All Episodes

Effective communication can be tricky. In today’s episode, we talk with Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT, Clinical Program Manager at CHC and expert on DBT strategies. You will learn how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (or DBT) strategies can transform the way we communicate. We’ll discuss practical tools like mindfulness, validation, and dialectics to express your needs, set boundaries, and build stronger, more authentic connections. Whether it’s navigating conflict or deepening relationships, these evidence-based techniques will help you communicate with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

In today’s episode, we dive into the power of words and how they shape your child's sense of self and connection as we talk with CHC expert, Ariela Laibson, LCSW, Care Team Program Manager. Ariela shares valuable sound bytes for parents and caregivers. You’ll hear what to say in moments when your child makes a mistake, feels lonely, or achieves success. She shares practical phrases and approaches that communicate compassion, foster belonging, and show your child they are valued no matter the circumstance. Tune in to discover how your words can nurture resilience, confidence, and deep connection with your child.

We live every day in relationship with others. Sometimes those relationships are healthy and have a positive impact on our well-being, and sometimes they do not. In this new episode, we talk with CHC experts, Emily Hsu, PhD, and Danna Torres, LMFT, about the importance of open, honest communication and why feeling valued and heard matters so much. We’ll also explore signs of an unhealthy relationship—how to recognize when your needs aren’t being met, when boundaries aren’t respected, and when communication breaks down. Join us as we unpack the essentials of building connections rooted in respect, empathy, and mutual support, helping you spot the difference between a positive, nurturing relationship and one that may not be serving you well.

Join us for this new episode with CHC experts, Karly Crockett, LCSW and Rachel O’Harra, LMFT as we explore the vital connection between healthy eating for both mental and physical well-being. Proper nutrition fuels our bodies and minds, playing a key role in overall development, mood regulation, and energy levels. We’ll share practical strategies for parents/caregivers to encourage healthy eating habits in children, focusing on fostering curiosity around food, modeling positive behaviors, involving kids in meal planning, and more. Tune in for tips that help make healthy eating a fun, engaging, and sustainable part of your family's life!

Supporting a child with ADHD can be invigorating, exhausting and rewarding! In this new Voices of Compassion podcast episode, we dive into the unique strengths of ADHD and explore actionable strategies parents can use to help their child thrive. In conversation with CHC experts, Danna Torres and Karly Crockett, we unpack how to channel their creativity, energy, and problem-solving skills. How can you turn ADHD challenges into opportunities for growth? Whether you're navigating school struggles or looking for ways to boost focus at home, this conversation offers practical advice to make life smoother for both parents and kids.

It’s easy to feel like everything needs to be perfect. Our youth can pick up on that and they can become obsessed with being perfect -- in school, with their bodies, and even their hobbies. In this new episode of Voices of Compassion, we explore the complex world of perfectionism in children. What does perfectionism look like? From fear of failure and constant self-criticism to anxiety over making mistakes, many kids struggle with wanting to be "perfect." With CHC experts, Dr. Marjan Ebadi and Dr. Whitney Geller, we discuss the potential causes of perfectionism, societal expectations and personality traits. Parents and caregivers will learn how to support their children by fostering a healthy mindset, encouraging effort over perfection, and maintaining balanced expectations. Are high expectations helpful or harmful? Join us as we explore ways to nurture resilience without fueling the pressure to be perfect.

In this new podcast episode we explore the meaning of validation and why it’s one of the most effective communication strategies for parents and caregivers. Although the term validation is often used, many people aren’t entirely sure what it really means or how to use it in conversations with others, including youth. Validation helps youth feel heard, understood, and valued, creating a strong emotional connection and goes beyond simply agreeing or offering comfort; it’s about acknowledging and accepting a child’s feelings as real and important. With CHC expert psychologists, Dr. Erin Hoolihan and Dr. Tracy Cavaligos, we talk about how to break down the steps to effectively validate emotions and share practical examples of how to respond in common scenarios where validation is key. This is one you will want to listen to again and again!

Today we are talking about academic pressure and its impact on teens with Dr. Pardis Khosravi, Clinical Director and Licensed Psychologist at CHC. Where do these demands come from? It could be various sources including schools, peers, and societal expectations. Recognizing the signs that a student is on overload is crucial for parents and caregivers, so we'll discuss key indicators such as changes in behavior, mood swings, and declining academic performance. Additionally, we'll examine the profound effects of academic pressure on mental health and overall well-being. Most importantly, we'll offer practical strategies to build resilience and how parents can foster a healthy balance between academic success and personal well-being. Tune in to learn how to help your teen thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Today we are talking about academic pressure and its impact on teens with Dr. Pardis Khosravi, Clinical Director and Licensed Psychologist at CHC. Where do these demands come from? It could be various sources including schools, peers, and societal expectations. Recognizing the signs that a student is on overload is crucial for parents and caregivers, so we'll discuss key indicators such as changes in behavior, mood swings, and declining academic performance. Additionally, we'll examine the profound effects of academic pressure on mental health and overall well-being. Most importantly, we'll offer practical strategies to build resilience and how parents can foster a healthy balance between academic success and personal well-being. Tune in to learn how to help your teen thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Join our guest host, Natalie Tamburello, Community Engagement Manager at CHC, as she discusses the unique challenges and strengths that students with Autism navigate while learning in school. She is joined by two of our expert CHC Licensed Psychologists, Dr. Melanie Hsu and Dr. Cassandra Sanchez. They share how the social challenges associated with Autism can pose barriers to learning when in a highly stimulating environment like a school classroom. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of these unique challenges and learn how to leverage their strengths to support the learning journey.

Join our guest host, Natalie Tamburello, Community Engagement Manager at CHC, in a conversation with CHC expert, Dr. Tracy Cavaligos, licensed psychologist, as they discuss navigating terminology and supporting children around exploring gender identity. In this episode you’ll learn about different terms and when to use them, how to support your child's natural gender exploration and resources to support their journey. As a result, you’ll see the joy of your child becoming comfortable expressing their true and authentic selves.

As technology continues to permeate almost all aspects of our lives, understanding how to navigate the digital world responsibly becomes critical, especially for our youth. In this episode, we talk with Eisha Buch, Director, Education Programs & Development for Common Sense Education, about helping students develop a sense of digital agency so that they can truly thrive in a tech-filled world with all its benefits, as well as navigating the potential stressors. We discuss practical strategies that parents can use at home to support the responsible use of technology and foster a culture of digital citizenship.