Shows
Overpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels205. Are kids melting down because they don’t have the right words?In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline zeroes in on emotional literacy as an essential foundation of all self-regulation. From everyday behaviours to big emotional outbursts, the ability to name and understand emotions changes everything. Learn why kids often shut down, spiral, or explode when they don’t have the right words—and how to build their emotional vocabulary in ways that are playful, specific, and powerful. You’ll walk away with real-world tools and creative strategies to support kids at every stage. Learn what you need to h...
2025-09-0221 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels203. How can peer influence boost self-regulation in teens?Teen years are a time of big feelings, strong peer influence, and still-developing self-control. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explores how peers can be powerful allies in helping kids and teens strengthen self-regulation. From co-regulation strategies and group skill-building to peer mentoring and conflict resolution practice, discover how friendships and social dynamics can support emotional growth. Find practical ways to harness peer influence in building resilience, impulse control, and healthy relationships.Homework Ideas:Emotion Labeling Practice: Encourage kids to name th...
2025-08-1918 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels200. What if boredom is the emotional reset your child actually needs?Is boredom a problem—or a powerful emotional signal? In this episode of #Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline challenges the modern urge to “fix” boredom and shares why it’s actually essential for emotion regulation, creativity, and executive function. Learn how boredom acts as a reset for the brain, encourages self-reflection, and builds resilience in kids and adults alike. Discover why sitting in stillness matters more than ever—and how doing nothing may be exactly what growing minds need.Homework Ideas ...
2025-07-2920 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels199. Why doesn’t “stop and think” work? And what should we do instead?In this episode of #Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down self-regulation into its three essential parts—cognitive, emotional, and behavioural—and explains why emotional overload can derail even the best intentions.Learn how executive functions like attention, working memory, and impulse control interact with emotions and behaviors, why common strategies fall short, and what actually helps kids (and adults) build lasting regulation skills.This episode sets the stage for real, effective support, especially for emotional intensity.Homework IdeasDelay Grat...
2025-07-2222 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels198. What if "laziness" is just missing skills?What’s really behind your child’s procrastination, meltdowns, or avoidance? It might not be defiance—it could be a gap in self-regulation skills. In this episode of #overpoweringemotions Dr. Caroline breaks down how to support kids and teens in building the tools they need to follow through on goals—whether it’s brushing teeth or studying for a test. She emphasizes the need for a framework to develop goal-directed behavior and executive skills. You’ll learn strategies in developing self-regulation, including making expectations clear and concrete, using backward planning, an...
2025-07-1520 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels197. What's the difference between self-control and self-regulation?Today Dr. Caroline breaks down the difference between self-regulation and self-control—and why confusing the two leads to ineffective strategies. She explores how self-control is tied to social connection, modeling, and co-regulation. Learn what actually helps kids build emotional regulation that lasts. A must-listen for anyone wanting to support kids through stress, frustration, and big feelings.Homework IdeasNarrate Your Own Regulation:Start talking out loud when you're managing frustration or stress. (“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m go...
2025-07-0817 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels196. Are kids lazy—or just lacking a plan?Kids aren’t defiant, lazy, or unmotivated—they’re often stuck without the tools to follow through. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline digs into what self-regulation actually means, how it connects to goal-directed behaviour, and what adults can do to guide kids without falling into the nagging trap. Dr. Caroline breaks down the executive function skills kids need to stay focused, manage frustration, and follow through—whether it’s brushing teeth or finishing homework. You’ll learn how to make expectations visible, teach kids to plan backwards, and create visual...
2025-07-0120 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels194. How can movement & problem-solving make kids feel better?We know movement is good for mood. But what if it’s also the missing link to helping kids (and adults) become better problem solvers? In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explains how physical movement helps regulate emotions, unlock creativity, and activate the brain’s problem-solving systems. Learn why talking while walking is more effective than sitting face-to-face, how to avoid getting stuck in emotional venting loops, and what kind of movement actually shifts kids from spiraling into clarity. This is more than a brain break—this is a str...
2025-06-1712 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels192. Are we overlooking the basics of raising healthy, resilient kids?In this episode of #OverpoweringEmotions, Dr. Caroline chats with holistic psychotherapist Keri Cooper about the overlooked building blocks of mental health: sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement, and screen habits. They dive into simple daily shifts that make a big difference for kids' emotional well-being. Discover easy strategies that boost resilience, focus, and mood. Plus, hear how small parenting habits today shape lifelong mental health.This conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can start today.Tune in and find out how small, doable changes can create big wins f...
2025-06-0326 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels191. What's wrong with telling kids, “Just Breathe?”In this episode, Dr. Caroline takes a closer look at the surprising ways breathing can interfere with emotional regulation, especially for children and teens facing anxiety, OCD, and emotional reactivity. From avoidance and compulsions to relaxation-induced anxiety, she unpacks why breathing isn't always the right answer—and how to teach it in ways that build strength, not dependency.There are certainly times breathing is important - after all, we need to breathe to live. And yes, there are times when it can help with regulation. But it's important to know how to spot unhelpful pa...
2025-05-2734 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels189. Can writing help kids regulate better than talking?When emotions get tangled up in rumination, kids—and adults—can stay stuck. Expressive writing offers a way out.In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko shares how writing helps shift overwhelming emotions into structured thinking, builds resilience, and keeps the brain's self-regulation system online. She explains why freewriting beats silent spiraling, how to introduce this tool to kids, and how a simple daily habit can create lasting emotional change.This episode explores:· Why writing regulates better than talking or thinking· How to introduce structured...
2025-05-1313 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels188. Can touch regulate emotions better than words?When it comes to helping kids manage big emotions, we often think about what to say. But sometimes the most powerful support isn’t verbal—it’s physical.In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko explores how safe, affectionate touch builds emotional security, reduces stress, and strengthens connection. Learn how simple, proactive physical contact like hugs, high-fives, and gentle reassurance can regulate emotions better than words ever could.This episode covers:· How touch calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety· Why proactive physical connection builds trus...
2025-05-0611 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels187. Are kids really manipulating us—or are we reinforcing their behaviour?Kids don’t manipulate—they learn. And often, they’re learning from us.In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko takes a hard look at what’s really going on when adults feel “manipulated” by big emotions. Whether it’s whining, shouting, tears, or shutdowns, we unpack how reinforcement, not manipulation, shapes behavior—and what we can do to stop accidentally teaching kids to rely on emotional outbursts to get what they want.Perfect for anyone with kids or working with kids, this episode delivers:· Why kids lean on emotion...
2025-04-2915 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels185. How can we help kids overcome the “I can’t” mentality?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline speaks with Kevin Elworth, a father of five, entrepreneur, and resilience advocate, to explore how determination and mindset shape family life and personal growth. Kevin shares his journey from fostering to adoption, navigating financial and emotional challenges, and raising kids to be independent thinkers. Discover actionable strategies to help kids overcome “I can’t” mentalities, foster creativity, and redefine failure as learning opportunities. Tune in to get practical advice and inspiring stories to help guide children toward resilience and confidence.Homework IdeasBan “I...
2025-04-1529 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels184. Are you the thermostat or the thermometer in your kid’s life?Emotions are contagious—and kids absorb others' emotions the fastest.In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline breaks down the science of emotional contagion. Learn social media’s impact on emotion regulation and why adults should consider themselves emotional thermostats (vs. thermometers). Learn how your stress, frustration, or calm directly impacts kids’ emotions, behaviour, and learning. To help kids regulate emotions, learn how to manage your emotional energy—online and offline—and help kids build emotional resilience.Topics include:Mirror neurons & emotional contagionHow adult moods...
2025-04-0822 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels183. How do kids’ inner voices shape their confidence?How often do you notice the voice in your head? That constant chatter guiding your choices, second-guessing decisions, or even holding you back? On this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline unpacks the power of our inner voice—how it helps us problem-solve, remember details, and coach ourselves through challenges, but also how it can turn against us with self-doubt and anxiety. Learn practical ways to help yourself and your kids manage that inner dialogue, build confidence, and break free from rumination. It’s time to take control of the...
2025-03-2523 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels178. Are we raising confident kids—or just keeping them (overly) safe?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline chats with Justyna Bronski, a life coach and former high school math teacher, to explore the emotional challenges teens face today. From identity struggles to social media pressures, Justyna shares how parents and educators can create an environment where teens feel truly heard, valued, and empowered.You’ll learn:✅ Why today’s teens feel disconnected (despite being more "connected" than ever)✅ How social media influences identity and emotional avoidance✅ Simple ways to help teens build confidence and emotional a...
2025-02-1825 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels165. How can sounds help kids recognize and manage big emotions?In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Caroline welcomes special guest Bridgette Melton, an educator, children's author, and trauma resilience expert, to discuss a unique approach to emotion recognition through auditory awareness.Drawing from her book Arnold's Silent Heart, Bridgette shares how children can learn to recognize and process their emotions by associating them with sounds, offering a new tool for emotional regulation.Together, they explore the importance of helping kids identify their feelings without judgment and the role of auditory cues in fostering resilience. Tune in to learn practical...
2024-11-1934 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels164. Is breaking up positive experiences they key to long-lasting joy?In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, we dive into the brain's natural ability to adapt to stimuli, known as habituation, and how it can be used to enhance positive experiences while managing unpleasant ones. Dr. Caroline Buzanko shares practical tips for breaking up enjoyable moments to boost long-term happiness and for pushing through tough tasks without taking breaks. From handling anxiety to building resilience in kids, this episode provides actionable strategies for improving emotional regulation and making daily life feel more vibrant.Homework: Learn how to break up enjoyable activities for maximum benefit and...
2024-11-1221 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels163. How can structured activities boost emotional resilience?In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline is joined by award-winning choreographer and dance educator Leslie Kuny. Together, they explore the connection between structured activities, risk-taking, and resilience in children and teens. Leslie shares her insights on how these activities, like dance, can be transformative, teaching kids to embrace challenges, take healthy risks, and build a growth mindset.Tune in to learn how letting experts guide the way can empower young people to set realistic expectations, overcome setbacks, and develop resilience that goes beyond the dance floor or playing field, equipping them with...
2024-11-0534 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels162. Are we pushing kids to be perfectionists?Perfectionism can silently shape how kids see themselves, and it often starts with the expectations we unintentionally set. In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko breaks down how even well-meaning actions can send kids the wrong message, tying their self-worth to performance instead of effort. From focusing too much on results to setting unrealistic behavioural expectations, we’re diving into the subtle ways perfectionism takes root and what we can do to stop it. Learn practical strategies to celebrate progress, validate emotions, and create a healthier family dynamic....
2024-10-2917 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels161. Are we accidentally teaching kids to be perfectionists?Today on #OverpoweringEmotions, Dr. Caroline discusses how parental perfectionism spills over to kids, creating a cycle of anxiety, fear of failure, and unrealistic expectations. Dr. Caroline shares personal insights on recognizing perfectionist tendencies in ourselves, the negative effects on kids, and, most importantly, practical ways to break this cycle. Learn how to model self-compassion, celebrate mistakes, and focus on progress, not perfection, for a healthier family dynamic.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh
2024-10-2214 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels157. Beyond the Illusion: How can our kids find true resilience and well-being?Today on Overpowering Emotions join Dr. Caroline with special guest Chana Studley, a remarkable figure who transitioned from a Hollywood special effects artist to a leading trauma and addiction counsellor. Chana shares her unique journey from creating illusions in film to unraveling the illusions of the mind, her innovative approach to therapy, and the realization that we are never truly broken. Learn how Chana uses her background in special effects to explain how our minds create illusions of fear and anxiety and discover practical strategies to discover our innate resilience. A...
2024-09-2430 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels156. How can we handle school avoidance? Part 3In this concluding episode of this series on managing school avoidance, Dr. Caroline wraps up the school avoidance discussion by focusing on the essential skills students need to acquire and the processes that must be implemented to ensure a successful return to school.If you haven’t yet listened to the previous episodes, be sure to catch up. In those episodes, Dr. Caroline laid the foundation for student success by exploring the key considerations for creating a supportive environment and equipping adults with effective strategies to respond to anxiety.To...
2024-09-1736 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels154. What do we do when kids refuse to go to school? Part 1Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline discusses a hard topic: school-avoidant behaviours. This is a three-part series, as school avoidance is a complex issue that demands a comprehensive approach.In the first part of this series, Dr. Caroline lays the foundational principles necessary to support students on their journey toward overcoming school avoidance. This issue is more than just a challenge; it's a crisis that, if left unaddressed, can leave students vulnerable to a range of risks, including social, emotional, psychological, and physical well-being....
2024-09-0333 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels152. How do we help manage kids back-to-school worries?Back by popular demand, we're recasting Dr. Caroline's highly-popular episode of Overpowering Emotions focusing on managing back-to-school worries and equipping children for a smooth, confident transition.As the new school year approaches, it's natural for children to feel both excited and apprehensive. Parents often face challenges in helping their kids navigate this period of change. That's why I’m sharing practical strategies to overcome these challenges and empower children for success.Join me as I explore effective ways to address those creeping worries while nurturing a supportive environment that fo...
2024-08-2029 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels146. How can kids channel their inner Avengers to master emotional regulation?Today on Overpowering Emotions, we explore the intriguing concept of 'subselves'—the different parts of our personality that shape our thoughts and emotions. Discover how these subselves can either work together or clash, leading to internal conflicts. Learn practical strategies to help kids recognize and manage their subselves, fostering better emotional regulation. Join Dr. Caroline for an insightful discussion on how understanding our inner superhero team can improve emotional awareness and resilience in children. Tune in now!Want to watch? Check out https://youtu.be/O15vUehZkL4 and subscribe to...
2024-07-0918 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels141. How do we help kids build self-awareness to master emotion regulation?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline walks through the next step in helping kids develop the core skill they need for emotion regulation and resilience. Her discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in kids, guiding them to understand their physiological responses, thoughts, and behaviours when emotions arise. Discover practical techniques to build the foundations of self-awareness that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines to help children stay present and navigate their emotions effectively. Don’t miss out on actionable tips to foster mindfulness in kids, which is the fo...
2024-06-0417 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels140. What is the most important core skill kids need to master emotion regulation?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline talks about the foundational core skill of managing anxiety and other big emotions to build resilience. Because it is such a critical skill with several components, she starts today by sharing the framework addressing the three key responses that contribute to anxiety and maladaptive reactions.Discover how our bodies, thoughts, and actions interplay during emotional events and learn the importance of awareness and acceptance in managing these responses. We'll explore the physiological changes, cognitive appraisals, and instinctual behaviours that occur, and why mindful self-awareness is crucial in navigating...
2024-05-2821 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels139. What are the key stages of resilience and how can we navigate them?In this episode of Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline Buzanko welcomes Stephanie Elliston to chat about resilience. They explore its stages and how to build resilience muscles. Stephanie shares personal anecdotes and professional insights to illustrate the power of resilience during life's most challenging changes. Learn practical strategies to foster resilience in yourself and the children you support, ensuring a healthier, more adaptive approach to change.About Stephanie Stephanie is a Certified Professional Coach and the owner of The Steady Elevation; pairing with businesses and individuals to elevate their potential...
2024-05-2128 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels136. How can mindful parenting transform emotional well-being and resilience?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline and special guest Katie Farinas talk about the power of mindful parenting. They explore how living by example can profoundly influence our children's understanding of a good life. They discuss the art of teaching through action, emphasizing the significance of demonstrating resilience, compassion, and mindfulness in our daily lives.
Learn how to set powerful examples for children and equip them children with the tools they need for emotional intelligence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life.
About Katie Farinas:
Katie is...
2024-04-2433 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels134. How can letting children face consequences foster resilience?Today on Overpowering Emotions, based on questions Dr. Caroline has received on the subtle maladaptive coping strategies that can hinder kids’ resilience, she revisits the delicate balance between caring for children and enabling growth by exploring the subtleties of maladaptive coping and the importance of promoting independence in our kids. Discover the traps many adults fall into, from over-protectiveness to rescuing children from natural consequences, and learn how these well-intentioned actions can inadvertently hinder kids’ development of resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Caroline offers practical tips for supporting children in learning from thei...
2024-04-0927 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels133. Could our methods of teaching kids to regulate their emotions be doing more harm than good?Today’s episode of Overpowering Dr. Caroline dives deep into the essence of our emotional makeup with guest expert Cedric Bertelli. They explore why certain emotions cling to us and how we can effectively resolve them to regain control of our well-being with Emotional Resolution® (EmRes). Discover the limitations of traditional talk therapy and learn why conventional emotional regulation strategies might be hindering your emotional resilience. Learn more about emotional patterns and the innovative EmRes method, offering listeners a path to overcome debilitating emotional patterns for lasting emotional regulation.
Tune in to help your kids t...
2024-04-0235 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels130. What is emotion-focused coping and how can it enhance or cripple resilience and emotional wellness?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline explores the essential life skill of coping with emotions, focusing on the delicate balance between emotion-focused and problem-solving-focused coping strategies.
In this journey of resilience, we delve into the adaptive versus maladaptive approaches to handling life's emotional rollercoasters.
Discover why emotions, even those we might shy away from, are crucial to our human experience and how we can navigate through them with grace and resilience. We dissect the subtle, often overlooked coping mechanisms that, though may offer temporary relief, can hinder long-term emotional well-being.
2024-03-1220 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels127. How can we nurture Emotional Intelligence in children and teens?Welcome to another episode of Overpowering Emotions. Over the past two weeks, Dr. Caroline introduced emotional intelligence, why it is so important for our children's overall well-being and future success, and the key skills they need to develop to strengthen their emotional intelligence.
Today, Dr. Caroline is jumping into the practical strategies for nurturing and improving emotional intelligence in children and teens. Building emotional intelligence is about equipping children with the tools to recognize, understand, manage, and express their own emotions, as well as empathetically respond to the emotions of others. In this episode...
2024-02-2039 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels126. What are the key competencies for emotional intelligence?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline discusses the critical competencies essential for children's emotional development. Emotional self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy are examples of a few key components of emotional intelligence, and they play a pivotal role in fostering resilience in children and teens. Listen in to learn more and why they are crucial for children's success in life.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube...
2024-02-1324 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels125. How does Emotional Intelligence shape children's resilience?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience by exploring Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its profound impact on children.
Discover how EI empowers children to navigate the challenges of school, peer relationships, and everyday emotions with confidence. Through different stories, Dr. Caroline illustrates how children with high EI can thrive even in the face of adversity.
Explore the pivotal role of EI in developing key skills while fostering empathy, strong social connections, and a positive self-image, laying the foundation for unwavering resilience.Enjoying the show? Help out...
2024-02-0628 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels123. What are the key traits of resilient children?On Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience2024. What makes some children adept at bouncing back and even thriving from challenges while others in the same situation struggle? It's more than just natural tenacity; resilience is a complex interplay of skills, behaviours, and environmental influences.
Dr. Caroline discusses how resilience manifests through a variety of traits, from the power of humour in coping to the critical role of problem-solving abilities. Discover the profound impact of autonomy, social competence, and having a sense of purpose. Learn how these traits not only help children navigate the i...
2024-01-2337 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels122. What are the foundational building blocks of resilience?Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience2024 by discussing the foundational building blocks of resilience and how parents, schools, and communities can collaboratively nurture resilience in children and teens. From creating a safe and stable environment to fostering autonomy and independence, she covers the essential elements that contribute to resilient behaviour and a growth mindset.
As always, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in guiding children towards a resilient, confident, and adaptable future.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help...
2024-01-1647 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels105. How do we manage performance anxiety? with Guest Expert Dr. Brice WillisToday on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline chats with guest expert Dr. Brice Willis to unmask performance anxiety. This topic strikes a chord with students who struggle with perfectionism, athletes, and anyone who has felt the pressure to shine in the spotlight.Performance anxiety, that gripping feeling of unease that can accompany high-stakes situations, is a phenomenon that affects individuals across various fields. Join us as we peel back the layers of this complex emotion and its negative influence on our students' ability to showcase their talents.We go even further and provide...
2023-10-1035 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels98. How do we nurture academic success with parental engagement?Welcome to another invigorating episode of Overpowering Emotions, your guide to building resilient, empowered kids!
In this segment, Dr. Caroline discusses the dynamic world of parental involvement and its profound impact on children’s academic success.
Join her as she shares ways to foster strong parent-teacher relationships, amplify the educational journey, and nurture a supportive environment that propels student growth.
From regular communication to practical engagement, she uncovers the power of positive parental involvement that paves the way for a brighter, more successful future.
2023-08-2214 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels97. How do we nurture problem solving skills?Welcome back to another episode of Overpowering Emotions. Today, Dr. Caroline jumps into the heart of essential life skills – Problem-Solving Skills!
While it's tempting to categorize this as just a "school" skill, it's so much more. Explore the benefits, from fostering critical thinking to cultivating resilience and creativity.
Dr. Caroline also reveals the power of teaching problem-solving using a systematic framework, along with additional ideas to nurture these skills in children and teens.
Get ready to empower them with a life-long toolset for overcoming ch...
2023-08-1528 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels95. How do we help kids transition back to school successfully? (General tips)Are you ready to kickstart the new school year with ease and confidence? Join Caroline in today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions where she presents a treasure trove of valuable tips and strategies to ensure a smooth back-to-school transition for your children and teens. While she will be getting into specific skills, today she focuses on general routines to focus on to make this year’s transition as smooth as possible.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out Caroline's comprehensive guide to conquering back-to-school anxiety here: https://bit.ly/Conquering_Back-to-School_Anxiety and...
2023-08-0124 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels94. How do we help kids manage back-to-school worries?Today Caroline shifts to a School Success series. In today's episode, she talks specifically about managing back-to-school worries and equipping children for a smooth and confident transition.
As the new school year approaches, it's natural for children to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Parents definitely face challenges in helping their kids navigate this time of change. Caroline shares practical strategies to overcome these challenges and to empower our children for success.
Join Caroline as she explores effective ways to address those worries that start to creep in wh...
2023-07-2529 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels75. Differentiating ADHD & Autism Part 2 (RECAST)This week is Part 2 of my interview with Dr. Jeremy Sharp, as first seen on The Testing Psychologist (https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/348-differentiating-adhd-asd-part-2-w-dr-caroline-buzanko/) in which I dive into a discussion of differentiating ADHD & ASD. Definitely check out Part 1 before you tackle this one!
In part 2 today, I discuss:
The overlap and differentiation of “Part B” of DSM ASD symptoms from ADHD symptoms
The developmental considerations of ASD and ADHD
Why we shouldn't compare males and females
The assessment process and tools to do a comprehensive assessment
Cool Things Mentioned
Caroline’s prev...
2023-03-141h 36Overpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels74. Differentiating ADHD & Autism Part 1 (RECAST)This week I am sharing an episode first seen on The Testing Psychologist (https://www.thetestingpsychologist.com/346-differentiating-adhd-autism-part-1-w-dr-caroline-buzanko/) in which I dive into a discussion of differentiating ADHD & ASD with Dr. Jeremy Sharp.
For you testing psychologists out there, how many kids have you seen over the last few years with rule-outs of both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder? If you’re anything like our practice…hundreds. These are the two most common referral questions in our practice, yet they’re also challenging to tease apart.
In part 1 today...
2023-03-071h 04Overpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels71. How do we make the most of Valentine's with anxious kids?Valentine’s can come with a lot of emotional turmoil for children and teens that adults might not even be aware of. There are lots of decisions about what to give and who to give something to while minimizing total humiliation.
And, if kids have expectations that aren’t met, such as not getting a card from someone or as many as they get, it could fuel negative narratives they have about themselves. Like they’re not special or liked.
In today’s episode, Caroline talks about, no matter what hap...
2023-02-1420 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels54. How do you manage perfectionism? Part 2: Treatment
Today, I talk about how we address perfectionism in more detail.
Yes, I do talk about the most important thinking trap to address, but I also highlight the things we must DO to help anxious kiddos manage perfectionism.
After all, as with anything related to anxiety, it's more about what we do than what we say.
BONUS: Is perfectionism holding you, a client, or someone you know back? Check out this quiz to see! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/is-perfectionism-holding-you-back/
2022-10-1831 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels53. How do you manage perfectionism? Part 1As I work through some of the biggest anxiety-provoking school-related things for students, today I talk about perfectionism.
Perfectionism has steadily increased over the years, with our younger generations establishing increasingly more extreme standards for themselves, which can be crippling.
It is critical we address perfectionism before anything else. Otherwise, we won't get very far in helping children and teens manage anxiety or other big feelings. Perfectionism contributes to, and even maintains, whatever struggles a student has, whether self-doubt, worries, or depression.
If we ca...
2022-10-1130 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels52. Special Episode BELIEVE IN PEOPLE (Recast)In this special episode, I am a guest on the BELIEVE IN PEOPLE Podcast with Kevin Tibbles & Amy Goldberg
In this episode we talk about helping children and teens master their anxiety, and what parents need to know.
Find out what kids wish parents knew …
A conversation worth having.
Check out BELIEVE IN PEOPLE Podcast: A podcast for people with hope.
You can also WATCH HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOKLslZRq7c&feature=youtu.be)
Enjoying the sh...
2022-10-0434 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels51. How do we deal with school refusal? Part III: Individual Skills and Processes for SuccessToday I finish my discussion on managing school avoidance. If you've missed them, check out the previous two episodes in which I addressed the foundational considerations for setting up student success with a supportive environment with adults who know how to respond effectively when anxiety shows up.
Today I focus on the skills students need to learn and the processes we must implement to promote student success in returning to school.
AND, if you want to deep dive with me and learn exactly how to do a functional analysis...
2022-09-2736 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels50. How do we deal with school refusal? Part II Treatment Considerations for SuccessI continue the Back to School Success series and today's episode is Part II on School Refusal where I begin digging into treatment considerations. I discuss the need for a comprehensive school-based approach and outline the student, family, and school needs to be addressed.
Using the resilience pyramid (https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/pyramidofresilience/) that I have discussed in previous episodes, I dive into the need to first set up the right environment for students to be successful at home and school. And especially how we must focus on making school a safe, inviting, connecting, and...
2022-09-2041 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels49. How do we deal with school refusal? Part 1We are in the Back to School Success Series in which I talk about all school-related anxieties and how to maximally support anxious students to become masters over anxiety.In today's episode, I start addressing the big topic of School Refusal. It is such a big topic that I had to break the issue into three parts.In part 1 today, I lay the foundations of all the important considerations we need to set these students up for success. Don't miss this episode - school refusal is a psychiatric crisis an...
2022-09-1333 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels48. How do we manage separation anxiety?While some separation anxiety is normal in early childhood, it becomes serious when it doesn't go away as children get into their elementary school years and interferes with typical activities like going to school or going to a friend's house.While it can be hard for children and teachers to see children in distress, we don't want to fall into the common traps that make anxiety stronger, like allowing children to avoid the things they're afraid of and reassuring them that everything will be fine.In today's episode, I...
2022-09-0633 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels47. Emotion Regulation Skill Building Part 9: Stress inoculationToday is a jam-packed episode in which I cover the most essential part of helping our children develop solid emotion regulation skills.
A key point I have talked about repeatedly is that kiddos need to learn to cope with their emotions and build resilience through the right experiences. Today I talk specifically about how important stress inoculation is for kiddos to learn to manage big feelings.
When kids are allowed to stay within their comfort zones and adults walk on eggshells to avoid any big emotional or behavioural meltdowns...
2022-08-3030 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels46. Emotion Regulation Skill Building Part 8: Raising Self-Awareness of BehavioursIn Part 8 of this Emotion Regulation Skill-building series, I talk about raising self-awareness of the behavioural aspect of emotion. This skill is foundational for managing any emotion and even any behaviour.
When we talk about behaviours, these include our body language as well as what we actually do when big emotions come up. Tune in today to find out more about how to help kiddos develop self-awareness about this third important aspect of emotion.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access...
2022-08-2339 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels45. Emotion Regulation Skill Building: Awareness of the Physiological and Cognitive Aspects of EmotionIn today's episode I introduce two key aspects of emotions: the physiological and cognitive. I also discuss the need to develop self-awareness of these experiences for effective emotion regulation.
Lack of self-awareness is the biggest barrier to self-regulation. Many kids aren't even aware that they are on the brink of an emotional meltdown or if they are engaging in problematic behaviours. That is why we need to start here, with self-awareness. Without it, no skill development will ever happen.
Don't miss this episode - learn what you need to...
2022-08-1825 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels44. Emotion Regulation Skill Building Part 6: Appropriate Epectations & SupportsWe are continuing our skill-building classes. I have focused a lot on co-regulation and previously talked about what co-regulation looks like depending on kiddos' age. Today, I am talking about what self-regulation looks like for our kids depending on their ages and how we can establish appropriate expectations and supports to help them be successful.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
2022-08-0914 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels43. How do we build emotion regulation? With Dr. Hank WeisingerAs part of the Emotion Regulation Skill Building series, I am extremely excited to welcome Dr. Hendrie Weisinger to the show to talk about how parents can help promote their children's emotion regulation skills.Dr. Weisinger is a leading authority on the application of emotional intelligence and anger management and the originator of the highly regarded techniques of criticism training as well as a pioneer in the emerging field of "pressure management" - including parenting. Check out more of Dr. Weisinger at: @PressureTweets
2022-08-0249 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels42. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 5: Responding in helpful ways to create safetyI have talked lots about responding effectively to anxiety and other big feelings. It is critical I address it again in this skills-building series because, even if we don't ever get to the kids' skill-building, how adults respond to big emotions when they show up makes all the difference in the world. And hearing it again is important because parents need lots of reminders and practice so get unstuck from our habitual (and unhelpful) ways of responding.
Adults need to learn how to become effective emotion coaches. And I talk about how to do t...
2022-07-2618 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels41. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 4: What co-regulation looks likeI spent the last two weeks talking parental stress and co-regulation. Because they need help. If their emotions overwhelm them, they cannot regulate their emotions on their own. Today I talk about the difference between misbehaviour and stress behaviour as well as what effective co-regulation looks like for kiddos depending on their ages from preschool years all the way up to adulthood.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline ...
2022-07-1939 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels40. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 3: Modeling vulnerability and copingIn today's episode, we are in Part 3 of the emotion regulation skill-building series.
Last week I talked about the need for parents to manage their stress so they can co-regulate with their upset child (and avoid emotional meltdowns and temper outbursts, which only add to parents' stress).
Above managing stress, there are additional things parents can do to promote their children's emotional literacy and overall emotion regulation skills. Modelling is paramount. Specifically, modelling vulnerability (to help normalize feelings), as well as how we cope with our emotions (in helpful...
2022-07-1232 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels39. How can we build children's emotion regulation skills? Part 2: Managing Parental StressWhen we help children develop emotion regulation skills, we first need to start with their environment. Last week I talked about the need for the important people in children's lives to manage their own stress first to be effective co-regulators.
Today I jump right into how to manage stress. Parents are feeling stressed, which has only worsened exponentially since COVID. When we look at the research on the effect of COVID, parents were hit the hardest and are far more stressed than those who did not have children.
Therefore...
2022-07-0524 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels38. How can we build children’s emotion regulation skills? Part 1: SystemsLast week I talked about how we cannot focus too much on kids and teens when it comes to emotion regulation. Today I dig into emotion regulation (and how it is NOT self-control) and how there are multiple systems around the child that must be addressed to improve their overall emotional wellbeing because there are so many factors that influence a child's success with managing emotions. I have actually created a resilience pyramid to illustrate the fact that there are multiple considerations to make before we can focus on skill development for our kiddos.
...
2022-06-2818 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels37. Why is a child in therapy on their own a problem?Today is the first day of my summer series in which I am focusing on emotion regulation and anxiety management skill-building. Over the next two months, the goal here is to help families develop the understanding and skills they need to help children and teens start their new school year off on the right foot.I have touched on this before, but a major mistake I see is when a therapist is working alone with the child or teen, trying to work on their skill development. However, emotion regulation and anxiety management is a...
2022-06-2118 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels36. Why does resilience need opportunity?I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Cindy Thompson on her podcast, A Resilience Project, to chat about how to raise happy, confident and resilient kids.Join us to find out why it is important for our kids to experience challenges and failure, some of the signs of stress to watch for and when to reach out for help.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr...
2022-06-1445 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels35. How do we promote kids' bravery? With Dr. Todd KashdanToday I had the incredible opportunity to talk to Dr. Todd Kashdan about bravery. He talks about the fact that, every time we leave the house, there is an opportunity to be brave. We talk about how parents can be good role models for our children, such as moving away from expectations and moving towards intentions and how we want to show up.Find out more about Dr. Kashdan (https://toddkashdan.com/)And, check out his awesome new book, The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively...
2022-06-0746 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels34. What should we tell children about tragic events (including recent school shootings)?It seems there have been more and more tragic events happening in our world. With the stress of COVID the past two years, followed by the war in Ukraine, and mass shootings - the most recent last week at an elementary school, it has been emotionally overwhelming to say the least. It can be very difficult to know whether to talk about these events with our children and what to share.
In today's episode, I will review important guidelines to consider before talking to children and teens about tragic events. While the recent events...
2022-05-3140 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels33. Hoarding Disorder Part3: Relapse PreventionIn today's episode, I continue to Part 3 on Hoarding Disorder. Today, I specifically address relapse prevention and important considerations to promote long-term success. There are a lot of things people fail to consider in optimizing outcomes, so be sure to listen to ensure those things are not missed!
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
2022-05-2417 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels32. Hoarding Disorder Part 2: Intervention!In today's episode of Overpowering Emotions, I discuss hoarding disorder and key areas of intervention.
There are many areas that need to be addressed to be effective in helping individuals with hoarding. First, we need to have a strong working relationship with the individual. Trust, collaboration, and listening to their story is key. Having a thorough understanding of what is going on for them within their unique context is also important to develop a personal model about hoarding.
With that understanding, we can then design an effective systems-based treatment...
2022-05-1743 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels31. How do we manage hoarding? Part IAs I start looking at other specific anxiety-related challenges, today I focus on Hoarding Disorder.
While I take a transdiagnostic approach and focus on the process of anxiety itself, there are some anxiety-related challenges that require additional considerations. And hoarding is one of them.
Today is Part I of this series where I take a look at hoarding and what maintains hoarding behaviours. Once we understand the maintaining variables, we can deep dive into what to do to help.
Feel free to also WATCH...
2022-05-1027 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels30. How to build resilience?In this episode, I am a special guest on Un-Caped Heroes where I talk about how to Force the Universe!! It's the risk takers advantage !!"
My life lesson: "Don't take it all so seriously. Find and hold your childhood joy so you can be open to new possibilities."
About Un-caped Heroes – The Podcast: With each episode, Stacy & Cassey meet ordinary people who do extraordinary things. They celebrate everyday HEROES through their stories of grit and gratitude.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on...
2022-05-0325 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels29. How do we manage our kids' screentime?Building off last week, when I talked about how screens can affect our children's mental health (and overall well-being), the next question is - how do we manage screens? Find out more in today's episode!
And, if you think working on screens is an important pursuit, check out this HANDOUT for ideas on where to start. Check out my ARTICLE for more ideas on how to manage screens as well.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too...
2022-04-2629 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels28. Do screens affect anxiety?I have received lots of questions asking whether screens can contribute to anxiety.Screens have become a large part of our everyday life. Although there are recommended guidelines for screen use, most kids get fare more access than they should. And its only gotten worse since COVID.Unfortunately, screens affect kids’ cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as their physical and mental health. It affects sleep, memory and learning, mood, anxiety, and behaviour.Wondering if your child is getting too much screentime (and having p...
2022-04-1924 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels27. What are the most important things parents can do to help their anxious children? With Special GuestI am so excited for today’s episode, as it is the first time I have another guest on the show.
In today’s episode, Kristy and I talk about her journey learning to manage anxiety and feeling the need for "more" when it came to seeking help for her own anxiety.
We swing the conversation over to parenting and how critical it is to manage our own anxiety as parents to support our anxious children effectively. And how we can respond in helpful ways when their anxiety shows up!
2022-04-1226 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels26. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: Integrating Mindfulness, Fear extinction, and AcceptanceToday I am talking about how we can optimize the brain's resistance by integrating fear extinction, mindfulness, and acceptance into one session. See faster and long-lasting progress when you can skillfully integrate each of these pieces together.
You can also WATCH this week's episode!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram...
2022-04-0524 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels25. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: AcceptanceI am still talking about how to make the brain more resistant to anxiety. Today is a critical piece that is often skipped over. Acceptance. Without acceptance, other strategies you try, such as mindfulness, may only make anxiety worse. Listen in to hear why!
You can also WATCH this week's episode!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.c...
2022-03-2934 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels24. Special Episode! Helping Anxious ChildrenI am so excited to be on Sydney Torres' Balance Health Now Podcast.
Does your child or teen suffer from anxiety? Feelings of anxiety can be extremely overwhelming especially for kids and teens. As parents or caretakers how do we help them manage and regulate their behavior while giving them freedom to develop more independence.
In this special episode, I provide solutions for helping parents support their anxious children. Learn how to turn disadvantages into advantages and move past the daily struggles.
...
2022-03-2236 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels23. How can exercise enhance fear extinction (and improve the brain's resistance to anxiety)?I have been talking all about how to make the brain more resistant to anxiety and last week I talked about fear extinction. This week I talk about how we can enhance that safety learning: through exercise. BUT, the timing has to be right. Listen to hear more!
You can also WATCH this week's episode!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https...
2022-03-1533 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels22. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: Fear ExtinctionToday I talk about how we can make the brain more resistant to anxiety through fear extinction. I talk about fear learning and how easily generalized that fear learning is and the new learning we need to make sure happens to manage anxiety effectively.
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr...
2022-03-0834 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels21. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: MindfulnessToday I talk about how we can make the brain more resistant to anxiety through mindfulness. Anxiety likes to trick us and suck us into autopilot, which is where we get lost in worry. Mindfulness helps us wake up and get out of the vortex of rumination.
Download this resource to build daily mindful practices.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://w...
2022-03-0120 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels20. How to make the brain resistant to anxiety: AwarenessI have talked a lot about anxiety and the brain and wanted to look at how we can make the brain more resistant to anxiety and stop being so trigger-happy to anxiety. First, we need awareness. And while there are several components to awareness that I will be talking about in coming episodes, today I lay the foundation for building this awareness in the first place and the five elements of emotion to become aware of.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information...
2022-02-2224 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels19. Does sleep affect anxiety?In today's episode I talk all about the relationship between anxiety and sleep. And how we need to address sleep to be effective in any anxiety management we do!
Check out this SLEEP RESOURCE to help set up the right sleeping environment for your children.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www...
2022-02-1538 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels18. How do you deal with brain-triggered anxiety?There is so much to learn about how to help anxious children and teens but today I start to address some of the things we can do depending on whether anxiety is cortex-based or amygdala-based. (And we need to know the difference to respond in helpful ways!)
Check out today's episode to learn more.
You can also WACTH HERE!
Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple t...
2022-02-0812 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels17. What is the difference between the amygdala and the cortex in anxiety?What is the difference between the amygdala and the cortex in anxiety? It is actually important to know the differences to ensure that our strategies are targeting the right part of the brain (at the right time!). It’s ineffective, for example, to use cortex-based strategies when the amygdala is activated. Check out today's episode to learn more. You can also WATCH HERE!
Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others ge...
2022-02-0118 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels16. Does anxiety damage the brain?I had lots of questions about whether anxiety damages the brain. Check out today's episode to learn more.
You can also WATCH HERE
Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
2022-01-2513 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels15. How does the brain affect anxiety?While I typically focus on the things in our environment that maintain anxiety, understanding what happens in the brain is important to know as well. In today's episode, I talk all about the different parts of the brain that influences anxiety, as well as the neurotransmitters and hormones that are involved. You can also WATCH HERE.
Interested in deep diving even further with me? CONTACT ME for more information!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple...
2022-01-1815 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels14. What is relaxation-induced anxiety?Have you heard of relaxation-induced anxiety? It's not a new phenomenon yet many people aren't aware of it - but we definitely need to be! Find out more in today's episode. You can also watch here: https://youtu.be/6NE0cHxDq4wEnjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzankoIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/ LinkedIn: https...
2022-01-1113 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels13. Why does telling an anxious child to relax only make anxiety worse?Today I talk about why TRYING to make an anxious child relax only makes their anxiety worse. While relaxation is important, the problem is when we focus on relaxation as the outcome. Find out why in today's episode. Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/96Bdcl_DsPs*IMPORTANT! Sometimes people have a hard time listening to this message. It's crucial to understand that a strong, securely attached relationship with adults is foundational for any strategies I discuss to be effective. The strategies I discuss are designed to strengthen a...
2022-01-0419 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels12. What are conditioned safety behaviours and how to avoid them?I had loads of questions about conditioned safety learning and whether this is a good thing or not. No! Conditioned safety learning can also make anxiety worse. Listen in on today's episode to learn more about conditioned safety learning and how to avoid it.
You can also watch here!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzankoIG: https...
2021-12-2119 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels11. What are safety behaviours and how do they make anxiety worse?In today's episode we look at safety behaviours and how they make anxiety worse. Essentially, safety behaviours are things children and teens do to feel a little safer and/or less anxious. The problem is, these behaviours reinforce the anxiety story that they can't handle the situation or the discomfort anxiety brings. Therefore, in any work we do, we must ensure there aren't safety behaviours impeding progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to download the safety behaviour handout to use with your clients!Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to...
2021-12-1431 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels10. How do we get stressed by trying to be happy?From last time, talking about how we can hinder brain development so easily, I thought I'd shed some light on the myth of happiness. It is easy for anxious kids and teens to think there is something wrong with them when they can't be happy, though that is the furthest thing from the truth. They are human! Anxiety is part of being human. Understanding the myth of happiness can help them normalize their experiences.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple...
2021-12-0719 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels9. How does trying to make kids feel better make their anxiety worse?Last week I said that whatever we do to make anxious kids feel better actually makes their anxiety worse. I had lots of questions on this one. So, today, I go into WHY that is the case.... We'll explore the psychology behind this phenomenon, uncovering how well-intentioned actions can hinder a child's brain development and ability to cope with anxiety. I'll highlight the unintended consequences of certain practices and the delicate balance needed to support anxious children without fostering dependence on external validation or reassurance.*IMPORTANT!* It's crucial to...
2021-11-3014 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels8. How can do we address Imposter Phenomenon?I am excited to chat with Joe Sanock from The Practice of the Practice about the Imposter Phenomenon (IP). In this episode, I discuss various factors that contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, even in highly successful individuals. Together, we explore strategies and techniques to overcome IP, helping you build confidence and recognize your true worth.We also touch on practical tools to enhance your productivity and combat perfectionism, which often goes hand-in-hand with IP. I'll introduce you to a productivity planner that can help you stay organized and focused, ensuring that perfectionism...
2021-11-2429 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels6. What is stressing out our kids?After talking about why our children and teens are not getting the support they need to manage anxiety last week, I received a lot of questions about what might be causing their anxiety. Today, I delve deeper into this topic and try to understand some of the most important factors that contribute to our kids' anxiety.
First of all, it's important to remember that anxiety is a part of our evolutionary heritage. Our ancestors lived in a dangerous world, and anxiety was a useful response to keep them safe. However, the world we live...
2021-11-0916 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels5. Why aren't anxious kids getting the help they need?In today's episode, I discuss why our anxious children and teens are not getting the help they need. Anxiety is the most common mental health concern affecting children and teens. Despite all the books, training, and knowledge out there, anxiety has continued to rise even before COVID and has grown exponentially around the world since.
Despite this prevalence, many children are not getting the support they need to manage their anxiety. In today’s episode, I discuss why children and tends are not getting the support they need.
Part of...
2021-11-0211 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels4. Worry vs. Anxiety: What's the Difference?In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I address the questions:
What is the difference between normal worry and anxiety?
and
When should kids get help?
Anxiety and worry are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. While both can be unpleasant and unwanted emotions, understanding the differences between normal worry and anxiety is essential for parents to understand so they know how to best support their children’s emotional well-being and resilience.
Often, parents wait...
2021-10-2517 minOverpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels3. (RECAST) Recommendations for Effective Psychoeducational AssesmentsThis podcast first appeared on The Testing Psychologist with Dr. Jeremy Sharp. This is the second episode in a two-part series I did on the parent experience of the assessment process! In part two today, we continue talking about empowering parents and discuss several concrete changes you can make to your testing approach. Here are a few other topics to look out for across the two episodes:
Paradigms of assessment
How to gather parent expectations about the assessment process
Mistakes clinicians make during the assessment process
How to support parents after the evaluation
The importance of a second f...
2021-10-191h 22Overpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels2. (RECAST) Parent Experiences of Their Child's Assessment Process: Everything You Need to Know for Your Own PracticeVery excited to share this week's episode of Deep Dive into Practice, which was first seen on The Testing Psychologist, in which I did an interview with Dr. Jeremy Sharp about parents' experiences of their child's assessment process. This is Part 1 where we go through everything you need to know about testing with kids.Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh Follow Dr. Caroline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
2021-10-121h 12Overpowering Emotions Podcast: Helping Children and Teens Manage Big Feels1. The BeginningWelcome to Deep Dive into Practice - our very first podcast!
As mental health professionals, we all have incredible potential to create meaningful change in our client's life. But, this work isn't easy; if it were, everyone would be doing it. At the end of the day, clients are only as good as the professionals they work with.
Mastering your skills and transforming your practice begins with a conversation. And this podcast is the start, where we deep dive into practice to support your lifelong journey in mastering your...
2021-10-0906 min