Voices of Compassion

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...

Living with a chronic illness isn’t just about medical care—it’s about daily management, not a cure. In this episode we talk with CHC experts Tracy Cavaligos, PhD , licensed psychologist and Caroline Gillenson, MS , Clinical Psychology Doctoral intern as we explore the deep connection between chronic illness and mental health, from the emotional toll of ongoing symptoms to the impact on friendship...

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...

Young adulthood is a time of transformation, independence, and discovery—but it also comes with unique challenges. Join us as we talk with CHC experts, Erin Hoolihan , PsyD and Zahra Murtaza , PhD about the stressors young adults face, from navigating individuation and identity development to balancing budgets, academics, relationships, and the complexities of "adulting." We'll also explore how so...

Resources: CHC Online CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services CHC's Resource Library Sign up for our Virtual Village email list to receive our latest episodes and recent CHC updates. Visit Voices of Compassion online for full show notes including additional resources. Find us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn and visit our YouTube channel for videos. Subscribe and leave...

The data shows that ADHD is diagnosed in boys more often than girls. Why is that? Join us as we talk with Marjan Ebadi, PhD and Dylan Stewart, PsyD both psychologists at CHC in exploring the factors behind this disparity. We’ll discuss how ADHD often looks different in girls—manifesting as inattentiveness, emotional sensitivity, or perfectionism rather than hyperactivity—and why these signs are fr...

Boundaries are an important part of parenting. But how do you know when and where to set boundaries and how to ensure your children respect those boundaries? In today’s episode, we talk with Victoria Cabrera, MS, BCBA , and Hannah Fritz, MA both of whom are Clinical Psychology Doctoral Interns at CHC, as we explore the art of parenting with healthy boundaries. Learn what boundaries are, why they m...

Effective communication can be tricky. In today’s episode, we talk with Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT, Clinical Program Manager at CHC and expert on DBT strategies. You will learn how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (or DBT) strategies can transform the way we communicate. We’ll discuss practical tools like mindfulness, validation, and dialectics to express your needs, set boundaries, and build stronger,...

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 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 com...

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 relatio...

Join us for this new episode with CHC experts, Karly Crockett, LCSW and Rachel O’Harra, LMFT as we explore the vital connection between healthy eating for both mental and physical well-being. Proper nutrition fuels our bodies and minds, playing a key role in overall development, mood regulation, and energy levels. We’ll share practical strategies for parents/caregivers to encourage healthy eating...

Supporting a child with ADHD can be invigorating, exhausting and rewarding! In this new Voices of Compassion podcast episode, we dive into the unique strengths of ADHD and explore actionable strategies parents can use to help their child thrive. In conversation with CHC experts, Danna Torres and Karly Crockett , we unpack how to channel their creativity, energy, and problem-solving skills. How can...

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 makin...

In this new podcast episode we explore the meaning of validation and why it’s one of the most effective communication strategies for parents and caregivers. Although the term validation is often used, many people aren’t entirely sure what it really means or how to use it in conversations with others, including youth. Validation helps youth feel heard, understood, and valued, creating a strong emot...

In this episode, we talk with CHC experts, Dr. Emily Hsu , licensed psychologist and Julia Terman , doctoral intern at Stanford Children’s Hospital and CHC about accommodating anxiety and what it means for both parents and children. We'll explore what accommodation looks like—how parents might unknowingly reinforce their child's fears by altering routines or providing excessive reassurance. We dis...

Today we are talking about academic pressure and its impact on teens with Dr. Pardis Khosravi , Clinical Director and Licensed Psychologist at CHC. Where do these demands come from? It could be various sources including schools, peers, and societal expectations. Recognizing the signs that a student is on overload is crucial for parents and caregivers, so we'll discuss key indicators such as change...

Join our guest host, Natalie Tamburello, Community Engagement Manager at CHC, as she discusses the unique challenges and strengths that students with Autism navigate while learning in school. She is joined by two of our expert CHC Licensed Psychologists,  Dr. Melanie Hsu and Dr. Cassandra Sanchez . They share how the social challenges associated with Autism can pose barriers to learning when...

Join our guest host, Natalie Tamburello, Community Engagement Manager at CHC, in a conversation with CHC expert, Dr. Tracy Cavaligos, licensed psychologist, as they discuss navigating terminology and supporting children around exploring gender identity.  In this episode you’ll learn about different terms and when to use them, how to support your child's natural gender exploration and resource...

Join us today for this conversation on eating disorders with Michael Manzano, MS , Doctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology at Children’s Health Council (CHC) and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. We begin by talking about the behaviors you might see with disordered eating, from picky eating to extreme dieting, to binging and purging. We also discuss preventive measures that include fo...

As technology continues to permeate almost all aspects of our lives, understanding how to navigate the digital world responsibly becomes critical, especially for our youth. In this new episode we talk with Eisha Buch, Director of Education Programs & Development for Common Sense Education, about helping students develop a sense of digital agency so that they can truly thrive in a tech-filled w...

In today’s episode, we discuss the sensitive but critical topic of teen suicide. According to the CDC, suicide rates from 2007 through 2021 for Americans ages 10 to 24 rose 62%. In this conversation with CHC Doctoral Psychology Intern, Emily Raymond we discuss key risk factors that parents, educators and peers should be aware of, offering practical strategies for parents to create open l...

Puberty can be a challenging time, but with guidance, parents can help their children navigate it with resilience and strength. Drawing on insights and the expertise of CHC Doctoral Psychology intern, Emma Lecarie , this new podcast episode provides practical advice for parents navigating this transitional period with their children. We explore strategies parents can use to promote positive mental...

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 in the Asian American community. With our guest experts, CHC Licensed Psychologist,  Dr. Emily Hsu and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Thuy Tran, they discuss not only what they have experienced professionally,...

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 t...

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...