Dr. Debra Kissen is a licensed clinical psychologist and the CEO and Founder of Light On Anxiety Treatment Centers, which specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. As an internationally recognized speaker and author, she has co-authored books, including Overcoming Parental Anxiety and The Panic Workbook for Teens. In her recent book, she explores practical tools for parents to manage anxiety and enjoy parenting, drawing from both clinical insights and personal experience.

Parenting is often described as one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences, but for many parents, worry and anxiety overshadow the joy. Why does it feel so difficult to stay calm and make clear decisions, especially when your child is distressed? How can you maintain your emotional and mental well-being during parenting challenges?

According to Dr. Debra Kissen, an internationally recognized anxiety expert and author, the parent brain is wired for survival, attuning deeply to a child’s emotions through empathy and mirror neurons. While essential for bonding, this connection can amplify anxiety when parents feel their child’s distress as their own. The result is a cycle of heightened emotions where both parent and child struggle to cope effectively. By understanding this wiring and implementing tools for emotional regulation, parents can disrupt the cycle, build confidence, and guide their children through challenges while remaining calm.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz speaks with Dr. Debra Kissen, CEO and Founder of Light On Anxiety Treatment Centers, about overcoming parental anxiety by rewiring the brain. They explore how to identify and manage emotional triggers, practical tools for staying calm in stressful moments, and strategies for fostering self-compassion as a parent. Dr. Kissen also shares advice on relinquishing control and finding more joy in everyday parenting.

Demi Agaiby is the Founding Director and Mental Performance Consultant at Beyond Horizons Performance, a mental performance consultancy for performers and athletes. With over 20 years of commercial and concert dance training and a master’s degree in sport and exercise psychology, Demi has worked with hundreds of performers to master their mindset and mental skills. She has presented at the National Dance Education Organization, the National Dance Coaches Association, the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, and more.

Helping young athletes navigate the highs and lows of competitive sports can be a daunting task for parents. How can they support their children through setbacks like injuries, burnout, and performance pressures, all while fostering resilience and joy?

According to Demi Agaiby, a mental performance consultant and sports psychology expert, focusing on the process rather than the outcome is crucial for boosting performance during setbacks. She highlights the importance of praising effort, maintaining open communication, and building multidimensional identities that allow young athletes to thrive in and out of their sport. By helping children connect to their “why,” parents can guide them back to their intrinsic motivations during challenging times. Demi also emphasizes creating opportunities for exploration and cultivating transferable skills, such as leadership and teamwork, which carry over into every aspect of life.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Demi Agaiby, Founding Director and Mental Performance Consultant at Beyond Horizons Performance, to discuss how parents can build resilience in their young athletes. They explore strategies for managing burnout, balancing identity with sports, and viewing setbacks as growth opportunities. Demi also gives practical advice for creating a support system and fostering emotional intelligence in children.

Dr. Lisa Novak is the Co-founder and Clinical Director of Illuminate Psychological Assessments. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she specializes in neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults and supervises other licensed and pre-licensed clinicians in their assessment work. Her areas of expertise include learning disabilities, ADHD, and the interplay between physical and mental health concerns. Dr. Novak earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

In today’s digital age, many parents find themselves struggling to balance their children’s screen time with their emotional well-being. With smartphones dominating daily life, how can we help kids develop resilience, strong social skills, and healthy habits both online and offline?

According to clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Novak, the secret is mindful technology use. She explains that excessive smartphone use, especially in younger children, has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. She highlights that over-parenting in real life while under-parenting online creates a dangerous gap, where children are overprotected in person but left vulnerable to the addictive nature of social media. If remained unchecked, this balance can lead to impaired attention, sleep deprivation, and difficulty building real-world connections.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz speaks with Dr. Lisa Novak, Co-founder and Clinical Director of Illuminate Psychological Assessments, about the challenges of balancing tech and childhood. Together, they explore how smartphones and social media impact emotional development, how delaying screen time can improve resilience, and how parents can model healthier tech habits. Dr. Novak also gives advice on creating screen-free environments at home and fostering real-world independence.

Dr. Leigh Weisz is the Founder of Coping Partners, a mental health clinic. As a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, she was on staff and affiliated with The Family Institute at Northwestern University for several years. She has experience working with children, adolescents, families, and individual adults in areas such as child and adolescent family therapy, grief and loss, and relationship issues.

Dr. Weisz earned her graduate degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a specialty in children and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Michigan, having graduated with honors. Dr. Weisz has practiced in community mental health, hospitals, and outpatient family medicine practice settings.

Balancing work and family life can feel like an impossible juggling act. Is it possible to achieve a true work-life balance? What steps can you take to manage personal and professional life effectively?

According to Dr. Leigh Weisz, a clinical psychologist specializing in family and child therapy, you can achieve work-life balance with the right strategies. She notes that letting go of guilt is crucial for managing the pressures of both work and family. Additionally, Dr. Weisz highlights the importance of creating a supportive network and finding ways to make your work environment more accommodating. When implemented, these tips can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz discusses practical steps to achieve work-life balance. She shares six key strategies, including the importance of letting go of guilt, staying connected with family even when away, and the necessity of self-care. Tune in to discover how these steps can help you manage your responsibilities more effectively and create a healthier, more balanced life.

Kelsey Mora, CCLS, LCPC is a dual-certified child life specialist and licensed clinical professional counselor with over nine years of experience helping children, teens, and parents cope with mental illness, injury, loss, and grief. She has worked in pediatric intensive care units and co-chaired perinatal and pediatric bereavement councils. Kelsey founded her own private practice, Kelsey Mora PLLC, and is the Chief Clinical Officer of Pickles Group, a nonprofit aiding children affected by parental cancer. She is also a registered Wonders & Worries provider, part of the Food Allergy Counselor Network, and the author of "The Dot Method: an interactive tool to teach kids about cancer."

Navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis is challenging for anyone, but how do you explain it to a child? How can parents find the right words to help their children understand such a difficult topic without causing additional fear or confusion?

Child life counselor Kelsey Mora recommends beginning discussions early and keeping the conversations age-appropriate and ongoing. She highlights the importance of using simple, honest language and providing consistent emotional support. Interactive tools and visual aids, like Kelsey’s Dot Method workbook, can help children grasp the concept of cancer and its treatments. These methods aid in comprehension and empower children by involving them in the process and addressing their fears directly.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Kelsey Mora, Owner of Kelsey Mora PLLC and Chief Clinical Officer at Pickles Group, to discuss talking to kids about cancer. They explore practical strategies for breaking down complex medical information, the significance of emotional validation and support, and the role of creative, interactive tools in helping children cope with illness.

Michelle Winterstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Coping Partners, a practice dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families through emotional and behavioral challenges. Michelle received her Master of Social Work degree with honors from New York University and has extensive experience in both hospital and outpatient settings. She specializes in working with young children, adolescents, and their parents, addressing issues such as behavioral problems, anxiety, and social pressures. Michelle also has experience in childhood obesity and is trained in motivational interviewing and change readiness.

In today's digitally driven world, children are constantly bombarded by social media, impacting their mental and emotional well-being. How can a summer camp experience transform your child's development and independence?

According to Dr. Leigh Weisz, a licensed clinical psychologist, sending kids to overnight camp provides a crucial digital detox, freeing them from the pressures of social media. She highlights how children at camp engage in real-world interactions and build meaningful relationships unburdened by online comparisons. Michelle Winterstein adds that camp also fosters independence, as kids make decisions and resolve conflicts without parental intervention. These experiences equip children with essential life skills and boost their confidence, preparing them for future challenges.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz and Michelle Winterstein discuss the transformative benefits of overnight camp for kids. They dive into the importance of a social media detox, the development of independence, and how parents can support their children's resilience from a distance. Tune in to discover practical tips and insights on maximizing your child's growth throughout the camp experience.

Michelle Winterstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Coping Partners, a practice dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families through emotional and behavioral challenges. Michelle received her Master of Social Work degree with honors from New York University and has extensive experience in both hospital and outpatient settings. She specializes in working with young children, adolescents, and their parents, addressing issues such as behavioral problems, anxiety, and social pressures. Michelle also has experience in childhood obesity and is trained in motivational interviewing and change readiness.

Sending your child to overnight camp is more than just a summer activity; it's a transformative experience that can shape their development in profound ways. How can parents ensure their children truly reap the benefits of camp?

According to Dr. Leigh Weisz, the key lies in preparing both the camper and the parents. She highlights the importance of teaching children essential life skills and fostering independence before they head off to camp. Michelle Winterstein adds that normalizing homesickness and resisting the urge to micromanage are crucial steps. As child psychologists, they emphasize that camp challenges, from coping with homesickness to navigating social dynamics, are opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-confidence.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz and Michelle Winterstein discuss the transformative power of overnight camps. They explore five top benefits for child development, such as fostering resilience and confidence, the importance of a digital detox, and the value of unstructured playtime. Tune in to learn practical strategies to support your child before, during, and after camp, ensuring they gain the most from this enriching experience.

Susanne Phillips Keeley, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist, an author, and the developer of GOSTRONG®, a unique tool to maximize executive function skills. With over three decades of experience, Susanne specializes in treating individuals with executive function disorders and differences. She has penned titles such as Write This Down: Making your student planner work for you and The Source for Executive Function Disorders. Her expertise and innovative approaches in the field have made her a notable figure, and she is often invited to speak at conferences, educational institutions, and parent groups nationwide. Susanne operates a private practice based in Wilmette, Illinois, where she offers her services as an executive function coach.

Are your children getting the right amount of sleep, proper nutrition, and adequate planning for optimal performance? How do these fundamental elements impact their executive functioning skills?

According to Susanne Phillips Keeley, a seasoned expert in executive function coaching, these fundamental elements directly enhance a child's ability to focus, manage time, and regulate emotions. They provide the brain with the structure to function optimally. Susanne emphasizes that sleep and nutrition are critical for brain health, affecting everything from attention span to problem-solving skills. Conversely, effective planning helps children learn to allocate their resources and time efficiently, significantly improving their executive functioning. By building these basic habits, parents can give their kids the tools they need to tackle academic and everyday tasks easily and successfully.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz welcomes Susanne Phillips Keeley to explore the critical building blocks of effective executive functioning in children. They talk about the importance of sleep and nutrition, practical strategies for improving time management, and the role of parental modeling in developing these essential life skills.