard to not know that Valentine’s day is around the corner. The commercials on TV focus on happy couples receiving gifts. Radio ads ask you to buy the person you love flowers. You may hear your friends at work talking about their plans for Valentine’s day dinner. While it is supposed to be a happy time, if you are single or unhappy in your relationship, it is likely that you may not find much to celebrate on Valentine’s day.

Maybe you have been unknowingly sending out the wrong signals to prospective partners. Sometimes our own insecurities can show to the outside world. We may feel depressed because we are alone on a holiday such as Valentine’s day. Have you ever thought about giving yourself a gift for Valentine’s day? Not a pedicure, or a box of chocolates, but the gift of understanding yourself more fully with a relationship with one of the Orlando Counselors at Life Skills Resource Group. Work as a team with one of our Orlando therapists, and discover what relationship “booby traps” you may have been setting for yourself over the years.  Overwhelming insecurity or jealousy can destroy the most solid of relationships. Discover what you can change about your beliefs that can lead to healthier partnerships in the future.

You might be in a relationship right now, that is comfortable and easy. The passion that you had in the beginning has faded, and you are unsure of where to go. Going to Couple’s Counseling can give you a safe place to let your partner know how you feel, and give you both a stronger foundation to build from! Our Orlando Couple’s Therapists, Cindy, Carma, Yolanda, and Maribel at Life Skills Resource Group will be able to help you both to explore your feelings and develop a future in your relationship.

If this February 14th is not everything you wanted it to be, you can do something to make your future V-Day’s happier! Loving yourself is the best gift that you can receive for the holiday, and with a Life Skills Resource Group Orlando Counselor’s assistance you can gain a better relationship with yourself this year.  Visit the OUR TEAM page to read about our Orlando Counseling Professionals and then call today for your FREE phone consultation.

Jessica Stage, MSW

To read more about Jessica’s work at Life Skills Resource Group

Jessica Stage, MSW, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Isn’t it amazing that the first month of 2010 is almost at its end? Many of us may have made, and even broken New Year’s resolutions by this point. We decided that we would “eat healthier”, “go to the gym every day” or “find the love of our life”. However, just making resolutions is not the way to change your life for the better. Maybe the reason that you can’t ever seem to make it to the gym is that your poor self image makes you feel embarrassed to work out in front of others. Maybe you have always had negative feelings about food that cause you to binge eat whenever you are stressed. Maybe you have found the right person in the past but repeat the same relationship mistakes over and over again. Sometimes the best way to find a new you is to learn how to change your thoughts and actions through a relationship with a counselor or therapist. The qualified counselors at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando have collective years of experience helping other people like you to overcome the challenges of their past mistakes and open a door to a better life. Whether it is by going to one of our inspiring life coaching or relationship building groups, having couples therapy with the person that you love or partaking on a journey of individual therapy, one can learn so much from our professional therapists!

Approximately 40 million American adults in the United States struggle with anxiety, and nearly 21 million live with depression (National Institute on Mental Health). While you likely wouldn’t hesitate to see a physician when you have a broken bone, many of us are afraid to take the first step in seeing a counselor for these common challenges.  While a surgeon might repair a broken bone, it is up to you to go to physical therapy and follow their advice in rehabilitation. It is a similar relationship with a therapist. We can show you the tools that will allow you to make your life be the way you want it to be. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to wake up in the morning, ready to go to work with a great attitude about the day?  Or to go to a trip to the mall without worrying about what could happen along the way? To go on a first date with a strong sense of self worth? Gaining insight and self esteem are only a few of the benefits that you can receive from therapy at Life Skills Resource group in Orlando. It is possible to overcome depression and anxiety with the help of a supportive therapist to guide you.

Its not to late to make a resolution about changing your “inner you” for the better in 2010. Let the Life Coaches and Therapists at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando show you the way. We are all available by phone or email for a FREE Consultation to determine what services will best help you be the person you always wanted to be. Don’t be alarmed if we are not “in network” with your particular insurance plan, as we are able to bill out of network with many plans, as well as accepting private pay clients. One trait that all of the staff of Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando share is a collective desire to drive our clients to reach their goals and dreams.  Click here to go to OUR TEAM page to read about us and don’t hesitate to contact us today with any questions or concerns.

Jessica Stage, MSW Registered Clinical Social Work Intern

Click to Read more about Jessica’s work at Life Skills Resource Group

Cindy Fabico, MA, LMHC, EFT Practioner

I have been Mental Health Counselor now for 7 years with my primary focus on Marriage and Relationship Counseling and Life Coaching here in Orlando, Florida.  For a long time I have felt I didn’t have an effective tool to work with my clients who were experiencing anxiety, depression, pain, anger, and panic.  I have tried many things, I got certified in Hypnotherapy but did not find that as effective as I had hoped.  I attended a week long workshop on Cognitive Behavioral methods for overcoming these symptoms with David Burns, MD the well know psychiatrist who wrote such best selling books as “The Feeling Good Handbook” and “When Panic Attacks”.  His techniques are great and I did have some success using them but I still felt there must be something better, more rapid, and which my clients could effectively use at home to reinforce our work in session.  So I continued my search.

Over the last 2 years I kept hearing about the method called “EFT-The Emotional Freedom Technique” but when I researched it my natural skepticism kicked in-this method involved “tapping” on your body while making specific statements and this just sounded too weird and far fetched for me.  But EFT kept coming into my life in various forms.  A client would ask about it, a colleague would share their positive results with it, and I would read articles about it in professional journals.

So I decided to put my toe in the water by attending a workshop for the general public on EFT.  What I observed was nothing short of amazing.  On the first weekend issues that were resolved and symptoms that were dramatically reduced by attendees included overwhelming anxiety created by real life events, pain and numbness from MS, a sense of despair and hopelessness about life in general.  But the most astonishing part was that on the second weekend the attendees were still describing the same or increased levels of improvement.  So my skepticism was over and I dove in and attended a professional training.

I have been using EFT with my clients now for about a month and I just keep getting more excited.  I can’t describe the changes I’ve observed! I cannot describe these changes here but due to confidentiality issues but my clients and I are believers.

So what is EFT?  EFT is “an emotional form of acupuncture“.  It is based on the same principals as acupuncture-that imbalances and blockages in the bodies energy system create physical, emotional, and spiritual pain.  The foundational belief in EFT is that all negative emotions are created by an imbalance in the bodies energetic systems.  By tapping on the energy meridians while making specific statements the blockages and imbalances are resolved-the negative emotions can be released, leaving room for positive emotions in the energy space that was previously filled with negative emotions.

If you are like me you will need to understand this a little bit better so I encourage you to visit www.emofree.com to learn more.  If you are interested to speaking to me about how EFT might help you call 407.832.1422or email today to schedule your FREE Phone Consultation.

Peace, Cindy

To read more about Cindy’s work at Life Skills Resource Group in Dr. Phillips Orlando

Relationship building is a fundamental part of a person’s social life. The fact is that, whether we realize it or not, most people spend a great deal of time and energy dealing with the dynamics of relationships. We are either happy in a relationship, wanting to get out of one, trying to get into one, or not sure if we are in one. And even though we might sometimes feel as though a romantic relationship is the last thing we need, we inevitably find ourselves drawn into one or desiring one.

Going through a difficult relationship is something that happens to everyone, and even when our experiences seem to be more painful than anything else we embrace the next relationship with the hope that it will be better. This is because, even after recovering from a failed relationship, we are still human.

How can I find that special person, the one I get along with and makes me happy? Is it a matter of luck? How can I get out of this cycle of bad relationships? How can I find the right one? Would I even recognize the right person if I came across him or her? These are all valid questions and they all have answers.

What about starting with something new? In the JOURNEY TO LOVE Program led by

Maribel Nieves, LMHC

Maribel NIeves, LMHC of LIfe Skills Resource Group Orlando you will gain awareness of those attitudes or behaviors that have caused negative results in your past relationships and will most likely affect your future relationship. We’ll explore how these negative attitudes or behaviors are the results of your failed past relationships. With Maribel’s help you will get those past experiences out of the way, making it possible for you to achieve that positive relationship you so desire. You have the opportunity to accomplish this growth in the Journey to Love program in Orlando starting October 22 for males and October 24 for females. Maribel will help you get ready to date wisely and find that person you have been waiting for.  Click here to go to GROUPS page and learn more.

Registration deadline is Sunday October 18th.

To read more about Maribel Nieves, LMHC

The other day I ran into an old friend from my children’s elementary school days. The “kids” , who are all now in their late teens and twenties, were the main topic of conversation.  Of course we both started out with our “success stories”.  Details on the son or daughter who makes us look good, makes us feel like a “good parent.”  We danced around our other children’s lives until I decided to take the plunge- I told the truth about my child’s struggle with where he was going in life.  He wasn’t the “perfect kid” you brag about, and I admitted feeling very guilty about not having ALL the answers on how to help him. I could actually see the relief on her face, and I could see her entire body relax as she admitted her own “unconventional child’s” struggles.

Karen Walsh, LCI, Certified Life Coach Specializing in Children, Teens, Young Adults

Wow- the world didn’t end to admit the truth- we have a normal family, not a perfect family!! She told me how good it felt to talk to someone, and not feel judged.  We parted ways, but her words stayed in my mind and on my heart. How many other parents out there feel alone and afraid to talk to friends and family due to fear of being judged or a belief that they will be burdening others with their challenges?

We want to protect our kid’s reputation (and maybe ours), and don’t know where it’s safe to be honest, and maybe get some support. It can truly be a Lonely Walk on the Road of Parenthood. Are you the parent of a high school, college, or young adult who is struggling? Some of these struggles may include academic problems, emotional issues, substance abuse, health issues, problems forming relationships, or becoming independent enough to leave the “nest”. Do you feel alone, with no one to talk to about your concerns? We know you are out there, and we want you to know we are here.  We want to offer a safe place to share your thoughts and feelings as we walk together to develop solutions to best help yourself and your teen, or young adult.  We are here as your companions on the “Lonely Walk”.

We are currently developing this parenting support group in our Orlando office and need to hear from you regarding your interest in participating. Help us spread the word by forwarding this blog to others.  We plan a relaxed one-hour format in which we can openly discuss one topic each session. No long term commitments will be required, drop in as needed for $10. Group confidentiality will be key.

If this is of interest to you please contact your LONELY WALK companions Cindy Fabico, LMHC at lifeskillsresourcegroup@gmail.com or Karen Walsh, LCI at coachk.walsh@gmail.com.  Group meets every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30.  Drop ins are welcome but please email us to let us know you plan to attend by 7pm on Sunday night.  You can attend this group as it works for you, no need to commit.

Thanks for taking the time to read and please share with others. KAREN (click my to name read more about my work as a Life Coach in Orlando with Children, Teens, and Young Adults)

Life Skills Resource Group is Orlando’s Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy and LIfe Coaching Professionals. This group will be held in our office in Dr. Phillips area, 6068 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Suite 11, Orlando, FL 32819.  Visit us on the WEB

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Do daily temper tantrums make running errands a nightmare? Are the terrible twos getting to be more than you bargained for?  Do you think that only “perfect parents” have well behaved children?

Young children are learning so much about the world and their families, and it is a great age to make changes that will last a lifetime!

As the mother of a three year old, I understand what other parents could be going through! My degree is Clinical Social Work did not prevent my son from throwing a tantrum at Target a time or two! However, many of the parenting techniques that I learned from the book PARENTING YOUNG CHILDREN changed how I react to my son’s outbursts. This has resulted in less whining and more peaceful shopping trips!

Even though there is no “magic book” that will help you to become a “perfect parent” there are many parenting skills you can develop that will improve the quality of you and your child’s relationship. Best of all, it uses the power of positive parenting to encourage your child to do well, rather than focusing on punishing for bad behavior. Learn how to make consequences logical and fitting for different kinds of behavior challenges.

The terrible two’s can become the terrific threes!

Parenting your young child (ages 2-6) can be a struggle for all parents

This FREE parenting class is for you if:
You and your child often have “power struggles” over daily activities
You feel that your disciplinary actions towards your child are not working
You would like to communicate more effectively with your child
You would like to learn techniques that have helped other parents to parent more effectively

THE GOAL OF THIS FREE CLASS PARENTING CLASS IS TO HELP YOU CREATE A RELATIONSHIP OF MUTUAL RESPECT WITH YOUR CHILD THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

PARENTING YOUNG CHILDREN:

SYSTEMATIC TRAINING FOR EFFECTIVE PARENTING OF YOUNG CHILDREN

This a fun; interactive course for PARENTS ONLY led by Jessica Stage, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

Jessica Stage, MSW

, and co-parent to a three year old child. I am also learning every day what a challenge it can be to maintain discipline while having fun with your toddler. Let us work together to become positive role models for our children!

This is a 4-week course beginning Sunday October 11th at 6pm, following the book Parenting Young Children by Dinkmeyer and McKay. New or used books can be purchased directly from our website bookstore linked to Amazon.com, if you purchase a used book please buy the 2007 edition. If you are thinking about taking course please buy the book-you will need to read 1st chapter prior to 1st class (it is short ) We will also use Playful Parenting by Lawrence J.Cohen for supplemental articles, however it is not required to purchase this book(but suggested!)

To Register you can email me at jesmsw@gmail.com or call 407-721-4834 to RSVP.  Registration Deadline is Friday October 2nd.  I hope to have you be part of our group of parents!!

JESSICA  To read more about Jessica’s work at Life Skills Resource Group