All Episodes

April 15, 2025 31 mins

Dr. Jodi Richardson continues her illuminating conversation with psychologist Jodie Wassner, diving into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its transformative approach for families navigating childhood anxiety.

What you'll learn:

  • Why building connection and understanding must precede cognitive work with anxious children
  • How to use the powerful ACT question: "Is that just something your mind is telling you?"
  • Practical strategies for helping both parents and children tolerate uncertainty
  • The step-by-step process of moving from empathetic understanding to helpful cognitive techniques

Standout moment: "Parents often rush to fix their child's anxiety, but Jodie explains why spending months truly understanding your child creates the foundation for all effective intervention work."

Who this episode is for: Parents supporting anxious children, educators working with anxious students, therapists interested in ACT approaches, and anyone seeking to understand psychological flexibility in managing anxiety.

Listen now to discover how ACT principles can help anxious children separate from unhelpful thoughts while living according to their values.

Jodie Wassner's book mentioned: https://www.woodslanehealth.com.au/products/9781839975820?srsltid=AfmBOorhVwFFObgAD0RWw76jrEEMKSsYh36ST4-fMTr-CBFUfXEOnuUD

More on Jodie's work:

https://www.curiouskidspsychology.com.au/our-team

Connect with me:

https://linktr.ee/drjodirichardson?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabqDVAw_zhoG3IXGRhgjn-J14BFJy50ztJbCHywMfZobVH12nX1USMbisI_aem_QViUbKkXHlwbD3y4kGcvGQ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

United States of Kennedy
Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.