Podcast
The Coping Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Leigh Weisz · EN
This is the Coping Podcast with Dr. Leigh Weisz where we share strategies for coping with the stressors of life, especially the difficulties of parenting.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Manager to Mentor: Raising Kind, Grounded Kids
May 1400:47:02Tap to summarizeDr. Leigh Weisz is the Founder of Coping Partners, a mental health clinic. As a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, she was on staff and affiliated with The Family Institute at Northwestern University for several years. She has experience working with children, adolescents, families, and individual adults in areas such as child and adolescent family therapy, grief and loss, and relationship issues. Dr. Weisz earned her graduate degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a specialty in children and families. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Michigan, having graduated with honors. Dr. Weisz has practiced in community mental health, hospitals, and outpatient family medicine practice settings. In this episode… It's easy for parenting to become a calendar-management job: practices, homework, carpools, reminders, meals, screens, and one more thing that needs to get done. Underneath all of that busyness is a quieter question many parents carry: how do we raise kids who are not just successful, but kind, grounded, and capable? According to Dr. Leigh Weisz, a child psychologist and parent of two, the answer starts with aligning what parents say they value with what children experience day to day. She explains that kindness, resilience, and independence are built through ordinary moments: asking targeted questions at dinner, inviting kids to help with household work, letting them feel disappointment, and resisting the urge to rescue them too quickly. When parents model their values, let kids contribute, and step back enough for them to grow, children begin to see themselves as helpful, capable people who can handle life's ups and downs. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz discusses how parents can raise kind, grounded, and capable kids. She explains why values need matching daily behaviors, how modeling kindness shapes what children absorb, and why chores and family contribution build confidence. Dr. Weisz also shares advice on stepping back so kids can face discomfort, practice independence, and grow.
Transcribe →Supporting Perfectionistic, High-Achieving Teens With Dr. Danielle Doucette
Dec 1100:43:39Tap to summarizeDr. Danielle Doucette is the Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner at Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics, an organization that provides specialized behavioral therapies and psychological services in the Chicago area. As a licensed clinical psychologist and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS-S), Dr. Doucette is recognized for her expertise in exposure and response prevention for OCD, radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO-DBT), and evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. She is also involved in public health and has contributed to prominent publications on mental health topics. In this episode… Some teens seem to glide through adolescence with perfect grades, packed schedules, and spotless behavior. On the surface, everything looks fine — admirable, even. What happens when the traits that make a teen "successful" also keep them silently struggling, unable to share what's really going on? According to Dr. Danielle Doucette, a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral therapies, many high-achieving teens aren't acting out at all; they're turning inward. She believes these teens often rely on extreme self-control, rigid routines, and emotional reserve to manage their anxiety. Drawing from her experience working with adolescents who fit this "overcontrolled" profile, Dr. Doucette explains that their perfectionism and strong academic or athletic performance can disguise deep loneliness, fear of vulnerability, and escalating internal distress. She emphasizes that helping these teens soften, open up, and connect with others can be life-changing, not because it alters who they are, but because it allows them to thrive rather than simply cope. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Dr. Danielle Doucette, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner at Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics, to discuss how to support perfectionistic, high-achieving teens. They explore the hidden struggles of overcontrolled adolescents, the signs that often go unnoticed, and why traditional DBT doesn't always meet their needs. Dr. Doucette also gives advice on practical skills teens can use to build more meaningful relationships.
Transcribe →Empowering Children Through Discomfort and Resilience-Building With Dr. Marcie Faust
Dec 500:41:05Tap to summarizeDr. Marcie Faust is the Principal of South Park Elementary School, where she leads a team dedicated to fostering innovative teaching practices and supporting student well-being in Deerfield, Illinois. In her role, she creates learning environments to empower, support, and prepare students for the future. Dr. Faust also has experience as an early childhood program director, director of innovative learning, classroom teacher, and technology coach. In this episode… Kids are growing up in a world filled with more uncertainty, stimulation, and pressure than ever before. Many parents instinctively try to smooth every bump in the road, but what if those tough moments are exactly what children need to grow stronger? How do we know when to step in and when to step back? According to Dr. Marcie Faust, an educational leader who spends her days supporting students and guiding families, the answer starts with letting children sit with their discomfort. Drawing from her experience working closely with both students and parents, she explains that children build resilience when adults offer a calm presence and thoughtful coaching rather than fixing problems for them. Her "power of the pause" approach encourages parents to resist the urge to rescue and instead model steady reassurance. In her view, these everyday moments lay the groundwork for emotional regulation and confidence that lasts far beyond elementary school. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Dr. Marcie Faust, Principal of South Park Elementary School, to discuss helping children build resilience through discomfort. They explore how parents can practice pausing, how letting kids handle small challenges strengthens emotional regulation, and the importance of fostering independence at home and school. Dr. Faust also shares advice on navigating peer conflict without over-involvement.
Transcribe →Improving Child Mental Health With Skills and Community Support With Jaime Monaco and Rivka Benjamin
Nov 2000:49:15Tap to summarizeJaime Monaco, LCPC, and Rivka Benjamin, LCSW, are Co-founders and Therapists at Enso Wellness Centers in Northbrook, a mental health program specializing in partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) care for children and adolescents. Under their leadership, Enso Wellness has become known for its collaborative, wraparound approach involving families, schools, and providers. Jaime has over a decade of experience in CBT, SPACE, parent coaching, and behavioral interventions, while Rivka began her career as a school-based mental health counselor. In this episode… When a child is overwhelmed, it can feel like the whole family is holding its breath. Behaviors that look confusing on the surface often reflect moments when kids simply don't have the right tools yet. What does it take to help them feel capable again? The answer, according to child therapists Jaime Monaco and Rivka Benjamin, starts with practical skills kids can use in the moments when they feel anxious, frustrated, or out of control. They explain that progress isn't built in a quiet office but in everyday situations that trigger stress. For Jaime, exposing kids to those real-life challenges in a safe environment reveals what skills they actually need, not just the ones they can recite. Rivka believes that true growth comes from collaborative support where therapists, parents, and schools all reinforce the same expectations. With the right support, meaningful change is possible. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Jaime Monaco, LCPC, and Rivka Benjamin, LCSW, Co-founders of Enso Wellness Centers, to discuss helping kids build skills that truly work in real-life situations. They explore how to identify triggers, practice coping tools through exposure, and reduce unhelpful accommodations at home. Jaime and Rivka also give advice on collaborating effectively with schools and providers.
Transcribe →Video Game Addiction or Healthy Hobby? Tips for Parents From Andrew Fishman
Sep 2500:55:48Tap to summarizeAndrew Fishman is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and the Owner of Video Game Health, a platform that helps parents and adolescents understand and manage the impact of video games on mental health. He works with teens and young adults in individual, family, and group therapy on balancing gaming habits and promoting overall well-being. Andrew is certified by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board for treating video game addiction. In this episode… Is your child's love for video games a harmless pastime or a sign of something more serious? Many parents struggle to know when gaming is simply a fun social activity and when it crosses the line into unhealthy territory. How can you recognize the difference and guide your child toward balance? According to Andrew Fishman, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in gaming and mental health, most kids who play video games are not at risk for addiction and enjoy the same level of life satisfaction as non-gamers. Concerns arise when gaming becomes a coping mechanism for depression or when kids want to stop but feel they can't. Recognizing the difference between normal teenage power struggles and signs of true addiction is key to protecting mental health and relationships. Andrew also highlights the importance of creating real-world connections and teaching emotional regulation. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Andrew Fishman, Owner of Video Game Health, to talk about how parents can identify gaming addiction versus healthy gaming. They discuss warning signs such as withdrawal symptoms and a loss of interest in other activities, how to set practical boundaries, and why online gaming can be a positive social outlet. Andrew also shares strategies for building emotional regulation and balance in kids' lives.
Transcribe →Healing Digestive Distress and Anxiety Through the Gut-Brain Connection With Elyce Shapiro
Aug 2100:38:57Tap to summarizeElyce Shapiro is the Founder of Balanced Gut Nutrition & Health, a virtual private practice that helps people restore balance in gut and mental health through a non-diet, Health-at-Every-Size (HAES®)-aligned approach. She is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). As a specialist in the gut-brain connection, Elyce works compassionately with individuals experiencing digestive distress often tied to anxiety, trauma/PTSD, or stress. Her practice emphasizes intuitive eating and compassionate care — free from diet culture, food moralizing, and weight stigma. In this episode… Digestive distress and anxiety can feel like an endless cycle, each one making the other worse. Many people are left wondering if the key to relief lies beyond restrictive diets and quick fixes. How can understanding the connection between the gut and brain catalyze healing? According to Elyce Shapiro, a licensed dietitian nutritionist and gut health specialist, the gut and brain are constantly communicating, and when they fall out of sync, it can trigger both physical and emotional struggles. She highlights how stress, trauma, and restrictive diets often worsen digestive issues rather than solve them. The key is restoring balance through diversity in food, food freedom, and supporting the body's natural healing process. Elyce also emphasizes collaboration with therapists and the importance of movement, sleep, and compassion in long-term healing. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Elyce Shapiro, Founder of Balanced Gut Nutrition & Health, to discuss healing digestive distress and anxiety through the gut-brain connection. They explore the risks of restrictive diets, why stress damages the gut barrier, and how food neutrality supports adults and children. Elyce also shares when common gut health fixes like probiotics or fiber may actually make symptoms worse.
Transcribe →How To Build, Maintain, and End Friendships Gracefully With Nina Badzin
Aug 1400:43:44Tap to summarizeNina Badzin is the Host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, a podcast and newsletter that explores the ups and downs of adult friendship. She's a Minneapolis-based writer who began offering friendship advice in 2014 and launched the podcast in 2021. Her work, now offered via Substack, is regularly featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time, The Guardian, and NPR. Nina also co‑leads creative writing groups at ModernWell and reviews dozens of books each year. In this episode… Friendships can bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging, but they can also be challenging to navigate. How do you keep connections strong when life gets busy, or end them gracefully when they no longer serve you? What practical skills can help you model healthy relationships for your children? According to Nina Badzin, a longtime writer and advice columnist on friendship, the key to lasting connections lies in understanding the natural stages of relationships and not getting in your own way. She highlights three main areas where most challenges arise: making friends, keeping them, and deciding when to part ways. By reframing how we define equality in friendships and letting go of rigid expectations, we can avoid unnecessary insecurity. Nina also emphasizes that friendships are a choice, and surrounding yourself with people you genuinely like improves your well-being and sets an important example for your kids. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Nina Badzin, Host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, to talk about how to build, maintain, and end friendships. They discuss redefining reciprocity to strengthen bonds, avoiding social engineering in kids' friendships, and fostering deeper one-on-one connections in groups. Nina also shares how to protect trust by practicing discretion.
Transcribe →Why Kids Avoid School and What Parents Can Do About It With Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday
Aug 700:58:32Tap to summarizeDr. Karen Lynn Cassiday is the Clinical Director and Owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, which provides evidence‑based therapy for anxiety and OCD. As a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, she is the former President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Cassiday is also the author of The No Worries Guide to Raising Your Anxious Child and Freedom from Health Anxiety. She frequently speaks and trains internationally on treating complex anxiety disorders. In this episode… Some mornings can feel like a battle when a child refuses to go to school. Parents are left wondering if it's a passing phase, a health concern, or something far more serious. How can you tell when school avoidance is actually a sign of anxiety, and what steps can you take to get your child back on track? According to Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday, a nationally recognized expert in treating anxiety and school refusal, the key lies in recognizing the underlying reason behind a child's avoidance. Anxiety disorders like separation anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety often drive kids to resist going to school. Avoidance quickly reinforces fear, creating a cycle that worsens over time and can lead to long-term academic, social, and emotional setbacks. Dr. Cassiday also emphasizes that treating school refusal as an "emergency" and responding with calm, firm, and structured action is essential for helping kids build resilience and confidence. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday, Clinical Director and Owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, to talk about why kids avoid school and how parents can respond effectively. She explains how to spot early warning signs, why avoidance reinforces anxiety, and practical steps to break the cycle. Dr. Cassiday also shares strategies for creating supportive school plans and building a child's resilience at home.
Transcribe →Why Listening Matters as Much as Surgery in ENT Medicine With Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum
Jul 1700:49:42Tap to summarizeDr. Jordan Teitelbaum, D.O., F.A.R.S. is an Otorhinolaryngologist at the Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois, a practice focused on advanced care for sinus, nasal, and skull base conditions. He is also on staff at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Advocate Children's Hospital, Golf Surgical Center, and Hawthorn Surgical Center. As a board-certified otorhinolaryngologist and a Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society, Dr Teitelbaum treats hearing loss, frequent ear or tonsil infections, voice, swallowing, reflux issues, and thyroid and salivary gland conditions. In this episode… Some doctors treat symptoms. Others treat people. How can a surgeon bring emotional intelligence, deep listening, and empathy into the exam room? According to Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum, a board-certified ENT surgeon and Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society, connecting with patients is just as critical as performing a successful procedure. Listening carefully helps uncover subtle but serious issues, especially in children who can't always articulate what's wrong. When doctors prioritize empathy and partnership, they earn trust that makes every step of care more effective and less frightening. Dr. Teitelbaum's approach underscores that medicine isn't just about what you do with your hands; it's about who you are when you walk in the room. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz speaks with Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum, Otorhinolaryngologist at the Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois, about why human connection is essential in ENT medicine. They discuss how to spot ENT issues in kids, why a calm bedside manner matters in surgical specialties, and how trust changes treatment outcomes. Dr. Teitelbaum also gives advice on preparing children for medical procedures.
Transcribe →How To Raise Resilient Kids Without Crushing Them With Achievement Pressure With Dr. Doug Bolton
Jun 5, 202500:55:40Tap to summarizeDr. Doug Bolton is the Director of School Consultation at Formative Psychological Services, a mental health clinic offering therapy, neuropsychological assessments, and consultation services to individuals, families, and schools. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bolton has worked extensively with children, adolescents, couples, and families, focusing on improving coping mechanisms through a family therapy model. Prior to his current role, he served as a Psychologist and Principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school, for more than two decades. Dr. Bolton is also the author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation, a book that addresses the mental health challenges facing adolescents today In this episode… Many parents believe the best way to secure their child's future is to push them toward academic excellence, elite colleges, and high achievement from an early age. However, this well-intentioned pressure may be doing more harm than good. How does this narrow path to success undermine kids' mental health and well-being? According to Dr. Doug Bolton, a clinical psychologist and national consultant on student mental health, the pressure to succeed can erode resilience and increase anxiety. Students in affluent communities are classified as an at-risk group due to overwhelming stress tied to performance, status, and scarcity mindsets. When children equate their self-worth with achievements — grades, sports, or selective colleges — they lose the opportunity to develop emotional regulation and coping skills. This constant striving can damage relationships, distort priorities, and stunt healthy development. Instead, growth happens when kids are allowed to fail, face discomfort, and feel supported, not rescued, through it. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Dr. Doug Bolton, Director of School Consultation at Formative Psychological Services, to talk about how to raise resilient kids without crushing them with achievement pressure. They explore the myth of elite colleges as success guarantees, how perfectionism can limit growth, and why distress tolerance is essential to mental health. Dr. Bolton also shares how parents can shift from outcome-based to process-focused support.
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