In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we sit down with Sereana Lee, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma-informed care and anxiety disorders, to explore the complex intersection of OCD, trauma, and school environments. Sereana shares insights from her clinical work supporting children and adolescents, offering practical strategies for creating safe, compassionate learning spaces that promote emotional regulation and genuine inclusion. We discuss how to recognize trauma responses versus OCD patterns, how to shift from behavioral management to emotional understanding, and why rethinking “support” in schools is critical for long-term student well-being.

Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or parent, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and leave you with actionable steps to foster resilience and safety in the classroom.