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While we are busy working on more new episodes for Where You Are, we are sharing one we love from a previous season. We hope you enjoy it. And remember, subscribe to Where You Are so you don’t miss any of our upcoming episodes.  Our external senses— smell, sight, touch, and taste—along with lesser-known internal ones like balance and location— are constantly working to help us make sense of our world around us. This intricate process, often known ‘sensory processing,’ is the foundation of many daily tasks. For some children, navigating this sensory processing can be more challenging. In today’s episode, our hosts chat with Tammie, a parent who shares her personal story of supporting her child with sensory processing challenges, and Courtney Hall, BCCH Occupational Therapist. Together they: talk about different types of sensory preferences - like hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity look at other conditions that can go along with sensory processing issues offer tips and resources for parents and caregivers to support a child with sensory processing challenges See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are hard at work on more great episodes of Where You Are. In the meantime, we’re sharing this episode from one of our previous seasons. It focuses on the challenge of school anxiety, something experienced by many families. We hope you like it and find the tips offered helpful, even if just in the smallest way.  School is a big part of kids’ lives. When anxiety gets in the way of a child going to or staying at school, this can be really hard on the whole family. In this episode we look at what’s behind school anxiety, when parents should reach out for help, tips for parents and caregivers to promote their own coping, and strategies to help get your child back in their regular school routine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students today are facing more stress than ever. Bryn and co-host Gail Markin sit down with Kyra Yung (student), Connie Easton (school counsellor of 30+ years), and Connor Gallik (Psychologist, BC Children’s Hospital) to learn about ways that school communities can support students in K-12 to navigate stress. Together they unpack: signs of stress and the connection to student mental health and wellbeing  why students are experiencing increasing stress and how they are coping with it what schools can do to support K-12 students at the individual level, in the school community and at the system level to deal with stress in healthy ways  when to seek help and links to resources for educators See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes to your family structure, such as becoming a step-parent, learning to co-parent, or navigating life in a blended family, can come with unique challenges for both the adults and the kids involved. Joined by Josephine (step-parent) and Kai (medical student), we explore:- how children of different ages experience changing family structures- helpful approaches for supporting children in blended families- navigating co-parenting and managing conflicts- where parents and caregivers can seek supportFor more detailed show notes, including guest bios, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are sharing this great episode about eating disorders from Open hearts. Honest conversations., a podcast from Family Services of the North Shore. In this episode, Val, host of Open Hearts Honest Conversations, is joined by Joanna, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Vicky, a guest with lived experience. They talk about common characteristics of eating disorders, Vicky’s own journey, and how family and loved ones can provide support to someone with an eating disorder.Note: Self-harm and sexual assault are discussed in this episode. For some of us, these topics can be challenging and heavy. As you listen to this episode, please take stock of how you're feeling. If you need to take a break, come back a little later, or need to reach out to your supports, please do so.For more detailed show notes, including guest bios, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that can have a big impact on children, youth, and families. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Roberto Sassi (Psychiatrist-in-Chief at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospitals) to discuss:- what bipolar disorder is and how it's diagnosed- what treatment and support can look like- common questions about bipolar disorder from BC parents and caregiversNote: The topic of suicide is discussed in this episode. For some of us, this might feel challenging or heavy. As you listen to this episode, please take stock of how you're feeling. If you need to take a break from listening, come back a little later, or reach out to your supports, please do so.For more detailed show notes, including guest bios, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can schools create safe, supportive, and equitable environments for students? In this episode, we explore restorative practices in schools—an approach that focuses on building healthy relationships, building supportive and equitable school communities, repairing harm, and resolving conflict. Joined by Dr. Brenda Morrison (Simon Fraser University), Cory Hartling (Sea to Sky School District), and Jennifer Morgan (Coquitlam School District), we discuss:- what restorative practices are and what they can look like in schools- how restorative practices impact student mental health and well-being- helpful resources that school communities can useFor more detailed show notes, including guest bios and resources mentioned in the episode, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we're exploring tics and tic disorders. Joined by Dr. Melanie McConnell, a Registered Psychologist specializing in tics, and Lesley, a parent of a child with Tourette Syndrome, we cover:- what tics and tic disorders are- common questions, challenges and misconceptions about tics- when to seek professional support for tics and what treatment can look like- tips for parents and caregivers supporting a child with ticsFor more detailed show notes, including guest bios and resources mentioned in the episode, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating technology use as a family can be challenging. How do we balance the benefits of tech use with its potential risks? In this episode we are joined by Dr. Shimi Kang, psychiatrist and researcher, and her teenage daughter, Gia, to explore:- how technology affects brain development- common challenges families face and how to talk to your child about tech use- the benefits of tech use- how to promote a healthy relationship with technology in your familyFor more detailed show notes, including guest bios and resources mentioned in the episode, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode--the second of a two-part series--we continue our conversation about the transition from youth to adult mental health services. This period can be filled with uncertainty and challenges for families, but it also offers opportunities for growth and independence. We are joined by Ruth (a parent navigating this transition with her child), Sarah Patrick (Occupational Therapist at BC Children's Hospital), and Dr. Andrea Wallace (Adolescent Medicine Pediatrician at BC Children's Hospital) to explore:- strategies to support youth’s autonomy while ensuring their needs are met- how family relationships can evolve during this transition- practical tools and resources to support families during this period- tips for having proactive conversations with healthcare providersFor more detailed show notes, including guest bios and resources mentioned in the episode, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As youth with mental health challenges grow older, families often have lots of questions about the transition from youth to adult mental healthcare services. It can feel overwhelming, with many wondering what to expect. In this episode—the first of a two-part series—we are joined by Emma (Scotiabank Youth Transitions Program), Abby (who has navigated this transition as a youth), and Steph (Registered Psychiatric Nurse at BC Children’s Hospital) to explore:- what this transition involves and how to start preparing for it- common challenges and myths- strategies and resources to support families during this periodFor more detailed show notes, including guest bios and resources mentioned in the episode, head to https://keltymentalhealth.ca/podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we look at the mental health and well-being of children and youth, protective factors can help buffer against negative life experiences and support student wellbeing. When it comes to supporting protective factors, schools play an important role. In this episode we are joined by Silas, (a grade 12 student), Nathan (School District Deputy Superintendent) and Hasina (Associate Professor and researcher) to: Learn more about what we mean by ‘protective factors’     Offer strategies for school professionals on how to support students’ sense of belonging and build supportive relationships with students at their schools   And share resources that schools can look to.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expectations for parents and caregivers today are overwhelmingly high, with endless advice on the internet and bombardment of ‘perfect’ families on social media telling them they can do better. Parents may often feel like they are failing, even if they are not. Join us as we discuss with Dr. Angela Low and Sarah, mom of 2:  The concept of shame as an emotion that can be experienced by parents and caregivers The difference between parent guilt vs. shame, and Ways to build resilience to shame so it doesn’t get in the way of us finding connection with the ones we love.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this minisode we are joined by Dr. Chris Willard, Harvard Psychologist, dad and author of ‘How To Grow Through What We Go Through.’ Together we talk about: The concept of post-traumatic growth, what it is and the supporting science, and Techniques and practices to encourage post-traumatic growth so that we can not just survive the challenges in our lives, but come through them stronger than before. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this minisode we talk about ways to adapt mindfulness for kids, rather than a one size fits all approach. Our hosts Bryn & Char connect with Dr. Chris Willard, 2 time TEDx presenter and Harvard Psychologist to discuss tailoring mindfulness techniques to a range of mental health challenges. Hear great examples of different practices through arts, games, music and more that you can use with your child. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.