In this month’s episode, Janet Morrison talks with Dr. Maiysha Clairborne, an Atlanta-based physician, trainer, and consultant.  Specializing in integrating alternative and traditional medicine, Dr. Clairborne trains individuals in organizations to learn how to communicate effectively and fulfill personal goals while meeting organizational outcomes. She is the author of the Wellness Blueprint, co-author of Conscious Anti-racism, and host of the Black Mind Garden podcast. During their conversation, Janet and Dr. Clairborne discuss family conflicts and the dynamics of the different relation ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet interviews Dr. Giovanni Foti, a seasoned clinical and forensic psychologist to discuss conduct disorder in children and teens. Specializing in children, teens, and families, Dr. Foti has worked with various clinical and forensic settings that have included outpatient, secure treatment, youth justice, and private practices. Janet and Dr. Foti discuss the criteria and possible risk factors that may lead to a conduct disorder diagnosis. Dr. Foti also highlights that conduct disorders are behavior-based and how early intervention with well-targeted treatments and fam ..read more

In episode 40, Janet delves into the effect of social media on the mental well-being of young people with returning guest, Dr. Daniel Zdzieborski. A Clinical Psychologist with experience in hospitals, schools, community and private practice settings, Dr. Zdzieborski specializes in treating children and adolescents with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns. Together, Janet and Dr. Zdzieborski examine how children’s engagement with social media platforms can nurture connections and foster independence, yet at the same time create a deceptive sense of community. This dual dynamic can pot ..read more

In episode 39, Janet talks to Dr. Jessica Gomez, a licensed psychologist and executive director of Momentous Institute, a leading youth mental health research and services organization located in Dallas, Texas. Under Dr. Gomez’s leadership, Momentous Institute has pioneered breakthrough programs that are proving successful in strengthening the mental health and well-being of children and families. Her work at Momentous Institute highlights how early intervention can help young people better understand and manage their emotions and relationships. Throughout this episode, Janet and Dr. Gomez dis ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Debra Stein, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Garry Hurvitz Sickkids Centre for Community Mental Health. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in supporting newcomer children, youth, and families, addressing resettlement and acculturation concerns.  As an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Dr. Stein lectures on refugee mental health to diverse audiences. She also serves as a Subject Matter Expert for CAMH's Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project. During the episode, Janet and Debra discu ..read more

In this month's episode, Janet welcomes Eva Marszewski, a lawyer and the Founder of Peacebuilders International. Peacebuilders is an organization dedicated to using restorative practices to keep young people away from the criminal justice system and guide them toward a brighter future and Eva’s work through them has earned her the Order of Ontario and the Law Society Medal. During this episode, Janet and Eva explore the trauma associated with young people going through the court process. They discuss the challenges faced by these youths, especially those that are particularly vulnerable, and t ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet engages in a conversation with Dr. Carmen Logie, a faculty member at the Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto and the Canada Research Chair in Global Health Equity and Social Justice with Marginalized Populations. Carmen's ongoing research centers on HIV testing and treatment across Canada, Uganda, and Jamaica, with a particular focus on how stigma contributes to substandard care and outcomes among marginalized groups. These groups encompass refugee and displaced youth, LGBTQ communities, Indigenous youth, and sex workers. Throughout the ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet welcomes Ulrica Jobe, an educator, counselor, and workshop facilitator with extensive experience working with parents, children, families, and teachers. Ulrica is the founder of True Compass, an organization with a mission to support social-emotional learning and provide family coaching and counseling services. She also serves as the Parent Coach on staff at The Giving Tree, a counseling center in Toronto. Janet and Ulrica engage in a conversation about the concept of ‘parent coaching’ and delve into the specific challenges that children face and how having a par ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet welcomes Catherine Lau, a registered psychotherapist and certified art therapist from The Giving Tree, a counseling center in Toronto.  As an expert in applied behavior analysis, Catherine works with families and individuals of all ages experiencing challenges, including acquired brain injury, depression, anxiety, and complex medical conditions.  During their conversation, Janet and Catherine explore what art therapy is and what makes it unique compared to other therapy approaches. They explore how art therapy can be both directive and non-directive, d ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet welcomes Dr. Dan Zdzieborski to the podcast to discuss how exercise supports better mental health in children and adolescents. Dr. Zdzieborski is a Clinical Psychologist who assesses and treats children and adolescents with mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns.  Janet and Dr. Zdzieborski discuss how exercise has a positive impact on anxiety, depression and cognitive and academic functions, as well as how physical activity affects different parts of the brain. They also explore the impact of COVID-19 and how increasingly sedentary lifestyles affect ..read more