Compassion

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.

Do you ever wonder if your child might be missing some key developmental milestones? Are you seeing some behaviors or delays that give you cause for concern? As a parent, it can be hard to know where to turn and how to figure out next steps. In today’s podcast episode, I sat down with Sarah Knepper, MEd, Educational Services Manager at EBC School and the mother of two young boys, one with disabilities. Sarah shares her parenting journey — from the initial “pit in my stomach” and the shame she felt on the playground, to the validation of a diagnosis and finding the right supports for her son. Sarah’s perspective as both a mom and an educator is filled with “aha” moments, compassion and authenticity.

Parenting expert, author and educator, Julie Lythcott-Haims is well-known for her words of wisdom and encouragement. But in today’s podcast episode — for the first time — we are invited to listen in on a heart-to-heart conversation between Julie and her 22-year-old son Sawyer, about his journey with ADHD and their family’s road to acceptance. Sawyer bravely shares stories of his diagnosis, his anxiety, his decision to take a year off from college and the importance of his parents’ understanding. We hear Julie, not just as an expert, but as a mom in the moment, discussing the mistakes she’s made along the way, what she’s learned and how she and her partner are finally becoming the “parents their son deserves.” This is one you won’t want to miss — it’s special from start to finish.

Let’s face it. Life can be painful. While we can’t avoid pain, our resistance to accept reality only exacerbates our suffering. In this podcast episode, we sat down with Patrice Cristosomo, PhD and Leeanne Merritt, LCSW, to discuss the power of Radical Acceptance – a practice that involves letting go of the illusion of control and developing a willingness to accept things as they are right now.

As a parent in a pandemic, you feel like you have to be superhuman or you’re not doing enough. The reality is that if you can be kinder to yourself, you will also be happier, more resilient and compassionate with others. In today’s episode, Pardis Khosravi, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist at CHC, shares three key steps toward self-compassion.

Today’s podcast highlights a few favorite excerpts from some of our previous episodes, including Top 3 Mindfulness Strategies to Reduce Stress (Episode 5), Best Strategies for ADHD & Distance Learning (Episodes 8 & 9), Family Dynamics While Sheltering in Place (Episode 11) and more. We hope it brings a smile to your face and perhaps even makes you want to go back and listen to the episodes that resonate most.

The ripple effect of kindness is really true. Host Cindy Lopez guides a discussion with Kendra Evans Fraka, MSW and Vibha Pathak, OTD, OTR/L about how noticing differences can help raise mindful, compassionate kids - and so much more.

How do we navigate this strange time in which we are living and come out on the other side stronger and better?

Welcome to CHC's new Voices of Compassion podcast. We hope you'll find our podcast series just what you need these days.