Shows / Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
"Shrinking It Down" highlights the fact that youth mental health is anything but simple! Child & adolescent psychiatrists Dr. Gene Beresin and Dr. Khadijah Booth Watkins help parents and other caring adults to navigate tough questions about child and teen mental health. From depression and learning disorders, to digital media and societal concerns, Shrinking It Down covers it all.
Tune in the THIRD Thursday of every month. Subscribe wherever you stream.
About Us: The Clay Center for Young…
Episodes
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Cannabis and the Teen Brain, featuring Jodi Gilman, Ph.D.
Welcome to today’s “pot-cast”! Marijuana is on everyone’s mind, especially the parents of tweens and teens, as it becomes legal in more states – not just for…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleOscars Special!
* Want the visuals to go with the talk? Watch this special episode on YouTube * Why on earth are two child psychiatrists talking about the 2019 Academy Awards?…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Surviving Tantrums with Toddlers, featuring Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, Ph.D.
Almost every parent has been there. Whether your child is age two or twenty-two, we’re all familiar with the “T” word. Out-of-control meltdowns on the way to…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Intimacy and the Teenage Brain, with Ellen Braaten, Ph.D.
Intimacy. Is there anything else in the teenage brain? It’s a wonder they make it through school after adolescence hits! We’ll be honest, we didn’t know what…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, featuring Susan Sprich, Ph.D.
Did you know that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-based psychosocial treatments we have for mental health issues? Today, its use…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
New Year's Evolution
What’s the difference between a “resolution” and an “evolution”? In the context of New Year’s, even though they begin with the best intentions, resolutions…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleHome for the Holidays
Here we are, in the peak of the holiday season. Do you feel joyful? Do you feel down? Are you simply overwhelmed? Whatever it is you’re feeling, it’s okay, and…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleCoping with the Wintertime Blahs
It’s cold. It’s gray. It’s dark. This time of year, a lot of folks feel pretty blah. And not just those with depression or other mental health disorders. It…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleChangeable, featuring J. Stuart Ablon, Ph.D.
Rewards. Punishments. Incentives. What parent hasn’t used one or all of these when trying to navigate challenging behavior in their kids? These might be great…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleGaming Disorder
“I couldn’t get off the computer ‘cause I was about to kill that final thing in ‘Call of Duty’ and if I didn’t kill it I’d have to fight it all over again and…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleOur Greatest Strengths, Part 2
At the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, we think a lot about helping kids as they’re growing up with all sorts of challenges. Most families will experience…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleThe Death of a Pet
Last season, we talked about the benefits of pets for our kids' mental health. That unconditional love helps our children build skills and navigate important…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleWhen Nightmares Become Reality in the U.S. (Special Episode)
In research that's been done about kids' fears, one of the most frightening things is losing or being left without a parent. Through the events at the U.S…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleSeason Finale: Our Greatest Strengths (S1, Ep 16)
Did you know that Dr. Ellen Braaten has a mild form of dyslexia and had to work really hard at reading when she was a child? Did you know that Dr. Gene Beresin…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleBeyond High School (S1, Ep 15)
Did you know that many young people forego college and go into the workforce after high school? In fact, going to college right away has declined to 66% of…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleKids, Marches, and the Media (S1 Ep 14)
Recently, youth-driven marches such as 'March for Our Lives' have received extensive media coverage. While many kids and teens are participating in these…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleNavigating the System (S1 Ep13)
We're not going to pretend it isn't so. If you're seeking mental or behavioral health services for your child, it can be tricky and frustrating trying to…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleCreativity Gives Our Brains a Boost
Is creativity important for human relationships? We don't just think so, we know it! Think about it, yourself: What does it mean when you watch a movie with…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleAutism Spectrum Disorder (S1 Ep 11)
A lot has changed over the years in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including that we’re getting better at understanding how to…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleIs Age 27 the New 18? (S1 Ep 10)
Does turning 18 mark the start of adulthood, or is this milestone simply a cultural construct? These days, researchers say that legal adolescence should…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleHope Beyond Anorexia (S1 Ep9)
At 14 years old, in the 1980s, Kathleen began seeing Dr. Beresin, an experienced clinician with expertise in eating disorders. Though eating disorders can be…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleEmotional Eating (S1 Ep8)
Emotional eating occurs when we use food as a coping mechanism to deal with the stresses in life. Oftentimes, feelings of shame and regret follow patterns of…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleLoving Relationships (S1 Ep7)
While relationships with family, friends, and even pets can be challenging, learning how to balance our needs with the needs of others can lead to meaningful…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimplePolitical Angst In America? (S1 Ep6)
According to a 2017 report by the American Psychological Association, 2/3 of Americans feel stressed about the future of our nation, including a majority of…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleFilms That Heal, featuring Eric I. Lu (S1 Ep5)
Films foster empathy and can even promote social action. Sharing stories of mental health through video allows viewers to deeply connect with storytellers…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleThe Importance of Pets for Mental Health (S1 Ep4)
Whether they have fur, scales, tail or no tail, pets can improve the mental and emotional health of children, teens, and our entire families. They love us…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleDivisiveness During the Holidays in Front of Our Kids (S1 Ep3)
Differing viewpoints, feelings of frustration. We're all constantly on edge today, and families can be home to a wide range of beliefs, which only adds stress…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleDoes My Child Need to See a Therapist? (S1 Ep2)
In today's episode, Dr. Ellen Braaten, psychologist and associate director of the Clay Center, joins co-hosts Beresin and Schlozman to address common questions…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleA New Season & New Conversations: Can Kids Get Mental Illness? (S1 Ep1)
Mental health made simple? Who are we kidding? It can be really complicated. Just take a look at our short film, "Can Kids Get Mental Illness?''…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Processing the Manchester Terror Attack
Dr. Ellen Braaten joins Gene and Steve today to process the recent terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert, as both shrinks and parents. This attack felt…
Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made SimpleTeen Suicide in the United States
Today, Gene and Steve talk about a really difficult and in many ways scary topic: Teen suicide. Suicide rates are on the rise for the entire US population…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Addiction Free Futures Project - Conversations With Youth
Gene welcomes members from Addiction Free Futures Project to discuss some of their latest initiatives related to Screening, Brief intervention and Referral to…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
The College Mental Health Crisis
Drs. Gene Beresin and Steve Schlozman discuss the growing concerns around the mental health of our teens and young adults in college today.Read the…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
The Importance Of Civility In Today's Political Climate
Gene and Steve discuss the seeming decrease in civility that has characterized our political discourses over the past months and has also become pervasive…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Raising Moral Children
Gene and Steve get more abstract in today’s topic as they discuss ethics and morality and how we get kids to think in ways that we’ll be proud of, and ways…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Grace's Story: Living With A Chronic Medical Illness
Gene and Steve welcome a special guest,Grace, to talk about a really complicated topic: When you have a chronic medical illness on top of the already…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Leaving Home - A Student's Perspective
Gene and Steve welcome special guests Ellen Braaten, PhD and her son, to talk about what is it like for kids and young adults to go off to college or work…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
The Psychological Gift Of Giving A Gift
Gene and Steve focus in on the roles of giving and receiving. Check out the accompanying blog on our website…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Home Is Where The Heart Is: Thinking About Homeless Children In The Classroom
In this third podcast on the Lesley University Child Homelessness Initiative, Gene and Steve welcome a Massachusetts teacher and the mother of one of her…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Are You Afraid Of The Dark? A Look At Specific Phobias
We all have fears – some hardwired in survival, some based on traumatic events, and some a little less rational – that is, phobias. Phobias tend to be…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Leaving Home: The Transition To College Or Work
Dr. Schlozman looks to colleagues Drs. Beresin and Braaten on the daunting, terrifying unknown of how to help your kids transition to life after high school -…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Bad to the Bone: Juveniles in Jail
Guests Judith Edersheim, J.D., M.D. and Robert Kinscherff, Ph.D., J.D. join Drs. Beresin & Schlozman to discuss the unique qualities of the adolescent brain…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
The Impact of Divorce: All Children Only Get One Childhood
40-50% of marriages end in divorce, but what about the kids? Guest Heidi Webb Ed.M, J.D., who's law firm takes a holistic approach to guiding families through…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Substance Use - How The Addiction Free Futures Project Can Make A Difference
Kristen Chello from the Massachusetts Children's Mental Health Campaign and John Kelly, Ph.D. sit down to talk about the Addiction Free Futures campaign and…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Jade’s Journey From Homeless Child To Lesley University Student
Our second podcast with the Lesley University Child Homelessness Initiative with program director Lisa B. Fiore and Lesley University student Jade. Learn about…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
PTSD In Our Young Soldiers: A Vietnam Veteran's Perspective
Arthur Segaloff, Purple Heart veteran of the Vietnam War, discusses his personal experience with PTSD, and the effects of PTSD for soldiers returning home from…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Creativity And Mental Illness
Is there a connection between creativity and mental illness? Dr. Mark Vonnegut joins to discuss.Check out the accompanying blog on our website…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
What Is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety can create chaotic, emotional, vexing moments for parents, children and teachers. What is it, and what can you do? Check out the…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Music For Autism Is Music For All: Reshaping And Expanding A Disability-Friendly Space
Dr. Robert Accordino, founder of Music for Autism, discusses the organization and its mission to make music concerts accessible to individuals with autism and…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
The Plight Of Homeless Children In The United States
Child homelessness is a national crisis. The first in a series of podcasts in collaboration with Lesley University Child Homelessness Initiative. Check out the…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Nicole's Story: Recovery From Anorexia Nervosa
"Your heart cannot beat unless you feed it". Anorexia nervosa is a deadly and very complex disease. Nicole shares her story of recovery along with Dr. Emily…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Ali's Story: The Effects Of Sexual Assault On Mental Health
Sexual assault is a disturbing, distressing, but important and relevant topic. Sexual assault survivor and UN Global Hero Ali Safran shares her story and how…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Why Watch Holiday Classics This Season?
Why are we drawn, year after year, to classic holiday movies? Drs. Beresin & Schlozman discuss the nostalgic draw of holiday films. Check out the accompanying…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
'Tis The Season: Tips For Coping With Holiday Stress
We're supposed to make merry and be joyous during the holidays, so why are we so stressed? Listen here for tips on how to cope with holiday stress. Thank you…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Putting A Little Thanksgiving Into Your Nightly Family Dinners
Family dinners can make for happier families and healthier kids. Anne K. Fishel from The Family Dinner Project chimes in! Check out the accompanying blog on…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Emotional Turmoil And The Overwhelmed High School Student
Pressure and stress has increased for high school students applying to college. When do these pressures begin, and should parents be worried for their kids?…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
How Scary Is Too Scary During Halloween?
Halloween can be fun and whimsical, but there's another, more scary side to the holiday. What is it that makes us enjoy being scared? Drs. Beresin and "Zombie…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Developmental Challenges Of Middle School: It’s Not So Much Who You Are, But Whom You’re With
Middle school is a difficult experience for many kids - but why? Gil Noam, Ed.D, Ph.D discusses this infamously treacherous time - and why it doesn't have to…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Kids Are Not Born Blank Slates
Every kid has a unique temperament and personality from the moment they are born. How can we understand and make sense of that in a clinical setting? Check out…
- Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple
Pete's Story: Living With ADHD
What's it like to live with ADHD? Peter Braaten, his mother Ellen Braaten & Dr. Schlozman share 3 perspectives. Check out the accompanying blog on our website…