Securely Attached
Dr. Sarah Bren
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Top 10 Securely Attached Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Securely Attached episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Securely Attached for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Securely Attached episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
268. A deep dive on parental burnout: What it is, why it happens, and how to overcome it
Securely Attached
12/31/24 • 56 min
A deep dive on combating parental burnout to start off 2025 with more balance.
In this episode I dive deep into...
Understanding what parental burnout actually is and how it is different from regular “stress” in parenthood?
The pros and cons of the rise of the “Parenting Industrial Complex.”
The output/input formula that will inevitably lead to depletion, and why parents of sensitive children are more susceptible to an imbalance in this equation.
An exercise you can use to address (and flip!) your personal output/input equation to create more balance for yourself.
Taking a Family-Systems approach to addressing and treating parental burnout.
How parental burnout can impact the parent-child relationship, leading to more dysregulated behaviors from our kids, us losing our cool, and creating a self-perpetuating negative feedback loop.
Why traditional self-care strategies don’t work for combatting parental burnout, and my recommendations for practical, realistic, and attainable strategies that actually do!
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. SARAH BREN:
FOLLOW DR. SARAH ON INSTAGRAM:
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
- The Surgeon General Report: Parental Mental Health & Well-Being
- In one study, Parents whose children experienced anxiety or ADHD had two to four times higher risk of experiencing parental burnout (anxiety: OR, 2.54; ADHD: OR, 4.41) compared with those whose children had no anxiety or ADHD. [1]
- Addressing systemic problems with Raena Boston, Lauren Smith Brody, and Alexis Barad-Cutler
- Encouraging your child to engage in independent play
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
239. Q&A: How can I support my child's self-confidence when she calls herself dumb?
Securely Attached
09/19/24 • 26 min
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...
The urge may be to talk your child out of thinking they're "dumb," but it can be helpful to stay with this feeling and lean into being curious about her experience.
How to zoom out and determine if your child is speaking out of frustration and is just emoting or if they actually have internalized that they think they aren't smart.
How to talk with your child in a way that helps build back their confidence in themself when they are struggling to learn something new, like reading.
We also want to try not to catastrophize this situation either - just because your child is saying this doesn't mean they will permanently have a poor self-image.
You can boost your child's self-confidence by feeling confident in their ability to handle the challenges they face.
How to get clear with your kid about what they think "smart" and "dumb" means, and building flexibility around those ideas.
REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:
👉🏻 If you're interested in exploring whether your child could benefit from a Neuropsychological Evaluation, CLICK HERE to learn about what we offer at Upshur Bren Psychology Group or SCHEDULE A FREE CALL to learn more about the available resources for your unique needs.
📚 BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity by Ruth Whippman
🎥 Inside Out and Inside Out 2
WANT TO LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES ON THIS TOPIC:
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do when your child says "I hate myself"
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:
Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!
307. Q&A: My toddler is so sensitive that even when I'm being silly with him, he loses it. What can I do?
Securely Attached
05/15/25 • 20 min
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...
- What to do when your toddler spirals from silly to overstimulated in seconds.
- Unpacking the difference between dysregulation and high arousal—and why this distinction matters.
- Strategies parents can use to share joyful, silly and playful moment with your sensitive child without overwhelming them.
- If you stop being so silly and fun, is that over-accommodating and bowing down too much to your child without teaching them that they need to handle this?
- When these stimulation meltdowns happen, what you can do to recover.
- How you can build your child’s tolerance for the silliness while modulating the intensity to help you.
- How a playful response can also help move you out of a shame response.
- Is there a different strategy to use if this high arousal overwhelm comes from a more fun and silly moment versus you losing your cool and yelling?
REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:
👉🏻 Click HERE for my workshop, Be the Calm in Your Child's Storm: How to Keep Your Cool When Your Child Loses Theirs, to get the exact therapeutic interventions I use with my patients that can change the way your brain and body interprets your child’s dysregulation to help you stay cool in the heat of the moment.
ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about managing dysregulated from positive emotions
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about parental dysregulation with Dr. Amber Thornton
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do when you lose your cool with Dr. Cindy Hovington
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:
Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!
276. The surprising science of sibling relationships: Why your kids fight and how to foster closeness with Dr. Jonathan Caspi
Securely Attached
01/28/25 • 54 min
Sibling relationships are some of the longest-lasting and most influential relationships in our lives, but they’re also filled with complexity. Dr. Jonathan Caspi, a renowned expert on sibling relationships, is breaking down the fascinating science behind sibling dynamics and sharing actionable advice for parents.
In this episode we explore:
The surprising science behind why if you give two siblings and two strangers personality tests, the siblings wouldn't be any more similar than the strangers.
The importance of neutrality in parental interventions with siblings and how this can prevent feelings of favoritism and resentment.
Practical strategies for managing sibling conflict: Like what to say in the heat of the moment to support their problem-solving skills, what to focus on (and what to ignore) to build closeness and empathy, and how to know it's time to get involved vs. when to let them work it out themselves, and more!
How to respond if your child struggles when you bring a new baby home with methods that foster closeness and decrease rivalry.
Insider versus outsider status: How parents can unintentionally create sibling rivalry, and what to do instead.
The vital importance of parental regulation and how to stay calm when our “mama bear” instincts are triggered.
Whether you’re trying to navigate sibling squabbles, encourage connection, or simply understand the dynamics at play in your own family, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and practical tools you won't want to miss!
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. JONATHAN CASPI:
READ DR. JONATHAN'S BOOK:
📚 Sibling Aggression: Assessment and Treatment
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
- Research Study: Why are siblings so different?
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
192. Death, grief, and parenting: How we can help our kids make sense of and make peace with death with Rabbi Steve Leder
Securely Attached
04/09/24 • 39 min
Having to explain and help our kids process and grasp the concept of death, whether in a moment where it affects them personally, or simply as a concept as a whole, can be a particularly challenging conversation for parents to navigate.
Joining me is Rabbi Steve Leder. Along with being the Rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, he is the author of five books, including The Beauty of What Remains and his newest book, For You When I Am Gone.
Whether you're seeking guidance on how to discuss life and death with your children or trying to come to terms with your own mortality, my hope is you walk away from this episode feeling a deeper understanding of how the very presence of death can make for more beauty in life.
264. The hidden dangers of EdTech: How technology in schools impacts learning, child development, and mental health with Andy Liddell
Securely Attached
12/17/24 • 60 min
Discover the impacts of EdTech in schools and how parents can advocate for their children’s education with technology attorney Andy Liddell
What EdTech is and how technology like iPads and Chromebooks are being integrated into classrooms.
The hidden dangers of screens on the learning experience, what is at risk when hands-on learning is replaced by more passive educational experiences, and how to optimize information retention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The role of big tech in surveillance capitalism, persuasive design, and selling children’s data.
How much control do schools have over blocking and restricting content on school-issued devices? (Spoiler: Most technology comes with no restrictions in place.)
How tech in classrooms is displacing social interactions, interfering with relationship development, overstimulating vulnerable children, and putting stress on an already fragile system.
What parents can do to teach media literacy, advocate for their child’s privacy, and push for more thoughtful use of technology in schools
If you’re concerned or just curious about the influence of technology on your child’s learning and development, this conversation is packed with strategies and insights to help you navigate these challenges with confidence and purpose.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANDY & EDTECH LAW CENTER:
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
- Read the research on EdTech conducted by Jared Cooney Horvath, PhD, MEd
- Social Media Victims Law Center
- Wait Until 8th
- Fairplay
- Everyschool
- Social Studies Documentary
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
289. Q&A: My 5-year-old has been clingy and hyperfocused on one friend, is this normal?
Securely Attached
03/13/25 • 19 min
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about...
Dr. Sarah and Dr. Rebecca sympathize with this mom and reflects on how great it would be if we could choose our kid’s friends - but offer a mindset shift for why that actually wouldn’t be healthy.
Who to turn to for support to help you determine what your best course of action might be.
A statement you can say to your child that can help you begin to understand why they may be exhibiting more clingy behaviors.
How to get to the root of your own anxieties and fears so you can determine what you might be projecting onto your kids versus what are actual issues they need support navigating.
What to avoid saying to your child that may unintentionally cause them to pull away from you.
A formula you can use (that works with children of all ages!) to help you know whether the questions you are asking your child will likely be helpful or may lead to increased pressure.
ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about peer rejection
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:
Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!
244. Understanding parental dysregulation: How to identify and manage your triggers with Dr. Amber Thornton
Securely Attached
10/08/24 • 51 min
Join me for a deep dive into the essential aspects of emotional regulation in parenting with clinical psychologist, Dr. Amber Thornton.
In this episode we explore:
Cognitive, emotional, physical, and physiological regulation - the differences between all four and how this knowledge can help you feel more grounded.
Dr. Amber shares her PCR Method that parents can use to identify and manage their own dysregulation.
How to understand your parenting triggers (because we all have them!) so you can use more effective strategies tailored to your unique nervous system.
Gain practical approaches for reparenting yourself to meet the needs of your younger self.
Why being an imperfect parent is actually beneficial, and even optimal, for your child’s development!
How understanding the scientific principles of attachment theory can help reduce fear and lower the stakes we feel in parenthood.
Discover practical strategies to help you navigate the challenges of parenthood while fostering a healthier connection with your children.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. AMBER:
https://www.dramberthornton.com/
READ DR. AMBER'S BOOK:
WATCH DR. AMBER ON YOUTUBE:
💻 https://www.youtube.com/@dramberthornton
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
👉🏻 Click HERE for my workshop, Be the Calm in Your Child's Storm: How to Keep Your Cool When Your Child Loses Theirs, to get the exact therapeutic interventions I use with my patients that can change the way your brain and body interprets your child’s dysregulation to help you stay cool in the heat of the moment.
👉🏻 Click HERE to download my free guide, The Four Pillars of Fostering Secure Attachment, helping you parent with a focus on attunement and trust.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
🎧 The psychology behind dysregulation with Cara Goodwin
🎧 Teaching children emotion regulation skills through coregulation with Dana Rosenbloom
248. Preparing for pregnancy and postpartum with twins or triplets with doula and newborn care specialist Kristin Revere
Securely Attached
10/22/24 • 54 min
Here to talk about the unique challenges that come from pregnancy and postpartum with multiples is the founder of Gold Coast Doulas, Kristin Revere.
In this episode we explore:
What exactly is a doula and how can doulas be helpful for expecting and postpartum parents, especially for those with multiples?
Understanding the emotional, physical, and logistical stress associated with having twins or triplets.
Resources that are available and insurance coverage options broken down for those seeking access to doula care (whether you're having one baby or more).
A framework—including the most important questions to ask—when looking for a doula that can meet your family's unique needs and best support you.
The difference between a night nurse and a postpartum doula and what to consider to determine what type of care would be best for your family.
Baby registry tips, postpartum strategies, and what an average day with a doula supporting multiples may look like.
If you've ever wondered what a doula does and how they can help, especially if you're expecting multiples, this conversation is for you!
SHOW NOTES:
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LEARN MORE ABOUT KRISTIN & GOLD COAST DOULAS:
https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/
READ HER BOOK:
📚 Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase
LISTEN TO HER PODCAST:
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
Fertility, birth, and postpartum insurance and care resources:
🤳 DOWNLOAD my free postpartum mental health checklist
💻 WATCH my free workshop, Confident Parenting from the Start, to get tools and strategies that you can put into practice right away to challenge self-doubt, put an end to your panic-Googling, and finally find the ease and enjoyment in early parenthood!
👉🏻 JOIN ME in The Authentic Parent, my comprehensive self-paced course that takes my workshop to the next level and teaches you everything you need to know (that no one tells you ahead of time) for how to confidently move through your first year of parenthood.
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
🎧 Maternal mental health throughout pregnancy and parenthood with birth doula Carson Meyer
306. C-Sections, birth trauma and the fight for better maternal care with Rachel Somerstein
Securely Attached
05/13/25 • 62 min
What if the way we talk about birth is shaping the way we experience it—before it even begins? Joining me to unpack this is journalist, professor, and author of Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section, Rachel Somerstein.
Together we explore:
- The hidden biases and ingrained language that shape how we view birth—why terms like "failure to progress" reinforce harmful narratives.
- Why flexibility is a powerful tool in birth and parenting—and why we so often slip into rigidity when we feel anxious or out of control.
- The societal pressure to “do birth right” and how it impacts a birthing person’s experience.
- The troubling reality of whose life we prioritize in birth and what that says about our values in America.
- Why do some births lead to trauma while others don’t? What the research reveals about the difference.
- The importance of preparing for a c-section—even if it’s not part of your birth plan—so that you feel safe and supported if it happens.
- Simple but impactful shifts that could make c-sections a more positive experience.
With 1 in 3 births resulting in a c-section, this is a conversation every birthing person deserves to hear. Tune in for a thought-provoking deep dive into the realities of modern birth and what we can do to reclaim agency in the process.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:
👉🏻 https://www.rachelsomerstein.com/
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:
📱 IG: @rachelesomerstein & LinkedIn: Rachel Somerstein
📱 IG: @drsarahbren
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
👉🏻 Click HERE to download my free interactive workbook, My Mental HealthPostpartum Checklist, that will help you create a personalized mental health support system for yourself allowing you to feel more confident and relaxed, knowing you have a plan for whatever your unique postpartum experience may be.
CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:
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FAQ
How many episodes does Securely Attached have?
Securely Attached currently has 309 episodes available.
What topics does Securely Attached cover?
The podcast is about Mom, Health & Fitness, Parenting, Dad, Parent, Kids & Family, Psychology, Mental Health, Family, Mentalhealth, Podcasts and Kids.
What is the most popular episode on Securely Attached?
The episode title '188. Finding positives in spite of our pain: A mother's journey navigating her child's illness with Dr. Maggie Kang' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Securely Attached?
The average episode length on Securely Attached is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of Securely Attached released?
Episodes of Securely Attached are typically released every 5 days.
When was the first episode of Securely Attached?
The first episode of Securely Attached was released on Jun 5, 2021.
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