Finding Your Way Back to Joy After a Complex Medical Diagnosis

Life with a furry friend brings countless moments of joy, but for children, the loss of a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult experience. This Raising Joy episode tackles this sensitive topic with empathy and guidance, featuring Laura Sonefeld from Cook Children's Sit…Stay...PLAY! program.

Join us as Laura, a certified child life specialist and Cook Children’s facility dog program coordinator, shares her expertise on how to help children navigate the emotions of pet loss.

On this special episode of Raising Joy, hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc answer questions submitted by listeners. They cover everything from helping children deal with bullying, social media, balancing work and home, burn out and self-care. They also talk about what they have learned over the past two years of interviewing guests for Raising Joy. This is an episode you don’t want to m

This episode of Raising Joy dives deep into drugs, alcohol, and substance use disorder among high school and college students. We're joined by Caroline Sahba, LPC-S, LCDC, MBA, Associate Director of the Counseling and Mental Health Center at TCU, who brings her expertise in substance use and recovery services to the table.

This episode is essential for parents, teachers, counselors, and anyone concerned about the well-being of young adults. Join us as we discuss:

·         The current landscape of substance use among high school and college students.

·         Warning signs and risk factors to watch out for.

·         Effective communication strategies to talk to young people about drugs and alcohol.

·         Resources and support available for those struggling with substance use.

·         Practical tips for promoting healthy choices and preventing substance use disorder.

Caroline Sahba provides valuable insights and guidance, empowering you to navigate these challenging conversations and support the young adults in your life.

This Black History Month, Raising Joy tackles a crucial yet often overlooked topic: mental health within diverse communities. Join us as we welcome Lachelle Goodrich, MA, LPC, a powerhouse of experience and expertise. Lachelle, owner of iLegacy Consulting and Counseling, also spearheads the Choice Neighborhood Initiative for Fort Worth Housing Solutions.

We'll delve into the unique perspectives and challenges surrounding mental health in different cultures. Lachelle, with her wealth of knowledge and lived experience, will shed light on:

·         How cultural beliefs and values shape perceptions of mental health.

·         Barriers faced by diverse communities in accessing mental health support.

·         Culturally-sensitive approaches to promoting mental well-being for ALL children and families.

·         Practical tips and resources for fostering open conversations and supporting mental health within your community.

Don't miss this empowering and informative episode! It's time to acknowledge the diverse experiences surrounding mental health and build a more inclusive path towards joy and well-being for all.

Having a child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a traumatic experience. On this episode of Raising Joy, we’re joined by Helen Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C. Helen is a clinical therapist and licensed social worker specializing in perinatal mental health. She shares invaluable insights into the challenges NICU parents face, offering support and understanding for those navigating this unique journey. This episode emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for both parents and their newborns.

On this special episode of Raising Joy, we welcome Cook Children’s cardiologist Kevin Wilkes, M.D. Join us as we delve into the intricate connection between congenital heart defects and mental health, as Dr. Wilkes sheds light on how conditions like anxiety, depression and ADHD intersect with heart health.

In this heartwarming episode of Raising Joy, we meet Raymond Turner, the studio producer of Sparklefly Recording Studio in the Child Life Zone at Cook Children's. Raymond's story is one of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of music.

Join us as Raymond shares his inspiring journey to Cook Children's, where he found his calling in creating music for some of the hospital's youngest patients. We'll delve into the deeply moving experience of crafting heartbeat songs memorializing terminal children for their families, a testament to Raymond's unwavering dedication to bringing joy and solace during the most challenging times.

Raymond's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, healing, and the power of human connection. His work at Cook Children's is a beacon of light, touching the lives of countless families and leaving a mark on their hearts forever.

Raymond also gave a TedX Talk in the spring of 2023. You can watch his talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFLwwUj7gHg

When we think of the holidays, most of us think of good food, family gatherings and beautiful holiday decorations. For many, it’s the happiest time of the year; but for others it’s a very different story.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially those grieving the death of a loved one.

On this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we're joined by Hannah Boyd, CCLS, a child life specialist, and Jennifer Hayes, MDiv, BCC, Director of Spiritual Care at Cook Children’s. They share their insights on how parents can talk to children and navigate grief as a family during a time of the year that is supposed to be full of joy.

Does your child experience frequent and intense tantrums? Is their irritability and anger impacting their daily life and relationships? This episode delves into the world of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), a condition characterized by persistent irritability and severe temper outbursts.

On this episode of Raising Joy, pediatric psychiatrist Rachel Talbot, M.D., of Cook Children’s sheds light on this misunderstood but common diagnosis. She helps us navigate the complexities of DMDD, differentiating it from other mood disorders like childhood bipolar, and identifying its unique symptoms at home and at school.

Whether you’re a parent seeking understanding and guidance, a teacher hoping to better support students with DMDD, or someone interested in learning about this complex condition, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.

In this episode, we chat with Laurie Williams George, a mother and doctoral student in educational psychology, about the challenges and rewards of parenting neurodiverse children. We delve into her research on autism and academic performance, as well as her son's heart-wrenching experience with bullying while playing video games online. We also discuss the importance of teaching kids how to behave online.

Laurie is also the creator of the online platform, Parent with Merit, which features articles and information about testing, diagnosis and the intervention process. The site also provides free resources regarding developmental disabilities, including organizations to reach out to and one-page information sheets available for download.

Resources:

·         Parent with Merit

·         Child Study Center at Cook Children’s