Tell The Others

When a spicy kid talks back, shuts down, or explodes over something small, the school's first move is usually more consequences, more check-ins, more adults in the room. And most of the time, that's exactly the wrong thing to do. This episode breaks down why a spicy kid's nervous system reads all of that as a threat, and why standard consequences and check-in cards typically backfire. Psychotherap...

Why are we triggered when our kids "copy bad behavior"? It has a lot to do with the stories we tell ourselves about the way they're acting. If we shift our perspective just slightly, we can reduce conflict AND build the emotional regulation muscle in our children. Here's what Heidi covers in this podcast, taken from a live Q&A call in her parenting program: • Why the stories we tell ourselves...

What if the secret to parenting an ADHD child isn’t trying harder—but trying differently? It makes sense when you think about it. ADHD brains are wired differently, and so are their challenges. ADHD coach Sharon Collon shares her journey from chaos to calm and how you can tailor solutions to your family’s unique needs. After spending over $30,000 in her son's first year post-diagnosis and developi...

Ever feel like your SPICY kid is allergic to the word "no"? They're actually wired to struggle with three things that make it *look* like they're being difficult 'on purpose' (when it's really just their brain asking for help). Tune in for a perspective shift to help you parent with less stress and more connection. Explore why spicy kids struggle with “no” (and how to set boundaries that stick). U...

Dental anxiety isn't just about teeth — it's also about feeling powerless . It's a topic I covered on a recent Prism Perspective call. Tune in to learn...   • How to help your child understand their anxiety • Simple strategies to make dental visits less traumatic • Why lying about pain backfires (and what to say instead) • Ways to empower your child with choice and control -- Strong-willed child a...

'Does everyone need therapy?' It's kind of like asking 'does everyone need deodorant'? Not strictly. BUT... Do you remember your last train ride on a summer day? Or that Uber trip? Or the customs line at the airport? Yechh... The sights, the sounds... the... smells. Body odor (and lack of deodorant!) in a small space is kind of like our emotional struggles and unresolved traumas. Both have an impa...

I don't know about you, but I like to imagine parenting as a marathon, not a sprint ‍♀️ But it's hard to think long-term when every day feels like a race to the finish line. It's like the parenting version Groundhog Day... …we roll into bed exhausted, disconnected, frustrated, and anxious because we KNOW we're only hours away from doing it all again So, here's a little secret… By making small chan...

If you're battling your teenager over late-night phone sessions, you're not alone! In this episode, Heidi shares why phone and tech boundaries are especially tricky for strong-willed and neurodivergent kids (you know - the SPICY children who don't respond to 'traditional' parenting techniques ). Learn how to identify what's really driving their behavior and unpack strategies for compromise that wo...

When we're trying to improve our emotional wellbeing, we usually focus on the present or the future. But what if the key to healing and feeling ‘whole’ is actually in our past? That's where reparenting comes in. Reparenting is about connecting with and caring for your inner child—the part of you that holds the memories and feelings from your early experiences. Sound a little ‘woo woo’... or… maybe...

Parenting a SPICY child is often lonely, exhausting, isolating and overwhelming. I know because I have a SPICY child myself, and I see ya’ll in private practice every week We live in a society that says children should all fit into a neat little box of behavior and personality… and if they don’t… well… it must be the parents’ fault! But most of society has no clue what it’s like to parent a SPICY...

Heidi answers the following question in this episode: " Hi Heidi, why doesn’t positive parenting work on my spicy 8 year old? My 10 year old is so different and much more dutiful, compliant and easy. My 8 year old is aggressive, violent and hates any talk about feelings. It feels like we are all walking eggshells. My husband yells and isn’t as patient as me, but I lose it too, as nothing seems to...

Ever wondered if transformation was possible for you, or if healing yourself was even an option outside of therapy? I chatted with my colleague and fellow therapist, Tom Ahern this week, all about our journeys in self-healing and managing our mental health. It was fascinating to dive deep into the topic and explore the idea that therapy isn’t the only route to self-healing (pretty wild - coming fr...

One of the most common things people say to me is, "I know if I could just change my thinking and be more positive, then I’d be happy. I know it's my fault I'm unhappy because of the thoughts I choose ". If it were THAT simple and just 'thinking happy thoughts' was the key to everything, then the world would be a really happy place. But it's not, because it's not that simple. Taking a 'bottom up a...

I often hear from parents: "My child’s teacher has recommended my son / daughter have an assessment to understand their behaviors a bit more. I’m not sure how I feel about this. I think a label will hurt them long-term and I don’t want them to be treated differently." In this clip, I share my thoughts on this and provide some guidance around WHY an assessment may or may not be helpful.  I hope it...

Join Heidi and Vanessa (a trauma therapist and Licensed Mental Health Social Worker) on their deep dive into all things body image, and how to find freedom in food. Some of the topics covered: What determines health? What is body neutrality? Easy ways to promote healthy body image to your kids How to protect your kids from developing a negative body image Labeling foods "good" or "bad" Emotional e...

I wanted to share a recent question I received in my parenting group about teenagers and their unique challenges. It opened a HUGE can of worms as I honed in on the real issue behind this mom’s concerns - a loss of control. Q: “ My 17-year-old is staying in her room and isolating, not talking to us as much as she used to. I’m worried something is going on. Can you help? ” It’s such a classic scena...

One of the common questions I hear in my private practice is ‘Why does my child have anxiety, especially when they have nothing to be stressed about?’ While it’s easy to view their anxiety as ‘attention seeking’ or ‘being dramatic’, the key message they need from us is: you are safe, and I can help you. With that in mind, we need to reframe the way we view anxiety and understand how - and why - it...

Mental Health Social Worker and nutritionist Vanessa Preston joins me to discuss the ways women are healing their relationship with their bodies and making room in their lives to pursue what's - actually - important to them. Her online program, the Body And Food Freedom Project, has received rave reviews from my clients, my friends,  and moms in my parenting program, and I'm super keen to share he...

Being ‘successful’ is about more than luck. It often involves learning a trade, building relationships, and staying curious - even in the face of adversity and potential failure. Join Heidi as she speaks with Joe Titus, whose experience in the finance sector and on Wall St has taught him a thing or two about the essential personality traits to be successful in any area of life. What to expect in t...

No matter how mentally healthy, resilient, or happy you are, we all go through times when we’re faced with something difficult. Join Heidi and guest Janine Halloran as they discuss the coping methods that suit unique personalities, and how to identify your own coping skills. What to expect in the episode: What is a coping skill, and why is it important? How do parents implement coping skills? In w...

One of the most common questions I get is from parents is - “how do I deal with a child who is refusing to go to school?” If it's a 6 year old starting school, or a 12 year old not getting out of the car, or a 16 year old refusing to get out of bed…. most parents can attest to the frustration and sadness that comes when your child refuses to go to school . I have personal experience with this with...

The loss of a loved one creates a new kind of 'normal' and introduces us to a kind of suffering that we have never known. Join me as I speak with special guest Brendan Murray as he opens up about his experiences with death and the loss of his parents. For anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one, Brendan shares some techniques to cope with grief and loss to help you get back to life. What to ex...

Heidi joins writer, podcaster and creator Tom Ahern in this wide ranging discussion on religion, psychedelics, ego, EMDR, toxic masculinity and the art of becoming a better listener. What to expect from the episode: What makes listening the most challenging skill to learn? Ways to become a better listener Why is validation important? Why do some people not want to listen and seem to be just waitin...

Ever wondered why you react the way you do? Or what's behind the quote 'mind-body connection'? Join Heidi for the answers as she dives into Polyvagal Theory with Justin Sunseri of the Stuck Not Broken podcast . Justin shares his expertise on all things Polyvagal Theory, and explores the connection between our behaviors, emotions and the way we respond.  Here are the things to expect in the episode...

If you're contemplating booking Heidi for a 1-on-1 session OR you can't decide whether her parenting program is right for you, then you don't want to miss this.  Heidi walks you through the program and how it works, helps you understand whether it's a good fit, and lays out what you need to do get the most out of it when you join. -- Strong-willed child at home? Discover just how S.P.I.C.Y. they a...