In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin, CEO of Parents Anonymous for a dynamic conversation on the mental, emotional, and social challenges facing families today. The pair dive into the realities of parenting in the digital age, specifically the complexities that social media introduces to family dynamics. Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin breaks down the ethos and offerings of Parents Anonymous, and arms listeners with practical strategies to navigate children’s screen time while maintaining open, nurturing relationships. The episode wraps with guidance on where families can seek help and highlights the vital importance of connection, limits, and ongoing support.

Topics Covered:

• What is clinical hypnotherapy (versus popular misconceptions)
• The holistic, multi-generational support model of Parents Anonymous
• The impact and dangers of social media on children and teens
• Signs your child may be overusing or misusing social media
• Setting healthy boundaries around technology use
• The links between family routines, chores, and long-term well-being

Key Takeaways:

• Clinical hypnotherapy is about gently accessing and addressing deep emotional triggers—not stage tricks.
• Parents Anonymous provides judgement-free, evidence-based support for all caregivers, not just biological parents.
• Children do best with clear, consistent limits—even if they resist them in the moment.
• Parents' own modeling and digital boundaries are just as important as rules they set for kids.

Quotes:

1. “If you don’t deal with what we call our basic underlying feelings, you’re really only moving on one level.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
2. “It is important to set limits around social media and modeling it yourself as a parent—many parents are addicted themselves.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
3. “If you’re on your phone, you’re not interacting with each other, you’re not interacting with your peers, you’re not interacting with your children, you’re disconnected.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
4. “Children have reported over and over again when they have limits, they feel safer and more confident.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
5. “You need to create these breaks so you can foster. I think kids today don’t even know how to interact with their peers, right?” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin
6. “No blame, no shame—any issue you have about yourself or any of the children or people in your life—the helpline is there.” –
   Lisa Pion-Berlin

Connect with the Guest:

• Parents Anonymous Website: natlparentyouthhelpline.org
• National Parent & Youth Helpline (Call/Text): 855-427-2736
• Meditations and resources: Available on the website in English and Spanish
  • No specific social media handles or personal email were provided in the episode.

Resources Mentioned:

• Parents Anonymous: natlparentyouthhelpline.org
• National Parent & Youth Helpline: 855-427-2736 (call or text, 24/7, 240 languages)
• Family support, evidence-based programs, and leadership training information via Parents Anonymous website
• Meditations and age-specific parenting resources (English, Spanish, 10+ languages): Parents Anonymous Resources
• No books, other podcasts, specific courses, or YouTube channels were mentioned in this episode.