Welcome, fearfully and wonderfully made human!

This episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast is a powerful dive into parenting, psychological evaluations, and how to better support neurodivergent kids—especially in the midst of trauma, divorce, and diagnostic confusion. Diana welcomes Dr. Staci Weiner, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist, for a deep, practical, and grace-filled conversation about trauma, resilience, and reclaiming confidence in parenting.

Dr. Weiner is the founder of Apple Psychological, a multidisciplinary mental health practice with locations in Boca Raton, FL, and Roslyn Heights, NY. With nearly 20 years of experience, she offers psychological evaluations, forensic consultations, psychotherapy, and group therapy services for children, teens, and adults.

Together, Diana and Dr. Weiner unpack key challenges families face—including cultural stigma, the misuse of labels like autism or ADHD, the reality of co-parenting through high-conflict divorces, and how CBT can be life-changing not just for kids, but for overwhelmed parents.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why routine and predictability are critical for neurodivergent children

• How unresolved trauma shows up in parenting and relationships

• Tools parents can use to co-regulate during chaos (hello, distress tolerance!)

• The truth about psychological evaluations—what they are, why they matter, and how they’re misunderstood

• Cognitive distortions commonly seen in divorcing parents and how to reframe them

• Cultural misunderstandings in mental health diagnosis and why context matters

• The difference between labeling and truly seeing someone for who they are

• Why validation and a healthy community are essential for healing

 Quotes to Remember:

"You actually see my child for who they are—not as a label, but as a human being." – Parent to Dr. Staci Weiner

"Not everyone can afford therapy—but you can still take agency over your healing." – Diana S. Rice

Resources Mentioned:

• Apple Psychological Practice

• Robson Forensic, Inc.

• Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment (Free)

• Love Languages Assessment

• List of Cognitive Distortions (PDF)

• Episode 68 with Dr. Benson Fox

Connect with Dr. Staci Weiner:

• Website: applepsychological.com

• Practice Locations: Boca Raton, FL + Roslyn Heights, NY

• Forensic Work: Robson Forensic

• Contact: Call or schedule via applepsychological.janeapp.com

Join the Divorce Support Group (Florida + Virtual)

• Pathways to Peace – A supportive hybrid group for women navigating divorce or separation. Includes education and guest experts. Contact Apple Psychological to schedule a free consult with Dr. Aisha Robinson.

Connect with Diana:

• Website: throughthevalleytherapy.com

• Coaching & Consulting: transformedmindcc.com

• Instagram: @theholisticcounselorpodcast | @throughthevalleytherapy

• Podcast: The Holistic Counselor Podcast (new episodes every Wednesday!)