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Kids These Days

Dr. Courtney Lynn

Parenting is the most profound journey we ever take, but it’s also the one that exposes our deepest vulnerabilities and brings up our own “stuff.” Welcome to Kids These Days, a podcast hosted by Dr. Courtney Lynn, licensed psychologist and founder of Integrated Behavioral Health.

This isn’t another parenting show telling you how to be perfect. Instead, we dive into the messy, complex reality of raising children, teens, and young adults in the modern world. Combining evidence-based practices with deep self-awareness, we explore the "why" behind your child’s behavior and the "source" of your own emotional triggers.

From navigating the unique developmental challenges of every stage—from the foundational years of early childhood to the complex transitions of adolescence and young adulthood, Dr. Courtney and her team of specialists provide the practical tools and clinical insights you need to move from reactivity to calm, attuned presence. Whether you’re a parent, stepparent, or part of a complex family system, Kids These Days is your weekly permission slip to be imperfect while building a home where everyone feels seen, heard, and validated.

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  • 33 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 46 min
  • English

Episodes 33

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  • S1 · E50
    Tuesday · 53 min

    It's Never About the Dishes: A Therapist's Guide to Helping Your Partner Open Up with Dr. Linda Baker

    Guest: Dr. Linda Baker, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Unstuck Therapy in Denver, specializing in men's issues and LGBTQ+ care. So many partners want the person they love to open up, but don't know how to ask without it feeling like pressure. In this episode, Dr. Linda Baker explains why so many men learn to shut feelings down, what's really happening when a partner goes quiet, and what actually helps someone feel safe enough to open the door. What You'll Learn: Why baby boys are handled differently from infancy, and how that early experience shapes emotional shutdown later in life Why not opening up doesn't mean not feeling How to tell the difference between a partner protecting himself and one who simply processes internally A simple script for asking for space without leaving your partner feeling shut out Why it's never really about the dishes, and how to name the emotional load without it turning into blame What to do (and avoid) when your partner does open up, even a little How a parent's unprocessed history can show up in how they respond to their own kids Why defensiveness is a flag, not a dead end, and how to work with it Resources & Links: Dr. Linda Baker / Unstuck Therapy: unstucktherapy.com Unstuck Therapy on Instagram: @unstucktherapydenver Book mentioned: The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by Bell Hooks Instagram pages to check out: @Jimmy_on_Relationships @Alessandro_frosali @Drjondabach Integrated Behavioral Health website: integratedbhs.com Book a consult call with Integrated Behavioral Health: Schedule here Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter: Sign up here Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E49
    October 20 · 56 min

    The Golden Thread: Jacy Rabold on Guilt, Grace, and Healing After a Complicated Birth

    Guest: Jacy Rabold, mother of three and author of Carried, a 100-day restorative journal for moms healing after a complicated birth. In 2018, Jacy’s son Elliott was born four weeks early by emergency C-section after a fetal maternal hemorrhage and a stroke at birth. In this episode, Jacy and Dr. Courtney talk about the guilt that followed, the fear that set in once the NICU monitors were gone, and the uneven, years-long road to healing that eventually led Jacy to write Carried. What You’ll Learn: Why Jacy trusted her gut even when it meant pushing back on medical advice — and how that choice saved her son’s life How to reframe the “what did I do wrong” guilt that follows a traumatic birth Why coming home from the NICU can feel scarier than the NICU itself How Jacy and her husband learned to support each other through shared trauma they processed differently Why healing isn’t a one-time fix, but an ongoing practice of noticing triggers and building a toolbox How grief and gratitude can coexist after a hard birth What inspired Jacy to turn her healing process into a journal, and who Carried is written for The “golden thread” concept — why no two birth stories are the same, but the feelings underneath them often are Resources & Links: Jacy Rabold’s website Consult call with Integrated Behavioral Health Integrated Behavioral Health website Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter sign up Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E48
    October 13 · 53 min

    An Uninvited House Guest: What Parents Need to Know About Teens, Eating Disorders, and Family-Based Recovery with Jenny Wegner, LMFT

    Guest: Jenny Wegner, licensed marriage and family therapist and Denver eating disorder specialist with 15+ years of experience, including inpatient work at Children's Hospital Colorado and Eating Recovery Center. What does an eating disorder actually look like in a teenager, and what can parents do about it? Dr. Courtney sits down with Jenny Wegner, LMFT to unpack why a "healthy" number on the scale can hide real medical danger, how a teen's innocent push to eat better can turn into fear, and why family-based therapy puts parents back in charge of meals. Jenny also shares what to say when you're worried, how to respond when your teen shuts you down, and why no parent causes an eating disorder. What You'll Learn The biggest misconception parents have about what an eating disorder looks like Why a teen can stay on their growth curve and still be medically at risk How eating disorders often begin as a way to cope with discomfort The difference between a teen exploring new foods and a teen who is afraid of food Warning signs around exercise, like needing a gym on family vacation How eating disorders show up in boys and why they get missed What family-based therapy (the Maudsley approach) is and how it works day to day Jenny's "uninvited house guest" idea for avoiding power struggles at the table Why exercise is usually paused during recovery, and the grief that can come with stepping away from a sport How to start a conversation with your teen, and what to do if they say "I'm fine, leave me alone" Resources and Links Jenny Wegner Therapy: jennywegnertherapy.com Book a free consultation with Jenny: jennywegnertherapy.com/contact Family-Based Treatment (FBT), also known as the Maudsley approach, discussed in this episode Eating Disorder Foundation, Denver support groups: eatingdisorderfoundation.org National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline and resources: allianceforeatingdisorders.com Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com Book a free consult call with Integrated Behavioral Health: schedule here Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter: subscribe here Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E47
    October 6 · 50 min· Video

    Staying Relevant: A Grandparenting Expert on Bridging the Gap Between Generations with DeeDee Moore

    Guest: DeeDee Moore, founder of More Than Grand, a blog, app, and resource hub helping new grandparents support the parents in their lives. Dr. Courtney sits down with DeeDee Moore to unpack one of the most tender and most tension-filled relationships in family life: the one between parents and grandparents. They dig into why advice so often lands as criticism, why "you turned out fine" stings more than it helps, and how both generations can stay close without stepping on each other's toes. What You'll Learn: Why today's parents are the first generation that's never needed advice from their elders, and why that shift is hard for grandparents What grandparents wish parents understood about the pressure to "stay relevant" What's really underneath comments like "you turned out fine" Why "thank you" is often the most powerful response to unsolicited advice The "neighbor's kid" test for deciding whether a concern is worth raising How to ask for permission before offering advice, and how to let go when the answer is no Why grandparents are often carrying their own guilt or regret, and how that shapes how they react How financial pressure, social media, and 24/7 access to advice make parenting harder today than it's ever been Why a strong grandparent relationship is protective for kids long-term A simple conversation both generations can have before kids even arrive, to set expectations early Resources & Links: More Than Grand website DeeDee's Free parent download Grandparent Boundaries Guide (ebook) Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Integrated Behavioral Health website Sign up for the IBH newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E46
    September 29 · 52 min· Video

    Gifts Wrapped in Odd Packages: What Gifted Testing Actually Tells You About Your Child with Dr. Monica Corrado

    Guest: Dr. Monica Corrado, licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychoeducational assessment. Dr. Monica sits down with Dr. Courtney to demystify gifted testing. From the signs that might prompt a parent to seek it out, to what those confusing percentile scores actually mean, to why a single test result is never the whole story. It's a candid, reassuring look at a process most parents feel completely unprepared for, especially during admission season. What You'll Learn: The early signs, both at home and at school, that might point toward giftedness Why "gifted" has no single definition, and how Colorado defines it for public school programming (95th percentile or above on one composite) What the three core composite areas (verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, and visual spatial skills) actually measure Why testing your child around age three can sometimes be easier than waiting What percentiles really mean, explained through the bell curve Why gaps between composite scores are normal and what usually causes them What "twice-exceptional" (2e) means and how it complicates the picture Why scores change over time, and what that does (and doesn't) mean Why you should never try to prep your child for these tests How to decide whether gifted programming is actually the right fit for your child Resources & Links: Dr. Monica Corrado's practice Marigold Assessment and Psychotherapy Book mentioned: Living with Intensity (Susan Daniels & Michael Piechowski) Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Book here Integrated Behavioral Health website: integratedbhs.com Sign up for our newsletter: Subscribe here

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E45
    September 22 · 47 min· Video

    She's Just Quiet: What Parents Miss When Autism Shows Up Differently in Girls with Dr. Stephanie Pinch

    Guest: Dr. Stephanie Pinch — Licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Pinch Psychology in Denver, specializing in autism evaluation, child development, and family relationships; former award-winning teacher. Episode Summary: Dr. Stephanie Pinch joins Dr. Courtney to unpack why autism so often gets missed in girls and women from the diagnostic criteria itself to the exhausting, invisible work of masking. They talk through the subtle early signs parents can watch for, why so many women aren't diagnosed until adulthood, and how to help a child (or yourself) start to unmask safely. What You'll Learn: Why the current autism diagnostic criteria were originally built around boys, and how that skews who gets diagnosed What masking actually looks like day to day, and why it's so exhausting Why girls are more likely to mask than boys The subtle early signs of autism in girls (toe walking, restricted interests that look "socially acceptable," scripted conversation, eye contact without communicative intent) Why 80% of autistic girls go undiagnosed by age 18 How undiagnosed autism can show up first as anxiety or depression What to ask for during a neuropsych evaluation, and how to advocate for your child Why a diagnosis can bring both grief and relief — and why that's normal The "spoon theory" and how to help kids track their own energy and avoid burnout Resources & Links: Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Pinch and Pinch Psychology Book a consult call with Integrated Behavioral Health: Schedule here Integrated Behavioral Health website: integratedbhs.com Sign up for the IBH newsletter: Subscribe here Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E44
    September 15 · 59 min

    Thermostat, Not Thermometer: What Youth Sports Are Really Costing Our Kids with Dr. Kate Bennett

    Guest: Dr. Kate Bennett, PsyD — clinical sport psychologist, three-time national cycling champion, and licensed Way of Champions trainer, working at the intersection of youth sport culture, athlete mental health, and performance. Episode Summary: Dr. Courtney sits down with clinical sport psychologist Dr. Kate Bennett to unpack what two decades in youth and elite sports has taught her about parent pressure, early specialization, and burnout. They talk through the research on why so many kids quit sports by age thirteen, how parents can tell if their kid is playing for themselves or for approval, and what to actually say (and not say) after a game. What You'll Learn: Why youth sports has become a $40 billion industry — and what that means for kids The research behind "one sport per season" and why multi-sport kids fare better The behavioral signs that a kid is playing for their parent instead of themselves Why your body language on the sideline shapes how your kid performs and feels The "thermostat, not thermometer" approach to parenting from the sideline Two simple questions to ask after every game (and what to avoid saying) How to tell the difference between healthy quitting and fear-based avoidance A simple decision-grid exercise for kids weighing whether to stay in a sport What real repair looks like when a parent recognizes their own sports-driven anxiety Resources & Links: Dr. Kate Bennett's book, Treating Athletes with Eating Disorders Dr. Kate's practice: Athlete Insight Dr. Kate's consulting practice: Full Send Consulting Way of Champions coaching philosophy Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Integrated Behavioral Health website Sign up for the IBH newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E43
    September 8 · 45 min

    Genuinely Trying: What ADHD Really Looks Like in Teens (and Why It's Not About Effort) with Dr. Kristin Edwards

    Guest: Dr. Kristin Edwards, licensed psychologist and founder of Tampa Pediatric Psychology, specializing in evidence-based therapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and young adults, with a focus on ADHD, anxiety, and executive functioning. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with fellow psychologist Dr. Kristin Edwards to unpack why ADHD often gets missed or misunderstood in teenagers — especially when a bright, capable kid seems to be trying but still falling short. They dig into the shame spiral this creates, how it quietly erodes trust between parents and teens, and how families can start shifting the pattern with more compassion and better systems. What You'll Learn: Why ADHD in teens often looks nothing like ADHD in younger kids The gap between effort and output — and why parents mistake it for laziness How executive function actually works, in plain language Why shame and low self-esteem so often travel alongside ADHD How the "checking the portal, missing assignment" cycle breaks down parent-teen trust How to shift executive functioning support away from the parent and into external systems The difference between intervention, accommodation, and treatment — and where to start Why more accommodations aren't always better (and can sometimes backfire) What to ask before considering medication One reframe that can change how you talk to your teen tonight Resources & Links: Dr. Kristin Edwards, Tampa Pediatric Psychology Integrated Behavioral Health: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E42
    September 1 · 53 min

    You Can Quit the Job, Not the Parenting: How Reducing Accommodation Builds Resilience in Anxious Kids with Dr. Emily Bailey

    Guest: Dr. Emily Bailey — Licensed Psychologist, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Oglethorpe University, and owner of Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC. Specializes in OCD, anxiety disorders, and scrupulosity, with advanced training in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Episode Summary: Most parents don't realize how often they're accommodating their child's anxiety — answering the same question on repeat, giving a play-by-play before every event, or quietly rerouting family plans to avoid a meltdown. In this episode, Dr. Emily Bailey joins Dr. Courtney to unpack why accommodation, while completely loving, can accidentally reinforce anxiety, and why pulling it back — gradually and compassionately — is one of the most powerful ways to build a child's resilience. They also dig into the harder half of the equation: what happens when a parent's own anxiety gets triggered by their child's distress, and how to work through it without losing yourself in the process. What You'll Learn: What "accommodation" actually means, and why it's so hard to spot because it looks like good parenting Everyday examples of accommodation parents don't usually recognize as such The one question that helps you tell the difference between accommodation and genuine support Why reducing accommodation builds resilience — and the "emotional immune system" metaphor that makes it click How a child's brain updates its predictions about safety, and why accommodation interrupts that process Why a parent's own anxiety can be a bigger obstacle in treatment than the child's anxiety itself How generational and family "rules" about emotion shape how we respond to our kids' distress A step-by-step approach to reducing accommodation without overwhelming your child (or yourself) What to say to yourself in the moment when it feels like you're "the bad guy" Resources & Links: Dr. Emily Bailey / Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC Learn more about SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Book a free consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Schedule here Integrated Behavioral Health website: integratedbhs.com Sign up for the IBH newsletter: Subscribe here Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E41
    August 27 · 38 min

    Be Known: How to Bring Up Concerns Before Fall Conferences with Rachel Schopp

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who helps families translate school confusion into confident, informed action. In the final episode of our back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney and educational consultant Rachel Schopp tackle how to raise concerns with a new teacher — whether they're carrying over from a rough prior year or just starting to show up now — without waiting for Fall conferences. They cover what's worth flagging immediately, how to frame a hard history without blaming a former teacher, and how to tell if a teacher is truly receptive. What You'll Learn: Why six to eight weeks — the usual wait for Fall conferences — is often too long for certain concerns What needs to be raised immediately: documented plans (IEPs, 504s), behavior plans, safety issues, and academic gaps How to separate "the pattern" from "the person" when a prior year was genuinely difficult Why naming a previous teacher by name to this year's teacher tends to backfire The difference between vague concerns and specific, actionable ones — and why specificity is what actually gets results What to prepare before an in-person conversation: three concrete talking points, specific examples, documentation, and a clear ask Three signs a teacher is receptive: taking notes, asking follow-up questions, and naming concrete next steps What to do — and how to document and escalate — if a teacher isn't receptive Why "being known" on campus (by the principal, the teachers, even the lunch staff) benefits kids well beyond a single school year Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education: https://www.youreducationally.com/ Catch the full series: Part 1 (Transitions), Part 2 (Routines), Part 3 (Meeting a New Teacher) Kids These Days episode on IEPs and 504 Plans Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter This is Part 4, the final episode, of our 4-part back-to-school mini-series with Rachel Schopp. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E40
    August 25 · 43 min

    Into the Great Wide Open: Building Executive Function Skills for the Transition to Adulthood with Carrie Visintainer, MS

    Guest: Carrie Visintainer, MS, Certified Executive Function Coach Carrie helps teens and young adults (ages 15–24) build the self-management skills — planning, prioritizing, time management, and self-advocacy — that carry them through the transition from high school into college or the workforce. In this episode, Dr. Courtney and Carrie unpack what executive functioning actually is, why the "great wide open" of early adulthood exposes gaps parents didn't know were there, and what families can start doing when kids are still young to build these skills early. What You'll Learn: What executive functioning really means (hint: think "self-management," not just organization) Why the transition out of high school is often the first real test of these skills The top three EF skills that tend to get exposed hardest: prioritizing, time management, and self-advocacy How to tell the difference between a kid who's "lazy" and a kid with an executive function gap Simple strategies for task initiation, including the 5-minute timer trick Why doing a task with your child beats doing it for them Age-appropriate habits to start as early as elementary and middle school — chore checklists, family calendars, and packing a lunch How to let natural consequences do some of the teaching, even when it's hard to watch One small shift any parent can make this week, no matter their child's age Resources & Links: Carrie Visintainer, MS: Light My Way Coaching Integrated Behavioral Health: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with our team Sign up for our newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E39
    August 20 · 34 min

    Opening the Conversation With Your Child's New Teacher with Rachel Schopp

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who helps families translate school confusion into confident, informed action. In part three of our back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney and educational consultant Rachel Schopp tackle one of the most common parent anxieties of the season: how and when to talk to your child's new teacher. They cover ideal timing, what's actually useful to share, how to frame sensitive information without it feeling like a warning label, and the tone that keeps these conversations collaborative instead of defensive. What You'll Learn: Why back-to-school night isn't the moment for a real conversation with the teacher — and what it's for instead Ideal timing for reaching out: a couple weeks before school starts, or within the first week Why relationship — not academics — is where every teacher starts with a new student What's genuinely useful to share: not just history or diagnosis, but what helps your child regulate and what's worked before How specific, granular details (like when a behavior tends to happen) help teachers plan proactively instead of reactively How to frame sensitive information so it reads as "context," not a warning label The difference between language that lands as collaborative vs. confrontational When and how to loop in a principal or counselor if a teacher relationship isn't working Why starting from a place of trust — and giving new strategies time to work — sets kids up for a better year Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education: @youreducationally Kids These Days episode on IEPs and 504 Plans Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E38
    August 18 · 47 min

    It's Not That Deep: A Sports Psychologist on Raising Grounded High School Athletes with Dr. Megan Cannon

    Guest: Dr. Megan Cannon, licensed sport & performance psychologist and founder of MVP Mindset Sport & Performance Psychology, working with teen, collegiate, and professional athletes nationwide. Episode Summary: Dr. Courtney sits down with sport psychologist Dr. Megan Cannon to talk about what it's really like to raise a high-performing high school athlete — from identity and burnout to the ever-changing landscape of college recruiting. Dr. Megan draws on her own athletic background and years of clinical work with teen athletes to help parents understand where healthy drive ends and unhealthy pressure begins, and how to stay supportive without becoming another source of stress. What You'll Learn: Why fusing your teen's identity with "being the athlete" can become a dangerous spot — and how to help them build other identities alongside it The real difference between healthy drive and a kid whose self-worth is riding on performance What burnout actually looks like in a teenager, and how it's different from a bad week How the college recruiting landscape has changed — and why the "old system" many parents grew up with no longer applies How to support your athlete through the recruiting process as "support staff," not the agent How to help your teen navigate injury, setbacks, or retiring from a sport for the right reasons Signs it may be time to bring in a sport psychologist — and why it's never too early or too late Why sport is "a vehicle, not the road" — and how to help your family remember that Resources & Links: Dr. Megan Cannon / MVP Mindset Sport & Performance Psychology: mvpmindsetsportpsychology.com Dr. Megan Cannon on Instagram: @drmegancannon Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Schedule here Integrated Behavioral Health website: integratedbhs.com Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter: Subscribe here Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

    • Transcript
  • S1 · E37
    August 13 · 37 min

    Wake-Up Time, Not Bedtime: A Back-to-School Guide to Resetting Family Routines

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who helps families translate school confusion into confident, informed action. In part two of our back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney and educational consultant Rachel Schopp get practical about routines — why they matter far beyond logistics, how to reset sleep and screens without a fight, and how much routine structure actually looks different depending on your child's age. They also talk about giving parents (and kids) permission to have a "good enough" routine instead of a Pinterest-perfect one. What You'll Learn: Why routines function as a brain-building tool, not just a scheduling tool A realistic two-to-three-week timeline for resetting sleep before school starts Why wake-up time matters more than bedtime when resetting a sleep schedule Why overhauling everything at once backfires — for kids and for parents How routines should shift with age: visual and repeatable for young kids, co-created for middle schoolers, self-owned for high schoolers How to build in an hour of "buffer time" before bed for better sleep What a sustainable, "good enough" routine looks like on a hard week How stepping in to help occasionally (packing a bag, an easy breakfast) teaches empathy, not dependence Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education: https://www.youreducationally.com/ Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter This is Part 2 of a 4-part back-to-school mini-series. Catch Part 1 on school transitions, and check back for Part 3 on bringing up last year's concerns before Fall conferences. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E36
    August 11 · 46 min

    The Harder You Try, the Worse It Gets: A Sleep Expert's Guide to Raising Good Sleepers with Dr. Katherine Wesley

    Guest: Dr. Katherine Wesley, PhD, DBSM — licensed psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine specialist, Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Courtney sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Katherine Wesley to talk all things kids and sleep — from the unpredictable early months of infancy through the social jet lag of adolescence. This is the episode for every parent who has ever white-knuckled a bedtime routine and wondered if they're doing it wrong. What You'll Learn: Why the first six months of infant sleep are about surviving, not scheduling — and what "normal" actually means When to start thinking about sleep training, and why waiting until 8–10 months supports healthy attachment development The difference between gentle sleep training approaches and cry-it-out — and why all methods are safe and effective when done consistently How to tell if your toddler's bedtime resistance is developmentally normal or a sign something else is going on Why bath time and teeth brushing might actually be making your child's bedtime harder — and what to do about it How much sleep school-age kids actually need (it's more than most families realize) What "social jet lag" is and how weekend sleep drift affects your child's whole week The single most helpful sleep tip Dr. Wesley gives families at every age Resources & Links: Dr. Katherine Wesley — Children's Hospital Colorado Integrated Behavioral Health: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health: Sign up for the IBH newsletter Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E35
    August 6 · 33 min

    They've Already Done This Before: A Guide to Kindergarten, Middle School, and High School Transitions with Rachel Schopp

    Guest: Rachel Schopp, Founder of Allied Education — a K-12 veteran teacher, administrator, and curriculum lead who partners with families nationwide to translate school confusion into clear, confident advocacy. Kicking off a four-part back-to-school mini-series, Dr. Courtney sits down with educational consultant Rachel Schopp to talk about the transitions every family faces this time of year — kindergarten, middle school, and high school. They dig into what "readiness" actually means, how parents' own emotions shape a child's experience of change, and what to do when transition anxiety sticks around longer than it should. What You'll Learn: Why every school transition — new grade, new team, new job, new city — taps into the same core need for belonging What "kindergarten readiness" really means (hint: it's not mostly academic) How a parent's own emotions about a transition can shape how their child experiences it The difference between normal transition nerves and anxiety that needs more support A simple two-week marker for when it's time to loop in a teacher, counselor, or outside support How to talk to kids differently depending on their age — from kindergarten through high school Why "context over content" matters when your child is struggling to adjust How building a relationship with your child's teacher early can make hard weeks easier Practical ways to help middle schoolers manage new executive function demands Resources & Links: Rachel Schopp / Allied Education Integrated Behavioral Health website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health Sign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletter This is Part 1 of a 4-part back-to-school mini-series. Catch Part 2 on getting your routines in order, coming soon. Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E34
    August 4 · 48 min

    A Whole New Sexual Script: What Actually Happens to Intimacy After Kids with Dr. Mallaree Blake

    Guest: Dr. Mallaree Blake, PsyD, CST — Licensed Clinical Psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist specializing in sex and sexuality, relationships, and perinatal and postpartum concerns. You'll talk to your friends about sleep schedules and daycare waitlists. You probably won't talk about what happened to your sex life. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with sex therapist Dr. Mallaree Blake to name what so many parents are quietly carrying — the shift in desire, the touched-out feeling, the sense that something has broken. Dr. Mallaree Blake makes the case that nothing is broken at all. It's just time to write a new script. What You'll Learn Why the six-week postpartum "all clear" sets couples up with the wrong expectation What a sexual script is — and why yours has to be rewritten after a baby The hormonal reality of postpartum desire, for both the birthing and non-birthing partner Why both partners experience a sense of loss, not just one Brakes and accelerators: how to figure out what actually turns desire on and off for each of you What "touched out" really means, and how non-demand touch interrupts the rejection cycle The gentle no and the possible yes — two scripts that soften desire discrepancy The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire (and why most of us are responsive) How the mental load and the default parent dynamic quietly kill desire What good enough sex looks like when there are small kids in the house The conversations Dr. Mallaree Blake wishes couples had before trying to conceive Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Mallaree Blake Artemis Psychology Authentic Connections Therapy and Wellness Instagram: @authenticconnectionsdenver Mentioned in this episode Come As You Are and Come Together — Emily Nagoski Fair Play — Eve Rodsky (book, documentary, and card deck) Barry McCarthy on the "good enough sex" model Esther Perel on dividing the parenting role and the relationship role Integrated Behavioral Health Website: https://www.integratedbhs.com/ Book a consult call Newsletter sign-up Instagram: @integratedbh Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E33
    July 28 · 39 min

    It's Not What You Think: Busting OCD Myths Every Parent Needs to Hear with Danielle McDowell

    Guest: Danielle McDowell, LCSW — OCD specialist, ERP-trained therapist, and founder of her own private practice serving children, adolescents, and adults with OCD and related anxiety disorders. OCD affects far more kids than most parents realize — and it rarely looks like what you see on TV. In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with OCD specialist Danielle McDowell to bust the biggest myths about OCD in children, explore what the disorder actually looks like in real life, and give parents a clear-eyed look at what works — and what doesn't — when it comes to treatment. This one is honest, warm, and genuinely eye-opening. What You'll Learn • Why saying 'I'm so OCD' is harmful — and what OCD actually is • The difference between intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsions — including the ones you can't see • Subtle signs of OCD in kids that parents commonly miss or mistake for other issues • Why the average time to accurate OCD diagnosis is 10–17 years — and how to shorten that for your child • What 'accommodations' are and how loving parents can unintentionally feed the OCD cycle • What ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) actually looks like — and why it's not as scary as it sounds • Why talk therapy and coping skills are often not the right fit for OCD • The hereditary side of OCD and what it means for families Resources & Links • Danielle McDowell, LCSW: link to her practice website • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) • Find an ERP-trained therapist • Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral Health • IBH Newsletter Sign-Up Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E32
    July 21 · 52 min

    Stay the Course, Trust the Process: Untangling ADHD, Comorbidities, and the Myth of the Superpower with Dr. Norrine Russell

    Guest: Dr. Norrine Russell, PhD — founder of Russell Coaching, the largest student coaching practice in the U.S., and author of Asking the Right Questions About ADHD. This week, Dr. Courtney is joined by Dr. Norrine Russell to unpack what really goes into understanding and supporting a child with ADHD — beyond the Instagram soundbites. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and her own experience parenting two children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety, Dr. Russell offers a clearer, more compassionate roadmap for parents navigating diagnosis, treatment, and everyday overwhelm. What You'll Learn: Why only about a third of kids with ADHD don't have a co-occurring diagnosis (anxiety, depression, learning differences, or autism) Why ADHD diagnosis is uniquely confusing — and which providers look for what Why a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is often the clearest path forward How to use a "strengths cover sheet" to reframe an evaluation before diving into recommendations Why the "ADHD is a superpower" narrative can do more harm than good How to talk to kids honestly about ADHD without defining them by it Why parenting a complex kid is "intense and dysregulating" — and why that's a normal response, not a sign you're failing Three tangible tools: visual schedules, a family whiteboard, and the "five pennies" connection practice Why connection has to come before correction The mantra to hold onto when nothing feels certain: stay the course, trust the process Resources & Links: Dr. Russell's book: Asking the Right Questions About ADHD Dr. Russell's podcast: Breaking Out of the Box: ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety Russell Coaching Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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  • S1 · E31
    July 14 · 39 min

    You Didn't Cause This: A Pediatric Dietitian's Guide to Breaking the Picky Eating Cycle with Danielle Zold, RD, LDN, CLC, CGN

    Picky eating can feel like a daily battle, but it's rarely just stubbornness. Danielle Zold breaks down the four pillars behind feeding struggles—appetite, skill, comfort, and enjoyment—and shares practical, low-pressure strategies parents can use tonight to make mealtimes feel less like a fight and more like a chance to connect. What You'll Learn: The four pillars behind picky eating: appetite, skill, comfort, and enjoyment Why grazing between meals can quietly sabotage your child's appetite The surprising link between constipation, reflux, and food refusal Common nutrient deficiencies (like iron and zinc) that can affect taste and appetite When to bring in an OT or speech-language pathologist for feeding skills How many food exposures it actually takes before a child accepts something new Three categories of "pocket phrases" parents can use at mealtime: narration, observation, and curiosity Why "just one more bite" rules can backfire long-term How to handle dessert and "I'm hungry" requests after dinner without power struggles Why picky eating is never just one cause—and never the parent's fault Resources & Links: Nourished Pediatrics: www.nourishedpediatrics.com Danielle on Instagram: @pickyeatingdietitian Integrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.com Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.

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