The Building Resilient Kids Podcast

Dr Louise Mansell – Clinical Psychologist, Innovator, Mum of Two Boys (and a Teddy Bear)

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Episode Subtitle: “Emotions, TED Talks & Teddies: Louise Mansell’s Mission to Build Brave Kids”

 

In this episode of Building Resilient Kids, host Tim Curtis is joined by Dr Louise Mansell, a clinical psychologist and founder of Tedology. Originally from the UK and now based in Perth, Louise brings a wealth of experience working with vulnerable children in care systems and mainstream settings.

Louise shares insights into her personal upbringing, how her mother’s anxiety shaped her sense of responsibility and empathy, and what inspired her journey into psychology. She discusses the need for a whole-system approach to child development, the importance of working with schools and families, and how trauma-informed, compassionate care can change the course of a young life.

The heart of the episode is Louise’s innovative creation: TED (Teddy for Emotional Development) – a science-based, sensory teddy bear that helps children regulate emotions, build resilience, and develop emotional literacy through play. From weighted limbs and textured paws to guided voice prompts based on proven psychological tools like CBT and DDP, TED is a cuddly co-regulator for kids.

Louise reflects on parenting, teaching, and the daily challenge of applying psychology at home, candidly admitting her own occasional “screen bans” as a mother. Her honesty and evidence-based practice make this a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone committed to raising emotionally resilient kids.

 

Highlights

  • Louise’s early family life and how helping her mum manage anxiety set the foundations for her career
  • Her work in the UK’s social enterprise sector, supporting children in the care system
  • The biopsychosocial ecological model simplified for everyday parenting and teaching
  • The development of TED: a sensory, talking teddy designed to build emotional skills and resilience
  • Why kids need to feel seen, heard, and held in mind—and how a teddy bear can help
  • Practical strategies for teachers to emotionally coach children without needing all the answers
  • The power of emotional literacy and expression as central to long-term resilience
  • The science behind TED’s features (fidget-friendly paws, crinkle ears, soothing voice prompts)
  • Louise’s commitment to play-based learning and co-design with children
  • Honest parenting moments: “If I shout about screen bans, it doesn’t count.”

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    Learn More

    • Dr Louise Mansell's work:
      • https://www.minimindshealth.com.au/louise-mansell
    • Tedology (TED - Teddy for Emotional Development):
      • https://tedology.com.au
    • The ACEs Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) – CDC Resource
    • Tina Payne Bryson’s "Whole Brain Child" approach (Refer to books by Siegel & Bryson)
    • Theraplay & DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) – therapeutic models that Louise references as cornerstones in her clinical approach. https://ddpnetwork.org

      • Quote of the Episode

      “Resilience isn’t about just coping. It’s about being brave enough to express yourself—and knowing someone will listen.” – Dr Louise Mansell

       

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      The Building Resilient Kids PodcastBy Building Resilient Kids