Catch-Up on Kids Mental Health

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.

In this episode, Janet sits down with Dr. Ruwa Sabbagh, Ph.D., C.Psych., to explore how parent-child therapy can support emotional development and strengthen relationships from the earliest years of life.Dr. Sabbagh is a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has trained extensively in the Watch, Wait and Wonder model, a play-based, attachment-focused approach that supports healing and connection between caregivers and their children.In this conversation, she explains how this style of therapy works, why it’s so effective for helping young children regulate emotions, and how it offers parents a chance to respond more sensitively, even when that wasn’t modeled for them growing up. She also shares insights into how attachment patterns form in early life and continue to shape relationships well into adulthood.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. John Stewart to explore how attachment-focused family therapy can help families work together to address mental health concerns. Dr. Stewart is a clinical psychologist, assistant clinical professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, and the author of several books including his most recent: What Helps When Children and Families Struggle. In this episode, he shares insights from decades of experience working with children, adolescents, and parents. He discusses why individual therapy isn’t always the best starting point, how to reframe children’s behaviour through the lens of connection and vulnerability, and the power of creating a safe, playful, and emotionally attuned space for families.Whether you’re a parent, clinician, or educator — this episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful look at how to repair relationship issues, reduce shame and bring families back into a loving, supportive relationship with one another.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 with Dr. Teresa (Terry) Bennett to learn about The Family Check-Up program and how a family-centered approach to children’s mental health can lead to better outcomes for kids and their families. Dr. Bennett is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Associate Professor at McMaster University where she is leading research on The Family Check-Up program and exploring how this evidence-based, family-centered model can be integrated into child and youth mental health services in Canada. Janet and Dr. Bennett discuss how the program works, who it’s for, and how it's being adapted in a Canadian context. They also explore the program’s benefits including improved parenting practices, reduced behavioural challenges in children, and long-term mental health outcomes — all while offering a cost-effective alternative to more intensive interventions.You can learn more about the The Family Check-Up program 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.

In this episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in young people.Dr. Taube-Schiff is a registered psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. She is the founder and director of Forward Thinking Psychological Services, a multidisciplinary practice serving clients in Ontario and British Columbia. A leading voice in the field, Dr. Taube-Schiff was one of the founding professionals behind Canada’s first residential treatment program for OCD at Sunnybrook, is a past president of the Ontario Psychological Association, and currently sits on the Scientific Advisory Committee for Anxiety Canada.Janet and Dr. Taube-Schiff explore how OCD impacts a young person’s daily life, the emotions that often accompany it — including distress, disgust, and shame — and the most effective therapeutic approaches, including CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Inference-Based CBT (ICBT). They also talk about the crucial role of parents in treatment and why early intervention can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.You can find out more about Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s work at Forward Thinking Psychological Services.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. Barbara Perry about the rise of hate crimes and online hate communities, particularly how they impact children and youth. Dr. Perry is a professor at Ontario Tech University and the director of the Center on Hate, Bias, and Extremism. She holds a UNESCO Chair in Hate Studies and was recently named to the Order of Canada. As one of Canada’s leading experts on hate crimes and right-wing extremism, she advises policymakers, practitioners, and media on these issues and has authored multiple books, including In the Name of Hate and Right-Wing Extremism in Canada.Janet and Dr. Perry discuss how hate crimes are legally defined, who is most often targeted, and the factors that contribute to a climate of hate. They also highlight how online spaces — especially gaming platforms and social media — are being used to spread hate and recruit young people into extremist movements. Dr. Perry shares practical ways parents and educators can monitor online spaces, build critical digital literacy skills, and create safer communities for children and youth.You can find out more about Dr. Barbara Perry’s work at the Center on Hate, Bias, and Extremism.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 Paula ​Rosen about the challenges some children face with speech and language development and how early intervention can make a lasting impact. Paula is ​a ​licensed ​Speech Language ​Pathologist ​who ​has ​over 30 ​years ​of ​experience ​as both ​a ​school ​clinician ​and private ​practitioner ​treating children of all ages. She ​currently ​is part of the multi-disciplinary team ​at ​Wonderspeak ​clinic ​in Toronto, where she works with adults and professionals to ​build ​confidence ​in ​their ​workplace ​communications. Janet and Paula discuss the spectrum of ways children might struggle with speech and language difficulties including articulation, stuttering, language processing and the impact that can have on self-esteem, as well as, learning and development. They also share actionable ways parents and teachers can support a child who may have speech or language difficulties. You can find out more about Paula and her work on her website: www.paularosen.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 speaks with Dr. Jonathan Singer, PhD, LCSW. Dr. Singer is a professor at Loyola University in Chicago's School of Social Work and the Founder and host of The Social Work Podcast. Dr. Singer is the author of two editions of Suicide in Schools and an award-winning researcher specializing in family-based interventions for suicidal and cyberbullied youth, service access, school-based suicide responses, and the use of technology in education and clinical practice. Dr. Singer is also a former president of the American Association of Suicidology.  Janet and Dr. Singer discuss what can contribute to teen suicide, looking at risk and prevention factors, the myth surrounding the idea that talking about suicide contributes to the ideology and the issue of contagion. Listen to Dr. Singer’s podcast https://socialworkpodcast.blogspot.com/  Resources recommended by Dr. Singer:  Anna Mueller & Seth Abrutyn - Life Under Pressure: The Social Roots of Youth Suicide and What to Do About Them Pat Corrigan Mental health - On the Stigma of Mental Illness: Practical Strategies for Research and Social Change The S-word documentary - Shattering the Silence around SuicideFor more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this episode, Janet Morrison talks with Cassandra Moore, the Assistant Director of The CBT Institute of Southern California.  Cassandra specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention of Tics (CBIT). Through her practice, she provides individual, family and group therapy to treat a variety of disorders including ADHD, mood disorders, Tourette/Tic Disorders, defiance, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. She is also the co-author of Tic’d, A Child's Guide to Defeating Tics, which teaches children and parents the steps of CBIT to eliminate unwanted tics. Janet and Cassandra discuss what Tourette’s and Tic Disorders look like in children and the stress these symptoms can have on a child's life. They talk through what the treatment phase entails, looking at the many variables involved, as well as ways parents can reduce stress in their children's lives by helping minimize triggers.  You can find out more on the topic here: CBIT of South California Blog  For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this episode, Janet Morrison speaks with Cathy Maser (she/her) about gender dysphoria and ways to support trans children and youth.  For the past 18 years, Cathy’s clinical practice has been focused on youth with chronic illness, substance misuse, sexual health, gender identity and mood disorders. Through her practice, she has provided gender-affirming care to youth and was also a lecturer at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto for 12 years. She recently retired after 35 years at Sick Kids Hospital and continues to work with community partners to educate schools, parents, and service providers on adolescent development, mental health, substance use and gender-diverse identities. Janet and Cathy discuss some of the common myths associated with gender-affirming care, the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for exploring gender identity and the role of puberty blockers as a reversible intervention. If you would like to know more about the work Cathy does, please visit these websites:   Affirming Adults Guide | We Are Allies For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this episode, Janet Morrison talks with Dr. Katreena Scott about the severe consequences for children growing up in violent households including developmental trauma disorder.  Dr. Scott is a Professor of Applied Psychology at the University of Western Ontario. She is the Academic Director of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence against Women & Children. Her research includes preventing gender-based and sexual violence on university and college campuses, helping workplaces recognize and respond to employees at risk for lethal domestic violence, and helping child protection services improve the safety and well-being of children exposed to domestic violence.  Janet and Dr. Scott discuss what developmental trauma disorder is, how it differs from other diagnoses like PTSD, and how it can be treated and potentially identified at an earlier stage. They also look at the role of abusive men and fathers and offer insight into how to engage them in the work with their children.  For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this episode, Janet Morrison talks with Dr. Ramona Alaggia about intimate partner violence and its impact on the mental health of women and children.  Dr. Ramona Alaggia is a professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto with expertise in trauma, resilience, and gender-based violence. Her research focuses on the mental health impacts of intimate partner violence, child sexual abuse, and supporting resilience in those exposed to violence. Janet and Dr. Alaggia discuss what intimate partner violence is, how it’s evolved over time, and the effect it has on children who grow up around it. They also explore how intimate partner violence impacts parenting and the shift toward keeping children at home while supporting the victims and perpetrators so that family life can continue.  For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this episode, Janet Morrison speaks with Dr. Elaine Levy about how access to quality child care impacts the mental health and well-being of children and families.  Dr. Levy is VP of Child Care & Family Services at WoodGreen Community Services in Toronto, which operates eight licensed childcare sites and provides additional family support services. Janet and Dr Levy discuss the rigorous standards and quality assessments for childcare centers in Ontario, the benefits that these environments provide for children and parents, and the role of early intervention in addressing developmental and emotional challenges in children. Learn more about WoodGreen Community Services at www.woodgreen.orgFor more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

This month, Janet Morrison talks with Dr. Vladimir Barayev MD FAAP, a Board Certified Pediatrician, Lactation Counselor, and father of two, who believes passionately in high-quality and personal care for children. Janet and Dr. Vlad discuss the relationship between physical and mental health and the six pillars of health he uses when working with families. Dr. Vlad believes acting as a whole family unit, rather than focusing solely on the child, when addressing the six pillars is instrumental to success. They also explore how to celebrate the incremental steps on the way to improving overall physical and mental well-being. To find out about Dr. Vad, visit his website or YouTube Channel. For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this month's episode, Janet Morrison talks to Colleen Mousseau, a Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at AWC Grief Support. Colleen is a leader and team builder, advocating for inclusive mental health care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Throughout this episode, Janet and Colleen discuss what distinguishes traumatic grief from grief, the long-term effects for children if grief is not managed and what markers to look out for in a child who is suffering from traumatic grief.  Colleen also shares how group therapy can help grieving adolescents and teens by providing a safe space to form new connections with peers who have a shared experience.  To find out more about Colleen, please visit the AWC Grief Support website.  For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this month’s episode, Janet Morrison talks to Andrea Warnick, an educator, registered psychotherapist, nurse, and thanatologist.  Andrea offers compassionate support to individuals facing serious illness, dying, or the death of a loved one. With 25 years of experience, she understands the importance of this support for integrating grief and thriving in life. Janet and Andrea discuss the need for open communication about death and illness within families, the importance of preparing children for loss, and strategies to help children articulate their feelings. Andrea stresses that grief is a lifelong process that integrates into your life, rather than something to 'get over', and through education, storytelling, and community support we can help children to grieve healthily.  You can find out more about Andrea and her work on her website.  If you’re a parent or educator looking for resources or training to better understand and support children who are grieving, please visit KidsGrief.caFor more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this month’s episode, Janet Morrison talks with Dr. Maiysha Clairborne, an Atlanta-based physician, trainer, and consultant.  Specializing in integrating alternative and traditional medicine, Dr. Clairborne trains individuals in organizations to learn how to communicate effectively and fulfill personal goals while meeting organizational outcomes. She is the author of the Wellness Blueprint, co-author of Conscious Anti-racism, and host of the Black Mind Garden podcast. During their conversation, Janet and Dr. Clairborne discuss family conflicts and the dynamics of the different relationships that are involved. They also explore the impact of trauma on communication, self-care, and understanding boundaries in conflict resolution.  To learn more about Dr. Clairborne and her work, visit  https://drmaiysha.com/For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In this month’s episode, Janet interviews Dr. Giovanni Foti, a seasoned clinical and forensic psychologist to discuss conduct disorder in children and teens. Specializing in children, teens, and families, Dr. Foti has worked with various clinical and forensic settings that have included outpatient, secure treatment, youth justice, and private practices. Janet and Dr. Foti discuss the criteria and possible risk factors that may lead to a conduct disorder diagnosis. Dr. Foti also highlights that conduct disorders are behavior-based and how early intervention with well-targeted treatments and family support lead to better outcomes.  Dr. Foti recommends the website https://livesinthebalance.org/ for more information on supporting children and teens with conduct disorder.  To learn more about Dr. Foti and his work visit www.hhpg.ca and www.amindfulchange.com.For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.

In episode 40, Janet delves into the effect of social media on the mental well-being of young people with returning guest, Dr. Daniel Zdzieborski. A Clinical Psychologist with experience in hospitals, schools, community and private practice settings, Dr. Zdzieborski specializes in treating children and adolescents with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns. Together, Janet and Dr. Zdzieborski examine how children’s engagement with social media platforms can nurture connections and foster independence, yet at the same time create a deceptive sense of community. This dual dynamic can potentially give rise to mental health challenges, such as feelings of isolation and alienation. They also explore how the increased use of social media interferes with sleep patterns, triggers social comparisons, and contributes to the formation of unrealistic expectations about life. This is especially prevalent in children and adolescents. Dr. Zdzieborski shares how our societies have developed so fast that we have not been able to adapt on an evolutionary level. To learn more about Dr. Daniel Zdzieborski and his work, please visit his website. For more information on the work we do at CATCH, please visit our website.