Podcast & Articles
Supporting Perfectionistic, High-Achieving Teens With Dr. Danielle Doucette
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Dr. Danielle Doucette, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner at Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics, to discuss how to support perfectionistic, high-achieving teens. They explore the hidden struggles of overcontrolled adolescents, the signs that often go unnoticed, and why traditional DBT doesn’t always meet their needs. Dr. Doucette also gives advice on practical skills teens can use to build more meaningful relationships.
Empowering Children Through Discomfort and Resilience-Building With Dr. Marcie Faust
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Dr. Marcie Faust, Principal of South Park Elementary School, to discuss helping children build resilience through discomfort. They explore how parents can practice pausing, how letting kids handle small challenges strengthens emotional regulation, and the importance of fostering independence at home and school. Dr. Faust also shares advice on navigating peer conflict without over-involvement.
Improving Child Mental Health With Skills and Community Support With Jaime Monaco and Rivka Benjamin
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Jaime Monaco, LCPC, and Rivka Benjamin, LCSW, Co-founders of Enso Wellness Centers, to discuss helping kids build skills that truly work in real-life situations. They explore how to identify triggers, practice coping tools through exposure, and reduce unhelpful accommodations at home. Jaime and Rivka also give advice on collaborating effectively with schools and providers.
Support for Parents Navigating IEPs and 504 Plans
At Coping Partners, we help families like yours get clarity, advocacy, and support every step of the way.
We specialize in helping parents navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan process while addressing the underlying emotional and behavioral concerns that often go hand-in-hand with school challenges.
Video Game Addiction or Healthy Hobby? Tips for Parents From Andrew Fishman
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Andrew Fishman, Owner of Video Game Health, to talk about how parents can identify gaming addiction versus healthy gaming. They discuss warning signs such as withdrawal symptoms and a loss of interest in other activities, how to set practical boundaries, and why online gaming can be a positive social outlet. Andrew also shares strategies for building emotional regulation and balance in kids’ lives.
Healing Digestive Distress and Anxiety Through the Gut-Brain Connection With Elyce Shapiro
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Elyce Shapiro, Founder of Balanced Gut Nutrition & Health, to discuss healing digestive distress and anxiety through the gut-brain connection. They explore the risks of restrictive diets, why stress damages the gut barrier, and how food neutrality supports adults and children. Elyce also shares when common gut health fixes like probiotics or fiber may actually make symptoms worse.
How To Build, Maintain, and End Friendships Gracefully With Nina Badzin
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, host Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Nina Badzin, Host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, to talk about how to build, maintain, and end friendships. They discuss redefining reciprocity to strengthen bonds, avoiding social engineering in kids’ friendships, and fostering deeper one-on-one connections in groups. Nina also shares how to protect trust by practicing discretion.
Why Kids Avoid School and What Parents Can Do About It With Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday
In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Dr. Karen Lynn Cassiday, Clinical Director and Owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago, to talk about why kids avoid school and how parents can respond effectively. She explains how to spot early warning signs, why avoidance reinforces anxiety, and practical steps to break the cycle.
Helping Your Child Thrive Through Life’s Challenges
Your child deserves to feel confident, connected, and capable. At Coping Partners, we help children and families navigate emotional and behavioral struggles with warmth, expertise, and real results.
Why Listening Matters as Much as Surgery in ENT Medicine With Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum
Dr. Leigh Weisz speaks with Dr. Jordan Teitelbaum, Otorhinolaryngologist at the Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois, about why human connection is essential in ENT medicine. They discuss how to spot ENT issues in kids, why a calm bedside manner matters in surgical specialties, and how trust changes treatment outcomes. Dr. Teitelbaum also gives advice on preparing children for medical procedures.