Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Melissa Franz  - guest expert

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, including their ability to work, socialize, attend school, and perform everyday tasks. Many individuals do not know that OCD is far more vast than needing things organized and clean.

As you can imagine, there are many misunderstandings about OCD, how it presents itself, and how it impacts one's life. That is why, on today's episode, we welcome Melissa Franz, MSW, LCSWA, the newest member of the Egan Counseling & Consulting team.  Melissa has many special talents, as you will find out, but one of them is supporting individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Tune in as Tara and Melissa discuss OCD, the symptoms, the misconceptions, how it can affect areas of one's life, and some forms of treatment. 

For more information about Melissa Franz and her services and group support groups: www.egancounseling.com

For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Anna - teen co-host
Lindsey Cormack  - guest expert

Talking with your kids about voting, politics, and civic engagement can feel overwhelming, but their little minds are like sponges. And though you think they would rather be playing video games, studies have shown that they feel like elections can change their lives and they are curious. But, they need to be educated, and it doesn't always happen at school.

Today, we had a fantastic guest here to share her expertise on this topic. Tara and Anna are pleased to welcome, Lindsey Cormack.   Lindsey is a civics expert and the author of the book HOW TO RAISE A CITIZEN (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It).

Lindsey is here to inform our listeners how they can have discussions and talk with their kids about politics and government.

Tune in to learn:
- Ways to share how the actual voting process of casting your ballot works
- How parents can communicate about options --candidates and issues
- How to think through the process of who to cast your vote for
- How to educate our kids on what resources to use to gather information to base their decisions on
- Anna's take on the current election/politics from a college student/teen
- How to share perspectives in a productive manner
- Ways to handle disagreement
- Ways to support your kids in this process and be mindful of their approach

To purchase Lindsey Cormack's latest book, go HERE: How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do it)

For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Dr. Beth Trammell   - guest expert


Going to college is an important transition. Students must adjust to new people, new routines, new challenges, and new environments. It’s important to remember that everyone is different in how they adjust to college. Some adjust quickly, and others take more time. If you are new to college or getting ready for a new year, we're here to share some great strategies to navigate college life.
 
On this episode, Tara and Anna welcome back guest expert, Dr. Beth Trammell to discuss strategies for room mate issues, time management, mental health, the importance of nourishing your body, getting support when needed, and much more!

Dr. Beth Trammell is a licensed psychologist, author, speaker and advocate for connection, healing, and effective communication. In addition to her clinical psychology practice, Dr. Trammell also serves as Professor of Psychology at Indiana University East as well as the university’s Director of the Master of Mental Health Counseling program. She specializes in communication and behavioral strategies related to inclusivity, connection, parenting, coaching and education.

She is also the author of the book, Make Words Matter- Straightforward, Logical Parenting to Take Your Kid from Frustrating to Connecting and Listening. And host of the podcast Things You Learn in Therapy

To learn more about Dr. Trammell's services: https://www.bethtrammell.com/

For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Jonathan Steele, Family Law Attorney - guest expert

Domestic abuse affects countless individuals and families. The term ‘domestic abuse’ encompasses a range of behaviors, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, financial control, stalking, harassment, and more. It’s a complex problem. Knowing what is legal and what is not can help you see the best direction to go next.
 
If you find yourself in a situation that falls under any of these categories, it’s important to know that there are legal provisions in place to protect you in domestic relationships.

Our guest expert today is Jonathan Steele. Jonathan is a seasoned family law attorney and partner at Beermann LLP in Chicago. His practice is characterized by a holistic approach that safeguards both personal and digital aspects of his clients’ lives. He also exhibits a commanding knowledge of the Illinois Supreme Court rules and the Rules of Civil Procedure, plus the rules of evidence, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, the Domestic Violence Act, and the Stalking No Contact Order Act. 

He’s graciously given his time so our audience can learn more about how attorneys can protect clients who are victims of domestic violence.

You won't want to miss this information-packed interview.

To learn more about Jonathan Steele's services: https://www.beermannlaw.com/team/jonathan-d-steele/

For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Katie K. May - guest expert

Does this sound anything like your experience parenting your teen?

Yelling, pleading, enforcing strict rules, and giving in have proven ineffective. You’ve tried it all—along with tons of treatments and therapies—with no improvement.

Our guest expert today, Katie K. May, LPC, DBT-LBC knows what you’re going through. She also knows what your teen is going through because she lived it. She is here to discuss her best-selling book, You’re on Fire, It’s Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors.  This is more than a book; it’s a comprehensive approach for parents of teens overwhelmed by intense emotions.

Tune in to learn:

- How to help teens stop self-destructive behavior patterns
- Cope better
- How to be responsive to your kids
- Signs of destructive behavior
- The importance of creating a validating environment
- What a Firefeeler is
- And so much more!

Discover how to see the world from your teen’s perspective while decreasing your feelings of frustration and fear. Learn to stop emotional escalation and create a supportive home environment. Gain practical strategies to assist your teen in managing emotions effectively, preventing them from escalating into problematic behaviors. You're on Fire, It’s Fine guides you in building a system that works for your whole family, setting every member up for lifelong success.

For more information on Katie's best-selling book and her services go to, www.youreonfireitsfine.com or https://creativehealingphilly.com/

For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Caitlyn Andersen - guest expert


Many teens try substances like alcohol or drugs. Some try them only a few times and stop, and for others it can become problematic. This week on "One Day You'll Thank Me", Tara welcomes her colleague, Caitlyn Andersen, MS, NCC, LCMHCA, LCASA to discuss teen drug and alcohol use---how they get started, risk factors, what to look out for, how to discuss the subject with your teens.

Tune in to learn:

What it looks like when teens start experimenting

F -  family history
A -  age of first use
C - craving
T -  tolerance
S - surroundings


Risk factors we need to consider with exposure and
Why education is critical
Everyone has an individual response to substances based on chemical make up and genetics

Tolerance
How to know if use is becoming problematic
What parents need to look out for

Education on how to say no - language to use



To learn more about Caitlyn and her services: https://www.egancounseling.com

For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Melissa Sams - guest expert

The role of a guardian ad litem (GAL) can be extremely important in child custody cases. They can serve as a voice for the child, advocating for their best interests and ensuring that they are protected throughout the legal process. 

What exactly is the role of a Guardian Ad Litem though? Who can be one? Who would need one? On this episode, Tara welcomes Melissa Sams, Attorney at Law in Winston-Salem to discuss this topic and provide some practical advice for parents.

Melissa embarked on her journey into the legal field in 2001 and in April 2007, she founded Sams Law Firm, PC. Her firm quickly gained recognition for its exceptional service, earning accolades as one of the top law firms in the southern triad. Her areas of practice include collaborative law, parenting coordination, Guardian Ad Litem services, mediation, and special proceedings. Her holistic approach to legal matters ensures that the families she works with receive comprehensive support during difficult times.

Tune in to learn:

What’s the purpose of a GAL?

How is it different from a PC (or a therapist)?

What kind of recommendations can be made by this person?

How can they be helpful? 

How might they be less helpful?



To learn more about Melissa Sams and her services: https://www.samslegal.com

For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Emily Cherkin - guest expert

Is it a struggle to find technology balance in your home? 

If so, you will not want to miss this episode with Emily Cherkin.

Emily Cherkin, MEd, The Screentime Consultant, is a nationally recognized consultant who takes a tech-intentional approach to addressing screentime challenges. A former middle school teacher, she has been featured for her work in the New York Times, the Washington Post, on the Today Show (twice), Good Morning America, Australia Weekend Today, the BBC, NPR, Sirius XM Radio, and numerous parenting websites, blogs, and podcasts.  

Emily is here to discuss her book, “The Screentime Solution: A Judgement-Free Guide to Becoming a Tech-Intentional Family"  and share practical strategies parents can use to find technology balance in the home and how a family can become more tech-intentional.

To in to Learn:
 - What Emily feels is “excessive screen use” 

- What does it mean to be tech-intentional?

-  “The benefits of boredom.” (hint: the birthplace of creativity) 

- Why is it so hard to put down the devices and why quick fixes don't work?

- How moderation can be beneficial

- What to do when the children are living in two households

Emily teaches parenting courses, offers private parent consultations, facilitates professional development training, and provides personalized school presentations built on her tech-intentional approach. To learn more: https://thescreentimeconsultant.com/


For more information about Dr. Egan's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Lacey Wallace - guest co-host
Nikki Pagano - guest expert

While picky eating is common among children, persistent and severe cases warrant attention from a healthcare professional.

Today, Tara is joined by Egan Counseling & Consulting's very own, Lacey Wallace. Tara and Lacey co-host an informative interview with Nikki Pagano, LCSW about selective eating in our kids.
 
Nikki Pagano is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice. Prior to relocating to Charlotte, Nikki served as the Director of Adolescent Services at the Columbia Center for Eating Disorders in New York. She has co-authored an online eating disorder course for medical students which has been adopted by Columbia and Yale medical schools and currently teaches an eating disorder course to Atrium's psychiatric residents.

Nikki is certified in Family-based Treatment which is the first-line treatment for children and adolescents with restrictive eating disorders and has extensive training in and experience providing CBT for eating disorders and, more specifically, CBT for ARFID.

Today, she is here to discuss selective eating ---what to look for, what should parents be concerned about and ARFID.

ARFID stands for “avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.” ARFID is a relatively new eating disorder that looks very different from other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Kids with ARFID aren’t worried about how much they weigh, though they sometimes do lose too much weight. Instead, they have rigid and restricted eating habits for other reasons.

Many kids with ARFID avoid foods that have a certain taste, texture, color or some other specific quality.  And some kids with ARFID just have very little interest in food. It’s common for kids with all kinds of ARFID to like only a very limited set of foods.

What sets ARFID apart from normal picky eating is that ARFID has significant negative impacts on the child’s physical and/or mental health. 

- How is it typically diagnosed? 

- What are the signs that a child may warrant a diagnosis? 

- Is this diagnosis comorbid with other diagnoses, typically? 

- How is it typically treated? 

- What role do parents have in the success of treatment? 

- How can a parent find a provider who specializes in this? 

Website mentioned for more information - www.train2treated.com

To learn more about Nikki, www.nikkipaganolcw.com.

For more information about Dr. Egan and Lacey Wallace's services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox

Cast:
Dr. Tara Egan - host
Meredith Eaton - guest co-host

On this episode, Tara welcomes her best friend and guest co-host, Meredith Eaton. Tara and Meredith joined together for a follow up discussion (Part II) from the episode on 2/14 with Brooke Bralove, LCSW-C, ART Practitioner---  all about Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

Tara was so inspired by this therapy, and Brooke, that she immediately signed up (and has just completed) the certification training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief, evidence-based therapy that employs techniques like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), guided imagery, and visualization to assist people in processing and resolving traumatic memories. 

Here’s how ART can be beneficial:

1. Rapid Relief from Trauma Symptoms:
   • ART aims to alleviate symptoms related to trauma, PTSD, phobias, addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. 
   • Unlike other forms of trauma therapy, ART does not require you to provide a written or verbal description of the traumatic experience, which may limit feelings of distress.
   • Most people find relief quickly, often within just a few sessions

Tune in to learn Tara's journey of taking the training and how it can help YOU!

For more information about Dr. Egan and her services:

Website -Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services, books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and counseling/consultation services, Go HERE.

Facebook - learn more HERE.
YouTube - learn more HERE.
Instagram - learn more HERE.

Edited by Christian Fox