Best Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW Podcasts (2024)

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262: Emotional Support Animals, with Dan Maigler, LCSW 27:13

14m ago27:13

27:13

In this episode, I'm chatting with my guest Daniel Maigler, about the transformative roles of emotional support animals. Dan's insights as a social worker and mental health advisor for Paws for Patrick reveal how emotional support animals can aid those facing mental health challenges. Dan shares the poignant story behind Paws for Patrick, emphasizi…

1
261: Extreme Language Around Emotions, with Penny Williams 15:28

7d ago15:28

15:28

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I tackle why our kids and teens might use extreme language to express their emotions. We're recognizing that expressions like "I hate you" or phrases that include aggression or violence often aren't literal but signal an inability to articulate complex emotions. I talk about the importance of distinguishing b…

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259: Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience, with Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D. 29:30

7d ago29:30

29:30

Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D. is joining me for a conversation on Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience. His expertise in social psychology shines a light on the intricate dance between aggression and resilience — especially in the lives of our neurodivergent kids. In this episode, you'll hear stories close to my heart, includin…

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260: Navigating Life Challenges with Purpose and Progress (not perfection), with Shari Leid 31:41

14d ago31:41

31:41

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I have the pleasure of talking with Shari Leid of An Imperfectly Perfect Life. Together, we’re talking about purposeful living and parenting and celebrating gradual progress over the pursuit of perfection. Shari shares her deep insights on the value of recognizing and fostering the inherent strengths in our c…

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258: What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Listening, with Penny Williams 16:04

28d ago16:04

16:04

Let's talk about what to do when your kid isn't listening. Remember, they might be processing your words in non-traditional ways, so it's important to find alternative approaches to help them focus, process, and follow through. From recognizing distractions to accommodating slow processing speeds, I offer practical advice to help parents navigate t…

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257: The Control Trap, with Penny Williams 26:07

1M ago26:07

26:07

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I explore the detrimental effects of trying to control kids, emphasizing the importance of a humanistic approach to behavior. After watching the recent documentary series on Netflix called "The Program," I was both horrified by the trauma that the “troubled teen industry” causes and inspired to talk about the…

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256: Breaking Down Motivation: Helping Teens and Young Adults Find Their Path to Success, with Melanie McNally, Psy.D. 28:17

1M ago28:17

28:17

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I sit down with Dr. Melanie McNally, a clinical psychologist and brain coach who specializes in working with tweens, teens, and young adults. Together, we explore the struggles that many young adults face in finding motivation and direction. Dr. Melanie shares her expertise on helping young adults…

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255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny Williams 20:13

2M ago20:13

20:13

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I tackle the topic of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and provide 7 essential steps to help kids and teens facing this challenge. I share insights on recognizing signs of RSD in kids and teens, fostering open communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thought patterns, teaching …

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254: How to Be a Neuro-Affirming Parent or Teacher, with Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC 35:13

2M ago35:13

35:13

In today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC is back and we're unpacking what it means to be a neuro-affirmative parent or teacher. We explore the pressures that neurodivergent kids face, especially the expectation to camouflage their true selves. Emily, with her dual expertise in education and counseling, is sharing invaluable insigh…

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253: Beyond the Power Struggles, with Richard Selznick, Ph.D. 27:38

2M ago27:38

27:38

Today, I get to talk to the incredible Dr. Richard Selznick—a renowned psychologist specializing in dyslexia and learning disabilities. We dive into the traps parents often fall into when communicating with their children, especially those with neurodivergent needs. Dr. Selznick emphasizes the importance of giving our kids choices. It's eye-opening…

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252: Transforming Behavior: When You Know Better You Do Better, with Penny Williams 30:09

2M ago30:09

30:09

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about a challenging experience with my son and the valuable insights it brought us regarding challenging behavior and supporting our neurodivergent kids. Through sharing this experience, I emphasize the need for flexibility and understanding in dealing with challenging beha…

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251: Impact of Parental Confidence and Social Pressure on Parenting Complex Kids, with Anouk Briere-Godbout 32:53

3M ago32:53

32:53

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I have a candid conversation with Anouk Briere-Godbout about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children. Our discussion focuses on the impact of societal pressure on parental confidence and the importance of finding supportive communities for parents facing similar struggles. Anouk shares personal ex…

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250: Recognizing Children's Unique Love Languages, with Emily Hamblin 32:43

3M ago32:43

32:43

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m talking with Emily Hamblin about the unique ways neurodivergent kids might show their love for you. Emily shares her personal journey of recognizing and appreciating her children's unique love languages, discussing the impact of neurodivergent traits on their communication of love and care. The conversati…

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249: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults, with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke 23:46

3M ago23:46

23:46

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke, an expert in ADHD coaching and cognitive psychology. We discuss how to support neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the unique challenges they face, such as feelings of isolation, academic pressures, and emotional struggles. …

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248: Successes Change Everything, No Matter How Small, with Penny Williams 19:50

3M ago19:50

19:50

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m exploring the profound impact of successes on our neurodivergent kids (and all of us humans). I discuss how experiencing successes contributes to building confidence, motivation, and a positive mindset, all through the lens of brain science. I also offer practical ways for parents and educator…

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247: Listening Isn’t a Behavior You Can See, with Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC, SLP 36:15

3M ago36:15

36:15

I'm thrilled to bring you another compelling episode of Beautifully Complex. For this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Sautter, MA, CCC-SLP for a truly eye-opening discussion about the often wildly misunderstood concept of listening and showing that you’re listening. Elizabeth, a speech language pathologist and social cogn…

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246: Make this the Year of Connection and Collaboration, with Penny Williams 23:49

4M ago23:49

23:49

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, we’re setting achievable intentions for the new year, with a strong focus on nurturing connections and fostering collaboration with our neurodivergent kids and teens. As always, I’m challenging the traditional authoritarian parenting/educating approach and advocate for a collaborative relationship…

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245: Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Kids with Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP 30:33

4M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m joined by Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP to discuss the emotional impact on neurotypical siblings of neurodivergent children. Learn about the importance of acknowledging and accepting diverse emotions, creating intentional time for the siblings, and seeking support from networks and family members. This episo…

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244: Is It Can’t or Won’t?, with Penny Williams 21:23

4M ago21:23

21:23

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m taking a deep dive into the concept of "can't versus won't" when examining a child's behavior. It’s important to understand that the majority of the time, when a child is struggling, it is a "can't" rather than a "won't," even when it feels like an undoubtable won’t. I cover the complexities i…

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243: Strategies to Strengthen Your Family, with Brent Crandal, Ph.D. 31:14

4M ago31:14

31:14

In today's episode,I have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Brent Crandal, a clinical psychologist and children's book author. Join me for this thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Crandal about practical ways to build mindfulness and connection within families. From fostering gratitude to promoting a culture of hope, this episode presents valuable in…

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242: 5 Ways to Boost Your Teen’s Confidence, with Penny Williams 22:01

5M ago22:01

22:01

In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I outline five strategies to boost the confidence of neurodivergent teens and young adults. I emphasize the importance of leaning into a strengths-based approach, fostering a growth mindset, providing opportunities for talents, interests, and passions, making "time in" a part of the family culture…

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241: Building Habits Using Emotional Rewards, with Leslie Josel 34:22

5M ago34:22

34:22

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, Leslie Josel and I explore the crucial role of emotional rewards in building habits and fostering positive behavior in neurodivergent children. We highlight the significance of specific praise, genuine curiosity, and active listening in reinforcing routines and solidifying relationships. The conversation also…

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240: Navigating Childhood OCD: A Parent’s Journey, with Brendan Mahan 46:58

5M ago46:58

46:58

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, join host Penny Williams as she delves into the topic of childhood OCD with guest Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS. Brendan opens up about his personal journey raising a child with OCD and the challenges his child and family faced, and continues to face, along the way. From the early signs of OCD in his son to the im…

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239: How to Address 5 Common Behavior Challenges at School, with Penny Williams 31:35

6M ago31:35

31:35

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m diving into behavior challenges at school. We'll discuss the common struggles faced by children with ADHD, autism, and other developmental delays, and explore effective strategies to help them navigate these challenges. From poor frustration tolerance and off-task behavior to big emotions and argumentativ…

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238: Music as Medicine, with Luke Williams 21:01

6M ago21:01

21:01

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re discussing the incredible power of music for those who are neurodivergent with Penny’s son, Luke. Luke shares his personal journey with music, starting from using it as a tool to assist his focus and mental clarity beginning in fourth grade. He also delves into his experience with creating digital music…

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237 - Keeping Your Cool: Practical Strategies for Remaining Calm When Your Child Isn’t with Penny Williams 19:16

6M ago19:16

19:16

In today's episode, our host Penny Williams dives deep into a topic that many parents struggle with: how to stay calm in the midst of the storm. As a parenting coach, author, and mindset mama, Penny shares her personal journey of going from a parent who yelled and felt frustrated to one who responds calmly, compassionately, and clear-headedly. From…

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236: Insider View: How to Work with the ADHD Brain, with Alice Gendron 25:34

6M ago25:34

25:34

I have a special guest in this episode — Alice Gendron, also known as The Mini ADHD Coach. Alice shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 29 and the challenges she faced afterward. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, particularly in women and girls, and highlights the importance of understanding the diff…

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235: De-escalating Challenging Behavior with Dayna Abraham 30:19

7M ago30:19

30:19

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the topic of de-escalating challenging behavior with Dayna Abraham of Calm the Chaos. As parents of neurodivergent kids, we often face moments when our children's behaviors become overwhelming and difficult to handle. This discussion will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for navigating these si…

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234: The Reality of Frustration: Acknowledging and Normalizing Mom’s Challenges, with Stephanie Rosenfield 32:54

7M ago32:54

32:54

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the reality of frustration, particularly for mothers of neurodivergent children with Stephanie Rosenfield. Stephanie shares her insights and personal experiences, highlighting the challenges and struggles faced by moms who are constantly striving to balance authenticity and protectiveness. We'll explore the soc…

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233F Refocus on Big Picture Goals 7:23

7M ago7:23

7:23

I’m diving into the big picture goals of education and how refocusing on those overarching goals helps struggling learners thrive. Join me as I discuss how understanding the true purpose of education and the true purpose of each task or assignment can level the playing field for struggling learners and enhance a child's learning journey.…

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233E Neurobiology’s Role in Availability to Learn 5:37

7M ago5:37

5:37

In this episode, I discuss the role of neurobiology in our ability to learn. Join me as we uncover the science behind how our nervous system’s state impacts our availability to learn. We will explore the concept of regulation and why it is crucial for optimal learning. Get ready for some eye-opening insights that will challenge the traditional educ…

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233D Offering Just Right Challenges 6:08

7M ago6:08

6:08

The concept of the "just right challenge" plays a crucial role in supporting growth and success for neurodivergent kids in school. I share insights on finding the balance between pushing children outside their comfort zones and ensuring they can still achieve success. I emphasize the need to meet kids where they are and create opportunities for gro…

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233C Fostering a Culture of Community in Schools 5:07

7M ago5:07

5:07

Connection and a sense of belonging are integral to learning. Join me as I explore strategies for creating a community that not only supports academic growth but also celebrates individual differences. Tune in to discover how building a culture of community can positively impact students' emotional well-being and engagement in the learning process.…

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233B Normalizing Differences in Education 4:36

7M ago4:36

4:36

Normalizing differences in education is a key topic for creating schools that are equitable to all learners. I share valuable lessons learned from experts on how to embrace neurodiversity, different learning styles, and unique needs in the classroom. Join me as I uncover strategies to create a culture of acceptance, foster community, and encourage …

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233A The Need for Flexibility in Education 7:35

7M ago7:35

7:35

In this episode, I explore the crucial importance of providing adaptable approaches to education for neurodivergent children and those who struggle in school. Prepare to discover three key ways to implement flexibility in education, ranging from the flexibility of the learning environment to accommodating different modalities of learning and allowi…

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232: How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings, with Julie Kaplow, PhD, ABPP 22:51

8M ago22:51

22:51

In 2022, 34 students and adults died in school shootings, while more than 43,000 children were exposed to gunfire at school. These are startling statistics, but an epidemic that many Americans have grown somewhat numb to. While we’ve become accustomed to expecting more school shootings, it doesn’t reduce the fear and anxiety kids and parents feel. …

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231: Sensory Strategies for Self-Regulation, with Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC and Jessica Hill, COTA/L 31:41

8M ago31:41

31:41

Everyone has eight senses — the five we know commonly, which are our “far” senses, and the three additional senses that are our “near” senses. The three additional senses of vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoception are vitally important to regulation. In this episode, I’m joined by occupational therapists, Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, h…

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230: Setting Neurodivergent Kids Up for Success at School 24:45

8M ago24:45

24:45

School is hard for neurodivergent kids — there's no question about that. Traditional educational systems are not designed for kids who learn differently. That means we have to advocate for our children and take steps to provide a path for success. First and foremost, we must understand the end goal of schooling: to provide our children with the edu…

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229: Nurturing Grit — The Art of Failing Forward, with John Willson 26:25

8M ago26:25

26:25

Everyone needs grit for self-actualization. Without experiencing that we can do hard things and be okay on the other side, we don’t feel truly successful and fulfilled. Of course, we want this for our kids — we want them to have grit and to feel a great sense of achievement and purpose. So how do we foster grit in our kids (and ourselves, btw)? The…

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228: Shifting Away from a Rules & Limits Mentality, with Dayna Abraham 34:43

9M ago34:43

34:43

Our culture is pretty rigid and it calls for parents to be rigid in their parenting as well — you set rules and limits, kids break them, you punish them. But, this is not good parenting! Kids do need structure but they also need the space to be authentically who they are and find their own path. Rigidity doesn’t allow kids to be true to themselves,…

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227: The Trauma of Parenting and How to Heal, with Dr. Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH 33:11

9M ago33:11

33:11

Parenting itself can be traumatic — it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders to protect your child while also teaching them to live their truth and live it fearlessly. When you add in neurodivergence, you amplify the stress, anxiety, and intensity. And your body holds onto that stress, anxiety, and intensity — it doesn’t feel safe…

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136: Social Work Pioneer 4:12

9M ago4:12

4:12

Episode 136: I am humbled and honored to let you know that I have been selected as one of 25 Social Work Pioneers for starting the first podcast by and for social workers. The NASW Social Work Pioneers program celebrates some of the most influential social workers in the nation. There is no way I would have been considered for this prestigious hono…

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226: 5 Tools to Foster Self-Regulation, with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D. & Penny Williams 36:40

10M ago36:40

36:40

One of the struggles we hear from parents again and again is that their child lacks self-regulation. Being with a kid who can’t self-regulate day in and day out is challenging, no doubt. But you can help your kid calm and kids can learn to self-regulate — you just need the right strategies. In this episode of Beautifully Complex, outline five strat…

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225: Beating Overwhelm: Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time, with Heather Chauvin 34:31

10M ago34:31

34:31

It’s hard not to get overwhelmed when parenting neurodivergent kids. The chaos, the school meetings, the appointments, the seemingly never-ending need… it’s a lot to juggle. But what our souls crave — what we need to truly live — is joy, ease, and presence. In this episode, Heather Chauvin of Emotionally Uncomfortable reminds us that overwhelm is j…

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224: Hiding in Plain Sight: Understanding Less-Obvious Autism, with Donna Henderson, Psy.D. & Sarah Wayland, Ph.D. 37:32

11M ago37:32

37:32

Though our understanding of autism has greatly expanded, many autistic individuals are still missed or misdiagnosed. Not all autistics are severely outwardly impacted, like Rainman. Autism is a spectrum and it can show up in many different ways — even camouflaged. In this episode, I’m talking with Donna Henderson, Psy.D. & Sarah Wayland, Ph.D., aut…

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223: Feeling Stuck in the Stuck of Stuck, with Penny Williams 23:18

11M ago23:18

23:18

We talk a lot about strategies for when our kids get stuck, but what about us? Parents can certainly feel stuck too. I’m feeling it to the nth degree these days, and I’ve decided to share my current feelings of being stuck in the stuck of stuck and what I’m doing to slowly find my way out of that darkness. In this episode I share my current stuckne…

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222: Managing the Overwhelm in Neurodiverse Families, with Kelly Fradin, M.D. 31:23

11M ago31:23

31:23

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your child’s behavior, numerous possible interventions, school struggles, medication trials, and your feelings about all those things when you have a child with ADHD or autism. And we can’t live our best lives, or help our children live their best lives, when we’re overwhelmed and trying to do too much at once. “We’r…

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221: The Suicide Epidemic, with Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW 32:30

12M ago32:30

32:30

The rate of suicide in children is rising sharply, not at a true crisis point. It’s something we worry about as parents, and rightfully so. Especially when we’re talking about a marginalized population like neurodivergent kids. Conversations with our kids about suicide are paramount, but often avoided because it’s a really hard topic to think and t…

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220: Helping with Executive Functioning While Also Empowering Independence, with Franki Bagdade, M. Ed. LLMSW 31:43

12M ago31:43

31:43

Parents and teachers often worry that if they help a kid with lagging executive functioning skills that the kid won’t develop skills for independence — that they won’t be able to function on their own. But, the truth is, you can help a child with functioning skills and teach them independence skills. The first step is to replace doing things for th…

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219: Weeding Out Misinformation, with The Behavior Revolution 33:44

1y ago33:44

33:44

There is a LOT online about ADHD and autism. A LOT! How do you know what to trust, what to try? It can be tough, especially when you’re searching through a lens of fear and worry for your child. In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we offer some guidelines on knowing what to trust and considering what interventions are worth trying. We talk abou…

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Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW Podcasts

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