Self Care

Join us for this podcast episode as we talk with CHC experts, Emily Hsu, PhD, licensed psychologist and Danna Torres, LMFT exploring the essential skill of distress tolerance for parents navigating the emotional rollercoaster of raising children. Learn why developing the ability to withstand difficult emotions without reacting impulsively can transform your parenting journey. We discuss practical strategies to build this crucial skill—including mindfulness practices and calming techniques. Discover how strengthening your distress tolerance models healthy emotional regulation for your children. When parents can remain steady during storms of frustration, exhaustion, and worry, children gain the security and emotional tools they need to develop resilience for life's challenges.

Talking with teens about consent can feel awkward, but it’s a critical conversation for their safety and well-being. In this episode, we talk about consent with CHC psychologist and Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Carlina Wheeler. Join us for this conversation as we consider what consent really means and why it’s essential in all relationships. We’ll explore practical ways parents can open the conversation, even when their teen seems unwilling to engage, and discuss situations where consent is not possible, such as when someone is under the influence or pressured. Tune in for insights and strategies to help your teen navigate boundaries with confidence and respect.

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.

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.

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. ​​

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.

On Part 2 of "I Will Get By," Liza Bennigson shares what she's learned about adult self-care, how to start difficult conversations with your kids and tips from CHC clinicians for hanging on during hopeless moments.