The Coping Podcast

Susanne Phillips Keeley, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist, an author, and the developer of GOSTRONG®, a unique tool to maximize executive function skills. With over three decades of experience, Susanne specializes in treating individuals with executive function disorders and differences. She has penned titles such as Write This Down: Making your student planner work for you and The Source for Executive Function Disorders. Her expertise and innovative approaches in the field have made her a notable figure, and she is often invited to speak at conferences, educational institutions, and parent groups nationwide. Susanne operates a private practice based in Wilmette, Illinois, where she offers her services as an executive function coach. In this episode… Are your children getting the right amount of sleep, proper nutrition, and adequate planning for optimal performance? How do these fundamental elements impact their executive functioning skills? According to Susanne Phillips Keeley, a seasoned expert in executive function coaching, these fundamental elements directly enhance a child's ability to focus, manage time, and regulate emotions. They provide the brain with the structure to function optimally. Susanne emphasizes that sleep and nutrition are critical for brain health, affecting everything from attention span to problem-solving skills. Conversely, effective planning helps children learn to allocate their resources and time efficiently, significantly improving their executive functioning. By building these basic habits, parents can give their kids the tools they need to tackle academic and everyday tasks easily and successfully. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz welcomes Susanne Phillips Keeley to explore the critical building blocks of effective executive functioning in children. They talk about the importance of sleep and nutrition, practical strategies for improving time management, and the role of parental modeling in developing these essential life skills.

Rabbi Wendi Geffen is a Senior Rabbi at North Shore Congregation Israel, a dynamic community dedicated to celebrating Reform Judaism and fostering connections through progressive Jewish living. Through leadership, guidance, and insightful teaching, Rabbi Geffen has become a pivotal figure in promoting tikkun olam — a Hebrew expression for repairing the world. Her dedication to empowering individuals to explore and define their Jewish identities demonstrates her commitment to the synagogue and the larger Jewish community. Rabbi Geffen's influence extends to national leadership roles, including serving on the executive board of the Chicago Board of Rabbis and participating in various Jewish and community boards. As a respected voice on issues of national importance, she contributes thoughtfully and effectively to public discourse. In this episode… In an era marked by uncertainty and rapid destabilization, parents face the daunting task of raising children in what often feels like an "unhinged" world. How can they ensure their kids feel safe, develop resilience, and maintain a strong sense of identity amid such volatility? According to Rabbi Wendi Geffen — a seasoned leader with deep roots in community guidance and Jewish wisdom — parents should empower themselves and their children to navigate these challenges through discernment, community support, and intentional mindfulness practices. Rabbi Geffen emphasizes the importance of understanding that, despite the chaos, there are elements within our control. By fostering open communication, grounding themselves in traditional wisdom, and embracing modern mindfulness practices, families can find stability and strength. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz and Rabbi Wendi Geffen of the North Shore Congregation Israel explore strategies for parenting in today's anti-Semitic world. They delve into understanding and addressing parents' and children's anxieties, the impact of societal challenges on family dynamics, and practical tips for incorporating mindfulness and character refinement into daily life.

Dr. 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 speciality 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… Parenting in today’s environment comes with unique challenges, particularly when fostering independence and self-confidence in teens. Are you finding the right balance between guiding your child and giving them the freedom to grow? According to Dr. Leigh Weisz, a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in child and adolescent psychology, the solution is to let teens face and learn from life's challenges. Dr. Weisz emphasizes the importance of allowing teens to develop resilience and problem-solving skills by experiencing discomfort and boredom — without being rescued by their parents at every turn. She advises against overprotective behaviors, suggesting instead that parents gradually loosen their grip to enable their teens to build confidence and independence. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is interviewed by Leslie Randolph of Confidence Coaching For Girls about effective strategies for raising confident and independent adults. They discuss the pitfalls of helicopter parenting, the importance of allowing teens to experience boredom and discomfort, and practical tips for parents to foster resilience and self-reliance in their children.

Dr. Eli Lebowitz is a renowned expert in the field of childhood and adolescent anxiety and serves as the Director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. His expertise includes extensive research on the development, neurobiology, and treatment of anxiety and related disorders, with a focus on how generations and families influence these conditions. Dr. Eli developed SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), a pioneering parent-based treatment program for childhood and adolescent anxiety. This method — proven effective in randomized controlled trials — shifts the focus from children to parents, helping them modify their children’s behaviors to treat anxiety issues, including separation anxiety, social and generalized anxiety, fears, phobias, panic disorder, and OCD. In this episode… Navigating childhood anxiety can be a daunting task for any parent, especially when facing inadequacy and guilt for failed treatments. How can you support your anxious child effectively without inadvertently reinforcing their fears and anxieties? According to Dr. Eli Lebowitz, a specialist in childhood and adolescent anxiety, the key lies in understanding and adjusting parental behaviors toward this condition. Dr. Eli highlights the importance of reducing accommodations that may exacerbate a child's anxiety, while providing supportive, confidence-building communication. When adopting this approach, rather than forcing your child to engage in distressing activities, recognize your accommodating behaviors to adjust your perspective. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz and Dr. Jeremy Weisz are joined by Dr. Eli Lebowitz, Director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center and creator of the SPACE treatment. They explore strategies for managing anxious children, tackling bedtime separation anxiety, and addressing parental disagreements in treatment. Tune in for insights and a “magic tip” for streamlining bedtime routines, essential for parents managing their child's anxiety.

Dr. Mojgan Makki, MD, DFAACAP, is the Founder of Psychiatry Studio, a mental health organization that focuses on treatment, education, and prevention. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Makki is a double board-certified psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Her extensive experience spans private, community, and university systems, where she has taught and promoted mental health and wellness. Dr. Makki serves on the board of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders. In this episode… Managing your child's mental health can feel overwhelming and filled with questions, decisions, and uncertainties. As parents, how can you take the reins and help guide their journey through these challenges? According to Dr. Mojgan Makki, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, the key lies in parents' education and their active roles as advocates for their children. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, diligent documentation of symptoms, and understanding the role of medication in treatment. When considering medication for your child’s mental health disorder, assess how their symptoms impact their daily lives and consult with professionals to evaluate your options. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz talks with Dr. Mojgan Makki, Founder of Psychiatry Studio, about the pivotal role parents play in managing their children's mental health. They discuss when to consider medication versus continuing with therapy, the role of early intervention and treatment in anxiety disorders, and how to formulate a treatment plan with your child's psychiatrist.

Beth McCormack is a Family Law Attorney and Partner at Beermann LLP, a firm renowned for its advocacy in divorce and family law matters. With an extensive background in family law, she covers complex litigation, mediation, and collaborative law. Her practice philosophy is built on compassion and empathy, recognizing each client’s unique needs. Beth has experience representing children when appointed by the court, allowing her to navigate complex parenting issues. Beth has received numerous accolades and recognition, including Leading Lawyer and Best Lawyer and has been named Top 100 Super Lawyers and Top 50 Women Super Lawyers. Beyond the courtroom, Beth contributes to the legal community through her monthly column in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and other publications, sharing best practices and insights on family law. In this episode… Co-parenting after a divorce can feel like navigating a minefield. But even with court proceedings and custody battles, you must put your kids’ needs first and minimize conflict between you and your ex-partner. If you're in the thick of it or just wondering how to prepare, today’s guest shares how to reduce the stress of even the most complex divorce cases. Beth McCormack, a family law expert, explains a compassionate approach to divorce can make all the difference for your family. She emphasizes that divorce doesn't have to be a battlefield. With thoughtful planning, active communication, and supportive resources, it can be a transition that respects everyone involved — especially the kids. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz chats with Beth McCormack, Family Law Attorney and Partner at Beermann LLP, about turning a challenging divorce into successful co-parenting. They cover the importance of avoiding court battles, how to manage the emotional aspects of a divorce, and some incredibly useful resources for parents and kids alike. Tune in for expert advice on making this life transition as smooth as possible for your family.

Leslie Randolph is a Certified Life Coach and the Chief Wisdom Officer at The Coach Chronicles. With a focus on building self-confidence and intentionality, Leslie specializes in guiding teenage girls and adult women to set life-enhancing goals. Her coaching approach is designed to assist clients in crafting narratives that foster growth, self-improvement, and overall betterment of their lives. After overcoming challenges in self-perception and self-esteem through diligent work and coaching, Leslie made a commitment to share her insights and tools with others. In this episode… Confidence is not just a recommended trait for teenagers — it's a superpower! A teenager armed with self-confidence navigates the tumultuous years of adolescence with resilience, clear thinking, and a stronger sense of identity. But how can parents help their teens develop this crucial quality? According to Leslie Randolph, a confidence coach for girls and young women, nurturing self-confidence involves empowering young people to believe in their inherent worthiness and gifts. Leslie believes with the right resources and mindset, self-confidence can be taught, fostered, and nurtured like any other skill. By helping teens identify negative thoughts and feelings through coaching therapy, they can alter their personal belief systems. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz converses with Leslie Randolph about the pivotal role of self-confidence in a teen’s development. They discuss the interplay between self-confidence and mental health, the impact of parents and peers on a teen's confidence, and strategies to foster self-belief in teens. Leslie also shares her favorite resources for parents and teenagers.

Dr. Aryn Froum is a licensed clinical psychologist at Froum Health. She helps children, adolescents, adults, and families address challenges, foster resilience, and form better lives. Dr. Froum was a Clinical Staff Member at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. She has worked in private practice for over ten years. Her extensive clinical experience has involved providing outpatient psychotherapy, consulting at a preschool and a summer program for gifted teens, and leading various groups for children and parents. In this episode… OCD is disruptive and difficult to manage without the proper tools. As the parent of a child diagnosed with OCD, how do you give them the right support without encouraging their compulsive behaviors? According to Dr. Aryn Froum, understanding the science behind OCD and learning how to manage it is an essential first step. Parents often accommodate their child’s behaviors to ease anxiety, but this hinders progress and exacerbates the child’s symptoms. Instead, you should work with a therapist to help your child acknowledge OCD as separate from themselves and practice exposure therapy to mitigate fears. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz hosts Dr. Aryn Froum, a licensed clinical psychologist, to talk about OCD in children. Dr. Froum also shares why you shouldn’t reassure or accommodate your child’s behaviors, her approach to treating OCD, and helpful resources to learn more about this disorder.

Dr. Colleen Cira is the Founder and Executive Director of Cira Center for Behavioral Health. As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Cira focuses on providing individual and group therapy services in phases of life issues, women's health, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, and trauma. The Cira Center also offers presentations, clinical supervision, and consultation services. In this episode… In our fast-paced daily lives, it’s often difficult to reserve time for self-care. But rest and mindfulness-based practices are vital to avoid burnout — especially for busy parents. So how can we incorporate meditative techniques into our days to process emotions effectively? According to Dr. Colleen Cira, meditation and mindfulness are crucial for mental and emotional health and preserving relationships. These practices exist on a spectrum that involves daily meditation sessions or moments of awareness. If you’re struggling to integrate frequent meditation sessions in your day, Dr. Cira suggests taking time to recognize your feelings, circumstances, and environment by utilizing the five senses to address your needs. Even the smallest moments of mindfulness can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Leigh Weisz hosts Dr. Colleen Cira, the Founder and Executive Director of Cira Center for Behavioral Health, to talk about the value of meditation in processing emotions. Dr. Cira shares how we can incorporate meditation and mindfulness without breaking our busy schedules, how to become intentional with our actions, and the importance of showing up for ourselves and our relationships.

Nicki Sutherland and Erin Kerpel are two of the five Founders of Gratitude Generation. This nonprofit provides community service opportunities in the Chicago area for children, families, and organizations. Nicki is the Executive Director of the program and a former English teacher. Erin is the Director of Programming and a former school psychologist. In this episode… Gratitude is essential for healing, support, and personal growth. How do you begin practicing gratitude? You can start by signing up for volunteer events, whether big or small. Today's guests share the efforts their nonprofit makes in expressing gratitude. According to Erin Kerpel and Nicki Sutherland, teaching kids the value of gratitude at an early age is crucial. Gratitude Generation’s volunteer events allow children and families to participate in food pantries and random acts of kindness. Through community support, children learn to influence others by making a positive difference in their lives. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz hosts Nicki Sutherland and Erin Kerpel, two of the five Founders of Gratitude Generation, to talk about how they cultivate gratitude through their nonprofit. Nicki and Erin also share the value of allowing kids to appreciate what they have and how they can help those who lack basic needs.

Ben Kessler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Coping Partners. He has over ten years of experience working with children ages six and up, adolescents, adults, and families. After receiving his Master of Social Work from Loyola University, Ben joined the Jewish Child and Family Services as a Clinician, Clinical Supervisor, and Assistant Director of Outpatient Adult, Child, and Family Services. Ben is skilled at engaging his clients and works from a strength-based perspective, knowing that trust and a solid therapeutic relationship are central to successful psychotherapy. In this episode… Technology and social media use has become increasingly prevalent, especially among kids and teens. While these platforms can provide opportunities for communication, connection, and education, children can also become too dependent on them. How can you establish healthy technology boundaries with your children? According to Ben Kessler, technology addiction occurs when its usage disrupts children’s relationships and behaviors. When this happens, each member of the family must participate in a 30-day abstinence period from technology. This strict boundary allows children to understand technology’s detrimental effect on their mental health, build physical relationships, and discover healthy activities. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz hosts Ben Kessler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Coping Partners, to talk about technology addiction in children. Ben also highlights the importance of parents teaching young children the boundaries of healthy technology use and describes what happens when technology is taken away completely.

Dr. Lisa Novak is the Co-founder and Clinical Director of Illuminate Psychological Assessments. She is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessments for children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as supervising other licensed and pre-licensed clinicians in their assessment work. Her areas of expertise include learning disabilities, ADHD, and the interplay between physical and mental health concerns. Dr. Novak earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In this episode… Every child has his/her own unique set of skills, talents, and areas for improvement. Parents who notice certain concerns with their children are often advised to have them take a neuropsychological assessment. So what is the purpose of this evaluation, and how does it help children manage their difficulties? According to Dr. Lisa Novak, a neuropsychological assessment is a deep dive into the source of a symptom, behavior, or challenge. Parents often come to her and her team when their children experience difficulty focusing, reading delays, and other dysregulated behavior. The goal of the evaluation is to identify the root cause and the next best steps to help the child. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Leigh Weisz hosts Dr. Lisa Novak, the Co-founder and Clinical Director of Illuminate Psychological Assessments, to talk about the value of neuropsychological assessments for children. Dr. Novak shares how these assessments benefit both parents and children, her usual process for identifying the root cause of children’s problems and challenges, and the impact of COVID on children’s emotional struggles.

Lara Field, MS, RD, LDN is the Owner and Founder of FEED (Forming Early Eating Decisions) Nutrition Consulting, a private nutrition consulting practice in Chicago. She is a pediatric expert with more than a decade of clinical experience at top-ranked pediatric hospitals, including the University of Chicago Medical Center and Lurie Children’s Hospital. Laura serves as a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is active within the Chicago Dietetics Association and the Chicago Food and Nutrition Network. She’s also been quoted in national publications on infant feeding practices, food allergies, celiac disease, and other health topics. As a mom herself, Lara always strives to provide realistic and practical guidance for busy families. In this episode… As a parent, teaching children to maintain a healthy diet can be challenging. Some kids are picky eaters, while others splurge on junk food, so it’s crucial to approach the topic of nutrition sensitively and appropriately. So, how can you develop healthy eating habits for your children and family? According to Lara Field, introducing a new food takes 9 to fifteen times before a child accepts it. To simplify this process, it’s beneficial to form a comparison between trying new food and practicing a new skill to increase the child’s receptivity. By setting realistic goals and making small changes to your family’s diet, you can begin to form a healthy lifestyle. In this episode of the Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz hosts Lara Field MS, RD, LDN, the Owner and Founder of FEED Nutrition Consulting. Lara talks about the value of healthy eating for kids and families. She shares tips on how parents can handle picky eaters, how to teach kids to form healthy eating habits, and how parents can maintain healthy meals despite their busy schedules.

Dr. Michelle Cutler is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder of Michelle Cutler, Ph.D. and Associates. She has over twenty years of experience working with children and families and specializes in helping children and adolescents who have experienced trauma – particularly abuse and neglect. Dr. Cutler received her PhD from the University of Toledo, completed her internship training at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center. Aside from her private practice, Dr. Cutler is an Associate Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she teaches doctoral-level classes, including Child Trauma. In this episode… The recent Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, will forever be remembered — not because of the joyful celebration, but because of the trauma it has left on the residents. For most of them, the nightmare continues in the aftermath of the tragedy, with parents struggling to properly explain to their children the violence that occured. So, what are some of the best ways to talk to your children about a traumatic incident? How can you help them process their emotions and heal? Dr. Michelle Cutler says it’s okay for parents not to have all the answers. The most critical factor in helping kids recover from trauma is the presence and response of supportive adults and caretakers. After giving children a safe space to talk, parents can help them understand what’s going on by validating their fears and reassuring them of their safety. You can also practice grounding exercises at home to help your kids manage anxiety. Dr. Cutler urges parents to check in on themselves before speaking with their children, and if needed, consult with a therapist to help your child work through the trauma. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Dr. Michelle Cutler, the Founder of Michelle Cutler, Ph.D., and Associates, to discuss how to talk to children after a traumatic event. Dr. Cutler talks about the mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, explains how adults and children can process their emotions, and shares tips for moving forward.

Dr. Leigh Weisz is the Founder of Coping Partners, a mental health clinic. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice after having been 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 speciality 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… The mass shooting during the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois left residents traumatized and scared. In the aftermath of the tragedy, many parents are wondering how to talk to their children about the violence that occurred. So, what are some ways you can help your children process their emotions and heal from such devastation? Dr. Leigh Weisz says to first determine exactly what your children witnessed during the event. Once you’ve established that knowledge, it’s important to provide your kids with a safe space to express their feelings, without introducing any outside information from media sources. By validating your children’s feelings and reassuring them of their immediate safety, you can begin the healing process. In this episode of The Coping Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Dr. Jeremy Weisz, the Co-founder of Rise25 Media, to discuss how to talk to children after a traumatic event. Dr. Weisz talks about the mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, explains how adults and children can process their emotions, and shares tips for moving forward.