Voices of Compassion

Kids & Family

About

Featured on Voices of Compassion are CHC mental health, wellness and learning specialists, parents in the trenches and other experts who can help us with the mighty job of raising compassionate and courageous kids. CHC focuses on ADHD, Learning Differences, Autism, Anxiety & Depression, providing best-in-class learning and mental health services to kids, teens and families. CHC’s Voices of Compassion Podcast host Cindy Lopez has worked in K-12 education for roughly 30 years as both a teacher and an administrator, in public and private schools. Find us online at podcasts.chconline.org or email us at podcasts@chconline.org. Find us on Facebook @chc.paloalto, Twitter and Instagram @CHC_paloalto, and visit our YouTube channel at chconlinepaloalto. And we are on LinkedIn. Subscribe to Voices of Compassion on Apple podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps! Sign up for our Virtual Village email list at chconline.org/enews so you never miss an update or an episode. I always love to hear from you so send me an email or a voice memo at podcasts@chconline.org.

Episodes

  • Autism & ADHD: When It's Both

    This episode discusses the complexities of diagnosing and understanding when a child has both ADHD and autism. It covers how these co-occurring conditions can manifest in daily life and provides information for parents navigating such a di…

  • Teachers on the Front Lines

    This episode features a discussion with neurodiversity expert Amanda Morin about the current challenges faced by K-12 educators. It covers the surge in student mental health needs, the pressure on teachers to act as counselors, and the tol…

  • Burnout, Belonging, and Being Heard: Voices from Teens

    This episode features two teen leaders from the CHC Teen Collaborative discussing mental health challenges faced by teens. They share insights on managing academic pressure, social comparison, identity, and the importance of supportive com…

  • Screen time, Young Children, & Big Emotions

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses how technology affects emotional regulation in young children. It covers screen time guidelines, practical device use, and co-regulation strategies for families.

  • Raising Kids in the Age of AI

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features computer scientist Kerrie Holley discussing the impact of AI on children, how it shapes daily life, and how parents can guide their children with healthy boundaries. The discussion emphasizes c…

  • Neuropsych Evaluations Explained

    This episode explains neuropsychological evaluations, including what they are, how they help understand a child's learning and development, and how they differ from other types of testing. It also covers when to consider such an evaluation…

  • Hope, Agency, and Universal Design for Learning

    This episode discusses the intersection of hope science and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). It explores how the UDL framework can cultivate hope by acknowledging learner differences and eliminating design-based obstacles.

  • Nurturing Confident Voices in Different Learners

    This episode of Voices of Compassion explores self-advocacy for students with learning differences. Experts discuss developing this skill from elementary to high school and practical strategies for students and parents.

  • Why CHC: Hope, Healing & Help

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses the mental health challenges faced by young people and the support offered by CHC. Ryan Eisenberg, EdD, CEO of CHC, details the organization's approach through clinical services, school partne…

  • Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Teens and Young Adults

    This episode discusses executive functioning in neurodivergent teens and young adults. It explores recognizing the difference between defiance and genuine executive function struggles, practical strategies for supporting youth, and when to…

  • The Art of Trusting Your Child

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses the psychology of trust in children, from early independence to adolescence. It covers how parents can differentiate between productive struggle and distress, rebuild trust, and encourage self…

  • When Kids Grieve Differently

    Karly Crockett, LCSW, and Rachel O’Harra, LMFT discuss how children grieve and how grief manifests at different developmental stages. They also share advice for caregivers on how to talk to children about death and loss and support them th…

  • Raising Strong Girls

    Marjan Ebadi, PhD and Emily Hsu, PhD discuss the challenges girls face and explore how confidence develops through childhood and adolescence. They share ways parents can help girls build resilience and self-belief.

  • A GPS for Mental Health: Measurement-Based Care

    This episode explores measurement-based care (MBC) with CHC experts Pardis Khosravi, PsyD and Emily Hsu, PhD. MBC is an approach that makes progress visible in mental health treatment through regular tracking and personalized care.

  • Understanding Meltdowns in Young Children with ADHD

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features experts Neilson Chan, PhD, and Marjan Ebadi, PhD, discussing emotional dysregulation in young children with ADHD. They explore why emotions in these children can be more intense and rapid, and…

  • Youth Suicide Prevention: Conversations, Community, and Care

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features a discussion with Dr. Shashank Joshi and Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT, about youth suicide prevention. They explore community-level strategies and factors contributing to teen vulnerability, such a…

  • Finding Connection for Parents

    This episode discusses how parent support groups provide vital connections for families raising children with unique needs. Psychologists Olivia McDonald, Emily Cree, and Emily Hsu share insights on the value of peer support, offering prac…

  • Youth Under Pressure

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses the increasing pressures on teenagers, from academics to social media, and their effects on mental health. It explores how parents can support their teens by distinguishing between healthy mot…

  • Being Neurodiverse in a Neurotypical World

    This podcast episode explores the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. It challenges the traditional deficit model and discusses embracing a strengths-based approach to neurodiversity.

  • Pulse Check: Youth Mental Health

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features CHC experts Ramsey Khasho, PsyD, and Pardis Khosravi, PsyD, discussing the current state of teen mental health. They examine both positive developments and ongoing concerns, offering insights f…

  • Digital Wellness: Finding Balance in A Connected World

    This episode explores the complex relationship between digital devices and family well-being, including how screen time affects developing brains and physical health. Experts share practical strategies for establishing healthy boundaries a…

  • Is it Really Autism or Something Else?

    This episode explores the increase in autism diagnoses and the nuanced world of neurodevelopmental disorders, examining how several conditions can present with symptoms that mimic autism spectrum disorder. It discusses the core features of…

  • Cultivating Calm: Distress Tolerance for Parents

    This episode of Voices of Compassion explores distress tolerance for parents, focusing on the ability to manage difficult emotions without impulsive reactions. It covers practical strategies such as mindfulness and calming techniques to he…

  • Living with Chronic Illness

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses living with chronic illness. It explores the connection between chronic illness and mental health, focusing on daily management and coping strategies.

  • Talking with Teens About Consent

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses how parents can talk with their teens about consent. It covers the meaning and importance of consent in relationships, practical conversation starters, and situations where consent is not poss…

  • Stressed Out Young Adults

    This episode of Voices of Compassion addresses the various stressors encountered by young adults as they navigate individuation, identity development, financial responsibilities, academics, and relationships. Experts discuss how societal i…

  • Everyday Strategies for Executive Functioning

    This episode discusses everyday strategies for executive functioning. It includes resources such as CHC Online and CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services.

  • ADHD in Girls

    This episode discusses the disparity in ADHD diagnoses between boys and girls. It explores how ADHD symptoms in girls, such as inattentiveness, emotional sensitivity, and perfectionism, are often overlooked. The episode offers practical st…

  • Setting Healthy Boundaries for Kids

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses setting healthy boundaries for children. Clinical Psychology Doctoral Interns Victoria Cabrera and Hannah Fritz explore the importance of consistent limits and clear expectations in parenting,…

  • Mindful Words: DBT for Communication

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies can improve communication. Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT, explains practical tools such as mindfulness, validation, and dialectics to help listener…

  • Words That Matter: Connecting with Your Child

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features CHC expert Ariela Laibson, LCSW, who shares insights on how words impact a child's self-perception and connection. The discussion includes practical phrases for parents and caregivers to use in…

  • Healthy Relationships

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses healthy and unhealthy relationships. It features experts Emily Hsu, PhD, and Danna Torres, LMFT, who talk about communication, feeling valued, respecting boundaries, and recognizing when needs…

  • Encouraging Healthy Eating

    This episode explores the connection between healthy eating and mental/physical well-being. It provides practical strategies for parents and caregivers to foster healthy eating habits in children.

  • Navigating the Reality of ADHD

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses navigating the realities of ADHD. It covers strategies for parents to help their child thrive and channel their creativity, energy, and problem-solving skills.

  • Letting Go of Perfect

    This episode of Voices of Compassion explores the complexities of perfectionism in children, including its causes and how it manifests. Experts discuss how parents and caregivers can help children foster a healthy mindset and resilience.

  • The Power of Validation

    This episode explores validation as a communication strategy for parents and caregivers. It discusses what validation means, how to use it, and how it helps youth feel heard and understood.

  • Accommodating Anxiety

    This episode features experts Dr. Emily Hsu and Julia Terman discussing anxiety accommodation in children. They explore parental reinforcement of fears and strategies to foster resilience and independence in children.

  • Balancing Well-being with Academic Demands

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses academic pressure on teens with Dr. Pardis Khosravi. It covers recognizing signs of overload, mental health impacts, and strategies for parents to build resilience and balance academic success…

  • Autism & Learning

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features Natalie Tamburello, Community Engagement Manager at CHC, joined by Dr. Melanie Hsu and Dr. Cassandra Sanchez. They discuss the unique challenges and strengths students with Autism navigate whil…

  • Gender Diversity

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features Natalie Tamburello and Dr. Tracy Cavaligos discussing how to navigate terminology and support children exploring gender identity. They cover different terms, how to support a child's natural ex…

  • Understanding Disordered Eating in Youth

    This episode features a discussion on disordered eating in youth with Michael Manzano, MS. The conversation explores behaviors, prevention, and identification of disordered eating, emphasizing the role of parents and caregivers in promotin…

  • Teaching Kids Digital Citizenship

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features Eisha Buch from Common Sense Education, discussing digital citizenship for children. The conversation covers strategies for parents to support responsible technology use and foster digital lite…

  • Talking About Teen Suicide

    This episode discusses the topic of teen suicide, including risk factors, warning signs, and strategies for parents to communicate with their teens. It also mentions that CDC data indicates a 62% increase in suicide rates for Americans age…

  • The Impact of Puberty on Mental Health

    This podcast episode explores the impact of puberty on mental health, offering practical advice for parents. It covers strategies to support children during this transitional period and recognize signs of distress, with insights from CHC D…

  • Mental Health in the Asian American Community

    This episode of Voices of Compassion features Natalie Tamburello, Dr. Emily Hsu, and Thuy Tran discussing mental health in the Asian American community. They cover challenges such as stigma and language barriers, and explore how love is ex…

  • Preparing for Adolescence

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses the dynamic journey of parenting adolescents. It explores practical tips and strategies to help parents navigate this crucial phase of child development.

  • Navigating Divorce with Your Children

    This episode explores effective communication strategies for children during separation or divorce. It offers insights into creating a supportive environment and provides practical tips for co-parenting and maintaining stability.

  • Existential Angst in Youth

    This episode explores how adolescents confront existential questions about identity and purpose amid societal changes and global challenges. It discusses how to support youth navigating these anxieties with insights from CHC psychologists.

  • Desmitificar la Salud Mental

    This episode of Voices of Compassion focuses on mental health in the Latinx community. Dr. Joan Baran, Dr. Melina Foden, and Dr. Emily Hsu discuss how cultural values and beliefs influence mental health responses and help-seeking behaviors…

  • The Emergent Bilingual Experience

    This episode of Voices of Compassion discusses the emergent bilingual experience. Chelsea Yanuaria shares insights on the advantages and strengths of bilingualism and navigating multiple languages and cultures.