EP59 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at August 2025 CommuniCamp.

In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and three participating parents discuss strategies for a positive start to the school year, navigating the bathroom issue at school, what to do when your child refuses to go to school and more.

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Chapters:

(5:47) Strategies for Positive Start to School Year

(17:41) Every Child’s Needs at School are Different

(23:33) Navigating the Bathroom at School

(30:15) Effective Ways to Encourage Communication at School

(41:27) What to do when your child refuses to go to school

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Ask Dr. E a question of your own!

Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

Explore our SMart Center success stories!

Get started at the SMart Center

Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.

For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube

Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available.

Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program

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For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)

EP58 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jody LeVos, exploring the science behind play-based learning and its powerful role in helping children with selective mutism overcome communication challenges.

In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jody LeVos discuss how different types of play—from structured therapy to free exploration—can be integrated into treatment to support emotional regulation and encourage speech development.

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Chapters:

(6:03) What Science Tells Us About Play and Anxiety

(12:09) How Play Can Encourage Progression of Communication in Children with Selective Mutism

(18:48) The Intersection of Play and Therapy: How to Integrate Fun into Treatment

(30:29) Play Therapy vs Free Play: Which Works Best for Children with Selective Mutism?

(44:08) The Different Types of Play

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Ask Dr. E a question of your own!

Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

Explore our SMart Center success stories!

Get started at the SMart Center

Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.

For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube

Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available.

Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program

-

For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)

EP57 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at June 2025 CommuniCamp.

In the episode, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and three participating parents discuss each parent’s unique but relatable experiences with a child with Selective Mutism.

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Chapters:

(9:53) The Role Adults Play in Helping Kids Speak

(20:25) Tips for Creating Comfort for Children with Selective Mutism

(29:45) Helping Your Child Feel Safe in New Environments

(35:54) Helping Kids Connect Socially, Even When It’s Hard

(42:51) Why Kids Need Real Practice to Start Talking

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Ask Dr. E a question of your own!

Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

Explore our SMart Center success stories!

Get started at the SMart Center

Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.

For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube

Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 5.5 CEs/CEUs are available.

Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program

-

For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)