Beacon Hill Family Services

Bullying can affect far more than a child’s school day. It can impact confidence, friendships, emotional health, academic performance, and a young person’s sense of safety.

In this episode of the Beacon Hill Family Services Podcast, we talk about how bullying affects children and teens, the warning signs parents and caregivers should watch for, and practical ways adults can respond.

We discuss physical bullying, cyberbullying, social exclusion, verbal bullying, peer pressure, and the emotional effects bullying can have on children and adolescents. You’ll also hear about common signs of bullying, including anxiety, depression, school avoidance, changes in friendships, low self-esteem, anger, withdrawal, and changes in sleep or behavior.

This episode also explores how parents can start conversations about bullying, what to do when a child is afraid to speak up, how to build resilience and healthy boundaries, and how to respond when your child may be bullying someone else.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, youth leader, or mental health professional, this episode offers practical insight into helping kids feel safer, more confident, and better supported.

Beacon Hill Family Services provides child therapy, teen counseling, family therapy, and mental health counseling for families throughout Central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, and surrounding communities.

Learn more at www.beaconhillfamilyservices.com

Topics include: bullying, cyberbullying, child mental health, teen mental health, parenting, school anxiety, child anxiety, teen anxiety, depression, self-esteem, peer relationships, social skills, family therapy, child counseling, and teen counseling.

Whether your child is starting kindergarten, moving into middle school, beginning high school, or simply heading back for another year, the transition from summer into school can bring a mixture of excitement, stress, anticipation, frustration, and anxiety.

And parents feel it too.

Suddenly we're thinking about bedtimes, backpacks, lunches, transportation, sports schedules, homework, teachers, friendships, screen time, and whether anybody in the house actually owns a pair of shoes that still fits.

But getting children ready for school involves more than buying notebooks and setting an alarm.

Join us on this episode as we dive into ways to get kiddos prepped for going back to school.

In this episode, we explore the unique mental health challenges women face—and the strengths they bring to navigating them. From hormonal shifts across the lifespan to the pressures of societal expectations, we unpack how biology, culture, and lived experience intersect to shape women’s mental well-being. We discuss the impact of reproductive health, motherhood, career demands, and relationships, as well as the often-overlooked realities of anxiety, depression, and burnout in women. Through expert insights and personal stories, we highlight practical strategies for self-care, building support networks, and advocating for better mental health resources. Whether you’re seeking to better understand your own journey or support the women in your life, this conversation offers knowledge, compassion, and hope.

Betrayal cuts deep — whether it’s a friend, partner, family member, or even ourselves. In this episode, we explore the emotional aftermath of betrayal, how it affects our ability to trust, and why it hurts so much. We’ll talk about the psychology behind betrayal, the different forms it can take, and the difficult path to healing and forgiveness. Whether you’ve been betrayed or have struggled with betraying someone else, this conversation will offer insight, compassion, and practical tools for navigating the broken pieces of trust.

In this episode, we dive into a common but often unspoken relationship dilemma: What happens when only one partner is willing to go to therapy? Whether you're the one seeking help or feeling resistant to the idea, we unpack the emotional, relational, and practical layers behind this imbalance. You'll hear expert insights on how individual therapy can still create change in a relationship, how to approach your partner without pressure or blame, and what steps to take when couples therapy just isn’t on the table—yet. If you're feeling stuck, unheard, or simply unsure what to do next, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a realistic path forward.

In this episode we dive deep into the essential conversations, tools, and insights every couple needs before walking down the aisle. Whether you're engaged, seriously dating, or just curious about what it takes to build a strong foundation for marriage, this podcast is your guide to meaningful premarital work.

Join licensed marriage and family therapists Brandon and Jenny as we explore topics like communication skills, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, values alignment, and family dynamics. From navigating tough conversations to strengthening emotional connection, this episode offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and expert advice to help you start your marriage with confidence and clarity.

Because love may bring you together—but intentional work will keep you together.

In this episode, we explore the complex and often misunderstood world of narcissism.

Join us as we break down the characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), unpack the spectrum of narcissistic traits, and examine how narcissism can impact mental health—for both the person experiencing it and those around them. We also dive into common myths, signs to watch for, and what the path to healing might look like for those in close relationships with narcissists.

Whether you're navigating a toxic dynamic or simply curious about how narcissism shows up in our culture, this episode provides grounded insights and practical takeaways for better understanding—and protecting—your mental and emotional well-being.

In this emotionally resonant episode, we explore the raw and often unspoken reality of what happens when parents feel triggered by their own children. Whether it's a tone of voice, a defiant stare, or a simple request that stirs up old wounds, these moments can be confusing, overwhelming, and even shame-inducing.

Join us as we unpack why these triggers occur—from unresolved childhood experiences to stress overload and unmet emotional needs. We speak with therapists/parents who share real-life stories and discuss practical tools for responding with awareness instead of reactivity.

This episode offers insight, compassion, and strategies for breaking intergenerational cycles, nurturing emotional regulation, and building healthier parent-child connections—even in the most challenging moments.

In this episode, we mix it up with a grab bag of random — and surprisingly insightful — questions from a therapist to a therapist. From serious curiosities to quirky hypotheticals, we dive into the human side of therapy, explore what it's like on the other side of the couch, and bust a few myths along the way. Whether you're in therapy, thinking about starting, or just fascinated by the inner workings of the mind, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we explore the complex and often sensitive topic of sexual desire within romantic relationships. Whether you're in a long-term partnership or navigating a newer connection, differences in sexual desire can create confusion, tension, or disconnection. We discuss the common factors that influence desire—such as stress, emotional intimacy, physical health, and life stage—and how these dynamics play out differently for each partner. You'll hear insights from relationship experts on how couples can openly communicate about their needs, manage mismatched libidos, and reconnect both emotionally and physically. We also share practical tools for fostering desire and creating a more satisfying, compassionate sex life together.