Jaime Monaco, LCPC, and Rivka Benjamin, LCSW, are Co-founders and Therapists at Enso Wellness Centers in Northbrook, a mental health program specializing in partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) care for children and adolescents. Under their leadership, Enso Wellness has become known for its collaborative, wraparound approach involving families, schools, and providers. Jaime has over a decade of experience in CBT, SPACE, parent coaching, and behavioral interventions, while Rivka began her career as a school-based mental health counselor.

In this episode…

When a child is overwhelmed, it can feel like the whole family is holding its breath. Behaviors that look confusing on the surface often reflect moments when kids simply don't have the right tools yet. What does it take to help them feel capable again?

The answer, according to child therapists Jaime Monaco and Rivka Benjamin, starts with practical skills kids can use in the moments when they feel anxious, frustrated, or out of control. They explain that progress isn't built in a quiet office but in everyday situations that trigger stress. For Jaime, exposing kids to those real-life challenges in a safe environment reveals what skills they actually need, not just the ones they can recite. Rivka believes that true growth comes from collaborative support where therapists, parents, and schools all reinforce the same expectations. With the right support, meaningful change is possible.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Jaime Monaco, LCPC, and Rivka Benjamin, LCSW, Co-founders of Enso Wellness Centers, to discuss helping kids build skills that truly work in real-life situations. They explore how to identify triggers, practice coping tools through exposure, and reduce unhelpful accommodations at home. Jaime and Rivka also give advice on collaborating effectively with schools and providers.

Andrew Fishman is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and the Owner of Video Game Health, a platform that helps parents and adolescents understand and manage the impact of video games on mental health. He works with teens and young adults in individual, family, and group therapy on balancing gaming habits and promoting overall well-being. Andrew is certified by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board for treating video game addiction.

In this episode…

Is your child's love for video games a harmless pastime or a sign of something more serious? Many parents struggle to know when gaming is simply a fun social activity and when it crosses the line into unhealthy territory. How can you recognize the difference and guide your child toward balance?

According to Andrew Fishman, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in gaming and mental health, most kids who play video games are not at risk for addiction and enjoy the same level of life satisfaction as non-gamers. Concerns arise when gaming becomes a coping mechanism for depression or when kids want to stop but feel they can't. Recognizing the difference between normal teenage power struggles and signs of true addiction is key to protecting mental health and relationships. Andrew also highlights the importance of creating real-world connections and teaching emotional regulation.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Andrew Fishman, Owner of Video Game Health, to talk about how parents can identify gaming addiction versus healthy gaming. They discuss warning signs such as withdrawal symptoms and a loss of interest in other activities, how to set practical boundaries, and why online gaming can be a positive social outlet. Andrew also shares strategies for building emotional regulation and balance in kids' lives.

Elyce Shapiro is the Founder of Balanced Gut Nutrition & Health, a virtual private practice that helps people restore balance in gut and mental health through a non-diet, Health-at-Every-Size (HAES®)-aligned approach. She is a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). As a specialist in the gut-brain connection, Elyce works compassionately with individuals experiencing digestive distress often tied to anxiety, trauma/PTSD, or stress. Her practice emphasizes intuitive eating and compassionate care — free from diet culture, food moralizing, and weight stigma.

In this episode…

Digestive distress and anxiety can feel like an endless cycle, each one making the other worse. Many people are left wondering if the key to relief lies beyond restrictive diets and quick fixes. How can understanding the connection between the gut and brain catalyze healing?

According to Elyce Shapiro, a licensed dietitian nutritionist and gut health specialist, the gut and brain are constantly communicating, and when they fall out of sync, it can trigger both physical and emotional struggles. She highlights how stress, trauma, and restrictive diets often worsen digestive issues rather than solve them. The key is restoring balance through diversity in food, food freedom, and supporting the body's natural healing process. Elyce also emphasizes collaboration with therapists and the importance of movement, sleep, and compassion in long-term healing.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Elyce Shapiro, Founder of Balanced Gut Nutrition & Health, to discuss healing digestive distress and anxiety through the gut-brain connection. They explore the risks of restrictive diets, why stress damages the gut barrier, and how food neutrality supports adults and children. Elyce also shares when common gut health fixes like probiotics or fiber may actually make symptoms worse.

Nina Badzin is the Host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, a podcast and newsletter that explores the ups and downs of adult friendship. She's a Minneapolis-based writer who began offering friendship advice in 2014 and launched the podcast in 2021. Her work, now offered via Substack, is regularly featured in outlets like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time, The Guardian, and NPR. Nina also co‑leads creative writing groups at ModernWell and reviews dozens of books each year.

In this episode…

Friendships can bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging, but they can also be challenging to navigate. How do you keep connections strong when life gets busy, or end them gracefully when they no longer serve you? What practical skills can help you model healthy relationships for your children?

According to Nina Badzin, a longtime writer and advice columnist on friendship, the key to lasting connections lies in understanding the natural stages of relationships and not getting in your own way. She highlights three main areas where most challenges arise: making friends, keeping them, and deciding when to part ways. By reframing how we define equality in friendships and letting go of rigid expectations, we can avoid unnecessary insecurity. Nina also emphasizes that friendships are a choice, and surrounding yourself with people you genuinely like improves your well-being and sets an important example for your kids.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Nina Badzin, Host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, to talk about how to build, maintain, and end friendships. They discuss redefining reciprocity to strengthen bonds, avoiding social engineering in kids' friendships, and fostering deeper one-on-one connections in groups. Nina also shares how to protect trust by practicing discretion.

Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday is the Clinical Director and Owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, which provides evidence‑based therapy for anxiety and OCD. As a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, she is the former President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and a Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Cassiday is also the author of The No Worries Guide to Raising Your Anxious Child and Freedom from Health Anxiety. She frequently speaks and trains internationally on treating complex anxiety disorders.

In this episode…

Some mornings can feel like a battle when a child refuses to go to school. Parents are left wondering if it's a passing phase, a health concern, or something far more serious. How can you tell when school avoidance is actually a sign of anxiety, and what steps can you take to get your child back on track?

According to Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday, a nationally recognized expert in treating anxiety and school refusal, the key lies in recognizing the underlying reason behind a child's avoidance. Anxiety disorders like separation anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety often drive kids to resist going to school. Avoidance quickly reinforces fear, creating a cycle that worsens over time and can lead to long-term academic, social, and emotional setbacks. Dr. Cassiday also emphasizes that treating school refusal as an "emergency" and responding with calm, firm, and structured action is essential for helping kids build resilience and confidence.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday, Clinical Director and Owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, to talk about why kids avoid school and how parents can respond effectively. She explains how to spot early warning signs, why avoidance reinforces anxiety, and practical steps to break the cycle. Dr. Cassiday also shares strategies for creating supportive school plans and building a child's resilience at home.

Therapy for Children Struggling with Anxiety, Big Emotions, and Life Transitions

Your child deserves to feel confident, connected, and capable. At Coping Partners, we help children and families navigate emotional and behavioral struggles with warmth, expertise, and real results.

Is Your Child Struggling With…

• Frequent tantrums or emotional outbursts?
• Anxiety around school, social situations, or bedtime?
• Trouble adjusting to changes like divorce or moving?
• Difficulty making or keeping friends?
• Big reactions to small frustrations?
• Feeling overwhelmed, withdrawn, or isolated?

You’re not alone—and neither is your child.

👉 Talk to a Therapist Now 📞 Call: (847) 579-9317

Understand What’s Really Going On

Kids often don’t say “I’m anxious” or “I’m sad”—they show it. Through tantrums. Withdrawing. Acting out. Refusing to go to school.

At Coping Partners, we help you understand the why behind your child’s behavior—and give them (and you) the tools to manage it.

We Help Children Facing:

• Generalized & Social Anxiety
• Tantrums and Emotional Outbursts
• Emotional Regulation & Impulsivity
• ADHD & Executive Functioning Challenges
• School Refusal or Avoidance
• Peer Conflicts, Bullying, and Social Struggles
• Autism-Related Social Skills Difficulties
• Separation, Divorce & Life Transitions
• Grief and Loss

Therapy Tailored for Your Child—and Your Family

Our licensed therapists meet your child where they are emotionally, socially, and developmentally.

We offer a range of evidence-based treatments:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps kids manage anxiety and change negative thought patterns. 

• SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) 

Equips parents with strategies to reduce their child’s anxiety—without pressure or pushback.

• Play Therapy

A safe, creative outlet for kids to express and work through emotions.

• Parent Coaching

Reduces power struggles, strengthens communication, and empowers caregivers.

• Social Skills Training

Teaches kids how to make friends, manage conflict, and build empathy. 

• Family Therapy

Improves trust, communication, and connection at home.

👉 Call for a Consultation Now 📧 Email: [email protected]

Why Parents Trust Coping Partners

• Licensed, child-specialized therapists with years of experience
• Family-first approach with parent involvement built in
• Flexible scheduling — we’re open 7 days a week
• Collaborative care with teachers, pediatricians, and other providers
• Compassionate, strength-based support from your first call to graduation from therapy

Real Words from a Grateful Parent

“Dr. Weisz helped our daughter manage anxiety and make friends for the first time. We’re so grateful.” – Parent of a 10-year-old

What to Expect Step 1: Initial Phone Consultation

We listen to your concerns and match you with the right therapist for your child.

Step 2: First Appointment

We meet with you and your child to understand what’s going on and begin building trust.

Step 3: Personalized Care Plan

We design a treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique emotional and developmental needs.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

We track progress, offer support between sessions, and adapt the plan as your child grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child needs therapy? If their behavior or emotions interfere with daily life, relationships, or school, it’s time to get support.

Will I be involved in therapy? Parents are a key part of the process. We’ll support you with tools, strategies, and regular check-ins.

What ages do you work with? We support children ages 4 through adolescence.

How long will therapy take? Some children improve in a few months. Others take longer. We’ll work with you every step of the way.

Do you work with schools and doctors? With your permission, we collaborate with educators and pediatricians to support your child consistently.

How do I tell my child about therapy? Try saying: “You’re going to meet someone who helps kids with big feelings and tough situations.”

Meet the Experts Who Care

• Dr. Leigh Neiman Weisz, PsyD – Clinical Psychologist & Founder
• Michelle Bagan Winterstein, LCSW – Child & Family Therapist
• Kathy Solk, LCPC – Child & Adolescent Therapist
• Dana Turner, LCSW – Child & Adolescent Therapist

We’re a team of specialists who genuinely love helping kids and families thrive.

Don’t Wait to Get Help

Seeing your child struggle is one of the hardest things as a parent. But support is just a conversation away.

Let’s help your child feel more confident, calm, and connected—starting now.

👉 Get Started Today 📞 Call: (847) 579-9317 📧 Email: [email protected] 📍 450 Skokie Blvd, Suite #503, Northbrook, IL 60062 🗓️ Open 7 Days a Week

Get More Helpful Tips:

🎧 Listen to The Coping Podcast – Expert insights for parents: https://copingpartners.com/podcast/

📰 Read Our Latest Articles – Practical strategies you can use now

Visit:www.copingpartners.com

Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum, D.O., F.A.R.S. is an Otorhinolaryngologist at the Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois, a practice focused on advanced care for sinus, nasal, and skull base conditions. He is also on staff at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Advocate Children's Hospital, Golf Surgical Center, and Hawthorn Surgical Center. As a board-certified otorhinolaryngologist and a Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society, Dr Teitelbaum treats hearing loss, frequent ear or tonsil infections, voice, swallowing, reflux issues, and thyroid and salivary gland conditions.

In this episode…

Some doctors treat symptoms. Others treat people. How can a surgeon bring emotional intelligence, deep listening, and empathy into the exam room?

According to Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum, a board-certified ENT surgeon and Fellow of the American Rhinologic Society, connecting with patients is just as critical as performing a successful procedure. Listening carefully helps uncover subtle but serious issues, especially in children who can't always articulate what's wrong. When doctors prioritize empathy and partnership, they earn trust that makes every step of care more effective and less frightening. Dr. Teitelbaum's approach underscores that medicine isn't just about what you do with your hands; it's about who you are when you walk in the room.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz speaks with Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum, Otorhinolaryngologist at the Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois, about why human connection is essential in ENT medicine. They discuss how to spot ENT issues in kids, why a calm bedside manner matters in surgical specialties, and how trust changes treatment outcomes. Dr. Teitelbaum also gives advice on preparing children for medical procedures.

Dr. Doug Bolton is the Director of School Consultation at Formative Psychological Services, a mental health clinic offering therapy, neuropsychological assessments, and consultation services to individuals, families, and schools. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Bolton has worked extensively with children, adolescents, couples, and families, focusing on improving coping mechanisms through a family therapy model. Prior to his current role, he served as a Psychologist and Principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school, for more than two decades. Dr. Bolton is also the author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation, a book that addresses the mental health challenges facing adolescents today

In this episode…

Many parents believe the best way to secure their child's future is to push them toward academic excellence, elite colleges, and high achievement from an early age. However, this well-intentioned pressure may be doing more harm than good. How does this narrow path to success undermine kids' mental health and well-being?

According to Dr. Doug Bolton, a clinical psychologist and national consultant on student mental health, the pressure to succeed can erode resilience and increase anxiety. Students in affluent communities are classified as an at-risk group due to overwhelming stress tied to performance, status, and scarcity mindsets. When children equate their self-worth with achievements — grades, sports, or selective colleges — they lose the opportunity to develop emotional regulation and coping skills. This constant striving can damage relationships, distort priorities, and stunt healthy development. Instead, growth happens when kids are allowed to fail, face discomfort, and feel supported, not rescued, through it.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Dr. Doug Bolton, Director of School Consultation at Formative Psychological Services, to talk about how to raise resilient kids without crushing them with achievement pressure. They explore the myth of elite colleges as success guarantees, how perfectionism can limit growth, and why distress tolerance is essential to mental health. Dr. Bolton also shares how parents can shift from outcome-based to process-focused support.

Dr. Leigh Weisz is the Founder of Coping Partners, a mental health clinic. As a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, she was on staff and affiliated with The Family Institute at Northwestern University for several years. She has experience working with children, adolescents, families, and individual adults in areas such as child and adolescent family therapy, grief and loss, and relationship issues.

Dr. Weisz earned her graduate degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a specialty in children and families. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Michigan, having graduated with honors. Dr. Weisz has practiced in community mental health, hospitals, and outpatient family medicine practice settings.

In this episode…

Parenting during childhood development brings unique challenges, from navigating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors to fostering emotional resilience and balancing technology usage. While overwhelming at times, these hurdles can present growth opportunities when families embrace understanding, validation, and proactive support. What insights can you gain from experts helping children cope with these challenges?

Dr. Aryn Froum sheds light on OCD in children, explaining how compulsions differ from superstitions and why these behaviors aren't driven by choice. Dr. Eli Lebowitz explores the distinct nature of child anxiety, emphasizing that it's rooted in developmental and biological differences. Demi Agaiby uses a "lighthouse" metaphor to help athletes — and anyone facing burnout — reconnect with their core motivation and purpose. Dr. Leigh Weisz highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for kids to process emotions, encouraging parents to prioritize validation over fixing. Meanwhile, Ben Kessler examines technology's influence on kids' functioning, illustrating how excessive use can disrupt sleep, hygiene, and emotional well-being.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz brings together experts like Dr. Aryn Froum, Dr. Eli Lebowitz, Demi Agaiby, and Ben Kessler to provide actionable strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators. Their insights offer a roadmap for helping kids navigate anxiety, OCD, and the everyday stressors of growing up.

Dr. Emily Lieberman is a board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of experience caring for children and adolescents. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, completing her pediatric residency at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. A passionate advocate for child health and safety, Dr. Lieberman uses her voice to promote preventive care and family-centered strategies in clinical and community settings.

In this episode…

​Do family dinners often turn into power struggles over what your child will or won't eat? Are you stuck in a cycle of making multiple meals just to avoid tantrums at the table? If you're tired of catering to picky eaters and longing for more peaceful, productive mealtimes, you're not alone. How can parents reclaim control without turning dinner into a battlefield?

According to Dr. Emily Lieberman, a board-certified pediatrician specializing in child nutrition and behavior, the key is to serve one family meal — no exceptions, no substitutions. She highlights the importance of modeling healthy eating behaviors and creating consistent mealtime expectations. When parents stop offering alternate meals and resist the urge to give in to tantrums, stress levels drop, and children begin to engage with a wider variety of foods. Dr. Lieberman also encourages incorporating children into the meal prep process, which fosters curiosity and ownership over what they eat.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Dr. Emily Lieberman to discuss how parents can end mealtime battles with their picky eaters. They explore the power of the "no thank you bite," why snacking habits impact productive dinners, and how to keep mealtimes positive and consistent. Dr. Lieberman also gives advice on when to seek professional help for extreme eating behaviors.