Best Empathy Protocol Podcasts (2025)

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Empathy, Body Wisdom, and Building a Thriving Therapy Practice 1:41:01

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16d ago1:41:01

1:41:01

In this opening episode of the Empathy Protocol Podcast, we uncover how the combination of empathizing with difficult people, body wisdom, and sustainable therapy practices can create a thriving therapeutic practice. Our guest, licensed therapist, Chantelle Doswell, LCSW, shares her insights on how to integrate empathy and body awareness into your …

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353: Why Dysregulated Kids Can’t Use Their Executive Function (and What to Do About It) 18:29

1d ago18:29

18:29

Parenting a child who melts down over homework or seemingly simple tasks can feel overwhelming and exhausting. You’re not imagining it—the frustration, tears, and chaos aren’t bad behavior. It’s a dysregulated brain struggling to access its control center. In this episode, let me explain why dysregulated kids can’t use their executive function, wha…

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352: Why Lyme Tests Fail: What to Do When Bloodwork Looks Clear with Dr. Bill Rawls 53:59

4d ago53:59

53:59

Parenting a child who’s struggling with mysterious symptoms can be frightening and exhausting. You bring them to the doctor, the tests come back “normal,” and yet you know something isn’t right. You’re not imagining it—it’s real, and you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Bill Rawls explains why Lyme disease testing often misses active infections, …

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351: How to Calm Your Child Without Saying a Word 10:27

9d ago10:27

10:27

Have you ever noticed that the more you explain, the more your child melts down? Parenting a child who reacts this way can leave you exhausted, frustrated, and worried. You try to reason, but instead of calming down, your child gets even more upset. In this episode, I’ll share why talking often backfires when kids are upset, and how your calm prese…

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350: 3 Signs You’re Co-Regulating Right (and 2 You’re Not) 10:53

11d ago10:53

10:53

Co-regulation is one of the most powerful tools we have to help children learn how to manage emotions, but many parents wonder: Am I even doing it right? When your own emotions feel overwhelming and your child’s emotions are spilling over, it can be hard to know if what you’re doing is helping. In this episode, I break down the signs you’re co-regu…

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349: Are Rewards and Consequences Hurting Your Child Instead of Helping? 11:46

16d ago11:46

11:46

Parenting a child who doesn’t respond to sticker charts, time-outs, or threats can feel defeating. You’ve tried rewards, consequences, and everything in between—and still the meltdowns, backtalk, and battles keep happening. You’re not alone. In this episode, I explain why rewards and consequences don’t land for dysregulated kids and what you can do…

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348: Why Nervous System Co-Regulation Beats Consequences Every Time 11:56

18d ago11:56

11:56

When a child feels overwhelmed, their autonomic nervous system kicks into a stress response. Logic shuts down, emotional regulation goes offline, and no punishment in the world can teach better behavior in that moment. That’s why we have to calm the brain first. When we do, co-regulation creates emotional resilience, nurtures healthy relationships,…

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347: The Real Reason Transitions Are So Hard For Your Child 12:04

23d ago12:04

12:04

Leaving the house, turning off the tablet, starting homework—why does something so small spark such big meltdowns? If you’re exhausted from what feels like Groundhog’s Day every morning, afternoon, and bedtime, you’re not alone. Here’s the truth: it’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. And once you understand the real reason transitions a…

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346: How to Stay Calm When Your Kid Isn’t: Co-Regulation Parenting 101 16:57

25d ago16:57

16:57

Some days it feels like your child’s big emotions are just too much—and your own stress boils over too. You’re not failing as a parent. What’s happening is called co-dysregulation—two nervous systems stuck in survival mode together. This episode matters because when kids struggle to regulate emotions, they rely on your calming presence to learn how…

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Clinical Trial Masterclasses - Trailer 1:19

28d ago1:19

1:19

By Leapcure

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345: After-School Restraint Collapse: What Teachers Don’t See (But You Do) 11:48

30d ago11:48

11:48

You hold it together all day at work, only to walk in the door and snap at the first person you see. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what your child is experiencing when they come home from school—and you’re not alone in wondering what on earth is happening. After-school restraint collapse is real. Many parents feel overwhelmed when their child hold…

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344: Regulation First Parenting: The Secret Every Stressed Parent Needs to Hear 12:08

1M ago12:08

12:08

Parenting a dysregulated child can leave you drained and second-guessing yourself. You try connecting, you set boundaries—yet the meltdowns, backtalk, and big emotions just don’t stop. But here’s the truth: it’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. And there is a way forward. In this episode, I’ll introduce Regulation First Parenting—a prac…

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343: I Was Medicated as a Kid—Here’s What I Wish My Parents Knew With Erin Kerry 52:25

1M ago52:25

52:25

Parenting a child in emotional pain is exhausting — you’re not imagining it. You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Kerry, where we dig into a woman’s experience of misdiagnosis, heavy psychiatric medication, and the healing path she found beyond labels. Why this matters: Too often medication is the first line of defense for childr…

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342: The Hidden Truth About Modern Parenting (It’s Not Just You) 11:05

1M ago11:05

11:05

Parenting feels harder than ever, and I want you to know—you’re not imagining it. As a mom and as someone who works with so many parents every day, I see how the mental load of modern parenting leaves us feeling exhausted, guilty, and overwhelmed. It’s not bad parenting—it’s our dysregulated brains trying to manage family life in an overstimulating…

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341: Is Your Child's Nervous System is Stuck in Fight-Flight-or-Freeze? 8:44

1M ago8:44

8:44

When your child’s nervous system is stuck in fight, flight, or freeze, even minor frustrations can trigger explosive outbursts, shutdowns, or runaway behavior. It isn’t disobedience—it’s the autonomic nervous system in survival mode. Let us unpack why kids get trapped in these stress responses and how calming the brain first restores safety, regula…

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340: 3 Things to Do in the First 60 Seconds of Any Child Meltdown 9:01

2M ago9:01

9:01

When your child’s emotions spiral into a meltdown, it can feel like everything in family life stops. The crying, yelling, or tantrum behavior takes over—and no amount of reasoning or sticker charts seems to help. You’re not alone. The truth is, those first 60 seconds of any child meltdown make a huge difference. Whether it’s toddler tantrums at nap…

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339: Child Behavior Problems of Struggling Kids: Early Warning Signs Parents Miss (Crisis Prevention) 14:04

2M ago14:04

14:04

Parenting a child who melts down, shuts down, or pushes you away is exhausting—I know because I hear it from parents every day. You’ve tried sticker charts, consequences, rewards, and still your child’s behavior problems keep coming back. In this episode, I’m sharing why waiting for your child’s struggles to get “bad enough” is a dangerous mistake.…

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338: 5 Therapist Sensory Tools That Actually Help Kids Regulate (That Every Parent Can Do) 10:43

2M ago10:43

10:43

Parenting a child with sensory challenges can feel like a guessing game. One day a fidget toy works, the next day it’s tossed across the room. That’s because it’s not about the object—it’s about the strategy behind it. Sensory tools aren’t quick fixes, but when chosen with intention, they can transform how your child responds to stress, transitions…

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Special Episode: The MAHA Report Reveals Shocking Truths About Kids’ Mental Health 16:50

2M ago16:50

16:50

Parenting today feels overwhelming—and it’s not your imagination. The latest Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report reveals shocking truths about kids’ mental health and shows us just how deep this childhood chronic disease crisis runs. Our children are carrying the weight of poor diet, chronic stress, environmental exposures, and endless screen …

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337: Is My Child's Picky Eating Behavioral or Biological? 15:34

2M ago15:34

15:34

If every mealtime in your house feels like a showdown—tears, gagging, or flat-out refusal to try a bite—you’re probably exhausted and worried. You’ve bent over backwards with rewards, consequences, and endless negotiations, yet nothing seems to work. I want you to know—you’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll share why your picky eater’s behavior is…

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336: 5 Signs Your Child is Emotionally Dysregulated (Not Defiant!) 10:18

2M ago10:18

10:18

Parenting a child who pushes back at every turn can feel downright draining. You’ve tried the time-outs, the sticker charts, the consequences—yet the meltdowns keep coming. It’s easy to start second-guessing yourself or wondering if you’re doing something wrong. You’re not alone. It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. In this episode, I’…

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335: The Hidden Link Between Gut Issues and Emotional Dysregulation in Kids 15:00

2M ago15:00

15:00

Have you ever wondered why your child melts down after the smallest stressor—no matter what strategies you try? It can leave you drained, second-guessing yourself, and wondering if you’re doing something wrong. You’re not alone. It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. In this episode, we uncover the hidden link between gut issues and emot…

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334: Why Discipline Makes My Child Worse—And What Works for ADHD, Anxious, or Sensitive Kids 13:21

2M ago13:21

13:21

Parenting a child who melts down no matter how hard you try can feel draining and lonely. You’ve done the time-outs, taken away privileges, tried the sticker charts—and yet the child’s behavior keeps coming back. Instead of helping, those strategies sometimes make things worse, leaving you wondering if you’re doing something wrong. You’re not alone…

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333: What Phones Are Really Doing to Your Child’s Brain 12:37

2M ago12:37

12:37

If your child turns into a different person after screen time, you’re not imagining it. You’re not alone if your once-sweet kid becomes reactive, moody, or shut down after using digital devices. Many parents are overwhelmed by meltdowns, mood swings, and total refusal to transition after screen use—and they’re left wondering what went wrong. Let me…

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332: How to Calm Your Child (and Yourself) in Just 10 Seconds 10:50

2M ago10:50

10:50

If you’re a mom, dad, or caregiver constantly walking on eggshells, waiting for the next meltdown—you’re not alone.I’ve been there, and I work with families every day who are exhausted by the cycle of big emotions, yelling, and guilt. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact parenting trick I’ve taught for over 30 years that helps you stay calm in th…

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331: What No One Tells You About Raising a Strong-Willed Child 15:22

3M ago15:22

15:22

If you're parenting a strong willed child, you're probably tired, frustrated, and maybe even wondering if you’re a terrible mother. I want you to know—you’re not. You’re raising a deeply feeling, fiercely independent person who doesn’t fit the mold... and that’s not a bad thing. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what no one tells you…

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330: The Secret Signs Your Child Needs Help with Behavior (It’s Not What You Think!) 14:48

3M ago14:48

14:48

If your child zones out, explodes, or melts down over the “small stuff,” you’re probably wondering if something deeper is going on—and you're not wrong for thinking that. So many parents come to me feeling defeated, exhausted, or flat-out confused by their child’s behavior. Let me tell you something important: behavior is communication. It’s never …

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329: “I Swore I’d Stay Calm… Then I Lost It” 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

I promised myself I wouldn’t yell… and then I did. If you’ve ever felt that gut-punch after losing it with your child—again—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. As a mom and therapist, I know how exhausting it is to parent a child who’s constantly melting down or talking back. But here’s the good news: you can learn to respond, not react—and it s…

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328: When Your Child Is Left Out: What to Say and Do 25:59

3M ago25:59

25:59

When your child is left out, it’s the kind of heartbreak you don’t forget. I’ve sat in that front-row seat—literally—and watched it happen in real time. And I want you to know: I see you, I’ve been you, and I’m still holding space for the hurt it brings. In this episode, I’m sharing the very raw, personal story of how my son was excluded from a maj…

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327: 3 Foods That Make Anxiety Worse – And What to Eat Instead 11:11

3M ago11:11

11:11

If your child is anxious, reactive, or easily dysregulated, it might be time to look at what’s on their plate. I talk with parents every day who feel stuck, not realizing that diet can be a fast, powerful way to regulate the nervous system. In this episode, I share the top 3 foods that make anxiety worse—and how small swaps can lead to big changes …

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326: Top 5 Therapeutic Exercises to Improve Emotional Regulation Skills in Children and Teens 12:20

3M ago12:20

12:20

The answer lies in the nervous system. When a child’s brain is in “survival mode,” even small stressors can feel huge. That’s why these exercises are designed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural "calm and connect" state. No fancy equipment required. These therapeutic exercises are simple, science-backed ways to help ch…

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325: Emotional Dysregulation Treatment: What Really Works for Children and Teens 15:46

3M ago15:46

15:46

Does it feel like no matter what you try—therapy, medication, behavior plans, or new routines—your child still can’t calm down, stay focused, or manage big emotions? You’re not alone—and you’re certainly not failing as a parent. So many families come to me after trying everything, only to watch their child continue to spiral. That’s when we stop ch…

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324: How Emotional Dysregulation and Trauma Impact Behavior and Learning 11:24

3M ago11:24

11:24

When your child is constantly overwhelmed, melting down over transitions, or avoiding tasks altogether, it’s easy to feel like they’re just not trying. But the truth is much deeper than behavior. Their brain is likely dysregulated—and stuck in survival mode. Let’s walk through what’s really happening inside your child’s brain when they can’t focus,…

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323: The Link Between Emotional Dysregulation and Trauma in Children 13:04

4M ago13:04

13:04

Emotional dysregulation is one of the most common but often misunderstood signs of trauma in children. And trauma isn’t always obvious and the signs can be easy to miss at first—explosive outbursts, sudden shutdowns, anxiety, panic, or even unexpected perfectionism. For today’s episode, we’re diving into the link between trauma and emotional dysreg…

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322: Inside the Brain: What's Really Causing Explosive Behavior in Kids 10:09

4M ago10:09

10:09

When your child explodes over something small, it can leave you feeling helpless, confused—and even blamed. You may find yourself asking, “Why are they so reactive? What am I missing?” These intense outbursts aren’t about disrespect or defiance. They’re signs of a nervous system in distress—a brain that’s wired to overreact and struggles to come ba…

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321: 50 Police Calls Later: What Everyone Missed About These Dysregulated Kids 12:08

4M ago12:08

12:08

When something like two young boys walking down the street with a loaded gun makes the news, it shocks us — but it shouldn’t. In this case, police had already been called to their home more than 50 times. That’s 50 missed chances to see not just behavior, but signs of deep nervous system dysregulation. Until we learn to recognize dysregulation as t…

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320: What the Vagus Nerve Has to Do With Your Child’s Behavior 12:56

4M ago12:56

12:56

Are you wondering why your child goes from calm to chaos in seconds? The truth is, these intense reactions aren't about willfulness or defiance. They’re signs of a dysregulated nervous system—and the vagus nerve plays a key role in all of it. Understanding how the vagus nerve affects behavior is a game-changer for parents. Once you know how to supp…

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319: “I Hate You, Mom!”—What to Say When It Hurts Most 11:38

4M ago11:38

11:38

"I hate you, Mom!" These words can shatter even the strongest parent’s heart. In that moment, you're faced with a tidal wave of emotion. You might wonder what went wrong, or whether you're somehow failing as a parent. But the truth is—they don’t mean it. Let me help you understand what’s underneath those explosive words and how you can respond in a…

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318: The #1 Thought-Calming Strategy Every Parent of an Anxious Child Must Know 19:37

4M ago19:37

19:37

If your child constantly seeks reassurance, insists on certain routines, or melts down when things aren’t “just right,” they may be struggling with anxiety or even OCD. And while your instinct might be to soothe or fix things in the moment, that’s actually the most common mistake parents make. Let's dive into the #1 thought-calming strategy every p…

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317: The 3 WORST Supplements for ADHD (That Make Symptoms Worse) 13:06

4M ago13:06

13:06

Supplements for ADHD are everywhere—promising a natural fix for focus, anxiety, and emotional regulation. But here’s the problem: not all nutritional supplements are safe or effective for kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In fact, some can actually make ADHD symptoms worse, especially in children with sensitive nervous syst…

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316: Beyond ADHD: Why Your Child’s Explosive Behavior Might Be a Mood Disorder 30:24

4M ago30:24

30:24

When your child frequently has intense emotional outbursts, it can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of how to help. You may have heard ADHD as a possible explanation, but sometimes these behaviors point to an underlying mood disorder that’s making it hard for your child to manage their emotions. Understanding this can change everything. Let me…

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315: Dysregulated or Defiant? Understanding the Brain-Behavior Connection 12:47

4M ago12:47

12:47

Ever find yourself wondering if your child’s challenging behavior is just plain defiance or something more? What’s important to understand is that behavior isn’t simply a choice—often, it’s a window into what’s happening deep inside their brain and nervous system. Understanding the brain-behavior connection is key to unlocking why your child acts t…

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314: Stop the Spiral! How to Help Kids With Emotional Dysregulation and Anxiety 16:30

5M ago16:30

16:30

Emotional dysregulation and anxiety can turn everyday moments into massive meltdowns. You try everything you know: staying calm, explaining consequences, offering choices. But nothing sticks and the spiral keeps happening—again and again. Let me help you stop the spiral. In this article, we’ll break down how to put the CALMS Dysregulation Protocol …

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313: Emotional Dysregulation: Signs, Causes, and How to Help Your Child Regulate Emotions 18:35

5M ago18:35

18:35

Have you ever watched your child’s meltdown and felt completely lost on how to help? Those intense outbursts, shutdowns, or explosive reactions can be heartbreaking and exhausting — yet they often get misunderstood as just “bad behavior” or defiance. The truth is, emotional dysregulation runs much deeper, and without the right support, both kids an…

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312: What Is Emotional Dysregulation? 12:13

5M ago12:13

12:13

So many kids struggle with emotional dysregulation, but too often their struggles fly under the radar or get misunderstood. Instead of recognizing a child overwhelmed by feelings they can’t control, they’re labeled as “just being difficult” or even misdiagnosed. But beneath those behaviors lies a nervous system stuck in overdrive, quietly crying ou…

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311: Case Study: The Shocking Case of a 10-Year-Old Who Shot His Mom—What Emotional Dysregulation Teaches Us 21:18

5M ago21:18

21:18

When aggression, rage, or emotional outbursts take over your child’s world, it can feel like everything is spiraling out of control. But what if I told you that beneath those extreme behaviors lies a nervous system crying out for help? Today, we're diving into an incredibly serious and heartbreaking case—one that underscores what can happen when em…

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310: The Medical Mystery Behind Your Child’s Dysregulation, OCD, and Anxiety 24:51

5M ago24:51

24:51

When your child struggles with dysregulation, OCD, or anxiety, it’s easy to assume these challenges are purely mental or behavioral issues. But what if there’s a hidden medical mystery behind what you’re seeing? Oftentimes, underlying factors quietly influence your child's brain and body, turning their typical behaviors into overwhelming struggles.…

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309: When Nothing’s Working… Here’s What a Brain Map Can Show You That Nothing Else Will 30:31

5M ago30:31

30:31

Feeling overwhelmed and out of options when it comes to your child’s challenges? When all the usual approaches fail, a brain map becomes a game-changer. It helps us understand what’s really going on so we can build a plan that uses your child’s strengths to support their challenges. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into how brain mapping works, why i…

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308: OCD at School: Helping Your Child Thrive in the Classroom 16:15

5M ago16:15

16:15

When your child has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), school often becomes a challenging and overwhelming place. Constant worries, perfectionism, and mental rituals can make focusing and learning feel almost impossible. These struggles can leave both kids and parents feeling frustrated and exhausted. But with the right support and understanding,…

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307: 5 Things Parents Shouldn't Say to Kids with OCD or Anxiety 11:16

5M ago11:16

11:16

As parents, understanding what’s really going on beneath our child’s anxiety or OCD is one of the most important things we can do to support them. When they're dysregulated, the things we tell them are more than just words—they can either comfort and guide or shame and overwhelm them. In those heightened moments, anxious or intrusive thoughts can t…