Mental health advice is everywhere — on social media, in parenting books, on podcasts, and even from well-meaning friends. But how much of what we hear is actually true?

Dr. Dean Beckloff is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Zak for a game of fact or fiction, tackling some of the most common misconceptions about children, parenting, and mental health.

They discuss why avoiding anxiety can actually make it stronger, how ADHD can affect emotional regulation as well as attention, and why good grades don't necessarily mean a child isn't struggling. They also explore the importance of sleep, why difficult behavior is often a form of communication, and why parents don't need to be perfect to raise healthy, resilient kids.

Plus, Dr. Dean and Dr. Zak address a common concern surrounding mental health medication: Should medication change a child's personality, and what should parents do if something doesn't feel right?

Two sisters and expert therapists, Megan and Michelle Rosewell, join The Doctor Dean Show to share their unique perspectives on supporting children and adolescents through behavioral and emotional challenges. Drawing from their personal experiences and professional roles as Directors of Children's and Adolescent Services, they highlight how tailored therapy environments and compassionate understanding can empower families and young clients alike. 

What if the right therapy for your child isn’t one-size-fits-all? Dr. Elizabeth Zak joins Dr. Dean Beckloff to unpack how approaches like CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and play therapy uniquely support kids, and even adults, in managing emotions, trauma, and anxiety. They explore how each method uniquely supports emotional growth and healing across different ages and challenges.

ASD and ADHD aren’t just labels—they reflect unique neurobiological differences that shape how individuals experience the world. Join Dr. Graham Martin and Dr. Elizabeth Zak as they unpack early signs, sensory sensitivities, and the crucial role of early intervention in supporting children and families navigating these diagnoses. Tune in to gain practical insights on assessment, masking, and effective strategies that make a real difference.

How can parents tell the difference between normal childhood worries and something more serious like anxiety or depression? On The Dr. Dean Show, Dr. Elizabeth Zak and Pooja Patel share expert insights on recognizing these signs in kids and practical strategies—like creative therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques—to support their emotional well-being. Tune in to discover how to help children build resilience and confidence amid challenges.

What if divorce didn’t have to mean courtroom battles and broken families? On this episode, Melinda Eitzen, Dawn Fowler, and Peggy Pasquini share how collaborative law and alternative dispute resolution empower couples to separate peacefully—protecting children and fostering healthier co-parenting. Tune in to discover how choosing collaboration over conflict can truly transform the divorce journey.

Trauma isn’t just one big event—it’s also the everyday struggles that quietly overwhelm us. Michelle Rosewell from Beckloff Behavioral Health Center breaks down the difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma, offering insights on how parents and therapists can recognize and support healing in kids, teens, and adults. Tune in to discover practical ways to reframe trauma responses and foster resilience from the inside out.

Are we raising an anxious generation? In this episode of The Doctor Dean Show, host Dr. Dean Beckloff and co-host Elizabeth Zak welcome psychologist Graham Martin to dive into the thought-provoking insights from Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation". They explore how overprotective parenting and the rise of smartphones are reshaping childhood and contributing to increased anxiety among kids and teens. Tune in to discover practical strategies for fostering resilience and independence in our children!

In this episode, we're diving into the world of adolescence—a time of growth, change, and, let's be honest, plenty of challenges. Dr. Dean is joined by a very special guest, Ashton Rone, the Director of Adolescent Services at Beckloff Behavioral Health Center. Ashton has been at the Beckloff Behavioral Health Center for several years and, like many in the field, began her counseling journey unsure of where she’d find her niche. But it didn’t take long to discover her unique ability to connect with and support teenagers. Tune in as we explore the ups and downs of working with teens, common issues they face, and how professionals like Ashton are making a difference in their lives. 

Today, we will discuss an important topic that we often talk about with parents: ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Joining us is a special guest, Megan Rosewell, the Director of Children's Services at Beckloff Behavioral Health Center.