Mental Health

March 20, 2024 | Episode 15, Season 4

Asian family seated around a table

Mental Health in the Asian American Community

with Dr. Emily Hsu and Thuy Tran, LCSW

Join our guest host Natalie Tamburello, Community Engagement Manager at CHC, as she engages in a candid conversation about the unique challenges and stigma surrounding mental health and the Asian American community with our guest experts from CHC, licensed psychologist, Dr. Emily Hsu and licensed clinical social worker, Thuy Tran. They discuss not only what they've experienced professionally, but also personally, as Asian American mental health professionals. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and learn about navigating language barriers, how love is expressed differently in Asian communities and how we can build cultural bridges with empathy and understanding.

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March 6, 2024 | Episode 14, Season 4

Family preparing for the child to lead the way forward as a teenager

Preparing for Adolescence

with Dr. Patrice Crisostomo and Dr. Emily Hsu

Adolescence is a period of growth in which youth are discovering who they are and where they belong. In this insightful podcast episode, we discuss the dynamic and sometimes challenging journey of parenting adolescents. As children transition into the teen years, parents face new and unique challenges. Although this time can be a fearful time for parents/caregivers because they are not sure what to expect, it can also be a time of joy and hope. Listen in to this conversation with CHC experts, Dr. Patrice Crisostomo, and Dr. Emily Hsu, both Licensed Psychologists, as we explore practical tips, expert advice, and proven strategies to help parents navigate this crucial phase of their child's development.

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February 21, 2024 | Episode 13, Season 4

Illustration of a divided family with a father and daughter on one side and a mother and son on the other with a compass symbol between them

Navigating Divorce with Your Children

with Dr. Vidya Krishnan and Dr. Natalie Pon

Conflict within relationships is natural. What happens when this conflict occurs within a family and ends up in separation or divorce? Join us as we explore effective communication strategies with children during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of fostering open dialogue and understanding and offer insights into how to create a supportive environment for children to express their emotions. CHC psychiatrists, Dr. Vidya Krishnan and Dr. Natalie Pon share valuable advice on helping children cope with the changes that come with divorce, offering practical tips for co-parenting and maintaining a sense of stability. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on fostering healthy family dynamics in the face of divorce and the importance of not only caring for your kids, but also caring for yourself.

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February 7, 2024 | Episode 12, Season 4

Illustration of a young man floating in the air at night

Existential Angst in Youth

with Dr. Erin Hoolihan and Dr. Tracy Cavaligos

Adolescence is an important time of self-discovery during which teens often grapple with questions about identity and purpose. They want to understand who they are and their place in the world and this can bring about profound existential reflection. In today’s world, our youth can feel like the future is uncertain as they experience rapid societal changes, some economic instability and global challenges like climate change. In addition, they feel the pressure to make life-defining choices such as what they will do beyond high school and planning for a career. Listen to today’s episode as we talk with CHC psychologists, Dr. Erin Hoolihan and Dr. Tracy Cavaligos. We’ll talk about how adolescents may find it challenging to navigate a world filled with unknowns, which can lead to heightened anxiety. You’ll learn how you can develop a greater understanding of how this impacts youth and how you can effectively support them in this developmental period.

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January 24, 2024 | Episode 11, Season 4

Illustration of a woman sitting and working on her laptop in a tropical environment

Desmitificar la salud mental (Demystifying Mental Health)

with Dr. Joan Baran, Dr. Melina Foden and Dr. Emily Hsu

Mental health conditions can affect anyone regardless of race, gender or identity. However, how you respond to it may be different based on your cultural values and beliefs. NAMI (or the National Alliance on Mental Illness) reports more than half of Latinx young adults ages 18 to 25 with serious mental illness may not receive treatment. Welcome to this special episode focused on mental health within the Latinx community! Featuring today's host, Dr. Joan Baran with CHC colleagues and psychologists, Dr. Melina Foden and Dr. Emily Hsu. They'll explore how culture and traditions impact perceptions about mental health in Latinx families and how these influences impact seeking help when needed. We'll delve into the crucial topic of mental health among Latinx families, demystifying concepts and addressing the barriers they face when seeking help. Join us to learn how to challenge perceptions and overcome obstacles so that your family can access the care and support they deserve.

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December 6, 2023 | Episode 8, Season 4

Illustration of a woman comforting a sad or anxious girl

Girls & Mental Health

with Dr. Katie Reeves

Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a concerning surge in persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness among high school girls in particular. In just a decade, these numbers have nearly doubled. In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Katie Reeves, health researcher and Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the care of anxious, suicidal, and self-harming teens and their families. We explore the prevalence of mental health challenges among adolescent girls, from social pressures to the influence of social media and more. Listen now to learn more about what you can do to support our adolescent girls today.

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October 24, 2023 | Episode 5, Season 4

Illustration of a teenage boy playing piano

Music & Mental Health as a Catalyst for Change

with Sean Nesamoney

In this episode we have the opportunity to hear about the remarkable journey of Sean Nesamoney, who was a high school student with a love and talent for music. It’s a testament to the synergy between music and mental health, showcasing how Sean’s passion for music became a vision for a concert to highlight and support teen mental health resources in the community. As you listen, you’ll be moved by Sean’s dedication to making a difference around teen mental health and also inspire others to take action. As Sean says, “I hope that listeners are inspired to just start. If there’s a project in mind that you want to pursue or an issue that’s important to you, just start, because you never know where it could take you.”

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September 12, 2023 | Episode 2, Season 4

Illustration of a woman smiling with her arm proudly around a teenage boy who is holding some books

A Teen’s Journey with Anxiety

with Cheri & Jack

Today’s podcast episode underscores the power of resilience, understanding and growth in the face of mental health challenges. Join us for this conversation with Jack and his mom, Cheri. Jack was a teen who seemingly had it all — popular with his peers, strong friendships, a leader on the Varsity track team and a very strong student (graduated as Valedictorian of his class!). Yet, beneath the surface, Jack grappled with an internal battle with anxiety and OCD that would reshape his life in unexpected ways. How could this accomplished student and leader on the track struggle with these feelings that seemed insurmountable? Cheri, Jack’s mom, expresses that she knew something wasn’t quite right, but wasn’t sure how to help. And then Jack started talking about what was going on underneath the surface. Cheri knew that Jack needed help, and she was determined to find that help even though it proved challenging. Join us to hear this conversation with Jack and his mom — it’s a story about struggle, but also about hope and resilience.

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May 16, 2023 | Episode 20, Season 3

Illustration of a young person surrounded by thought bubbles reading: Distress tolerance. Mindfulness. Emotion regulation. Interpersonal effectiveness.

DBT: Acceptance and Change

with Dr. Zahra Murtaza and Dr. Sarah Griest

Studies indicate that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is “the best tool we have” for self-harming and suicidal adolescents. So what is it and why is it so effective? DBT teaches important social-emotional and resilience skills for life enhancement. Based on the dialectic of acceptance and change, skills include mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, communication, emotion regulation and distress tolerance. In today’s podcast episode, we talk with CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts, Dr. Zahra Murtaza, Ravenswood Coordinator and Psychologist and Dr. Sarah Griest, RISE IOP clinician to learn more about this gold-standard treatment for building a life worth living.

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May 2, 2023 | Episode 19, Season 3

Illustration of seven people tending a garden

Building Resilience

with Patrice Crisostomo, PhD and Sarah Taylor, MS

One of the most important things we can do for our children is to help them develop resilience. A common misconception is that people are either resilient or not; that we’re born one way or the other. In fact, the process of building resilience is a lifelong journey of learning to cope with challenging experiences and adapt well in the face of adversity. It’s important to let our kids make mistakes and be there on the sidelines to encourage, rather than fix it for them. Learn more in our conversation today with experts from CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, Patrice Crisostomo, PhD, Clinical Program Manager and Psychologist, and Sarah Taylor, MS, Doctoral Psychology Intern.

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April 5, 2023 | Episode 17, Season 3

Illustration of three people at a desk looking up at three symbols: an eye, an ear and a hand

Processing with Our Senses

with Pamela Olson, MOT, OTR/L

When you hear a sound, how do you respond? You might choose to ignore it or investigate its source. This process of using our senses to interpret a situation and respond in a purposeful way is called sensory integration. When these systems don’t synthesize, whether due to a diagnosis like autism or ADHD or to a skills deficit, it can lead to a whole host of learning and behavioral challenges. Studies have found that 1 in every 6 children has sensory processing issues that make it more difficult for them to thrive in school. In today’s podcast episode, we sit down with CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services Occupational Therapist, Pamela Olson, MOT, OTR/L, to learn how best to support our child’s sensory skills development and what to do when things don’t seem quite right.

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March 15, 2023 | Episode 16, Season 3

Illustration of a young person with short hair looking at their cellphone while surrounded by hands holding cellphones

Social Media & Mental Health

with Tracy Cavaligos, PsyD and Olivia McDonald, PsyD

A 2022 Pew Research Center study revealed that nearly 80% of 13-17 year-olds check at least one social media feed at least hourly, and over a third said they did so “almost constantly.” How can we develop healthy social media practices that support, not hinder, our mental health? In today’s podcast episode, CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts Dr. Tracy Cavaligos, Licensed Psychologist and Dr. Olivia McDonald, Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow, talk about how to manage social media’s influence and develop skills to check-in with and take care of ourselves.

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March 1, 2023 | Episode 15, Season 3

Illustration of a woman and four children sitting on the ground meditating

Managing Mental Health and Behavior in the K-8 Classroom

with Krislyn Li Conklin, MA and Kaila Sugiyama, MA, LMFT

Today’s episode was developed in response to a request from our partners at Palo Alto Unified School District…and while it’s great for all listeners, is intended especially for teachers! Increasingly, educators are being asked to manage not just the academic and social-emotional wellbeing of their students, but also address mental health challenges and learning differences in the classroom. We know it’s not possible to do it all, but today’s podcast episode shares some structures and strategies to support struggling students and promote a safe, positive learning environment for all. In addition to tips and takeaways, CHC’s Esther B. Clark (EBC) Schools staff Krislyn Li Conklin, MA and Kaila Sugiyama, MA, LMFT, remind teachers that “recognizing your own humanity in all of this is the most important.”

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February 15, 2023 | Episode 14, Season 3

Illustration of a man on a ladder touching a star while standing in the wake of a space rocket

Pursue What You Love

with Sharmila Roy, PhD

In honor of Valentine’s Day, today’s podcast is all about pursuing what you love. While it’s never too late to follow your dreams, we hope you’ll share this inspiring episode with the young adults in your life! We have all heard the phrase, “find a job you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” But is it really possible? Do we have to choose between happiness and a living wage? What if we’re still figuring out what fulfills us? While “pursuing your passion” may not be as easy as it sounds, Dr. Sharmila Roy, Special Projects Consultant at The Schwab Learning Center at CHC shares her sage advice in this special episode. “Explore yourself and give time to finding out what you love, then life will love you back.”

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February 1, 2023 | Episode 13, Season 3

Illustration of a woman comforting a teenage girl who looks upset while they sit on a sofa

Different & Diverse

with Melina Foden, PsyD and Atira Roberson

Navigating learning and mental health challenges is difficult; adding racial and ethnic diversity to the mix can magnify the inequities and complexities of the journey. In today’s podcast episode we talk with Dr. Melina Foden, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services and Atira Roberson, a full-time learning disabilities advocate who proudly proclaims, “I'm black, I'm female, and I have a learning disability.” Our guest host is my CHC colleague, Natalie Tamburello, who has dyslexia and has invested the past several years advocating for young adults with learning differences. The conversation delves into diagnosis, accommodations, stigma and resilience.

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January 4, 2023 | Episode 11, Season 3

Illustration of four figures: a man speaking into a megaphoen, a woman pointing at a chart, a man speaking in front of a chart, and a man speaking from a cellphone screen

The Importance of Self-Advocacy

with Joan Baran, PhD and Meghan Collins, MS, MPhil

Self-advocacy is more than speaking up for yourself--it’s about self-awareness, understanding our needs and clear communication. It’s about asking for what we want and need, but not demanding it. In today’s podcast episode, CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services experts Joan Baran, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and Meghan Collins, MS, MPhil, doctoral psychology intern share strategies for parents and caregivers to model and build self-advocacy skills, independence and confidence in our kids.

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September 21, 2022 | Episode 4, Season 3

Suicide Prevention

with Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT

In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we continue our coverage of this complex topic in our Voices of Compassion podcast series with a brand new episode.

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September 7, 2022 | Episode 3, Season 3

Isolation & Loneliness

with George Alex Lazo, PsyD

Nearly half of Americans report feeling left out or alone, and over two-thirds of teens report being lonely. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity. But did you know that even just one friend can be enough? Tune in to today’s episode as we talk with Dr. George “Alex” Lazo, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, about the difference between being alone and lonely, how to build tolerance in our kids and the importance of “checking in.”

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August 31, 2022 | Episode 2, Season 3

When a Child Won’t Go to School

with Jody M. Miller, EdD, BCBA

School avoidance has become a major issue, exacerbated by long periods of distance learning and isolation. What causes school avoidance? How does it show up in kids and how can parents effectively support their children in getting back to the classroom? In today’s conversation with Dr. Jody Miller, Head of Esther B. Clark Schools at CHC, we learn that by identifying the motivating factors for kids to want to go to school, we can better understand and address the anxiety around their absence. Dr. Miller is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has spent her career working with students who struggle to participate in typical classroom settings.

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August 23, 2022 | Episode 1, Season 3

Illustration of young person on seesaw with a heart in one hand and a brain in the other

Back to School: Balancing Academic and Social-Emotional Wellness

with Christopher Harris, MEd

Social-emotional health is fundamental to life and learning: in fact, research shows that it is a greater predictor of academic success than IQ. As our kids head back to school, we are mindful of what they have been through in the past few years and the youth mental health crisis in our midst. How can we as parents best support our children’s social-emotional wellbeing at home and in the classroom? CHC’s Chief Education Officer, Chris Harris, MEd shares timely tips in today’s podcast episode.

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May 25, 2022 | Episode 32, Season 2

Illustration of diverse group of 5 people hugging and facing a rainbow

Recipe for Resilience: Especially for Mental Health Professionals

with Grace Gengoux, PhD, BCBA-D and Ramsey Khasho, PSyD

In proud partnership with Common Ground, a locally renowned speaker series for over 15,000 families in over 40 schools, we are excited to bring you this Voices of Compassion podcast episode. While Common Ground is primarily a parent education consortium, this conversation is specifically targeted to mental health professionals in schools and beyond. We’ve all heard the self-care metaphor for parents: “put your own oxygen mask on first.” But this is just as critical for mental health providers: your own well-being is essential to providing positive outcomes for your students and clients. Listen into this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Grace Gengoux, Clinical Professor and the Well-being Director within Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Dr. Ramsey Khasho, Chief Clinical Officer at CHC, as they share self-care strategies for those in a position to care for others.

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May 18, 2022 | Episode 31, Season 2

Illustration of a woman and a girl chatting casually. The girl is petting a cat.

How to Talk With Teens About Mental Health

with Tracy Cavaligos, PsyD

Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of teens who reported having “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” rose from 26 percent to 37 percent and, in 2021, to 44 percent. Further, research shows that 1 in 5 youth in distress felt that they didn’t have someone they could turn to in a crisis. How can we let our teens know we’re here for them and protect them from significant mental health challenges? How do we know what to say, or even where to begin? In today’s podcast episode, CHC clinical services expert, Dr. Tracy Cavaligos shares myriad tips and takeaways for talking to our teens about mental health.

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May 10, 2022 | Episode 30, Season 2

Parenting: Developing Self-Awareness

with Karly Crockett, LCSW and Audrey Schield, ASW

We often talk about building self-awareness in our kids, but what about in ourselves, as parents and caregivers? The better we understand our own complexities, the more wholeheartedly we can show up for our children. In fact, research shows that when a parent understands themselves better, the child has better overall life outcomes. In today’s podcast episode, CHC Clinical Services experts Audrey Schield, Bilingual Associate Social Worker and Karly Crockett, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, share self-awareness stories and strategies for more present and intentional parenting. ​​

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May 3, 2022 | Episode 29, Season 2

Illustration of a young person with a distressed expression studying at a desk

Can My School Aged Child Really Be Depressed?

with Dr. Patrice Crisostomo and Annemarie Kelleghan

Children often experience a rollercoaster of emotions, even on a good day. But prolonged symptoms of sadness, irritability, short-temper, change in eating or sleeping habits or lost concentration or interest could be signs of depression. How do you know what’s normal and what’s cause for concern? Today’s podcast episode features CHC Clinical Services experts, Dr. Patrice Crisostomo, Clinical Program Manager and Psychologist and Annemarie Kelleghan, Doctoral Psychology Intern, sharing insights, expertise and important reminders: depression is treatable, early intervention is key, and you are not alone.

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April 5, 2022 | Episode 26, Season 2

Illustration of a girl hugging herself while being held in a large pair of cupped hands

Understanding Anxiety: What is Typical and What Is Not

with Christa Johnson, PsyD and Jessica Shankman, MA

Anxiety is a healthy emotion, except when it’s not. Experiencing anxiety can be just what we need to finish a project or task, or deal with a stressful situation. But it can also be overwhelming and debilitating. In today’s podcast episode, CHC experts Jessica Shankman, MA, Doctoral Psychology Intern, and Christa Johnson, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist help us understand what’s normal and when to worry. Don’t miss this important conversation, covering everything from the differences between stress and anxiety, warning signs and behaviors, the mental health impacts of the pandemic and how to know when to seek help.

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January 13, 2022 | Episode 17, Season 2

Illustration of a young woman with a blue star in each hand

A Parent’s Journey: A Child Who is Twice Exceptional

with Callie Turk and Vivien Keil, PhD

Parenting is never easy, but raising a child with exceptional talents who also struggles with learning differences (such as autism, ADHD or dyslexia) is even more complex. This combination of giftedness and challenges — known as twice exceptional (2e) — creates a confusing picture for parents and educators. It can be difficult to see the signs of 2e because it looks different in every child. Their strengths can mask their challenges and their challenges can mask their strengths. Today we talk with Callie Turk, a parent of a 2e child and Dr. Vivien Keil, neuropsychologist, about the journey of understanding and parenting these unique and extraordinary kids.

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January 6, 2022 | Episode 16, Season 2

Illustration of young woman wrapped in barbed wire

What Is Self-Harm?

with Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT

It’s hard to imagine, but essential to talk about. While we shudder to think of our teens injuring themselves intentionally, cutting and other forms of self-harm are on the rise, affecting 1 in 12 youth and increasing 99% during the pandemic. In today’s episode, we welcome back Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT to the podcast, to discuss what self-harm looks like in adolescents and how to validate their hurt while encouraging healthier coping strategies. As Clinical Program Manager and Clinician at the RISE Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Jennifer is an expert at helping teens regulate big emotions in a nonjudgmental way.

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December 16, 2021 | Episode 15, Season 2

Illustration of a woman looking in the mirror and seeing a male reflection

The Trans Experience

with Anne Mellenthin & Grae Mellenthin

We hear more about gender expression these days than we used to. Yet it’s rare to hear a raw, firsthand account about what it really feels like when your gender identity doesn’t match your biological gender — from shame and stigma to self-awareness and acceptance. In this episode, we hear from a trans adult and his mom as they share their inspiring journey. We talk about body dysmorphia, mental health issues, determination, self-acceptance and transitioning. Ultimately, theirs is a love story between mother and son, and son and self that applies to us all.

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November 10, 2021 | Episode 11, Season 2

Woman of color sitting in a cross-legged position

Mindfulness: Beyond the Buzzword

with Jennifer Salomon, OTD, OTR/L

It seems like everyone is talking about mindfulness these days. A quick Google search results in 9 Ways to Practice Mindfulness, 16 Types of Meditation and 28 Ways to Practice Mindfulness for Beginners. There is so much out there. So what is mindfulness, really, and does it even make a difference? Do I have to empty my head of all my thoughts, and sit cross-legged on the floor in a zen-like state? Listen in to this podcast episode as we talk with Jennifer Salomon, Occupational Therapist at CHC about the physiology of mindfulness and practical ways to be more present (even for skeptics). Because “as soon as we tune in and recognize that we're not being mindful, we're already being mindful.”

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October 7, 2021 | Episode 7, Season 2

Illustration of teen girl lying in bed at night using smartphone

Teens, Stress and Sleep

with Joan Baran, PhD

From the minute we become parents, we start fixating on sleep — are our babies getting enough? Too much? Will they ever sleep through the night? Will we? It’s a hot topic because we know how critical it is for healthy development, both mental and physical. As our kids turn to teens, we may monitor their sleep less, but it doesn’t become less important to their wellbeing and academic performance. Teens can face many impediments to consistent, restorative sleep, including stress, with an estimated 70-75% of teens getting less than the recommended 8 hours per night. In this podcast episode, we sat down with two CHC experts — Dr. Joan Baran, Clinical Director at CHC, and Deepika Bose, Doctoral Psychology Intern — to learn strategies for helping your teen develop healthy sleep habits. You may even want to try some yourself!

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May 27, 2021 | Episode 33, Season 1

Coming Out of Our COVID Caves: An Expert’s Guide to Re-Entry

with Vivien Keil, PhD

For the past 15 months, we’ve been carefully following safety protocols, and strict mandates have helped inform our decisions. Now, as we come out of our COVID caves, the rules are more ambiguous and varying comfort levels collide. It can create a whole new wave of anxiety around what feels safe, especially when our precautions don’t match those around us. In some ways life was simpler in our caves, where we could more easily protect our families. In this podcast episode, CHC’s Clinical Director and Neuropsychologist, Dr. Vivien Keil, shares coping strategies for easing our family’s way back into the world with courage and compassion.

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December 17, 2020 | Episode 12, Season 1

episode archive, default image

Bring on the Joy!

with Cindy Lopez, Liza Bennigson and Mike Navarrete

This is a holiday season like no other. It can be hard to feel festive in the absence of friends and loved ones. As we all hunker down in our own homes, it may seem lonely or insular, but there are still so many ways to find (and share) holiday cheer!

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