In this deeply important episode, we briefly explore legislation like Bill 33 in Ontario intersects with the realities of parenting, education, and mental health-especially for children who struggle with behavioral challenges such as ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder), and ADHD.

But we go beyond policy to focus on the human stories behind the diagnoses: the children who feel misunderstood, the parents navigating broken systems, and the educators striving to do more with less.

We talk about the critical role of nervous system regulation, not just for students, but for the adults guiding them. And most importantly, we explore how building connection, community, and a culture of care in schools and homes is key to reducing loneliness, isolation, and even suicidal ideation in young people.

This episode is a call to action—for more compassion, more leadership, and more systemic change that centers belonging and relationship.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• A brief oveview of Bill 33
• The real-life implications for students with behavioral and emotional regulation challenges
• Why nervous system regulation and co-regulation are foundational in school settings
• The invisible emotional toll on educators and leadership: burnout, pressure, and responsibility
• Connection over correction: how school culture can promote healing and resilience
• The essential role of community, culture, and belonging in preventing youth loneliness and suicidal ideation
• Practical ways to support struggling students through a trauma-informed lens
• How principals and educational leaders can be change agents in systemic transformation

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and grounding episode, we explore a common but often misunderstood experience for people with ADHD: zoning out. But we’re not just talking about distraction — we’re diving deep into the why behind this behavior, especially through a trauma-informed lens.

You’ll learn how zoning out can be a nervous system response tied to dysregulation, overwhelm, or past trauma, rather than laziness or lack of motivation. We’ll unpack what’s happening in the brain and body during these moments, and why traditional focus-based advice often misses the mark for neurodivergent folks.

What We Cover:

• What zoning out looks like in ADHD (beyond just being “distracted”)
• The role of the nervous system in dissociation and freeze responses
• How trauma history can amplify zoning out patterns
• Why grounding and regulation are more effective than forcing attention
• Practical, body-based tools to come back online and reconnect
• How to cultivate more awareness and compassion for your ADHD brain

Tools & Takeaways:

• Grounding techniques you can use in the moment
• Simple nervous system check-ins to notice when you're drifting
• How to create safety in your body to support presence and focus
• Permission to release shame around “spacing out”

Read more on my blog here.

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Alex Glecoff from Behaviour Ally, exploring the intersection of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioural change, and neurodivergent individuals. Discover how ACT principles can be tailored to empower neurodivergent clients and promote compassionate, identity-affirming therapy.

Read more on my blog here.

Topics Covered:

• Definition and core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, values-based action.
• Its alignment with behavioural frameworks and RFT (Relational Frame Theory)
• Discussion of ACT’s strong research base across stress, mental health, and behaviour change.
• Identifying unhelpful patterns using the ACT “hexaflex” model.
• Shaping new behaviours via values-driven goals.
• The importance of mindfulness and emotional acceptance in facilitating sustainable change.

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.

In this episode, Christina joins the conversation to share both her clinical experience, and lived experience navigating life with chronic illness. We also discuss ADHD—all through the lens of the connection between neurodivergence and trauma. The discussion unpacks how these intersecting challenges often get overlooked in both medical and mental health systems, and how storytelling, somatic work, and self-awareness can be powerful tools for healing.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or still searching for answers, this episode offers validation, education, and actionable support.

Christina Kantzavelos LCSW, is a trauma-informed therapist, somatic practitioner, and the founder of Begin Within Today. With a compassionate, embodied approach, she supports neurodivergent and chronically ill individuals in healing from trauma and reconnecting with their authentic selves. Christina blends personal lived experience with clinical expertise, creating a grounded, relatable space for growth and restoration.

Learn more about Christina’s work: beginwithintoday.com

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.

In this episode, we explore the often underestimated power of consistency—how showing up for ourselves in small, daily ways can become the foundation of lasting self-esteem and unshakable self-confidence. Whether you're working toward personal goals, healing, or trying to break old patterns, consistent action sends a powerful message to your nervous system and your inner self: I am worthy of showing up for. Check out the blog, here.

We also dive into the role parents play as role models. When children see us follow through—on promises, on routines, on our dreams—they internalize the message that consistency is safe, empowering, and achievable. This episode is an invitation to consider how our habits speak louder than our words, and how consistency can become a radical act of self-trust and leadership in both our lives and our parenting.

Tune in for a grounded, encouraging, and real conversation on how to build the life—and the self-worth—you’ve been reaching for, one small step at a time.

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.

It can be exhausting to live your life toggling between the extreme polarities of emotions - panic vs. shutdown, hyperarousal vs. hypoarousal, fight vs. flight. This episode takes you through noticing where you're at so that you can be empowered to take radical responsibility to make the changes that you need to make to step into the version of you that you've been wanting to show up as.

Check out more details on my blog, ⁠here⁠.

This podcast is not a therapy session. It's not a substitute for mental health support. This is for educational purposes only and I'm so happy that you're here on this journey!

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.

Can gaining independence at 16 really mean the start of a new set of challenges? Join us on this episode of Next Gen Psychology as we unpack the multifaceted journey of young adults aged 16 to 21. From the excitement of getting a driver's license and managing part-time jobs to the daunting tasks of cooking and laundry, we spotlight the balancing act of newfound freedom mixed with the ongoing necessity for parental support. The episode emphasizes that despite their apparent self-sufficiency, the brains of these young individuals are still developing until 25, necessitating a delicate blend of autonomy and guidance.

Transitioning from high school to university is a milestone often celebrated but rarely scrutinized for its mental toll. We delve deep into the stressors that accompany this significant life change, from adapting to new academic environments and financial pressures to the emotional strain of leaving familiar support systems behind. We shed light on the increased risk of depressive symptoms, burnout, and procrastination, and discuss how these challenges highlight the urgent need for better preparation and support systems for young adults during this crucial phase.

We wrap up by focusing on the power of building healthy habits for long-term success, inspired by James Clear's "Atomic Habits." You'll discover how setting clear, attainable goals and linking daily habits to these goals can create a sense of progress and motivation. We discuss principles like making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying, and introduce the concept of habit stacking to seamlessly integrate new behaviors into daily routines. Additionally, we underscore the importance of adult role models in demonstrating consistency and offering emotional support, critical elements in helping young people navigate this transitional phase.

Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.

What do kids and teens truly need to thrive emotionally in today's fast-paced world? Join us in the inaugural episode of NextGen Psychology, where we explore this critical question and much more. Drawing from my experience as a psychotherapist, we'll dissect the unique challenges faced by our youth, from technology dependence to navigating the complex landscape of anxiety and trauma. This episode marks a significant shift from my previous podcasts, Better Bodies and Better Boundaries, as we zero in on the mental health of young people and provide invaluable psychoeducation for parents.

Reflecting on the evolution of my podcasting journey, I delve into the most impactful episodes from Better Bodies and Better Boundaries. Discover the profound insights shared by author Tabitha Farrar on rewiring the brain for those grappling with eating disorders, and revisit our most popular discussions on handling passive-aggressive family dynamics and relationship triggers. All these episodes remain accessible in the show notes for those eager to explore further. As we embark on this new phase with NextGen Psychology, my mission is to bridge the communication gap between parents and their children, fostering a supportive environment where they can flourish emotionally.

Buzzworthy Archived Episodes:

• [INTERVIEW] Setting Boundaries in a passive aggressive family
• [SOLO PEP TALK] Finding yourself when faced with relationship issues and triggers
• [INTERVIEW] Your brain on restrictive eating

Bria Wannamaker, RP.
@therapywithbria_
www.briawannamakerpsychotherapy.com

As always, please remember that these podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical healthcare or mental healthcare. Podcasts are available as an educational and entertainment resource and are not advice, recommendations, or suggestions. Please seek out the necessary professional services if you require assistance.