We Provide In-person and Virtual Counseling!
Click here to read how we are keeping you and your kids safe during Covid -19
Why We Do What We Do...
We want to create a world where kids have the confidence to accept themselves and be happy. We want to see kids who boldly embrace their unique qualities and life experiences so that they can positively shape our world. We want to see kids recognize the limitless power that exists within them to create anything that they can imagine!
About Our Clients Who Receive Counseling
We define creative, gifted and high-performing children as children who enjoy expressing themselves through the arts, academics or in other ways. We believe that every child has unique talents, skills or other characteristics that they may choose to share with the world!
The Creatives
Creatives are kids and teens who are skilled in expressing themselves through the arts. They can be self critical at times and have difficulty verbalizing their thoughts and feelings to others.
Click here to learn more about Creatives
The Academically Talented
Academically Talented kids and teens express themselves through their intellect. They exceed academically but can struggle with new challenges and have difficulty asking for help.
Click here to learn more about the Academically Talented
The Change-Makers
Change-Maker kids and teens follow their intuition. They boldly question authority and may sometimes be labeled as rebellious. They may be strong advocates for justice and fairness. Change-Makers can access additional skills to be successful by further developing their natural leadership qualities.
Click here to learn more about the Change-Makers
Take The Office Tour
The Therapist
ERICA WHITFIELD, MACP, LMHC, BC-TMH
Click here to watch Ms Erica's welcome video.
Erica has over 12 years of experience working with children and adolescents and is the Founder of Positive Development.
"When kids feel accepted for who they already are, it is then that they can grow. I started Positive Development to create a space where all gifted, creative and high-performing kids feel like they can be accepted but most importantly, a place where kids can learn to accept themselves.”
As a past high-performing student throughout her academic career in private school and public magnet school settings, Erica is uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by gifted, creative, and high-performing kids.
Erica uses a client-centered approach and combines expressive therapies using art and writing with evidenced-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and positive psychology to help children and adolescents transition during difficult life adjustments, form healthier relationships, manage stress, perform better in school and find internal motivation to pursue their talents. She specializes in providing strengths-based counseling and has helped hundreds of youth unleash their capabilities, transform obstacles into opportunities and find healthy ways to express their energy and creativity.
Erica graduated from the University of North Florida with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. She is currently a member of the Florida Association for the Gifted and has served on the boards of the Northeast Florida Mental Health Counselors Association and the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association as President. Erica has also served as a board member of Family Foundations, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health counseling along with other services. She has experience providing therapy with local community organizations that have helped over 150,000 families through mental health counseling. Erica also has extensive experience working within the Full Service Schools Program, a United Way initiative, that has connected thousands of students to a critical range of therapeutic, health, and social services. She has a great deal of enthusiasm when it comes to inspiring others to realize their potential. Erica believes in the importance of self-acceptance and the role this plays in positive change.
Erica has been featured on the podcasts, Raising Adults and The Gifted Mind, and has written several parenting articles published by the Jacksonville Mom, the city's largest parenting resource.
MEET OUR COUNSELING INTERN TEAM!
Taylor Santioni, B.A.
Pursuing Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of North Florida
Click here to watch Taylor's welcome video!
Aaron Percoco, B.A.
Pursuing Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of North Florida
Click here to watch Aaron's welcome video!
Samantha Powell, B.A.
Pursuing Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of North Florida
Click here to watch Samantha's welcome video!
Client Reviews:
"Calm, peaceful environment. Friendly staff makes everyone feel safe!"
- A.A.
"Thank you Positive Development for not only being there for our daughter but our entire family. Thank you for being with us in crisis, helping us to build resilience, and your continued guidance with ongoing mental wellness."
-Deborah M.
"Erica really makes us feel like we are being listened too and heard --both myself and my daughter. She helps us better understand, communicate, and share."
-Sam G.
"Erica has been very kind and caring to my daughter. My daughter enjoys going to her sessions and her mindset has improved tremendously!"
- Kendra M.
"My children have a new appreciation for Family Therapy. They do not fear it and realize it is essential for healthy people as well as those suffering from trauma".
- Jennifer P.
"Matt has always been willing to work with us and has been a great help to my son. He is probably the only person that has been able to get him to talk about his mental health. He is very patient and we appreciate his help though all of the tough times we have had recently. He never seems to judge us and is very kind and patient with my family."
- Sara S.