The Coping Toolbox, a Child Psych Podcast
by Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald
A podcast hosted by Canadian licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologists Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald, C.Psych. Topics covered include a wide variety of subjects such as coping during COVID-19, dealing with child anxiety, sleep difficulties and parenting issues. Guest speakers include other Child Psychologists and developmental professionals across Canada.
Episodes
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When Our Past Shows Up: Parenting, Identity and Attachment with Dr. Rana Pishva, C.Psych.
In this episode Dr. Mary speaks with Dr. Rana Pishva about how our own childhood experiences can resurface during parenthood. They discuss matrescence (the developmental shift of becoming a parent), signs that reactions are rooted in past wounds, practical tools like HALT and opposite action, and...
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Complex Kids, Simple Solutions with Dr. Jenny Demark, Dr. Linda Reinstein & Conrad Leung, BCBA
Dr. Laila sits down with Dr. Jenny Demark, C.Psych., Dr. Linda Reinstein, C.Psych., and Conrad Leung, BCBA, to discuss their new book, Complex Kids, Simple Solutions, and the powerful three-part framework at its core — Prepare, Teach, Motivate. Together, they explore practical, science-backed...
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Saving Childhood: Protecting Kids’ Mental Health in a Digital Age
Dr. Mary and Joanne Doucette, MSW, RSW (Social Worker) discuss how smartphones and social media affect kids' mental health, what the research shows, and why delaying phones can help. They offer practical, nonjudgmental tips for parents and communities — from setting home boundaries and media...
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Helping Children Grieve with Jana DeCristofaro, LCSW
In this episode, Jenn interviews Jana DeCristofaro, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Community Response Program Coordinator at Dougy Center, and host of the “Grief Out Loud” podcast. We discuss how grief might appear during different developmental stages across childhood and adolescence. We…
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Self-Compassion for Parents
In this episode Dr. Mary and Dr. Jenn describe self-compassion as a helpful skill to practice. They discuss how self-compassion helps us to be kinder to ourselves while navigating the challenges of raising kids. Three steps toward self-compassion are explored: 1. Noticing our thoughts; 2.…
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Coping Skills for Panic Attacks in Teens with Janine Halloran, LMHC
In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Janine Halloran, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author and speaker from Massachusetts. They discuss how to motivate teens to develop a coping toolbox, and coping strategies for older children and teens experiencing panic attacks (including challenging...
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Emotion Coaching with Dr. Anna Campbell, R.Psych.
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Dr. Anna Campbell, a Registered Clinical Psychologist from Nova Scotia. Dr. Campbell describes what emotion coaching is, and how and when to use it. This episode describes emotions as valuable information, outlines that all emotions are okay, and highlights...
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Early Signs of Autism in Young Children
In this episode Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss some of the early signs of autism in young children. We discuss typical developmental milestones and what might be some indicators of differences in development. Symptoms related to language and communication, social relationships and emotional…
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Test Anxiety
In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn examine test anxiety. They discuss why we experience test anxiety and practical tips for before and during tests. Ideas for challenging worry thoughts and suggestions for positive self talk are explored. They describe focusing on healthy striving rather...
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Grief and the Holidays with Joanne Doucette, RSW
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined once again by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker to examine ideas to help navigate the holiday season while you are experiencing grief. They discuss various emotions which are commonly experienced and how to manage some of those big emotions. Joanne...
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Coping with Separation Anxiety in Children
In this episode, Drs. Laila, Mary, and Jenn discuss separation anxiety and how it affects children and their caregivers. Common symptoms are discussed, and they explore ideas to help cope with the challenges associated with separation anxiety. Resources: 1)...
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Perfectionism with Dr. Simon Sherry, RPsych
In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Simon Sherry. Dr. Sherry is a Professor at Dalhousie University and an internationally recognized expert in perfectionism. During this episode, Dr. Sherry describes types of perfectionism and the role of genetics, parenting and social media as possible...
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The Adolescent Brain
In this episode, Drs. Jenn and Mary explore changes that take place in the adolescent brain, including how rewiring fine tunes the brain. This process starts at the back of the brain and moves to the front, resulting in adolescents making decisions that are more heavily influenced by instincts…
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Helping Your Anxious Child Use Intentional Practice with Dr. Dawn Huebner
In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews world-renowned child psychologist, parent coach and award-winning author, Dr. Dawn Huebner. They discuss the importance of intentional practice in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and how parents can help their children take on right-sized,...
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Healthy Relationships
In this episode, Drs. Mary, Jenn, and Laila discuss qualities that are frequently observed as part of healthy relationships. Listeners are encouraged to observe what qualities they notice in their present relationships. Qualities discussed include having a sense of acceptance, respect for...
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Building Resilience in Children & Teens
In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss how parents can help their children and teens build resilience. Topics covered include the importance of modelling resilience, optimism, self-compassion and self-care, routines, and supporting children during difficult situations. Resources: The...
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Social Anxiety in Children and Teens
In this episode, Drs. Jenn, Laila and Mary discuss social anxiety in children and teens. Common symptoms, evidenced-based treatment, and how parents can help their children cope with social anxiety are reviewed. Resources: https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/social-anxiety/ The Shyness and...
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Grief in Children with Joanne Doucette, MSW, RSW
In this episode, Dr. Jenn is joined by Joanne Doucette, Registered Social Worker, from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss differences between grief and mourning, the uniqueness of the experience of grief, emotions associated with grief (e.g., guilt, anxiety, and anger), suggestions for how to talk to...
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Sleep in Children with Dr. Penny Corkum
In this episode, Dr. Jenn interviews Dr. Penny Corkum, Registered Psychologist & Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program with the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She is the principal investigator for the Better Nights, Better Days...
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Kids and Needles: What Every Parent and Healthcare Provider Should Know to Reduce Pain and Fear with Dr. Jody Thomas
In this episode, Dr. Laila interviews Dr. Jody Thomas, Clinical Health Psychologist, Founder and CEO of the Meg Foundation, and Adjunct Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas discusses evidence-based strategies that parents and healthcare providers can use to reduce pain…
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Bullying in Children and Youth with Dr. Wendy Craig
For this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Dr. Wendy Craig, leading scientist and expert on bullying prevention and co-founder and Scientific Co-Director of PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) for a discussion on bullying in children and teens. Dr. Craig shares her...
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Healthy Lifestyle and Exercise for Youth with Connie Beaulieu, CSCS
As a follow-up to the Helping Kids Develop a Healthy Body Image episode, Dr. Laila interviews Connie Beaulieu, CSCS, a Fitness Professional with over 25 years of experience from Ottawa (Ontario). They discuss healthy lifestyle choices for youth including avoiding fad diets, the negative influence...
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10 Tips for Back-to-School
With summer coming to an end and a new school year approaching, Drs. Jenn and Mary discuss 10 tips to help parents and kids prepare for the transition to school. Topics include getting back into a routine, normalizing anxiety, practicing COVID measures, empowering kids, and modelling healthy...
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Helping Kids Develop a Healthy Body Image
In this episode, Drs. Laila, Jenn and Mary discuss what parents can do to help their children and teens develop a positive body image. Topics such as food culture at home, the dangers of diet culture, modelling positive body image, building self-esteem separate from appearance, and critical media...
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What Can You Do When it Feels Like You Can’t Do Anything? Early Intervention Advice from a Speech Language Pathologist with Shauna Haight, SLP
In this episode, Dr. Mary is joined by Shauna Haight, Paediatric Early Intervention Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Ottawa (Ontario). They explore markers that indicate a child is a late talker, the value in taking a “let’s try and see what happens approach” rather than a “let’s wait and…
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How to Support Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma with Dr. Phil Ritchie
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...
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Helping Parents Get Their S*** Together with Dr. Maggie Mamen
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...
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OCD - When Thoughts Get Stuck and Behaviours Take Over with Dr. Jennifer Karp
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...
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Separation and Co-Parenting with Dr. Samantha Goldwater-Adler
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…
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Coping Strategies for Childhood Immunizations and Pain
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,...
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Mindful Parenting with Dr. Marina Heifetz
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,...
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Mindfulness for Children and Teens with Dr. Marina Heifetz
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...
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Social Media, Technology Use and Youth Mental Health with Dr. Kim Hellemans
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...
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Mental Vacation Visualization
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
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Box Breathing
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
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Selective Mutism – When Your Child Isn’t Talking with Dr. Erika Penner
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...
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Psychoeducational Assessments with Dr. Angela Digout Erhardt
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:...
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Depression and Low Mood in Children and Teens
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.
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Teen Sleep
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
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Anxiety in Children and Teens, Part 2 (Coping Skills)
In this episode, we explore coping skills such as challenging anxious thoughts, relaxation techniques and exposure. Resources: Healthy Thinking Facing Fears or Exposure
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Anxiety in Children & Teens, Part 1
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
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Coping during COVID-19
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
About this show
A podcast hosted by Canadian licensed Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologists Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald, C.Psych. Topics covered include a wide variety of subjects such as coping during COVID-19, dealing with child anxiety, sleep difficulties and parenting issues. Guest speakers include other Child Psychologists and developmental professionals across Canada.
Hosted by
Drs. Jennifer Vriend, Laila Din Osmun, and Mary Simmering McDonald