The Teacher and The Therapist Podcast

Episode 20: Does My Child Need Counseling?

Are you a parent wondering if your child might need counseling? In this insightful episode, Brigid and Jenna, the teacher and therapist duo, celebrate reaching their 20th episode by tackling a crucial question many caregivers face. They explore various scenarios that indicate when a child might benefit from therapy, delving into behavioral signs and developmental standards. With a blend of professional insights and everyday examples, they offer guidance for parents, teachers, and therapists alike on recognizing key indicators for seeking counseling. The episode also covers practical steps to take if therapy seems necessary, including navigating initial barriers to accessing mental health support. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode equips you with valuable knowledge to support children's mental well-being effectively.

Episode 19: Exploring the Diverse World of Educational Choices

Welcome to episode 19! In this episode, we dive into the myriad of schooling options available today. Are you a parent unsure about the best educational path for your child? Or perhaps a therapist or teacher looking to expand your understanding of different education models? This episode is designed to guide you through the vast landscape of educational choices.
Brigid and Jenna, the teacher and therapist duo, discuss traditional public schools, private and parochial schools, specialized institutions like Montessori and Waldorf, as well as online public schools, charter schools, homeschooling, and even UN-schooling. They explore the pros and cons of each, providing insights into what might work best depending on family and children’s individual needs and certain state requirements.
Join us for an engaging conversation about the benefits and challenges of each schooling option. Whether you're considering a public school in your neighborhood or leaning towards homeschooling, this episode provides a comprehensive overview to help you understand and make the best decision for your family.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at @teacherandtherapistpod or email us at teacherandtherapistpod@gmail.com with your thoughts!

Ep 18: Festive Season Survival Guide

Join Brigid and Jenna, the dynamic teacher and therapist duo, as they dive into Episode 18 filled with laughter and practical advice for surviving the holiday season. Discover strategies for maintaining flexibility and managing expectations during this exciting yet stressful time of year. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, you'll find helpful tips for celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa while keeping the kids entertained and the spirits bright.
The hosts discuss the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health amidst the hustle and bustle. From babyproofing your travel plans to accommodating the needs of toddlers and school-age children, Brigid and Jenna share real-life experiences and insights.
Explore creative ideas for involving children in holiday preparations and celebrations, ensuring that the season is enjoyable for everyone, including teens and young adults. With anecdotes and humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace the true spirit of the holidays while navigating the complexities of family life, seasonal stress, and joyous celebrations.

Ep 17: Travel Tips for Families: Surviving the Holiday Chaos

Join Brigid and Jenna, a teacher and a therapist, as they delve into practical advice for parents, therapists, and teachers alike. In this episode, they focus on holiday travel tips that cater to families with children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Discover how to plan efficiently for your trip, entertain and engage your kids, whether you’re driving to see relatives or flying across the country. With expert insights and personal anecdotes, Brigid and Jenna provide strategies for feeding, packing, and keeping the peace, ensuring that your holiday travels are enjoyable and stress-free for everyone. Tune in for a collaborative and insightful exploration of family travel during the holiday season.
From tips on packing extra clothes and engaging games to digital distractions and playlist suggestions, explore a range of ideas tailored for each age group. They cover how to manage potential challenges on the road and in the air and emphasize the importance of patience and flexibility. Brigid and Jenna's candid experiences bring a relatable touch, reassuring any parent or caregiver preparing for the busy holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first family trip, this episode is packed with ideas to help you arrive at your destination with smiles all around. Don't miss out on these valuable travel insights.

Ep 16: Behind the Mic: Listener Q&A

Join Brigid, the teacher, and Jenna, the therapist, in this engaging episode as they dive into listener questions from their beloved audience. With their unique blend of humor and insight, they explore the intricacies of their friendship and the unexpected twists that led them to start their podcast.
Discover the story behind their lifelong connection, from their families' college days to becoming friends, and learn how their bond has evolved over time. As they navigate through listener inquiries, they share personal anecdotes, professional insights, and their favorite moments in education and therapy.
From discussing their ideal alternate careers to sharing their favorite ages to work with, Brigid and Jenna provide a delightful mix of light-hearted banter and meaningful discussions. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode offers relatable experiences and valuable perspectives on parenting, childhood development, and the joys and challenges of their professions.

Ep 15: All Things Halloween!

Join Brigid and Jenna in this fun and light-hearted episode all things HALLOWEEN! From crafts, to recipes, sensory activities, classroom games, children's books, songs, and family bonding, we cover it all! Be sure to head over to Instagram @teacherandtherapistpod and comment your favorite Halloween activity! 🎃

Ep 14: Navigating Bullying: Strategies for Parents, Teachers, and Students

In this insightful episode, Brigid and Jenna delve into the challenging and prevalent issue of bullying. As a teacher and therapist, they bring unique perspectives on how to recognize, address, and prevent bullying in schools and online.
The episode begins with a candid discussion about the widespread nature of bullying, including startling statistics and the impact it has on students' mental health. Brigid and Jenna emphasize the importance of taking bullying seriously, listening to children, and understanding the difference between teasing and bullying.
They provide actionable advice for teachers on creating safe classroom environments, being proactive, and having clear policies in place. Parents are encouraged to monitor internet use, engage in open conversations with their children, and model respectful behavior.
The hosts also offer valuable tips for students on how to safely intervene when witnessing bullying, the importance of seeking help from trusted adults, and finding supportive social circles.
Join Brigid and Jenna as they explore the complexities of bullying and share practical strategies to foster a safer and more inclusive environment for children and teens.
 
Follow us on Instagram @teacherandtherapistpod to learn more about bullying
Email us at teacherandtherapistpod@gmail.com

Ep 13: Understanding Childhood Anxiety

Are you a parent wondering if you're doing right by your kids? A therapist seeking real world applications for working with children and their families? A teacher striving to educate the whole child in today's complex world? This is the podcast for you!
Join Brigid, a dedicated teacher, and Jenna, an experienced therapist, as they delve into the topic of childhood anxiety. In this episode, they explore the various forms of anxiety disorders that can affect children, share personal experiences from the classroom and therapy sessions, and provide practical advice for parents and educators.
Discover the common signs of anxiety in children, the importance of not offering constant reassurance, and the significance of teaching kids to manage their worries. With a focus on validation and acceptance, Brigid and Jenna offer valuable tools to help children cope with anxiety, emphasizing the need for early intervention and the benefits of therapy.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode provides essential insights and strategies to support the emotional well-being of the children in your life. Tune in to learn how to navigate childhood anxiety with understanding and compassion.
 
Follow us on Instagram for more anxiety tips! @teacherandtherapistpod
Email us at teacherandtherapistpod@gmail.com

Ep 12: Unlocking School-Based Counseling: Benefits, Challenges, and Implementation

Are you a parent wondering if you're doing right by your kids? A therapist seeking real-world applications for working with children and their families? A teacher trying to navigate educating the whole child in today's world? Then this is the podcast for you!
Hey guys, it's Brigid and Jenna, the teacher and the therapist. We're back with Episode 12. Today, we're diving into the topic of school-based counseling. We'll explore its benefits, such as accessibility and cost-effectiveness, and discuss the challenges, like coordinating with parents and avoiding class disruption.
We'll also share insights on how school-based counselors integrate into the school environment, collaborate with teachers, and offer mental health support. Whether you're an educator, parent, or mental health professional, this episode provides valuable information on implementing effective school-based counseling programs.
Join us as we unpack the pros and cons of school-based counseling and provide practical advice for advocating these services within your school district. Tune in next time for an in-depth discussion on anxiety in kids!
 
Follow us on Instagram and Threads @teacherandtherapistpod
or Email at teacherandtherapistpod@gmail.com

Ep 11: Understanding 504 Plans: Advocating for Your Child's Educational Needs

Are you a parent wondering if you're doing right by your kids? A therapist seeking real-world applications for working with children and their families? A teacher trying to navigate educating the whole child in today's world? Then this is the podcast for you!
In Episode 11, Brigid and Jenna dive into the intricacies of obtaining a 504 plan for students. They explain what a 504 plan is, how to get one, and why a child might need it. They also discuss how to advocate for your child's needs to ensure the plan is followed effectively.
Brigid, the teacher, provides an in-depth look at the legal background of 504 plans and the steps parents can take to initiate the process. Jenna, the therapist, adds insights on supporting documentation and the role of various professionals in the evaluation.
This episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and tips for parents, educators, and therapists to help children succeed in their educational journeys. Don't miss out on this essential guide to understanding and advocating for 504 plans!