Therapist in your EAR

In this honest and relatable episode let's explore what it really means to raise kids with a healthy relationship to food—especially when we’re still untangling our own.So many of us grew up surrounded by diet culture, mixed messages about “good” and “bad” foods, and worth tied to how we looked in those skinny jeans. Now, as adults and parents ourselves, we’re trying to do better—without always knowing how. I provide insights into this process with warmth, humor, and compassion, reminding us that breaking the cycle starts with awareness, not perfection.We’ll talk about:Family mealtime rituals that build connection Rethinking “treats” and nutrition without labeling foods as good or badNavigating picky eating and the pressure to cook multiple mealsHelping kids listen to their bodies and understand fullness cuesHealing our own food stories so we can model balance, not guiltAs I share personal stories from my own kitchen and insights from my clinical work, we’re reminded that teaching our kids about food is really about teaching them trust, self-awareness, and joy."When we shift the focus away from food as a reward and toward connection, variety, and trust, we teach our children that nourishment comes from balance—not from the diet trap.”Join us as we learn, reflect, and laugh through the messy, meaningful work of raising kids—and ourselves—toward a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food.

You’ve spent the whole day curating the perfect day for your child—zoo, ice cream, playground, favorite dinner. And then, one final “no” sends them spiraling into a meltdown. Suddenly, all your effort feels invisible.If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted, resentful, or muttering, “I’m never doing this again,” you’re not alone. In this episode, Jamie Kreiter, licensed clinical therapist, perinatal mental health provider, and mom of two, breaks down why kids react this way (hint: it’s developmentally normal!), why it hits parents so hard, and how to break the burnout cycle.We’ll talk:What’s going on in your child’s developing brainWhy parenting burnout is real—and commonTherapist-informed strategies to protect your mental healthHow to respond to your kids without losing yourselfTune in for a compassionate, research-backed conversation that’ll leave you feeling seen, supported, and better equipped.

This episode explores the concept of helicopter parenting—what it is, why it happens, and how it can unintentionally impact a child’s development. While often rooted in love and protection, overly involved parenting can send subtle messages that undermine a child’s confidence and ability to navigate challenges independently. Drawing from child development theories by Piaget and Erikson, the episode examines how overprotection affects autonomy, emotional regulation, and resilience. Listeners will also hear practical strategies for fostering independence, embracing small failures, and supporting children in building confidence without hovering.

What Does It Mean to Be an Empath?The word empath gets thrown around a lot—but what does it actually mean? In this episode, we explore the difference between emotional sensitivity and emotional absorption, and how early experiences, trauma, and boundaries shape how we relate to others. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by other people’s emotions or struggled to separate your feelings from theirs, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. We’ll dive into the short-term tools and long-term strategies that can help you stay connected without getting consumed. Sensitivity isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength, when paired with awareness and care.

In this episode, we dive into parentification, explaining how it happens in families where parents are emotionally unavailable, struggling with illness, or simply overwhelmed. As a parent, I will also reflects on subtle ways we may unknowingly place too much responsibility on older siblings and offers practical strategies to help break the cycle. We discusse the long-term impact of parentification, including struggles with setting boundaries, burnout in relationships, and difficulty asking for help.But healing is possible. This episode is a reminder that your worth is not tied to how much you do for others. Whether you're a former parentified child or a parent working to change old patterns, I offer validation, hope, and actionable steps toward self-care and emotional freedom.Tune in to learn: What parentification is and how it affects children Common signs of emotional and instrumental parentification The long-term effects on adult relationships and self-worth Small but meaningful ways to validate your child’s emotions How to give yourself the care you never received

In this episode of Therapist in Your Ear, we will dive into the world of kindergarten crushes. When her young daughter announced she was getting married—to a fellow kindergartener—Jamie took it as an opportunity to explore what these early "relationships" really mean.She reassures parents that young children expressing interest in having a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” is a completely normal part of social and emotional development. Kids naturally experiment with relationship roles through play, such as pretending to be parents or assigning family roles to their friends. These early interactions help them build empathy, social skills, and communication.Jamie offers practical tips for parents to navigate these moments with curiosity and openness. She discusses the importance of asking thoughtful questions, following children’s lead, and creating a safe space for conversations—without teasing or overreacting. She also highlights how modeling healthy relationships at home can shape children’s understanding of love, friendship, and boundaries.Tune in for a lighthearted yet insightful discussion, perfect for parents wondering how to approach their little one’s first “relationship.”

Therapist In Your Ear – Is Gentle Parenting Killing Us? Gentle parenting promises empathy, respect, and connection—but is it sustainable for parents? In this episode, therapist and mom Jamie Kreiter explores the emotional toll of gentle parenting, the pressures of social media, and whether this approach is leaving parents burned out. With insights from research and experts, we’ll discuss how to find balance between being a responsive parent and protecting your own well-being. Tune in for practical strategies to parent with both compassion and sustainability.

I have debated about sharing this personal letter in such a public form. But a common theme continues for the parents that I interact with— how to carry their own personal worries about the future while striving to create a stable, joyful and carefree world for their children. Amid political turmoil, I want to explore how hope, resilience, and love can guide us as we build a brighter future. In this open letter to my daughter, I share the complex emotions of parenting in uncertain times. She is five years old, so she while she won't understand every word of the letter yet, it is my promise to continue teaching her the values of kindness, strength, and courage. And fight alongside other mothers, to provide a better world to our children, one that every child deserves.

In this episode of Therapist in Your Ear, we’re tackling a timely topic: election anxiety. With the stress and tension has come from this Presidential election, it’s crucial to have effective coping tools. I’ll guide you through strategies to cope with your feelings and provide you with practical tools to manage stress. We’ll explore connecting with your values to shift from anxiety to purpose, creating a self-care plan for election day, and embracing actions that empower you. If the anxiety feels overwhelming, remember that seeking support from a therapist can make all the difference. Tune in as we share tips to help you navigate election season with more resilience and calm.

When was the last time you shared a laugh with a friend who *really* gets the ups and downs of motherhood? In this episode, we dive into the importance of mom friends and why these connections are more than just a nice-to-have—they’re essential for mental health and resilience. We'll explore the unique benefits of friendships with other moms, like emotional support, practical help, and a shared sense of humor about the chaos of parenting. Backed by research and real-life stories, this episode is a reminder that building and nurturing these friendships can make a world of difference. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned parent, tune in to learn why finding your tribe is worth it—and how these friendships can help you feel less alone, more grounded, and even bring more joy into the daily parenting grind.

In this episode, we honor October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by diving into the complex, often unspoken grief that accompanies miscarriage and infant loss. We explore how unprocessed grief can deeply affect both emotional and physical health, manifesting in chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health challenges. You'll learn about the signs of grief, the cultural silence surrounding these losses, and how to create space for healing through personal rituals, support, and self-compassion. Whether you're grieving or supporting someone through loss, this episode offers tangible strategies for navigating the healing process. Join us as we break the silence and offer hope to those walking through this journey.

In this quick five-minute video, I dive into the essentials of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its powerful framework for understanding the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using a triangle as a visual representation of the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors triangle, I break down how these three components interact and influence one another. You'll learn how our thoughts shape our feelings and subsequently drive our behaviors, creating a cycle that can either be positive or negative. By recognizing and challenging unhelpful thoughts, we can shift our feelings and actions, leading to healthier outcomes. Whether you're new to CBT or looking for a refresher, this episode provides clear insights and practical tips to help you harness the power of CBT in your everyday life. Tune in and discover how to take control of your mental well-being!

Please join me with Rachelle Mallik, MA, RD, LDN, owner and founder of The Food Therapists. Rachelle provides nutrition support during all stages of fertility, pregnancy and postpartum with weight-inclusive, evidence-based nutrition guidance.

As a therapist specializing in maternal mental health, I often hear from my clients that they feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks, responsibilities and emotional demands placed upon them as mothers. Whether you work outside of the home—balancing career with family or you’re a stay-at-home mom, managing the complexities of child rearing and household tasks, the maternal mental overload is something that impacts nearly every mother and parent.

We’ve all been there – juggling career, household responsibilities, and the emotional well-being of our families, which often peaks in intensity right after 5 PM. With school back in session and routines in full swing, most of us find ourselves facing this stretch of the day with dread. If you’re anything like me, the period between 5 PM and bedtime can feel like a marathon where everyone’s energy reserves are tapped, but there’s still so much to do. Dinner, homework, baths, books, and bedtime—plus, let’s not overlook solo time for yourself or spending quality time with your partner, if it even happens. This period in the day, is coupled with a common aspect of modern motherhood: the maternal mental load. Let’s break down why this time can be so overwhelming and, more importantly, what we can do about it. Learn more about Nurture Therapy at www.nurture-therapy.com

As parents, sometimes our best teachers are our kids. Check out this mini-episode for a life lesson that I learned from my daughter. I try to keep this in mind when I am interacting with my children to make sure that I am responding to them vs. reacting!

As a therapist and a parent, one of the most important lessons we can teach our children is how to stay safe in a world that can sometimes be unpredictable. Traditionally, we’ve done this through the concept of “stranger danger,” but this approach has its limitations. Early in my career, I worked with children who had experienced trauma and abuse. It was in this role that I began to rethink how we keep children safe. The fact is, sometimes the real risk comes from people children may already know, and not all strangers are dangerous. That’s why I recommend shifting the conversation from “stranger danger” to the idea of “tricky people.”

In this episode, I delve into the impact of mom guilt on mental and emotional well-being. We'll discuss how mom guilt is often unspoken and how this can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression, eroding self-esteem and creating a sense of inadequacy. Over time, mom guilt can strain relationships, cause burnout, and steal the joy of parenting. We'll also address the isolation and shame that often accompany these feelings, and share strategies to reduce guilt and enhance coping, reminding moms they are not alone in this experience.

Let's explore concept of being a “good mom” and the pressures of parenting perfection. I discuss D.W. Winnicott’s “Good Enough Mother” or parent theory, which reassures parents that striving for perfection isn’t necessary to raise happy, healthy children. Through real-life examples, I will illustrate how embracing imperfections, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion can help children develop resilience and emotional security. Tune in for insights on nurturing a positive parent-child relationship without the pressure of being flawless.

We all do it; but how many of us are doing it in front of our toddler?? I am talking about going to the bathroom! We joke about not being able to pee in peace. But it's a real issue and that could impact your mental health. So why is it so stressful?

In the chaos of life, it is hard to sit down and meditate. When I recommend mindfulness meditation as a tool for managing stress and finding inner peace. I am met with pushback. And I get it… The idea of sitting still and quieting my mind felt impossible, especially in the chaos of my own daily life where I was balancing a career, a household, and the endless responsibilities of parenthood. Here’s a guided meditation and some practical tips for integrating meditation into a busy parent’s life.

Are you the parent who takes on the majority of the childcare and household responsibilities? Manages the children's schedules? Remembers every birthday party, soccer game and play date. Are these things usually by default and without explicit agreement? Then you are probably (most likely) the default parent.

Ever have an opportunity to practice a parenting scenario before it happens? Tune in to hear my story when my daughter refused an activity.

For as long as I can remember, perfectionism had been an inherent part of who I was. Perfectionism, often celebrated in our achievement-oriented society, sets an unattainable standard that inevitably leads to stress, anxiety, inadequacy and burnout. This brings many to therapy. Learn from a recovering perfectionist how to address perfectionism in children, and avoid a lifelong struggle!

Join a conversation with Liz Cuttica from Milly Grey Movement and me while we explore the physical and mental health benefits of movement. We talk about it's importance, as well as how you can find the time to fit a little movement in an already busy day!

Understanding body autonomy is foundational for children building healthy relationships based on trust, respect, and consent. But what happens if it comes down between your child's body autonomy and hugging a family member? These topics can get complicated. Dive in with me here!

Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you went in there in the first place? Has a word been on the tip of your tongue, but you have absolutely no recall? Or perhaps you've found yourself frantically searching for your phone, only to realize it's been in your hand the entire time? For many of us, especially new parents, experiencing moments of forgetfulness, absent-mindedness, and general cognitive fuzziness is all too familiar. But did you know there's a scientific explanation behind this phenomenon?

Show me one person that doesn't get stressed out sometimes- especially a parent. In addition to being, well, stressful, stress can be an adaptive thing. Stress protects us from perceived threats. Find out how stress can be healthy with recovery!

Our inner dialogues shape our perception of the world and ourselves. Negative self-talk reinforces self-doubt and limitations, acting as a barrier to our full potential. Constant negative self-talk can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, perpetuating a cycle of pessimism and self-doubt. It can also exacerbate stress, fuel perfectionism, and strain our ability to cope with challenges. In contrast, positive self-talk can uplift, motivate, and rewire our brain in empowering ways. This simple practice can yield profound benefits for your mental well-being and cognitive functioning in three-minutes or less. Find out how!

Educate yourself on perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, why they happen and what you can do about them.

This is a fun episode! Find out why you keep having dreams about your ex. Are you concerned that it means you are still pining away for an old flame? Do you need closure? Or is it totally random. Many clients share their dreams about an ex. The experience is common, the answer is not what you think.

While it may seem counter intuitive, a little bit of emotional distance can help us better regulate and meet the needs of others. When we are too wrapped up in the feelings of others, we become inundated. Check out this episode for tips and tricks to best meet the needs of our loved ones.

We have all been there; your baby won't stop crying. You do all the things: Is she wet? Is she hungry? Is she overtired? Are one of my hairs wrapped around her fingers? But nothing seems to help! When your baby won’t stop crying and you desperately need a reframe to meet your baby's needs. Use this reframing tool. No more tears from anyone!

Sometimes chicken is more than just chicken. Find out how to prioritize self-care in a meaningful and doable way through this personal story.

It is common to feel disconnected from your partner at times, particularly during times of stress—especially after a baby arrives! Use this simple exercise to help when you and your partner are disconnected.

You have just lost it on your kids and it’s the worst. Now what? This episode helps with regulation and repair. Use it in the moment!

You know when your partner just keeps saying the wrong thing? Maybe someone is trying to fix it for you, when really all you need is a shoulder to lean on. This traffic story will help you to understand and validate your partner’s experiences and use validating communication techniques.

Introducing Therapist In Your Ear. Imagine having a trusted therapist in your ear, ready to provide expert advice whenever you need it. Welcome to Therapist In Your EAR (Expert Advice Ready. Here you will find short audio clips featuring licensed professional therapists, delivering personalized guidance and support right to you. Whether you're navigating life's challenges or seeking strategies for self-improvement, these concise and insightful words of wisdom will provide immediate assistance at your convenience. You can access valuable advice that fits seamlessly into your daily routine, promoting mental well-being and fostering a sense of connection. Embrace the convenience of expert guidance tailored to your unique needs, making mental health support more accessible and approachable than ever before.