Advertise on podcast: Catch-Up on Kids Mental Health

Getting the right support for a child starts with understanding what’s causing their difficulties. A thorough mental health assessment looks beyond symptoms to build a fuller picture of the child and their needs. In episode 72, Janet speaks with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Faisal Ahmed, author of The Heart of the Matter: Navigating Children’s Mental Health with Clarity and Compassion, about the importance of looking at the whole child, including their development, family history, relationships and experiences. They explore how trauma can be mistaken for ADHD, how developmental conditions and learning difficulties can overlap, and why treating symptoms alone can leave important needs unaddressed. Dr. Ahmed shares examples from his clinical work that illustrate how a comprehensive assessment can change the course of a child’s care. The conversation also considers how understanding children’s developmental stages can help parents set appropriate expectations, ask informed questions and advocate for support that reflects their child’s unique strengths and challenges. Learn more about Dr. Faisal Ahmed and his book here. For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For years, concerns about the impact of social media on children and teens has largely focused on the kinds of content they are exposed to. But a recent landmark settlement with Meta signals an important shift towards making these platforms accountable for how they are designed. In this episode, Janet Morrison speaks with internet and social media lawyer Maanit Zemel about Meta’s $17 billion settlement with several U.S. states over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to be addictive and harmful to young people. They explore why Meta may have chosen to settle, how lawyers have moved from challenging individual content to challenging the underlying design and algorithms of social media platforms, and what new protections for young users could emerge as a result. The conversation also turns to Canada, including lawsuits brought by Ontario school boards, the proposed Safe Social Media Act, and why meaningful regulation will require both strong legislation and real consequences for platforms that fail to protect users. This timely discussion raises a larger question: If social media platforms have the power to shape children’s attention, relationships and wellbeing, what responsibility should they bear for creating safer digital environments? To learn more about Maanit and her work visit https://www.canadatechlaw.com/maanit-zemel For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode is the final conversation in a special three-part podcast series based on Janet Morrison's upcoming book, Relationships Matter: Building Children's Resilience Within the Family, School and Community. In this conversation, Janet sits down once again with special guest host Sandy Poulson to explore how the larger communities and environments children grow up in can shape their mental health, wellbeing, and resilience. Together, they discuss the growing mental health challenges facing children and teens, the impact of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, climate anxiety, community violence, poverty and stigma, and why young people need relationships and communities that give them a sense of belonging, safety, and hope. Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a child therapist, school psychological associate, and educator, Janet also explores what parents, schools, and communities can do to help young people navigate an increasingly complex world, from building critical thinking skills to creating supportive spaces where children can be accepted and celebrated for who they are. This episode concludes our three-part series exploring the family, school, and community factors that shape children's mental health. To learn more about Janet's upcoming book, Relationships Matter, visit: www.catchpsychotherapy.org/relationshipsmatter Be sure to join the mailing list for book news, launch events, new podcast episodes, and more.

This episode is the second in a special three-part podcast series based on Janet Morrison's upcoming book, Relationships Matter: Building Children's Resilience Within the Family, School and Community. In this conversation, Janet sits down with special guest host Sandy Poulsen to explore the powerful role schools play in shaping children's mental health, resilience, and sense of belonging. Together, they discuss why the elementary school years are such an important period of growth and development, the role friendships play in building confidence and resilience, the complex dynamics of bullying, and why children's social and emotional wellbeing cannot be separated from their ability to learn. Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a child therapist, school psychological associate, and educator, Janet also explores how supportive teachers, mentors, and inclusive school communities can help children develop the skills, confidence, and relationships they need to thrive. This episode is the second in a three-part series exploring the family, school, and community factors that shape children's mental health. To learn more about Janet's upcoming book, Relationships Matter, visit:www.catchpsychotherapy.org/relationshipsmatter Be sure to join the mailing list so you'll be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, book news, launch events, and more.

This episode marks the beginning of a special three-part podcast series based on Janet Morrison's upcoming book, Relationships Matter: Building Children's Resilience Within the Family, School and Community. In this first conversation, Janet sits down with special guest host Sandy Poulson to explore the foundational role family relationships play in children's mental health and resilience. Together, they discuss how our own childhood experiences shape the way we parent, why attachment relationships matter, the importance of repair after conflict, emotional regulation, and the impact of screens on family connection. Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a child therapist, school psychological associate, and educator, Janet shares practical insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in today's world. This episode is the first in a three-part series exploring the family, school, and community factors that shape children's mental health. To learn more about Janet's upcoming book, Relationships Matter, visit:www.catchpsychotherapy.org/relationshipsmatter Be sure to join the mailing list so you'll be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, book news, launch events, and more.

In this episode, Janet sits down with social work clinician, researcher, and author Will Dobud to explore a different way of thinking about youth mental health, one that challenges some of our most common assumptions. Janet and Will talk about how well-meaning efforts to protect children may actually be limiting their growth. They explore the idea that young people need more opportunities to take risks, solve problems, and actively participate in their own lives, rather than being treated as passive recipients of care. They also discuss the rise of labeling in mental health, how it can shape identity in unhelpful ways, and why connection and curiosity matter more than quick diagnoses. Throughout the conversation, Will invites parents and caregivers to reflect on their own anxiety, the environments they create, and the importance of allowing children space to struggle, explore, and build confidence. This episode offers a thoughtful and sometimes provocative perspective on how we support young people, and reminds us that there are no simple formulas, only relationships, reflection, and the willingness to trust the process of growing up. To learn more about Will and his work visit his website. For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet sits down with therapist, author, and teen anxiety specialist Sophia Vale Galano to explore how anxiety shows up during the teenage years and why it can be so hard to recognize. Janet and Sophia talk about how to distinguish between typical teenage behaviour and when anxiety may be interfering with a teen’s ability to function. They explore what actually helps, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, getting curious, and working collaboratively with teens. They also share practical insights for parents, including how well-meaning efforts can sometimes make anxiety worse, and how building self-esteem and allowing space for struggle and failure can support long-term resilience. This episode offers a grounded, compassionate look at how to support teens through anxiety while helping them build confidence, coping skills, and a stronger sense of self. To learn more about Sophia and her work visit her ⁠website⁠. For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet speaks with Dr. William Ketterer about anger and violence in the classroom and what may be driving aggressive behaviour in children and adolescents. Dr. Ketterer shares his research on self-esteem and explains how a child’s early relationships shape their sense of self. He suggests that aggression is not simply defiance, lack of impulse control, or learned behaviour, but can be a misguided attempt to seek empathy and connection. Together, they explore how self-esteem develops, why children who struggle with belonging may act out, and how teachers’ emotional responses can offer important clues about what a child is experiencing internally. Dr. Ketterer outlines practical strategies educators can use to reduce anger and violence in the classroom by strengthening relationships, increasing empathy, and building a stronger classroom community. Rather than relying solely on punishment or exclusion, this conversation offers a relational approach that supports both teachers and students. Dr. Ketterer also discusses when classroom-based support may be sufficient and when additional therapeutic intervention may be needed. This episode offers a thoughtful reframing of aggression and practical guidance for educators, parents, and professionals working with children. To learn more about Dr. William Ketterer visit his website. For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Ryan Sultan, a child psychiatrist and researcher specializing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dr. Sultan helps unpack what it really means to understand ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition, and why symptoms can emerge as early as preschool. He explains how differences in brain development affect attention, regulation, behaviour, and self-esteem, and why ADHD is often misunderstood as simply a problem of willpower or discipline. Drawing on clinical practice and long-term research, the conversation explores how ADHD is diagnosed across childhood and adolescence, how it can overlap with anxiety, learning differences, and emotional regulation challenges, and why careful, collaborative assessment across home, school, and community settings matters. Janet and Dr. Sultan also discuss treatment decisions, including when medication is considered, the role of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and the importance of teaching practical skills like organization, emotional awareness, and social regulation. This episode offers parents and educators a grounded, compassionate lens for thinking about ADHD. Rather than framing it as a quick diagnosis or a single solution, it emphasizes early understanding, thoughtful support, and interventions that help children build confidence, resilience, and long-term wellbeing. To learn more about Dr. Sultan and his work please visit his ⁠⁠website.⁠ For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Robert C. Smith, professor emeritus at Michigan State University and author of Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?. Drawing on decades of clinical practice, research, and teaching, Dr. Smith explains how modern medicine came to separate mental and physical health, and why that split still shapes how doctors are trained today. The conversation explores how this gap in training affects modern medicine, from rushed appointments and quick prescriptions to missed opportunities for early support and prevention. Dr. Smith also discusses why lifestyle, stress, relationships, and emotional development are often overlooked, despite their central role in both physical and mental wellbeing. This episode offers parents and educators a broader lens for understanding the healthcare system many children move through. Rather than placing blame on individual doctors or families, it invites reflection on how care might look different if emotional and physical health were treated as deeply connected from the very beginning. To learn more about Dr. Smith and his work please visit his ⁠website. For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet speaks with Breana Frazier, a doctoral student at Florida International University whose research explores the foster care to juvenile delinquency pipeline. Breana shares what we know about who enters the foster care system, why those numbers spiked in 2020, and how a lack of stability and trauma-informed support affects children long after they’re placed in care. Together, Janet and Breana look at the emotional and educational challenges foster youth face, the high rates of undiagnosed learning issues, and why behavioral struggles are often misinterpreted rather than understood. They also discuss what happens when children become “crossover youth” who interact with both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and why these young people are so vulnerable to harsher punishments. This conversation is a sobering look at the long term impact of trauma, but also a call to action. Breana highlights the importance of early intervention, consistent caregiving, and real trauma informed training for the adults who work within these systems.

In this episode, Janet welcomes back Dr. John Stewart to explore how the principles of attachment theory extend beyond the home and into the classroom. Dr. Stewart is a clinical psychologist specializing in attachment-focused treatment with children, adolescents, and families. He’s an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Tufts University School of Medicine and author of What Helps When Children and Families Struggle: An Attachment-Informed Guide for Families and Clinicians. Building on their previous conversation about attachment-focused family therapy, this discussion looks at how teachers and caregivers can foster emotional safety, structure, and belonging for every child – especially those who struggle most. Dr. Stewart shares practical insights about the importance of predictability and “padded boundaries,” how joy and attunement shape a child’s sense of self, and why a teacher’s empathy can be just as healing as a therapist’s. He also reflects on the shared responsibility between parents, teachers, and communities to help children feel both lovable and competent –two foundational experiences that support resilience and learning. To learn more about Dr. Stewart and his work you can visit his ⁠website⁠.  For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet sits down for a second time with Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, to explore how parents, teachers, and young people can build stronger digital literacy skills and avoid harmful or unwanted online content. Matthew is the author of many of MediaSmarts’ lessons, parent materials, and interactive resources. He has also served on expert panels for the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Sexual Information and Education Council of Canada, and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. In this conversation, Matthew shares practical strategies for keeping kids safe online at every age, from using parental controls and active content curation with younger children to teaching teens how to set their own filters and make mindful choices about what they consume. He also explores how developmental changes affect kids’ online vulnerability and why ongoing communication, empathy, and clear “no-freak-out” rules help keep kids talking to parents when problems arise. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional supporting youth, this episode offers grounded, actionable insights to help families navigate digital life with awareness and confidence. To explore MediaSmarts’ resources for parents and educators, visit www.mediasmarts.ca For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet sits down with Dr. Natasha Demidenko to explore the topic of eating disorders in young people including what they are, how they develop, and why they’re often misunderstood. Dr. Demidenko is a clinical health and rehabilitation psychologist who works in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa, has worked for many years at The Ottawa Hospital’s Regional Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders, and is a clinical professor at the University of Ottawa where she trains practicum students and residents. In this episode, she dispels common myths (including the idea that only underweight individuals are affected), explains types beyond anorexia and bulimia such as binge eating disorder, purging disorder, and ARFID, and outlines the medical and psychiatric risks. She also explores how biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors (including trauma and diet culture) can create a “perfect storm,” and why early identification and intervention matter. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional working with youth and families, this episode offers a compassionate, clear-eyed perspective on one of the most complex mental health concerns today. To learn more about The Ottawa Hospital’s Regional Centre for the Treatment of Eating Disorders visit their webpage. For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

In this episode, Janet sits down with Matthew Johnson to explore how and why young people encounter pornography and what parents need to know. Matthew is the Director of Education for MediaSmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy. He’s the author of numerous educational resources and the architect of MediaSmarts’ Use, Understand, Engage digital literacy framework used in schools across the country. In this episode, he shares findings from national research on how kids access pornography, the advertising and business models that drive it, and what we know about its impact on children and youth. Janet and Matthew also discuss the blurred line between mainstream sexualized content and pornographic media, how gender stereotypes and peer pressure shape teens’ experiences, and why education – not censorship – may be our most effective tool in protecting youth. Whether you’re a parent navigating awkward conversations, a teacher supporting media literacy, or a professional working with teens, this episode offers a nuanced and deeply thoughtful look at one of the more complex digital risks facing kids today. To learn more about Matthew’s work and access MediaSmarts resources, visit ⁠mediasmarts.ca⁠. For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠website⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen.  Stay connected with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ & ⁠Instagram⁠.