Shows
School Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners52: Why Therapy is Worth Your Time and How to StartSend us a textIn the last 2 episodes, we covered misconceptions about mental health counselling, as well as an overview of different therapeutic approaches. For today's episode, we get a bit more practical, by discussing what therapy is and why it's worth your time. We end with some tips on how to access therapy/counselling. If you've ever wondering if therapy is right for you, but aren't sure how to take the first step, this episode is for you!If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at s...2025-07-2226 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners51: Which Therapy is Right for You? A Guide to 15 Common ApproachesSend us a textAre you interested in starting therapy but aren't sure which type of therapy is the best fit? Or maybe you're already in therapy, but didn't realize there are other therapeutic approaches besides the one your counselor is using? OR maybe you're thinking about becoming a therapist one day?! Then this episode is for you!We cover several different therapeutic approaches, starting with counselling styles used primarily for adults and ending with approaches that can be helpful in supporting children and adolescents.If you have any questions or topics you...2025-07-1537 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners50: Celebrating Mental Health - What Therapy Really Is (and Isn't)Send us a textIn honour of the 50th episode, I'm reflecting on what it really means to celebrate mental health. So many people still carry outdated or unhelpful ideas about therapy - and those myths often keep them from getting support. In this episode, I'm clearing up the biggest misconceptions and inviting everyone - parents, teachers, friends, and you - to think differently about what counselling actually is. We cover myths like: "Therapy is for those people," or "Therapy is expensive," or "Therapy is like a life coach," and more! If you've ever asked yourself, "Could I...2025-07-0840 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners49: School’s Out WishesSend us a textJust a quick episode wishing you an awesome summer, in which you are kind to yourself and remember.... YOU ARE HUMAN. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like the School Psych Podcast or find it helpful, please rate, review, or share it with a friend, so others can find it. Thank-you!Support the show2025-07-0103 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners48: Keep, Tweak, or Toss - Reflecting on the School YearSend us a textThis episode builds off of one of last week's tips for "what all teachers need to do this summer." One of the suggestions was pausing to reflect what went well this year that you want to take into next school year, and what you need to let go of. So, THIS episode is my own reflections about exactly that. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or a school clinician, I bet some of my reflections will feel relatable. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please e...2025-06-2423 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners47: 5 Things All Teachers Need To Do This SummerSend us a textThis episode is for teachers and any of us working in schools (clinicians, admin, educational assistants, all y'all!) By summer break, our nervous system is tapped out.. How do we ensure summer is the proper reset that we need before we come back in the fall? In this episode I list the top 5 activities (or lack thereof) that educators need to focus on this summer. We deserve it! If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on I...2025-06-1720 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners46: How to Be an Ally to Queer Educators and Students with Bryan StantonSend us a textIn this interview episode, Bryan Stanton (chair of "Teaching While Queer," a not-for-profit organization) shares the importance of allyship even when it feels scary or uncomfortable. "But how can I be an ally?," you ask?! Listen as Bryan shares the importance of visual signals, asking about pronouns, checking in on queer students, creating space for queer educators, preserving accurate history (i.e., NOT banning books), listening to understand, and attending professional development focused on how to be an ally to queer educators and how to nurture LGBTQ students.Speaking of professional...2025-06-101h 17School Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners45: My Top 5 Resources for Neurodivergent LearnersSend us a textI've shared some of these with you before and I'll share them again and again! There are certain resources I find myself recommending over and over to families and school teams of neurodivergent learners... and for good reason. It's time to dedicate an episode to listing these top 5 resources and to talk about why I love them for our neuro-spicy kiddos!1. Explainingbrains.com with Dr. Liz Angoff2. Understood.org3. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne...2025-06-0319 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners44: 7 Tips for Avoiding the Summer SlideSend us a textAh the dreaded "summer slide," also known as "summer learning loss" or "academic regression". Have no fear parents! There are lots of ways we can help our kids maintain some of the skills they worked so hard to develop this school year! These 7 tips should provide you with some ideas - from creating a daily "learning routine" that works for YOUR family, to incorporating academic skills into "field trips." Let me know which tip is your favourite! If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me...2025-05-2727 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners43: A Day in the Life of a School Psych #2 - IEP EditionSend us a textDid you know that school psychologists attend IEP (Individual Education Plan) Meetings with families and school teams? This episode covers what a typical day looks like for a school psychologist during testing season. I also share what my favourite IEP meeting process looks like (spoiler alert: It's not just reading a document verbatim to a parent).If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.2025-05-2024 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners42: A Day in the Life of a School Psych #1 - Testing EditionSend us a textHave you ever wondered what a testing day looks like for a school psychologist? Then this episode is for you! I run through a typical testing day, and also discuss the steps that need to have been completed beforehand (weeks or days in advance) to make this day go smoothly. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like the S...2025-05-1331 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners41: A Week in the Life of a School PsychologistSend us a textHave you ever wondered what a school psychologist does with their time? Why does it feel like they're everywhere at once or simultaneously nowhere to be found? Hopping in and out, but flying into the building within minutes when a crisis occurs. The role of a school psych can vary widely, depending on the situation. I'm not just talking from country to country, province to province, or state to state. The role of a school psych at one school could look completely different from the school down the street.In this...2025-05-0642 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners40: My 3 Favourite Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) ProgramsSend us a textHow do we give our kids the tools for identifying, expressing, and managing emotions? How do we teach our kids social skills and conflict resolution? Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs are a way we can proactively help our kids thrive in "the real world." If you're a teacher, school clinician, or homeschool parent, this episode is for you! Let's dive into 3 evidence-based SEL "programs" I keep coming back to over and over again and why (and no, they have not sponsored this episode):1. Kimochis (https://www.kimochis.com/)2. We Thinkers! (h...2025-04-2932 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners39: The 101 on Supporting LGBTQ YouthSend us a textIn this interview with Dr. Emily Fisher, we talk A LOT about how to support LGBTQ+ children in our families, schools, and communities. We cover some definitions, such as what is sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as some of the common inclusive acronyms used by and for our queer and questioning youth (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+, GSM, SOGI, SOGD, GSA). We also discuss how to respond when young people "come out" to us, how to proactively discuss gender identity and sexual orientation, and how to promote inclusion. Dr. Fisher shares the number...2025-04-221h 08School Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners38: Flip That Script When Describing Our KidsSend us a textFinally an episode that is relevant for literally ANY adult supporting kids in any capacity! Teachers, parents, clinicians, doctors, principals, educational assistants, daycare providers, this one is for all of us! This episode covers several descriptors often used to describe kids and reframes them using more positive, solution-focused language. This is about focusing on our kids' strengths, rather than assuming these traits are shortcomings.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "...2025-04-1514 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners37: Beyond the Report Card - 7 Essential Skills for Kids to DevelopSend us a textIs academic success the key to a thriving adulthood? In this episode, I'm sharing a hot take that might challenge some perspectives - academic skills, while important, aren't the be all end all when it comes to our growing kids. From kindness and communication to critical thinking and executive functioning, these skills shape who our kids become as they develop into adults. And no, this teaching isn't just on schools or just on parents - it's a shared effort. Let's rethink what success really means and how we can se...2025-04-0827 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners36: Why Active Listening Is the Key to Supporting Kids (and How to Do It Well)Send us a textWhether you're a parent, teacher, or school clinician, these tips can transform your conversations and strengthen your connection with the kids in your life. If you want to support your kid - whether they're toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, there's one skill that makes all the difference: Active Listening. When kids feel truly heard, they're more likely to open up, trust you, and accept guidance or reassurance. In this episode, we dive into six simple, practical strategies for listening in a way that helps kids feel safe, valued, and understood. A...2025-04-0128 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners35: 10 Organization and Focus Tips for School CliniciansSend us a textAre you a school clinician or consultant who struggles to manage your time? In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for school clinicians to keep an organized schedule and maintain focus. For example, a monthly "brain dump," colour-coding your calendar by school, and being strategic about when your are checking and responding to your emails (spoiler alert: it's not "all day").If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a...2025-03-2542 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners34: How to Set Boundaries as an EducatorSend us a textIn this episode, we dive into practical strategies for teachers (and other school staff) to establish clear and respectful boundaries in their professional lives. For example, being direct and concise. If you have not been in the practice of setting boundaries, take baby steps. Even then, you may experience pushback. Listen to this episode to hear some tips on how to address that resistance.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram or Threads @SchoolPsychPodcast...2025-03-1825 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners33: Why Teachers Struggle With Boundaries and Where to StartSend us a textAre you a teacher or school clinician who struggles to find balance? Then this episode is for you. We explore the challenges educators face in setting boundaries and identify key areas where these boundaries are important. We discuss the internal and external pressures that make boundary-setting difficult and provide practical examples of where limits can be beneficial, including communication with parents, work-life balance, student interactions, and collaborations with colleagues and administrators. By understanding these aspects, educators can take the first step in creating a sustainable and fulfilling teaching (or clinician) experience. I...2025-03-1123 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners32: 10 Traits of Amazing Parent AdvocatesSend us a textBeing a strong advocate for your child can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone - or perfectly! In this episode, we're diving into ten key traits that help parents become effective advocates for their children. From persistence, to communication, to "sense of humour," these qualities can help you navigate school team meetings, appointments, and support services with purpose. If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing enough?" or felt unsure about how to speak up for your child, this episode will give you plenty of encouragement, practical tips, a...2025-03-0436 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners31: Top 5 Myths About DyslexiaSend us a textDyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, yet it's wildly misunderstood. In this episode, we're busting five of the biggest myths about dyslexia - including the misconception that it's not just about reversing letters, that kids can "outgrow" it, and that schools will automatically catch it. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone who works with kids, this episode will give you some facts you need to better understand struggling readers. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.c...2025-02-2523 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners30: Deep Dive on Executive FunctioningSend us a textWe hear about executive functions a lot - but what does it really look like in everyday life? In this episode, we're breaking down each core executive function skill, such as working memory, time management, emotional regulation, and more. Let's explore how challenges in these areas show up for kids of all ages, from the middle school student constantly losing their homework to the high school student who procrastinates on every big project. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just curious about how to better support kids' learning and development, this episode...2025-02-1843 minSchool Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners29: Executive Function Challenges - Strategies for Supporting Students at Home and SchoolSend us a textExecutive function skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond - helping kids manage their time, stay organized, regulate emotions, and adapt to new situations. But what happens when these skills don't come naturally? In this episode, we break down what executive function is, as well as how parents and teachers can support kids in building these critical skills. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a T...2025-02-1133 min