This month, Janet Morrison talks with Dr. Vladimir Barayev MD FAAP, a Board Certified Pediatrician, Lactation Counselor, and father of two, who believes passionately in high-quality and personal care for children. Janet and Dr. Vlad discuss the relationship between physical and mental health and the six pillars of health he uses when working with families. Dr. Vlad believes acting as a whole family unit, rather than focusing solely on the child, when addressing the six pillars is instrumental to success. They also explore how to celebrate the incremental steps on the way to improving overall p ..read more

In this month's episode, Janet Morrison talks to Colleen Mousseau, a Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at AWC Grief Support. Colleen is a leader and team builder, advocating for inclusive mental health care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Throughout this episode, Janet and Colleen discuss what distinguishes traumatic grief from grief, the long-term effects for children if grief is not managed and what markers to look out for in a child who is suffering from traumatic grief.  Colleen also shares how group therapy can help g ..read more

In this month’s episode, Janet Morrison talks to Andrea Warnick, an educator, registered psychotherapist, nurse, and thanatologist.  Andrea offers compassionate support to individuals facing serious illness, dying, or the death of a loved one. With 25 years of experience, she understands the importance of this support for integrating grief and thriving in life. Janet and Andrea discuss the need for open communication about death and illness within families, the importance of preparing children for loss, and strategies to help children articulate their feelings. Andrea stresses that grief ..read more

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