The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Phil Ritchie, a Clinical Psychologist from Ottawa (Ontario). Topics include discussing how to define trauma, exploring symptoms that may be exhibited, describing important points for caregivers to keep in mind when supporting a child who has experienced trauma, and outlining when to seek help. Resources: The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative: htt...

In this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Maggie Mamen, an award-winning Clinical Family Psychologist and best-selling author from Ottawa (Ontario). With the goal of helping parents feel empowered as leaders within the family unit, Dr. Maggie discusses conceptualizing the family as a small business, the importance of differentiating between choice and obligation, how to effectively co-parent with...

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Jennifer Karp, a Clinical Psychologist from Ottawa (Ontario). Topics include: what are common symptoms of OCD, how does it develop and how is it maintained, and what evidence-based treatment is typically used to treat OCD. Resources: Websites: IOCDF.org  CHEO's OCD Handout: https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/resources-and-support/resources/P4934E.pdf Anxiety Canad...

In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Samantha Goldwater-Adler, a Clinical Psychologist from Montreal (Quebec). Topics include what to consider when telling your child/children you are separating, emotional and practical tips when learning to co-parent, and strategies to communicate with your former partner to improve co-parenting. ***This episode is geared toward parents and contains adult s...

In this mini episode, Dr. Laila and Dr. Jenn review coping strategies for both children and parents to use during childhood immunizations (e.g. during COVID-19 vaccines or routine childhood immunizations). Techniques such as the use of distraction, deep breathing, physical comfort/positioning, positive self-talk, and modelling calm parenting behaviours are reviewed. Resources: Websites: https://im...

In this episode, Dr. Mary is joined again by Dr. Marina Heifetz, Child and Adolescent Psychologist and mindfulness educator from Toronto (Ontario) for a discussion on mindful parenting. They review the benefits of mindful parenting and explore how to bring this into practice through approaches, such as the TINGLE method and responding rather than reacting. The importance of parents’ awareness of t...

Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Marina Heifetz, a Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist and mindfulness educator from Toronto (Ontario), for a discussion on mindfulness. They discuss benefits for children, youth, and parents as well as practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into a busy lifestyle. Dr. Marina guides listeners through a relaxing mindful practice. Resources: Apps: Headspace, Smil...

In this episode, Dr. Laila is joined by Dr. Kim Hellemans, professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University (Ottawa, Ontario) and co-host of the award winning podcast, Minding the Brain. They explore the link between excessive social media and technology use and children's mental health, and discuss coping tools for both youth and parents. Resources: https://www.cmaj.ca...

In this mini episode, Drs. Mary and Jenn review a visualization relaxation tool called Mental Vacation. The "Relaxing Beach" script used in this episode was created by AnxietyCanada.com. Resource: https://anxietycanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Mental-vacation.pdf

In this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary review a relaxation technique called Box Breathing.  Resources:  https://www.ementalhealth.ca/Canada/Deep-Breathing/index.php?m=article&ID=62559 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58&feature=youtu.be

In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Erika Penner, R.Psych., a Clinical Child Psychologist from Vancouver, B.C. Topics include: discussing differences between shyness, social anxiety, and selective mutism, how to help a child who can’t talk in certain situations, and the evidenced-based treatment of selective mutism. Resources: https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/selective-mutism/ https://...

In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Angela Digout Erhardt, C.Psych., a Clinical Child Psychologist located in Ottawa, Ontario. Topics such as what to expect during a psychoeducational assessment, the types of tests administered and common referral questions are discussed. Resources: www.ldathome.ca www.understood.org

Drs. Mary, Laila and Jenn discuss topics such as challenging negative thoughts, behavioural activation and the importance of social support. Resources: CHEO's Depression Handout Book: Conquer Negative Thinking for Teens workbook by Dr. Karapetian and Anne McGrath.

Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss the importance of sleep in adolescence. Topics such as the benefits of sleep for mental health and strategies for improving sleep are covered. Resources: CHEO's Sleep Handout Sick Kids Sleep Video

In this episode, we explore coping skills such as challenging anxious thoughts, relaxation techniques and exposure. Resources: Healthy Thinking Facing Fears or Exposure

Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss anxiety in children and adolescents. Part 1 focuses on the symptoms of anxiety and how to recognize them, as well as common thinking traps. Resources: www.anxietycanada.com https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/ThinkingTraps.pdf

Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss coping strategies (e.g. setting healthy boundaries, modelling positive behaviours, practicing gratitude) for children and parents during COVID-19. Resources: www.anxietycanada.com/covid-19/ www.aboutkidshealth.ca/covid-19