Catch-Up on Kids Mental Health
By Janet Morrison | Catch Collaborative Psychotherapy
Catch-Up on Kids Mental Health May 25, 2021
Episode 42 | Understanding The Complex Nature of Conflict in Families
In this month’s episode, Janet Morrison talks with Dr. Maiysha Clairborne, an Atlanta-based physician, trainer, and consultant.
Specializing in integrating alternative and traditional medicine, Dr. Clairborne trains individuals in organizations to learn how to communicate effectively and fulfill personal goals while meeting organizational outcomes. She is the author of the Wellness Blueprint, co-author of Conscious Anti-racism, and host of the Black Mind Garden podcast.
During their conversation, Janet and Dr. Clairborne discuss family conflicts and the dynamics of the different relationships that are involved. They also explore the impact of trauma on communication, self-care, and understanding boundaries in conflict resolution.
To learn more about Dr. Clairborne and her work, visit https://drmaiysha.com/
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 41 | How to Support Children and Teens Diagnosed with Conduct Disorder
In this month’s episode, Janet interviews Dr. Giovanni Foti, a seasoned clinical and forensic psychologist to discuss conduct disorder in children and teens.
Specializing in children, teens, and families, Dr. Foti has worked with various clinical and forensic settings that have included outpatient, secure treatment, youth justice, and private practices.
Janet and Dr. Foti discuss the criteria and possible risk factors that may lead to a conduct disorder diagnosis. Dr. Foti also highlights that conduct disorders are behavior-based and how early intervention with well-targeted treatments and family support lead to better outcomes.
Dr. Foti recommends the website https://livesinthebalance.org/ for more information on supporting children and teens with conduct disorder.
To learn more about Dr. Foti and his work visit www.hhpg.ca and www.amindfulchange.com.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 40 | How Does Social Media Affect Children's Mental Health?
In episode 40, Janet delves into the effect of social media on the mental well-being of young people with returning guest, Dr. Daniel Zdzieborski. A Clinical Psychologist with experience in hospitals, schools, community and private practice settings, Dr. Zdzieborski specializes in treating children and adolescents with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns.
Together, Janet and Dr. Zdzieborski examine how children’s engagement with social media platforms can nurture connections and foster independence, yet at the same time create a deceptive sense of community. This dual dynamic can potentially give rise to mental health challenges, such as feelings of isolation and alienation.
They also explore how the increased use of social media interferes with sleep patterns, triggers social comparisons, and contributes to the formation of unrealistic expectations about life. This is especially prevalent in children and adolescents. Dr. Zdzieborski shares how our societies have developed so fast that we have not been able to adapt on an evolutionary level.
To learn more about Dr. Daniel Zdzieborski and his work, please visit his website.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 39 | How to Develop Social Emotional Intelligence in Children & Youth
In episode 39, Janet talks to Dr. Jessica Gomez, a licensed psychologist and executive director of Momentous Institute, a leading youth mental health research and services organization located in Dallas, Texas.
Under Dr. Gomez’s leadership, Momentous Institute has pioneered breakthrough programs that are proving successful in strengthening the mental health and well-being of children and families. Her work at Momentous Institute highlights how early intervention can help young people better understand and manage their emotions and relationships.
Throughout this episode, Janet and Dr. Gomez discuss the importance of teaching social emotional intelligence to children and youth and the benefits of building those skills early on. They explore what social and emotional health is and its impact on relationships, academic performance and a child’s behaviour at school and home.
To learn more about the work they are doing at Momentous Institute visit their website.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 38 | Supporting the Mental Health of Refugee Children & Families
In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Debra Stein, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Garry Hurvitz Sickkids Centre for Community Mental Health. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in supporting newcomer children, youth, and families, addressing resettlement and acculturation concerns.
As an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Dr. Stein lectures on refugee mental health to diverse audiences. She also serves as a Subject Matter Expert for CAMH's Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project.
During the episode, Janet and Debra discuss the types of families that Debra supports, how their experiences differ depending on where they come from, the concerns they are facing and the value of social support. Find out more: http://kidsnewtocanada.ca/ For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 37 | Helping Youth Navigate the Criminal Justice System
In this month's episode, Janet welcomes Eva Marszewski, a lawyer and the Founder of Peacebuilders International. Peacebuilders is an organization dedicated to using restorative practices to keep young people away from the criminal justice system and guide them toward a brighter future and Eva’s work through them has earned her the Order of Ontario and the Law Society Medal.
During this episode, Janet and Eva explore the trauma associated with young people going through the court process. They discuss the challenges faced by these youths, especially those that are particularly vulnerable, and the ways Peacebuilders can offer support. Eva also shares the organization’s plans for the future to support young people in the courts.
You can find out more about Peacebuilders and the work they do on their website.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 36 | Exploring The Impact of Stigma on LGBTQ Children and Youth
In this month’s episode, Janet engages in a conversation with Dr. Carmen Logie, a faculty member at the Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto and the Canada Research Chair in Global Health Equity and Social Justice with Marginalized Populations.
Carmen's ongoing research centers on HIV testing and treatment across Canada, Uganda, and Jamaica, with a particular focus on how stigma contributes to substandard care and outcomes among marginalized groups. These groups encompass refugee and displaced youth, LGBTQ communities, Indigenous youth, and sex workers.
Throughout the episode, Janet and Carmen delve into the daily stressors experienced by LGBTQ individuals and their profound impact on the mental well-being of young people, often manifesting as self-hatred and internalized stigma. Carmen underscores the significance of supportive communities and encourages young people to seek connections and positive self-identification as essential sources of help.
For more thought-provoking discussions on stigma and related topics, Carmen hosts a weekly podcast titled Everybody Hates Me: Let’s Talk About Stigma.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 35 | What Is Parent Coaching And How Can It Help You
In this month’s episode, Janet welcomes Ulrica Jobe, an educator, counselor, and workshop facilitator with extensive experience working with parents, children, families, and teachers. Ulrica is the founder of True Compass, an organization with a mission to support social-emotional learning and provide family coaching and counseling services. She also serves as the Parent Coach on staff at The Giving Tree, a counseling center in Toronto.
Janet and Ulrica engage in a conversation about the concept of ‘parent coaching’ and delve into the specific challenges that children face and how having a parent coach would help in these areas. She explains that her role involves equipping parents with tools to respond to their children rather than merely reacting to their behaviors. She places significant emphasis on effective communication, nurturing parent-child relationships, and demonstrating to children that parents are also human, prone to mistakes, and learning alongside them.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 34 | How Art Therapy Can Support Children and Adolescents
In this month’s episode, Janet welcomes Catherine Lau, a registered psychotherapist and certified art therapist from The Giving Tree, a counseling center in Toronto.
As an expert in applied behavior analysis, Catherine works with families and individuals of all ages experiencing challenges, including acquired brain injury, depression, anxiety, and complex medical conditions.
During their conversation, Janet and Catherine explore what art therapy is and what makes it unique compared to other therapy approaches. They explore how art therapy can be both directive and non-directive, depending on the needs of the child or adolescent, and how it is especially useful for those who have a hard time expressing themselves. They also discuss how art therapy can be used in family therapy and how to approach the process with curiosity, focusing on the process rather than the final product.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 33 | Understanding How Exercise Supports Better Mental Health
In this month’s episode, Janet welcomes Dr. Dan Zdzieborski to the podcast to discuss how exercise supports better mental health in children and adolescents. Dr. Zdzieborski is a Clinical Psychologist who assesses and treats children and adolescents with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns.
Janet and Dr. Zdzieborski discuss how exercise has a positive impact on anxiety, depression and cognitive and academic functions, as well as how physical activity affects different parts of the brain. They also explore the impact of COVID-19 and how increasingly sedentary lifestyles affect children and adolescents and the role adults can play in creating more opportunities for physical movement and exercise.
You can find out more about Dr. Zdzieborski on his website: drdanzdzieborski.com.
For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 32 | Understanding The Impact of Trauma and How to Heal From It
In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Clare Pain who is a psychiatrist at Mt. Sinai Hospital and a professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Pain assesses and provides treatment for patients who suffer from the effects of psychological trauma and she has published several articles and three books on this subject.
Janet and Dr. Pain explore the term trauma including common symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and how sufferers can resolve and heal from the past. They also highlight the important role therapy plays, how hard it can be to seek treatment, and the importance of parenting in teaching children to be compassionate towards oneself resulting in a better chance of overcoming and healing from traumatic experiences.
For more on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 31 | Understanding Attachment Theory & The Parent-Child Relationship
In this month’s episode, Janet explores the topic of attachment theory and why it's so important in early childhood development and throughout the lifespan of a child.
Janet explains what attachment theory is and why it's so important in understanding the parent-child relationship. She explores how children need caring adults, and how powerfully these figures, or lack of them, can affect a child’s confidence, self-esteem, and quality of relationships.
For more information please read this article or for more on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 30 | Exploring A Care-Based Justice System For Youth
In this month's episode, Janet talks with Snjezana Pruginic from Circle Point Wellness, an organization working at the intersection of wellness and social justice.
Snjezana has worked with child soldiers in Colombia to support their ongoing process of reintegration into civil society, and in the justice system in Canada, helping youth to feel more empowered and self-regulated. She has also assisted teachers, parents, and youth justice professionals to better understand traumatized youths’ vulnerability and dysregulation.
During their conversation, Janet and Snjezana focus on the importance of being trauma-informed and how this can benefit teachers in better accommodating their students. They also highlight the significance of teaching children and youth about bodily awareness and emotional regulation so that they can advocate for themselves effectively.
If you like to find out more about Circle Point Wellness you can find them here.
For more information on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 29 | Understanding Neurodiversity in Children
In this month’s episode, Janet explores the topic of neurodiversity in children with Dr. Barbara Muskat, a clinical social worker and professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
Dr. Muskat has worked in a variety of settings in her 40 years as a social worker including 20 years at Integra, an agency that specializes in addressing the psychosocial needs of children with learning disabilities and being past director of Social Work at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Janet and Dr. Muskat discuss how the perception of neurodiversity has changed over time, the challenges neurodivergent people face, and how parents and teachers can best support these children.
If you are interested in learning more about this topic, here are some helpful links:
https://childmind.org/article/what-is-neurodiversity/
https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview/
For more information on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 28 | Understanding Body Curiosity and Sexual Behaviour in Children
In this month’s episode, Janet speaks about the relationship children have with their bodies, and other people’s bodies, to help parents and caregivers better understand what’s normal behavior and what’s not.
Janet talks about how infants and children are infinitely curious about their bodies, how children explore their bodies and compare them to parents, siblings and peers. She also points out how important it is to not shame children for their natural curiosity but to ensure their behaviour is spontaneous and doesn’t involve any threat or coersion.
She also highlights what is considered normal sexual behaviour in children and what situations might be cause for concern, as well as what to do if you see any signs of abuse.
Episode 27 | How Mediation Can Support Children & Families Going Through Divorce
In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Barbara Fidler, a clinical developmental psychologist, who has been practicing for over 35 years and has an independent practice in Toronto.
A large part of her practice is working with parents and children in separation/divorce. She provides a range of services including therapy with couples and families, consultations, family mediation and parenting coordination. Also, she is an author and provides training to mental health professionals, lawyers and the judiciary.
Janet and Barbara discuss the complexities of involving children in mediation, helping parents develop a parenting plan and the impact of divorce on the parents and children.
Here are some resources that Barbara recommends:
www.oafm.ca (Ontario Association of Family Mediators)
www.afccontario.ca - for Parenting Plan resources
www.ourfamilywizard - one excellent co-parenting communication app
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts > Resource Center > Family Resources
www.highconflictinstitute.com - co-parenting resources and communication tools, including BIFF (Brief, Informative, Friendly & Firm)
healthyparent.com (Dr. Ben Garber’s website, full of resources for parents, books, articles)
Center for the Developing Child www.developingchil.harvard.edu/resources/ - full of information about building resiliency, toxic stress, etc.; many very short video clips
Split: A Film For Kids of Divorce (& Parents) (30 min film) - www.splitfilm.org
Don’t Divorce Me (2012, HBO) - www.hbo.com (30 min)
For more information on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 26 | How Cannabinoid-Based Medicine Is Being Used in Children's Mental Health
In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Blake Pearson M.D. who is a practicing family physician and internationally recognized leader in the field of cannabinoid-based medicine.
Dr. Pearson has educated over 1000 fellow practitioners around the world and has focused his Southwestern Ontario-based practice on cannabinoid medicine, treating patients from across Canada with a range of complex conditions.
Janet and Dr. Pearson discuss how he came to start treating children, how the legalization of cannabis has both helped and complicated its use in a medical context, and what his hopes are for the future of cannabinoid-based medicine.
To find out more about Dr. Pearson and his work, please visit his website www. pearsonhealth.org
For more information on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 25 | Understanding The State of Adoption in Canada Today
In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Michael Blugerman, social worker, psychotherapist and the director of Children's Resource and Consultation Centre of Ontario, a licensed adoption agency since 1980.
Janet and Michael discuss how international adoptions have changed since the 80s, extended kinship programs that are now in place to prioritize homing children with family members, the importance of a child's adoption story and the challenges experienced by inter-racial adopted families.
If you would like to learn more about the Children's Resource and Consultation Centre of Ontario then you can visit their website here.
For more information on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 24 | The Impact of Addressing Mental Health Challenges at School
In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Jose Acosta the principal of Burrows Hall Junior Public School in Toronto about some of the ways he approaches mental health at his school and the types of challenges his students experience.
Janet and Jose discuss his role as the principal, how he approaches mental health challenges in the classroom, the various ways they support their students (including the Catch program), and the huge impact COVID has had on everyone.
If you would like to find out more about Burrows Hall Junior Public School, you can visit the Toronto School Board website here.
For more information on the CATCH program mentioned in this episode, please visit our website.
Episode 23 | Advocating for the Rights and Well-Being of Indigenous Children & Families
In this month’s episode, Janet talks to Jeffrey Schiffer, the Executive Director of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. This organization strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring, and healing for children and families in the Toronto Native Community.
Janet and Jeffrey talk about how Native Child and Family Services of Toronto was founded, the services they provide, the differences between them and other agencies, and the importance of keeping Native children near their cultural and community ties.
If you’d like to find out more about Native Child and Family Services Toronto, please visit their website. For more information on CATCH, please visit our website.
Episode 22 | Making Winter Sports Accessible for Kids & Youth with Disabilities
In this month’s episode, Janet talks to Paul Rogers the President of Ontario Track 3 Adaptive Sports Association, a charitable organization that provides skiing opportunities for children and teens with physical and developmental disabilities.
Janet and Paul talk about how children with physical and mental disabilities benefit from their programs and the importance of making sports accessible. If you’d like to find out more about Track 3 you can visit their website here.
Episode 21 | What Is Mentalization And Why It Matters
In this month’s episode, Janet is talking about what mentalization is and why It matters to children's mental health and development.
Janet covers the concept of mentalization, its importance to children and adults, and why it is essential for the development of friendship, intimacy, social intelligence, and mental health.
If you’d like to find out more about this subject please read our article on mentalization or visit our website.
Episode 20 | Talking to Kids About War And Its Impact on Children
In this month’s episode, Janet talks with Ane Lemche, a psychologist and child counselor with Save the Children about how to talk to kids about war and the conflict in Ukraine.
Save the Children is a child rights organization that works around the world – every day and in times of crisis – to ensure children grow up healthy, educated, and safe.
During the episode, Janet and Ane discuss how you can provide support and reassurance to your child when approaching the discussion of war, including how refugees are treated in neighboring countries and factors like the importance of community and friendships to children and families fleeing war.
If you’d like to learn more about Save the Children or make a donation, please visit www.savethechildren.ca.
Episode 19 | How Therapy In Schools Brings Parents, Teachers, and Children Together
In this month's episode, Janet talks to Sandy Poulson about our work in schools and how our collaborative psychotherapy model helps to bring parents, teachers, and children together.
Sandy Poulson is a registered psychotherapist specializing in work with children and teens. She has worked with at-risk elementary school children in the Toronto District School Board and is currently in private practice at Leaside Therapy Centre in midtown Toronto.
Janet and Sandy discuss the reasons why a child might need therapy at school, the changes that can be seen in the child as a result of this process, and the importance of establishing a supportive relationship between therapist, teacher, and parent.
If you’d like to find out more about this subject please read our article on collaborative therapy or visit our website to learn more about our program.
Episode 18 | How Poverty, Mental Illness and Physical Illness Are Connected
In this episode, Janet talks about the relationship between poverty, mental illness and physical illness during Covid-19.
Janet shares how the pandemic has played a large role in exposing the inequalities and the effects of factors like -- no child care, job losses, inadequate housing, access to quality food and those with chronic or serious health conditions -- have on mental health.
If you’d like to find out more about this subject please read our article or visit our website.
Episode 17 | How to Identify and Talk About Depression With Kids and Teens
In this episode, Janet talks to Christina Connell about how to identify and talk about depression in children and adolescents.
Christina is a registered psychotherapist in Toronto who treats children, adolescents and adults. She’s a graduate and faculty member of the Canadian Institute of Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, a graduate of the Institute for the Advancement of Self Psychology, and a faculty member of the Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis.
Janet and Christina discuss depression and the need for intentional noticing from parents so they can identify changes in behaviour and mood. They also explore how parents can help to normalise a full range of emotions by giving children a vocabulary to express their feelings and a safe place to share what they are experiencing.
If you’d like to find out more about this subject please read our article or visit our website.
Episode 16 | How Childhood Cancer Affects the Mental Health of Children and Their Families w/ Tina Hamalainen
This month's topic looks at how childhood cancer affects the mental health of children and their families. Janet is joined by Tina Hamalainen. Tina is a POGO Interlink nurse with the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)
Tina’s role as an Interlink nurse is a unique provincial role within Ontario. POGO as an organisation advocates for the needs of pediatric oncology patients and their families. The program that Tina works for is Interlink. There are 10 nurses in the program and they all work in the hospitals with the children. The nurses provide support at the hospital, home, school and in the community - a bridge between home and hospital.
Janet and Tina discuss the stresses and difficulties children and their families face, the emotions they go through, maintaining relationships especially at school and helping the children plan for their future.
One of the goals of POGO is to have integrated psycho-social care at all stages of a cancer journey. Part of this is creating a more standardised assessment of their needs so they can monitor from day one and have regular assessments of the patient's family and beyond treatment.
To find out more about POGO and the Interlink program please visit their website https://www.pogo.ca/programs-support/patient-care-programs/interlink-community-cancer-nurses/
You may find our blog helpful: https://www.catchpsychotherapy.org/allposts/2021/1/5/childhood-cancer-takes-a-huge-toll-on-children-and-their-families
Or visit our website for more information https://www.catchpsychotherapy.org/
Episode 15 | Understanding Selective Mutism in Children
In this episode, we explore the anxiety disorder known as selective mutism and why some children can’t find their voice.
Janet discusses common personality traits, co-occurring conditions and common misdiagnoses of selective mutism.
She also shares some ways that parents and teachers can help children who are struggling with this rare disorder.
For more information, please read our blog on this topic or visit our website to learn more.
Episode 14 | Understanding Anorexia & Bulimia in Teens & Young Women
This month our host Janet Morrison talks about anorexia and bulimia in teens and young women. These are serious eating disorders that can quickly get out of control and become both a physical and mental health problem.
During the episode, Janet talks about the core features, causes, and how to recognise the signs of an eating disorder. She reminds us that we need to teach young girls that differences in our bodies should be celebrated. Our bodies are not there for aesthetic reasons but rather for pleasure and purpose.
If you’d like more information on this topic please read our blog or visit our website.
Episode 13 | What We Know About Teen Suicide
In this month’s episode, our host Janet Morrison talks about Teen Suicide. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approx. 500 Canadian Youth ages 10–24 die by suicide each year and it is the second most common cause of death in 15–19 year olds after accidents. We need to talk about suicide in order to address it, understand it to get to the root of the problem. In this episode, Janet shares behaviours that teens may display when they are struggling and considering suicide and the top predictors of suicidal behaviour. If you’d like to learn more on the subject, please read our blog on Teen Suicide or visit our website for more information.
Episode 12 | How Bullying Affects Children with Dr. Faye Mishna
This month our host Janet Morrison is joined by Dr Faye Mishna, Professor and former Dean of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Faye’s research focuses on bullying, cyberbullying and technology used amongst youth.
In this episode, Janet and Faye discuss what bullying is, why it happens, and what parents and teachers can do to help. To find out more about Faye’s research visit here or read our article on this topic.
Episode 11 | Racism and Mental Health with Charmaine Williams
This month our host Janet Morrison is joined by Professor Charmaine Williams from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto.
Charmaine’s research focuses on issues of inequality and how that affects mental health. During this episode, Janet and Charmaine discuss the topic of racism and mental health including internalized and systemic racism, how to talk to children about the topic and what it really means to be anti-racist.
To learn more about Charmaine and her work visit Charmaine C. Williams.
Episode 10 | What We Know About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) causes harm, pain and shame in mothers and children. Society is critical and judgmental towards those suffering from the condition, even though 1 in 100 babies in Canada are born with it. Join our host Janet Morrison as she shares facts about FASD, stories of those affected by the disability, symptoms in children and what needs to be done to reduce the stigma that surrounds it.
Episode 9 | How to Talk to Children About Death & The Different Types of Grief
Because death is frightening to so many of us, it is a topic we rarely discuss, even less so, with children. Join our host Janet Morrison as she explore the best way to talk about death with kids and how to support a child who has lost a loved one. She also discusses the different ways children grieve and the difference between normal grief and traumatic grief. For more information on this topic, please visit www.catchpsychotherapy.org and read our written articles on death and traumatic grief.
Episode 8 | How to Support Children with ADHD
Join our host Janet Morrison as she explores ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children. Learn why it’s probably the most controversial of all diagnoses, how it affects children differently and what to do to support a child who has ADHD. For more information on this topic please visit www.catchpsychotherapy.org and read our written article.
Episode 7 | What We Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder Today
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition first introduced in 1943 by American child psychiatrist Leo Kanner. Join our host Janet Morrison as she shares the latest research on autism including early signs, common traits and the myths about ASD. She’ll also discuss diagnosis, management, treatment and what we know about adults living with autism today. For more information on this topic, please visit www.catchpsychotherapy.org and read our written article on this topic.
Episode 6 | How to Talk to Your Kids About Separation & Divorce
Divorce is very common but it remains a highly stressful and painful life transition for all family members. Given the many decisions to be made, details to be arranged, and feelings to be managed, it is challenging for parents to focus on their children’s needs; nevertheless, they must. Join our host Janet Morrison as she explores how to talk to children about separation and divorce. For more information on this topic, please visit www.catchpsychotherapy.org and read our written article on this topic.
Episode 5 | How to Know When a Child Needs a Mental Health Assessment
Join our host Janet Morrison as she explores 10 instances when a child should have a mental health assessment by a professional. Learn the general concerns which may warrant further investigation and how to know when something more serious needs to be addressed. For more on this topic please visit our website www.catchpsychotherapy.org and read our written article on this topic.
Episode 4 | The Real Reason That Children Lie
Starting between two and three years of age, children begin to tell untruths and many continue to tell untruths throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Join our host Janet Morrison as she explores why children lie and what we can do about it as parents, teachers and caregivers. To learn more about this topic please visit our website www.catchpsychotherapy.org and read our written article on this topic.
Episode 3 | How Trauma Affects Children
Join our host Janet Morrison as she explores the topic of trauma in the context of Children's Mental Health. The effects of childhood trauma are catastrophic, causing enormous pain and suffering and creating a significant strain on family, community and government resources. Learn about the different types of trauma children experience and what we can do to support those who are impacted. To learn more about this topic please check out our written article here.
Episode 2 | Why Play is Essential to Children's Mental Health and Development
Join our host Janet Morrison as she explores the topic of play in the context of Children's Mental Health. Play and play therapy both foster the ability for children to express themselves and create solutions in the presence of a caring adult. Through active, imaginative play children express their thoughts and feelings, adopt different roles and perspectives, and organize the world on their own terms. Learn all about it on this episode and for more information on this topic please check out our written article here.
Episode 1 | What is Mental Health and How Do You Measure It?
Today, we hear the term ‘mental health’ a lot. However, people rarely talk about what constitutes as mental health. Is it the absence of mental illness, the absence of stress? Is mental health the same as happiness? Join our host Janet Morrison as she explores the question: What is mental health and how do we measure it? To learn more visit catchpsychotherapy.org and read our full article on this topic.
Episode 0 | Welcome to Catch-Up On Kids Mental Health with Janet Morrison
Meet your host Janet Morrison and learn about the topics we'll discuss on this podcast. Janet is a senior lecturer at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto and has her own private psychotherapy practice. Janet has worked with foster care agencies across the province, is the past president of the Canadian Association of Psychoanalytic Child Therapists, and is currently an active board member of Catch Collaborative Therapy. To learn more about Janet and the work we do at Catch, please visit our website.