How do YOU define YOUR life?

The harshness in the world is a reality. There are times that some of us have more difficulty than others at dealing with the stark realities that occur in life.

It’s not uncommon in this fast-paced world for many of us to lose sight of contentment because of frustrations, anger, anxieties, perpetual sorrow, and stress.

A relationship over. A sensation of tenseness and butterflies-that won’t go away. The deep feelings over a loss. Finding no joy in your days. Difficulties with a spouse. Hopeless over your job. Lacking motivation. Despondent over a rebellious teen.

This is but a short-list of how life in the 21st century presents itself to many of us. We find ourselves feeling in a way we don’t like, it doesn’t seem to get better, and we don’t know what to do about it.

To make matters worse, most of us simply were not taught the coping skills necessary to get on in life in today’s fast-paced world.

It’s not anyone’s fault at all but the cold hard reality is that many of us were simply NOT served well by family, schools, clergy, and others when it came time to preparing us for the trials and tribulations of making it in the world.

Coping skills have been way under-taught.

But that’s where counseling (psychotherapy) comes in. We teach the life skills necessary to regain happiness and contentment.

Counseling is an educational process-the very definition of the word is “to give advice; to advise.” And that’s what we do. First we listen to you.

We then show you how to deal with whatever comes your way in life without riding the roller coaster of extreme emotions such as anger and rage, depression, nervousness and anxiety, and/or self-loathing or guilt, to name but a few.

These very real emotions often cause very real physical symptoms and many times lead to interference in life from work-related problems to relationship issues.

Our foremost principle is that individuals have the ability to overcome most emotional upsets and neuroses if simply given the proper educational tools.

Simply put, it is the common human condition that we (all of us) create our own emotions via our own thinking.

Happy or sad, angry, excited, down-in-the-dumps, are very real emotions and feelings, but all are created by each individual’s perceptions and thoughts, not by someone else’s, or outside forces.

We teach individuals that they are responsible for their own emotions and give them the power to change and overcome their unhealthy thoughts that interfere with their ability to function and enjoy life.

That is the essence behind our teaching principles in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). We show you how to become keenly aware of your thoughts and “self-talk” and how to change it with marvelous results.

Take advantage of our Free Phone Consultation to learn more about how we may be of specific help to you. Contact Us with any questions.

WTG is also recognized as an expert in the field of counseling with teens and adolescents.

In today’s society it is not unusual for parents to have difficulties with children displaying disruptive behavior.

It is estimated that nearly 25% of children and adolescents in the U.S. suffer from emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems.

Studies have shown though that 76% to 81% of the children and adolescents who received treatment were better off than those who did not.

It’s also not unusual for children to experience difficulties as part of the growing up process. But when problems persist for a month or longer, it may be an indication that there may be a lack of coping skills.

The Whitford-Thomas Group (WTG) includes an assembly of highly trained counselors specialized in working with teens and adolescents.

The process begins with an evaluation/discussion of the particular problems at hand. From there, specific recommendations are made, which may include individual, group, or family therapy.

The key goal is to help the child. Blame, judging or accusations are not part of the process.

Current society’s mixture of messages, distractions, peer pressure and socio-economic struggles have given rise to unprecedented levels of troubled youth.

The symptoms of these troubles may include:
-Discipline/Defiance problems	-Anger
-Criminal activity	-Drug/alcohol use
-Learning problems	-Sexually acting out

The process utilized by WTG for teens and adolescents is participatory and educational in nature. It is not psychoanalysis, nor does it delve into past issues or use unconventional techniques.

Instead, we educate the youth to accept that they are solely responsible for their thoughts, actions and behaviors, and therefore can make positive change.

Learn more today with a Free Phone Consultation or Contact Us with questions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

-What’s the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychotherapist?
-What’s the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychotherapist?
-What’s the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?

What follows is but a brief summary to answer these questions.

A psychologist is one who has studied the science of the mind, essentially. They have observed the various states of the human condition and orders and mental disorders. Psychologists may or may not provide therapy services.

A psychotherapist may also possess the same or various degrees of the same knowledge, but particular training in communicating specific ways to combat mental health disorders and upsets has been obtained. The role of the psychotherapist is to provide therapy, which is an educational process. Psychotherapists are educators - teachers.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.). Psychiatrists study the chemical aspects of the brain and focus their studies more intently on such. They may prescribe medications where a psychotherapist or counselor may not. Some may provide therapy services.

Counselors are trained the same as psychotherapists although the training that a counselor has received may or may not be as intense or as long as that of a psychotherapist. Counseling and psychotherapy are essentially the same thing.

To practice psychotherapy and counseling in Florida, an individual must have a minimum of a Masters degree in Counseling and completed a State of Florida Examination to obtain required licensure.

All counselors and psychotherapists at Whitford-Thomas Group (WTG) are Licensed Mental Health Counselors. What's more, all counselors and psychotherapists at WTG are specially trained and highly qualified to help in the particular areas listed to the left.

Find out more with a Free Phone Consultation or Contact Us with questions.