Ep. 24: Fear, Feelings & the Developing Brain with
Dr. Julia Hilbert, PhD
In this episode, we explore the emotional landscape of children today, the importance of emotional courage, and how adults can foster resilience and independence. Dr. Julia Hilbert, a licensed psychologist specializing in youth mental health, shares valuable insights on recognizing emotional cues, supporting kids without reinforcing fears, and the role of therapy in building life skills. This episode offers valuable guidance for parents, educators, and caregivers navigating the complexities of supporting children’s mental health in today’s world. Whether dealing with anxiety, OCD, or developmental challenges, these insights aim to foster resilience, independence, and emotional safety for children of all ages.
Key Topics:
* The impact of social media and COVID-19 isolation on children's emotional well-being
* Common emotions in children that alarm adults, like anger and irritability, and their connection to anxiety and depression
* The importance of emotional regulation—helping children identify and manage their feelings
* How therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, can equip kids with coping skills
* Differentiating between enabling and supporting children, especially around managing anxiety and OCD
* The significance of fostering independence through scaffolding and gradual exposure
* The evolving expectations for children compared to previous generations and their implications
* Practical tools like reward systems (e.g., Brave Bucks) for encouraging brave and adaptive behaviors
* How to respond to feelings of overwhelm as a parent or caregiver
Connect with Dr. Julia Hilbert:
* LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/juliahilbert]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliahilbert/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliahilbert/]
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Disclaimer: This episode reflects our personal experiences and perspectives and is shared for conversation, reflection and entertainment purposes only, not as medical, spiritual or mental health advice.