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Sharing another one of my favorite episodes from Kids These Days...

Depression in kids doesn’t always look like sadness. Often it shows up as irritability, anger, “I don’t care,” and a slow fade from hobbies, friends, and motivation. In this candid, practical conversation, Dr. Beth Tremell walks through the clearest signs of youth depression, how they differ from adult patterns, and the simple phrases parents can use to open a safe, direct conversation—without making things worse.

We unpack real-world red flags like drastic sleep shifts, appetite changes, chronic fatigue, harsh self-talk, and school or friendship struggles. You’ll hear calm, evidence-aligned ways to ask about suicidal thoughts—questions like “Do you want to die or stop hurting?”—and why bringing this up reduces isolation rather than creating risk. Dr. Beth shares how to respond when a child says “maybe I should just die,” how to stay steady in the moment, and what details matter for getting the right level of help.

Support is both emotional and practical: being physically present to counter the “island” of depression, setting gentle routines, and connecting with professionals. We outline when to call the pediatrician, how to find a therapist, and why school-based services—counselors, social workers, school psychologists—can be vital when community waitlists are long. Throughout, you’ll get clear, compassionate guidance for gauging severity by impact on grades, friendships, and daily life, plus small steps that build momentum back.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator trying to tell the difference between a rough week and something deeper, this conversation gives you language, structure, and next steps. Listen, share with someone who needs it, and subscribe for more practical mental health guidance. If there’s a topic you want us to cover next, reach out and let us know.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

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Sharing some of my favorite throwback episodes from Kids These Days...

What if the first second of your response could change how your teen handles anxiety? We unpack a practical, compassionate approach to big feelings that begins with a steady face and ends with stronger connection. No jargon, no lectures—just a clear framework you can use tonight.

We start with the counterintuitive move that lowers the temperature fast: fix your face. Learn why a neutral, grounded expression and tone signal safety to a nervous system on high alert—and how to repair quickly if your surprise or frustration slips out. Then we pivot to co-regulation, using short prompts and shared breathing to slow runaway thoughts. Instead of shutting worries down, we draw them out with simple questions that shrink vague fears into specific, manageable pieces.

With calm restored, we shift to consent. You’ll hear scripts that honor autonomy: “Do you want my take?” and “What should we do together?” When teens say yes, we offer concise, doable steps instead of lectures. When they say no, we respect the boundary—and keep the door open. We also map out the follow-up rhythm that builds trust over time: a light touch the next day, a check-in later in the week, and a watchful eye for changes in mood, sleep, school, and friendships. Finally, we cover how and when to seek professional support, frame it as teamwork, and navigate waitlists while keeping momentum at home.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help without hovering, how to listen without minimizing, or how to advise without taking over, this guide to teen anxiety gives you the tools. Expect practical language you can borrow, evidence-informed reasoning for each step, and a steady reminder that presence beats perfection. If this helped, share it with a friend who’s supporting a worried teen, subscribe for more science-backed parenting strategies, and leave a review to tell us which step made the biggest difference.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

Support the show

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Sharing some of my favorite episodes from Kids These Days...

Ever find yourself locked in a standoff with a kid and wondering why your go‑to lines aren’t working? We dig into three everyday phrases that seem efficient but quietly sabotage trust and cooperation, then share simple replacements that calm the room and still get things done. As a licensed psychologist and educator, I unpack why “Because I said so,” identity‑tinged labels, and “There’s no reason to cry” can escalate conflict and seed shame—and what to say instead.

We start by reframing authority with short, honest reasons and shared routines that reduce pushback. You’ll hear how a family code word creates a clean pause, how first‑time listening agreements take shape, and why the brain shifts from fight to think when expectations are clear. From there, we replace character attacks with crisp I‑statements that name impact without wounding identity, then build a habit of de‑escalation: state the feeling, give space, return to problem solving when everyone’s calm.

Finally, we tackle emotional validation. Tears are data, not defiance. Learn how to meet big feelings with simple noticing, offer language like sad, embarrassed, or hurt, and guide kids toward faster recovery and stronger self‑awareness. Along the way, we point you to blog resources with more phrases and scripts you can use right away. If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver who wants fewer power struggles and more connection—without giving up boundaries—this conversation is your field guide.

If these ideas help, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Tell me the most unhelpful phrase you’re retiring and what you’re replacing it with—I’d love to feature your ideas next time.

Check out THREE MORE UNHELPFUL things we say to kids at:
www.bethtrammell.com/blog
Blog — Beth Trammell

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

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Joined by my friend from Core Essential Values, Leslie Bolser, we dig in to TRUST!!

Trust doesn’t arrive with a grand gesture; it’s built in the tiny moments we repeat. We dive into what makes a parent truly dependable and why predictability—not perfection—is the foundation kids need to feel safe, open up, and keep coming back to us when it matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how to start building trust today, we break it down into moves you can use before the next pickup line ends.

We begin by reframing trust for families as dependable confidence and explain why predictability beats the myth of always-on consistency. Life shifts, energy dips, and answers vary, but our kids can still know how we’ll respond. That steady pattern creates safety, and safety is the gateway to trust. We share a simple language tool—the “circle of trust”—that sets clear boundaries for private conversations and empowers kids to ask for confidentiality with respect. You’ll hear how this phrase travels with children as they grow, helping them make wiser choices about what to share and with whom.

From there, we move into everyday practices. Think presence over performance: put down the phone, make eye contact, and let their agenda lead during re-entry moments after school or practice. Learn to attune to the emotion beneath the story—loneliness, embarrassment, pride—before you offer perspective. And when you miss it, repair out loud. Owning your missteps models accountability and actually deepens trust over time. Along the way, we connect these ideas to school, sports, and family dynamics, showing how steady responses help kids navigate relationships, set expectations, and feel grounded even when life is busy.

If you’re ready to trade perfection for reliability, this conversation gives you clear steps and warm encouragement. Subscribe for more practical episodes on parenting, communication, and emotional health, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com

Send us a text

Throwback episode!

Costumes and candy get all the attention, but the real magic of Halloween starts with a short conversation before you hit the sidewalk. We dive into the simple, practical steps that turn a sugar‑charged night into a calm, safe, and joyful memory: clear candy rules, repeatable safety cues, and manners that make neighbors smile. As a licensed psychologist and parent, I share how to set expectations that stick, reduce meltdowns, and help kids focus on fun without constant negotiations.

We start with the candy plan—how many pieces, when to eat them, and how to handle the post‑walk check—so kids feel in control within clear boundaries. From there, we refresh street safety for dark routes and busy sidewalks, including crossing routines, visibility tips, and what to do if the group gets separated. We also rehearse polite trick‑or‑treating: saying trick‑or‑treat and thank you, respecting paths and yards, and navigating the infamous “take one” bowl. These small scripts give kids confidence and reduce the need for on‑the‑spot corrections.

Finally, we center joy. A quick breath, a gentle tone, and a simple family tradition—like pizza after the route or a cozy cocoa and candy sort—shift the night from candy chaos to connection. With a handful of clear expectations and a focus on fun, Halloween becomes easier for parents and more memorable for kids. If this guide helps your night run smoother, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s mapping their route, and leave a review to tell us your favorite family tradition.

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Think focus is just willpower? We challenge that idea with a clear, evidence-based guide to ADHD that bridges home, school, and the doctor’s office. I walk through what changed from ADD to ADHD, why girls and adults are often missed, and how interest-driven attention can make games feel easy while homework feels impossible. You’ll hear why that pattern is normal for an ADHD brain and how to design tasks that are more engaging, structured, and doable.

We also get honest about treatment. I share when medication can help a child become available for learning, how behavioral strategies build lasting habits, and why the best outcomes often come from combining both. From visual schedules and movement breaks to daily report cards and short feedback loops, we map practical steps that teachers and parents can put in place without turning home into a battleground. Along the way, we address a tough truth: untreated ADHD can lead to peer rejection and a damaging story of being the “bad kid.” Early intervention can change that trajectory and protect a child’s confidence.

If you’ve wondered why a bright child melts down over simple routines, or if you’re an adult realizing these patterns sound familiar, this conversation offers a starting point you can trust. We highlight resources from Florida International University’s ADHD programs, discuss how to talk with your physician or pediatrician, and lay out what to track as you try supports or a careful medication trial. Join us, share this with someone who needs it, and help replace shame with understanding and action. If this helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and tell us the biggest ADHD myth you want debunked next.

Here is the link to the TEDx Talk I referenced by Dr. Katie Hart - https://youtu.be/G5zQULkVuiQ

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

Support the show

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What if your most explosive moments as a mother aren't failures, but crucial messages your mind and body are sending? Licensed Professional Counselor Nicole McNelis returns to unpack the powerful truth behind maternal rage - that overwhelming anger isn't a character flaw but a rational response to impossible expectations and unmet needs.

"Mom rage is not a meltdown, it's a message," McNelis explains, offering a refreshing perspective that removes shame from these difficult experiences. Drawing from her clinical practice and research, she identifies the two primary triggers behind maternal rage: compromised needs and violated expectations. When mothers consistently sacrifice sleep, personal boundaries, and self-care while facing unrealistic standards of maternal perfection, rage becomes an inevitable warning signal that something must change.

The conversation explores how social media complicates motherhood by presenting idealized versions of parenting alongside oversimplified advice. Parenting trends like "gentle parenting" often get misinterpreted as requiring mothers to constantly prioritize children's needs while suppressing their own emotions - creating a perfect storm for resentment and eventual emotional explosion. McNellis advocates approaching these trends with "a lens that is both compassionate and critical," evaluating strategies based on what actually works for your unique family rather than forcing approaches that consistently fail.

Most powerfully, McNelis suggests that maternal rage can become "a catalyst for positive change" when properly understood. By listening to these emotional signals with self-compassion instead of judgment, mothers can identify necessary adjustments in family systems and personal boundaries. Just as McNelis describes embracing the possibility of rejection in her professional growth, mothers can approach parenting with a willingness to experiment, fail, learn, and grow - replacing the pursuit of perfection with the more sustainable practice of authentic presence.

Ready to transform how you understand your most difficult emotional moments? Listen now and discover how your anger might actually be your wisdom speaking.

Here are additional resources from Nicole:

https://postpartum.net/mom-rage-causes-ways-to-cope-and-reasons-for-hope/

https://www.instagram.com/therapist.mom.collective/

Research Study for Maternal Health Professionals on Maternal Rage: We are interested in learning more about attitudes and experiences working with maternal rage as a presenting concern. If you are a maternal health professional, please consider taking our survey to share your experiences so we can develop better training and interventions to address this common issue. Survey link: https://redcap.pcom.edu/surveys/?s=R8KEE48KCXFFLW9R. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Alexa Bonacquisti at alexabo@pcom.edu. Thank you!

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

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The silence around menopause and sexuality in midlife is finally breaking. Sex therapist Brooke Bralove returns to the podcast for a candid, informative conversation about what women really experience during perimenopause and menopause—and why suffering should never be the default option.

Brooke reveals that even as medical understanding evolves, many healthcare providers remain woefully undereducated about treating menopausal symptoms. Most OBGYNs receive just hours of training on menopause management throughout their entire medical education. This knowledge gap leaves countless women struggling with hot flashes, painful sex, mood swings, joint pain, and fatigue without proper support or treatment.

The conversation dives deep into how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been misunderstood and unfairly maligned. Contrary to outdated beliefs, many forms of HRT are safe and effective for managing symptoms that significantly impact quality of life. Brooke encourages listeners to seek out menopause-educated providers who understand current research rather than accepting outdated "it's just part of aging" dismissals.

Beyond the physical aspects, we explore how menopause affects relationships and sexual satisfaction. Many couples who've been together for decades have never had honest conversations about their sexual needs. Brooke offers practical strategies for breaking through shame and initiating these difficult discussions, including "walk and talk" conversations and sexual activity lists that help partners express preferences without direct confrontation.

For women experiencing painful intercourse—a common menopausal symptom—the message is clear: stop. Expanding our definition of sex beyond penetration becomes increasingly important as bodies change. As Brooke puts it, "Women in their 40s and 50s are very empowered and want more pleasure. They know they can have it."

Want to learn more about navigating menopause and enhancing intimacy in midlife? Visit About Brooke Bralove | Bethesda, MD or follow @brookebralove_psychotherapy on social media for resources that can help you reclaim pleasure and well-being during this transformative life stage.

This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.

If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6

Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com

Support the show

Support the show

www.bethtrammell.com