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TELL ME IT WILL BE OKa parenting podcast with Dawn Friedman MSEd Author: Dawn Friedman MSEd
Tell Me It Will Be OK is the conversation for parents of anxious kids who have read all the books, listened to all the experts, and still feel like something is missing. Host Dawn Friedman, MSEd, has spent over thirty years in the trenches with families as an educator, family case manager, and clinical counselor. She knows that in a world of climate crisis, political upheaval, and digital noise, there is no such thing as a "quick-fix" script or a one-size-fits-all solution. Parenting bright, sensitive, and anxious children requires more than just a new techniqueit requires a paradigm shift. Each week, Dawn moves beyond the "how-to" to dig into the "why" and the "what now?" through: --Deep-Dive Interviews: Conversations with researchers, activists, authors, and practitioners who look at the big picture of raising children today. --Practical Wisdom: Evidence-based clinical insights (including SPACE and infant-toddler mental health) applied to the messy reality of daily life. --The "No-Need-To-Be-Perfect" Philosophy: Shifting away from anxious perfectionism and toward the inner wisdom that helps us connect with our kids when things are hard. To learn more about Dawn and the work that she does, you can check out her site, Open Book Parenting. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Kids & Family, Mental Health, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Treating Kids with Gut-Focused CBT and Clinical Hypnosis with Dr. Ali Navidi
Episode 154
Sunday, 2 August, 2026
In this episode of Tell Me It Will Be OK, I talk with Dr. Ali Navidi about disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs)—common, impairing GI conditions affecting 13–20% of children and especially likely in kids with anxiety, trauma history, eating disorders, or autism. We discuss the complex, bidirectional “chicken-and-egg” relationship between anxiety and GI symptoms, emphasizing that symptoms are real and not “all in the head,” while warning against simplistic gut-health claims used to sell supplements. Dr. Navidi explains how hypervigilance, catastrophizing, gut-brain signaling, and visceral hypersensitivity reinforce symptoms, and outlines evidence-based treatment using gut-focused CBT and clinical hypnosis, which are supported by decades of research and included in GI guidelines. He describes psychoeducation, hypnosis “talent” tests, and how telehealth services at GIPsychology.com provide access nationwide.Takeaways:The podcast episode delves into the intricate relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms in children and their resultant anxiety, illustrating the complexities involved in understanding this connection.I emphasize the notion that while dietary changes may influence anxiety levels, the idea that anxiety can be solely cured through diet or supplements is overly simplistic and misleading.The discussion introduces the concept of disorders of gut-brain interaction, which are surprisingly prevalent among children, particularly those with anxiety or trauma histories.Dr. Ali Navidi shares that effective treatment for these conditions often requires specialized approaches, including gut-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis, both supported by substantial research.We highlight the importance of educating parents about the nature of their child's symptoms, emphasizing that understanding is a crucial first step toward effective treatment.Lastly, the podcast underscores the role of imagination and focused attention in managing anxiety, suggesting that children can leverage these skills to alleviate their symptoms in a therapeutic context.Links referenced in this episode:gipsychology.comMentioned in this episode:TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The PracticeI invite you to check out TELL ME IT WILL BE OK: The Practice, a guided reflective journaling podcast for parents raising anxious kids in a worried world. This is not a list of things you’re doing wrong. This is not a bunch of one size fits all parenting advice. This is a place to remember what you already know. (And to learn some new stuff along the way.) Each session is approximately 30 minutes. I help us get grounded; share resources, inspiration, and information; and then using thoughtful prompts we journal together to move you forward in your understanding. It also includes access to our own private community. You can sign up for a free sample practice at my site: OpenBookParenting.com
