Better Health Starts Here.

I am a licensed marriage & family therapist, as well as a licensed clinical social worker. In my practice, I do family of origin, blended families, marriage & divorce/post divorce counseling. In addition, I work with children, adolescents, as well as adults suffering from depression, sexual/physical/ emotional abuse, anxiety, grief, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorder issues. I do specialty work with DID clients and conduct ADHD diagnostic assessments/counseling with ADHD adults/children. I believe empathy and a desire to allow people to identify their own treatment goals are keys to successful therapy results. To maximize the success of the client’s goals, I utilize an eclectic approach comprising a number of treatment modalities. I will often give my clients ‘assignments’ to complete before their next session thereby measuring progress. It takes courage and work to participate in the therapy process. My clients have reported results such as, “increased belief in self," "better communication with partner", "more productive,” "I understand my child more”, “I have new methods to cope".

In my private practice I encourage clients to express their feelings, discuss what is happening in their lives and help them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address depression, addictions, suicidal impulses, stress, marital or other relationship problems, grief and loss. We are living in a difficult time in American Society. Un-employment is high, people are suffering with financial concerns, we are still at war and face the prospect of increasing our involvement in the affairs of other nations, at a time when our country is more polarized than ever before. Most people are also concerned about the new health care plan coming in 2014. All of these issues, added to the personal concerns of individuals, are causing tremendous stress. Many people are afraid of taking the first step in seeking help for their emotional and mental problems such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, adjustment issues and substance abuse.

My name is Jackie Viola. I was a therapist at Mandarin Counseling from 2007 until 2014. I left to pursue full-time employment. However I am happy to announce that as of April 2016 I will be back at Mandarin Counseling part-time. I have two children in elementary school which gives me first hand knowledge of the joys and challenges of parenthood. My passion is to advocate for children and help them work through the issues that life throws at us. We don't have to let stress overtake us, however sometimes it takes time to find the right path. We must look within ourselves to find out what is causing stress in our lives and recognize any patterns that continue to create the stress in order to develop a plan of action.

Welcome: You have already made the first step toward healing and creating a new transition of balance and harmony in your life today. Our group of solution focused, highly trained counselors offer comfortable, safe and confidential surroundings. If you are seeking therapy for family, couples, teens, children of all ages or individual issues, we can partner together to better understand and resolve challenges that will allow you to establish more meaningful and fulfilling relationships. Your journey begins here… Our staff combines over 100 years of experience and offer compassionate and personalized care in a wide variety of issues. You don't have to endure the pain of difficult times and circumstances alone. We have a diverse group of specialist with the background, and certifications to provide services for but not limited to: Marriage Counseling Couples Relationship Issues Divorce Recovery Marital/Family Conflict Resolution Pre-Marital Counseling Parenting Postpartum Depression Military Deployment & Adjustment Men's Issues PTSD Lifestyle Changes Substance Abuse Anger-Stress Management Depression Anxiety & Panic Attacks Eating Disorders Women's Issues Adoption Sexual & Physical Abuse GLBT Bipolar & Other Mood Disorders ADD, ADHD, OCD Grief and Loss Workplace/School Issues Career Changes Gambling Addiction Trauma Recovery Internet Addictions Christian Counseling Hypnotherapy Domestic Violence Personal Growth Co-dependency Life can be challenging, sometimes you can feel like you can't get a break and that things are piling up on top of you. When you feel overwhelmed it is difficult to function well. Talking about what's going on and identifying the ways you react to these challenges can be tremendously helpful in empowering you to tap into your personal strength. Feeling better about yourself is possible and this is one of many ways I can help. Let me show you how I can assist you in identifying unhealthy thought patterns and change them into healthier ones to promote your mood, energy and improve relationships. I follow a theory of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. The basic premise of this theory is that we are influenced by our thoughts and behaviors through our experience and how we react to those circumstances.

I provide individual counseling, couples and family counseling and group counseling. I am also a supervisor for interns seeking licensure as Mental Health Counselors for the state of Florida. I prefer to use a brief, solution-focused model and utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques. I also enjoy incorporating art, music, poetry, journaling and play to enhance the therapeutic process. Knowing that each person is an individual, I use the most appropriate interventions and techniques for the situations and issues presented. I understand that the faster an issue is processed, the less impact the events will have on a person in the long-term. I understand that each person who seeks help wants to be heard and I am honored to provide that support.

Mission: To help others improve their quality of life. Experienced with counseling adults, adolescents, and children in group settings, and on an individual basis. I have counseled people from all walks of life and possess the ability to connect with others to produce positive results. Certified School Counselor 2012 Certified Rehab Counselor 2011 Certificate Sexual Safety & Healing 2010 Domestic Violence Expert 2009 Certified FARS/CFARS 2007 Certified Child Protection Professional 2006 Masters in Counseling: LMHC, LMFT, & School Guidance 2009 Certificate Response to Intervention 2012