Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience

By Dr. Caroline BuzankoParenting Kids & Family

Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience episodes

January 23, 2024 123. What are the key traits of resilient children?
On Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience2024. What makes some children adept at bouncing back and even thriving from challenges while others in the same situation struggle? It's more than just natural tenacity; resilience is a complex interplay of skills, behaviours, and environmental influences.

Dr. Caroline discusses how resilience manifests through a variety of traits, from the power of humour in coping to the critical role of problem-solving abilities. Discover the profound impact of autonomy, social competence, and having a sense of purpose. Learn how these traits not only help children navigate the immediate hurdles of childhood but also lay the groundwork for a resilient adulthood. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in child development, this episode offers valuable insights into nurturing the resilient warriors of the future.
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
38 min
January 16, 2024 122. What are the foundational building blocks of resilience?
Today on Overpowering Emotions, Dr. Caroline continues the #JourneyofResilience2024 by discussing the foundational building blocks of resilience and how parents, schools, and communities can collaboratively nurture resilience in children and teens. From creating a safe and stable environment to fostering autonomy and independence, she covers the essential elements that contribute to resilient behaviour and a growth mindset.

As always, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in guiding children towards a resilient, confident, and adaptable future.
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
48 min
January 09, 2024 121. What is resilience and why does it matter? Unpacking the true essence of resilience
Join us in the latest episode of Overpowering Emotions - the first of #JourneyofResilience2024.

To start this journey, Dr. Carline talks about how moving beyond the conventional view of simply bouncing back from adversity and ensuring children thrive.

Discover the multifaceted nature of resilience, encompassing emotional, psychological, social, and physical aspects. She discusses key frameworks to provide a comprehensive understanding of resilience.

She also shares stories about how resilience manifests in the real world, leading to emotional growth, new skills, and a sense of purpose.

Tune in to understand why resilience matters in every aspect of life and how it's a learned ability that we can all foster. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of resilience and its profound impact on children's and teens' lives.

Be sure to check out her resource (a reflective dialogue guide). By regularly engaging in reflective dialogue, you can help children internalize the process of learning from adversity, laying a strong foundation for developing resilience. https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/reflectivedialogueguide/
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
24 min
January 05, 2024 120. How does conditional safety learning trap kids in anxiety?
In this recast episode of Overpowering Emotions, as we continue our series on parental traps that exacerbate children's anxiety, I discuss conditional safety learning. I first discuss the generalizability of fears and how learned fears - even those not consciously remembered - can significantly influence a child's perception of safety and danger.

Using relatable examples, like a fear of dogs stemming from an early bite or anxiety about visiting the dentist after a painful experience, I illustrate how our brain forms associations that contribute to anxiety. These associations often generalize, leading to broad, pervasive fears that extend beyond the initial trigger.

This is where the concept of conditional safety learning becoms crucial. That is, where safety is understood only in specific contexts or in the presence of certain cues. This type of learning is highly context-dependent and does not generalize, posing challenges in treating anxiety effectively.

I emphasize the importance of cultivating a sense of unconditional safety in children. I discuss strategies for breaking the cycle of 'yeah, buts' in safety learning and how to encourage a broader, more resilient understanding of safety that isn't tied to specific conditions or contexts.

Listen in to gain insights into the complexities of fear and safety learning in children and how to approach these challenges to foster a healthier, more adaptable response to anxiety-provoking situations.
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
20 min
January 04, 2024 119. How do safety behaviours reinforce anxiety?
In today's recast episode of Overpowering Emotions, I wanted to readdress the often-overlooked realm of safety behaviours and their impact on anxiety, especially in children and teens. Learn about how these behaviours, while seemingly helpful in the short term, can paradoxically worsen anxiety over time by reinforcing the belief that certain situations or feelings are unbearable without certain actions or objects.

I discuss the subtle nuances of safety behaviours, from seemingly harmless acts like wearing a toque with built-in headphones to more overt actions like avoiding social interactions. The episode highlights the importance of distinguishing between healthy safety measures and those that perpetuate anxiety in safe situations.

This is an important episode as I dive into the this complex web of avoidance, reassurance-seeking, and misattributed safety that traps many individuals in a cycle of anxiety.

Join me as I help unravel the intricacies of these safety behaviours, offering insights and strategies to recognize and address these patterns in children and teens. This episode is a crucial listen for anyone seeking to understand and effectively manage anxiety, breaking free from the confines of safety behaviours to embrace a more empowered and resilient approach to life's challenges.

In today's episode we look at safety behaviours and how they make anxiety worse. Essentially, safety behaviours are things children and teens do to feel a little safer and/or less anxious. The problem is, these behaviours reinforce the anxiety story that they can't handle the situation or the discomfort anxiety brings. Therefore, in any work we do, we must ensure there aren't safety behaviours impeding progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to download the safety behaviour handout (https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/safetybehaviours) to use with your anxious children and teens!
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
32 min
January 02, 2024 118. Why does telling an anxious child to relax only make anxiety worse? Parent Traps Recast!
In today's episode, I continue back on the traps we fall into that inadvertently worsen children's anxiety. In today's recast, we focus on the counterintuitive concept that striving for relaxation can actually amplify anxiety.

We unpack the paradox of 'trying' to relax when anxious and why making relaxation the goal can be problematic. In this episode, I discuss how emphasizing the reduction of anxiety may reinforce negative perceptions of anxiety as intolerable and needing to be fixed. Such attitudes can lead to a fear of anxiety, setting children up to view normal anxious feelings as failures, thus perpetuating a cycle of worry and hopelessness.

Learn why controlling emotional responses, particularly in children, is not only unrealistic but can also be counterproductive. I explore strategies for managing anxiety, focusing on tolerance and understanding of anxious feelings as a normal, manageable, and integral part of the human experience.

Tune in to learn why we need to shift the focus from eliminating anxiety to empowering kids to manage and tolerate it.

I also have a FREE webinar for mental health professionals to learn more about the common mistakes we make that stall children's progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to check it out (https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/avoidingcommonmistakeswithanxiety) if you want to learn other ways we could be making anxiety worse.
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
20 min
January 01, 2024 117. How do we embrace our life’s purpose?
In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I take a little detour from my usual discussions and capitalize on the New Year (when some people might start thinking of goals and new habits) to speak with special guest Jorge V. Gonzalez, who has embraced his life's calling with unwavering passion. Based on his journey, he offers a blueprint for anyone longing to discover and fulfill their true purpose.

We discuss why it is essential to understand who we are meant to be and tap into our inner selves to guide us and break through the barriers that hold us back. He shares his personal experiences and the pivotal moments that led him to fully commit to his life's purpose, offering invaluable insights for those seeking a similar path.

We also discuss navigating the tumultuous waves of life’s struggles and maintaining focus and motivation.
Join us as Jorge takes us on a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and ultimate success.

About Jorge:
We live in a society where different types of people live. Some need a push to work well in life, so motivational speakers and influencers exist. They dedicate their lives to inspiring and encouraging people to take the leap in life and be victorious. Jorge V. Gonzalez is one of those speakers & Influencers.
Are you facing the challenge of finding a new direction in your life after experiencing tragedy? Do you find yourself pondering how to reinvent yourself and chase your dreams despite life’s obstacles? Rest assured; you are not alone. Many of us encounter difficult situations that compel us to reevaluate our aspirations and goals.

In his widely acclaimed book, Answer The Call: Life Lessons From Family Origins Through Invention And Struggle, Jorge Gonzalez shares his personal voyage of reinvention and provides practical insights on how you can do the same. After dedicating two decades to honing his skills, Jorge confronted a disability that prevented him from continuing in his chosen field. However, rather than succumbing to anger and despair, he drew inspiration from his family’s legacy of embracing calculated risks and embarked on a new path.

Through his book and coaching sessions, Jorge imparts the wisdom that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for growth and self-discovery with the right mindset. He emphasizes the significance of resilience, hard work, and setting high expectations to attain success and reinvent oneself. By sharing his own experiences and offering tangible examples, Jorge aspires to ignite inspiration and empower others to pursue their true purpose in life.

Where to find Jorge:
https://www.instagram.com/jorge_v_gonzalez
www.jorgevgonzalez.com
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
30 min
December 26, 2023 116. What are the unseen impacts of soothing anxious kids? Parent Traps Recast!
In this critical episode of Overpowering Emotions, as part of our ongoing series on traps that inadvertently exacerbate children's anxiety, I address a common question I am asked: how is it that our instinctive efforts to alleviate a child's anxiety might actually be making it worse?

I will continue other critical traps to consider, but I always get a flurry of questions whenever I talk about these traps. And so people question why our well-intentioned actions could be problematic. In this episode, I dive into the psychology behind this phenomenon, exploring how these actions might hinder rather than help a child's brain development and ability to cope with anxiety.

I will uncover the unintended consequences of certain practices and highlight the delicate balance needed in supporting anxious children without fostering dependence on external validation or reassurance.

Join me today as I continue to unravel the complexities of childhood anxiety and pave the way for more effective, empowering approaches.
If you haven’t seen it, I also have a free webinar designed for mental health professionals but can be valuable for others too. Be sure to check it out at https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/avoidingcommonmistakeswithanxiety for a deeper understanding.
Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcomingevents/

16 min
December 19, 2023 115. How can we nurture emotional resilience in children during the holidays?
Today on Overpowering Emotions, I want to capitalize on the holiday season's unique opportunities for nurturing emotion regulation and resilience in children. I discuss how to balance holiday excitement with essential routines. I chat about strategies for family bonding, managing expectations, and creating a supportive environment to foster emotional well-being and resilience in our children. Tune in and transform this holiday season into a learning experience for your family!
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
40 min
December 12, 2023 114. How can NVR move us beyond accommodations to empower anxious children and teens?
This week on Overpowering Emotions, I build on last week’s discussion about extinction bursts and validation, diving into the empowering parenting approach of Non-Violent Resistance (NVR).

I explore how NVR transitions families from accommodating anxious behaviours to fostering empowerment and resilience in children. NVR, initially a response to violent or self-destructive behaviours, is beneficial for managing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety-driven avoidance.

In this episode, I highlight the core principles of NVR and discuss how NVR effectively alters family dynamics to promote bravery and resilience. You'll learn how this approach helps parents manage problematic anxiety-driven behaviours while maintaining a loving, connected relationship with their child.

Listen in to learn more about the benefits of NVR, such as strengthening family relationships, fostering open communication, and reducing conflicts. And, most importantly, I will discuss practical strategies along with real-life examples to illustrate these strategies.

Discover how NVR helps parents regain control and confidence in parenting, emphasizes empathy and validation, and ultimately helps children develop better coping skills and emotional regulation.
Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/
Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/
Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/
Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/
34 min

About Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience

From the publisher's feed

Child anxiety. Meltdowns. School refusal. Big emotions that take over before kids can think. Overpowering Emotions makes sense of what's really happening beneath the behaviour — for parents,…