

Securely Attached
Dr. Sarah Bren
Securely Attached is your go-to parenting podcast, supporting moms and dads from pregnancy all the way through their child's adolescence and every stage in between.
Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship.
And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We're answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the "rules."
From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust.
About Sarah Bren, PhD
Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.
Join us every Tuesday as clinical psychologist and mom of two Dr. Sarah Bren shares her expertise and interviews top experts in the field, simplifying complicated concepts and pulling back the curtain on the brain science and psychology that drives and shapes the parent-child relationship.
And now, every Thursday, Dr. Sarah Bren is joined by Dr. Emily Upshur and Dr. Rebecca Hershberg for a special segment, Beyond The Sessions. We're answering YOUR parenting questions from the perspective of clinical psychologists highly trained in developmental science and real-life moms who get that parenting is messy, and sometimes we have to laugh, cry, and throw out the "rules."
From toddler tantrums, to effective discipline strategies, to leaning into the principles of respectful parenting, and to managing your own mental wellness as a parent—this podcast is your ultimate resource for judgment-free, research-backed information you know you can trust.
About Sarah Bren, PhD
Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist and mom of two who helps parents understand the building blocks of child development and how secure relationships form and thrive. Her work is focused on helping parents find their inner confidence so they can respond to any parenting problem that comes along and raise kids who are healthy, resilient, and kind.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 18, 2024 • 33min
Q&A: Are love languages legit?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:00 - Love languages help us contextualize how we can attune in our relationships and that reminds us that what we need may be different from what another person needs to feel connected. 6:22 - Love languages is a simpler way to break down the principles of reflective functioning. 9:50 - Understanding the 5 love languages: Words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. 14:44 - How love languages can be applied to the parent-child relationship. 19:20 - What Theory of Mind is and how it can be applied in your daily parenting. 21:46 - Dr. Sarah, Dr. Emily, and Dr. Rebecca share their love languages and how they receive and give love in their own lives. ✨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! ✨

Jul 16, 2024 • 54min
Redefining what it means to be neurodiverse: Harnessing the power of the human brain with Wynford Dore
Joining me this week is researcher, entrepreneur, and dedicated father, Wynford Dore. In this deeply personal and enlightening conversation, Wynford shares his transformative journey from successful businessman to pioneering advocate for neurodiversity, sparked by his daughter's struggles with learning difficulties. In this episode, we explore: Uncovering the Root Causes: Groundbreaking research revealing that many neurodiverse symptoms stem from an underdeveloped cerebellum and how this understanding can change our approach to treatment. Holistic Brain Development: A shift from pathologizing symptoms to a holistic view of the brain, focusing on what is working and how to build on those strengths. Practical Applications: How targeted exercises can improve fine motor skills, eye-tracking, and other critical functions, transforming the lives of those with neurodiverse brains. Educational Insights: The current state of education for neurodiverse students, the importance of teacher support, and proactive, preventative measures to better assist these children. This episode is an essential listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the future of mental health and cognitive development. LEARN MORE ABOUT ZING PERFORMANCE: https://www.zingperformance.com/ GET WYNFORD'S BOOK: Stop Struggling In School: The Secret Brain Reset for Children with Reading, Learning or Behaviour Problems CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES: 🎧 ADHD and attachment security with Dr. Norrine Russell 🎧 How do I help my child with ADHD utilize school support systems without-feeling self-conscious? 🎧 Treating Autism with a strength-based approach with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

Jul 11, 2024 • 28min
Q&A: How can I foster a strong sibling bond between my social butterfly and more introverted daughter?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:47 - "When something is challenging for you, watching a close counterpart (like a sister) breeze through it is very difficult." 4:39 - These reactions can be externalizing (like being mean to her sibling) or internalizing (like feeling bad about herself). 5:12 - To what extent is it the older siblings job to manage her younger sister's struggles? 6:32 - Conversations you can have individually with each child to understand their feelings and validate their experiences before your work to collaboratively problem solve. 10:55 - How to give them a path toward a resolution, so being an ally to each other isn't in direct conflict with their unique needs. 13:12 - Reminding yourself of what you can control and reframing your goal to be: "How can I help them each get their needs met without controlling their relationship with each other?" 21:14 - Dr. Sarah shares her personal experience of being bullied as a child. WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARENTING MULTIPLE CHILDREN? 🎧 How can I handle jealousy and sibling rivalry 🎧 Navigating sibling fighting 🎧 Transitioning from one child to two ✨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! ✨

Jul 9, 2024 • 51min
Navigating conflict in your relationship: Reducing tension and stress in parenting for a stronger partnership with Dr. Marina Rosenthal
Join me for an enlightening episode as we delve into the complexities of parenting and relationships with couples therapist Dr. Marina Rosenthal. In this episode, we explore: Differing Parenting Styles: We shed light on the stress that arises when partners have different parenting styles, values, or standards and strategies for communicating so neither parent feels criticized. Navigating Conflicts: Practical strategies for couples to build insight into their parenting patterns, emphasizes that there are multiple good ways to parent and highlighting the importance of recognizing shared values despite differing standards. Managing Resentment and Communication: Tips on managing resentment and building a system that works for the family through effective communication and modeling healthy conflict resolution in front of your children. Balancing Control and Flexibility: The balance between maintaining control over parenting practices and allowing flexibility for different approaches, ensuring that children grow up in a supportive and resilient environment. LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MARINA ROSENTHAL: https://www.drmarinarosenthal.com/ GET MARINA'S FREE RESOURCES THAT SHE MENTIONS IN THE EPISODE: https://stan.store/drmarinarosenthal CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES: 🎧 The parallels between couples and family therapy, my first conversation with Dr. Marina Rosenthal 🎧 96. Balancing the load of parenthood: Becoming a team with your partner-in-parenting with Lauren A. Tetenbaum 🎧 144. Couple goals: Unlocking the secrets to a thriving partnership as you parent together with Dr. Suzanne Burger

Jul 4, 2024 • 20min
Q&A: Is there a right and wrong way to encourage independent play?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:23 - The developmental appropriateness of independent play - it might not last as long as our culture might lead you to believe it should. 4:25 - To foster independence, you might have to first allow your child to be dependent on you. (And the psychology of how and why this actually works!) 7:05 - The difference between independent play versus "why can't they play quietly so I can take a phone call?" 10:12 - In our culture, we're often taught that we should always be engaging, stimulating, and entertaining our kids to help them reach their full potential. 11:40 - When we say "play" what we really mean is exploration and engagement and by understanding this, it shifts what we think our role is in this interaction. 12:30 - How to foster independent play with older kids if you didn't start building this skill from a young age. WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLAY? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with The Workspace for Children's Lizzie Assa 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with Jennie Monness 🎧 Listen to our BTS discussion about enrichment classes and brain development WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RIE (RESOURCES FOR INFANT EDUCARERS)? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about using RIE with babies with Deborah Carlisle Solomon 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about evolving RIE into respectful parenting with Janet Lansbury ✨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! ✨

Jul 2, 2024 • 60min
How "mom brain" can be our greatest strength, not our biggest weakness with Dr. Nicole Pensak
>>> Click here to download my FREE Mental Health Postpartum Checklist that walks you through creating a personalized mental health support system and allows you to feel more confident and relaxed, knowing you have a plan for whatever your unique postpartum experience may be. Joining me this week is clinical psychologist and the author of Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain, Dr. Nicole Pensak. Together we have an enlightening conversation that not only acknowledges the challenges of motherhood but also celebrates the incredible strength and potential it brings. In this episode, we explore: Matrescence: Understanding the profound transition into motherhood and its impact on the brain's neuroplasticity. Silent Patients: Recognizing the often-overlooked mental health needs of mothers and advocating for better support systems. (Plus, how to do that for yourself until society catches up.) Neuroplasticity as a Superpower: How the brain's adaptability can be harnessed for personal growth and improved cognitive functioning in mothers. Motherhood as a Normative "Trauma": Addressing the intense, transformative nature of motherhood and reframing it as a period of growth and strength Connection, Bonding, and Burnout: Practical tips for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood, from bonding with your baby to managing the transition back to work. Tune in to learn how to navigate motherhood with self compassion, resilience, and empowerment. LEARN MORE ABOUT NICOLE: https://www.drnicoleamoyalpensak.com/ GET NICOLE'S BOOK: Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR OF PARENTHOOD? Click HERE to sign up for 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!

Jun 27, 2024 • 27min
Q&A: Does teaching my kid to punch a pillow when they're mad make them more aggressive?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... 2:15 - Catharsis theory, letting out our feelings of anger, frustrating, or rage with aggressive behaviors (that do not hurt others) can be beneficial. 3:20 - Does teaching aggressive behaviors, even socially acceptable ones like punching a pillow, lead our kids' brains to pair their angry urges with aggressive actions? 7:52 - Working to understand the root of your child's anger can inform how you respond to each unique situation and the strategies you teach them to tap into to regulate their nervous system. 14:18 - If you want to mitigate children pairing aggressive urges with aggressive behaviors, try offering them a wide range of coping strategies so that doesn't become their automatic, go-to response. 17:20 - Going through the full fight-or-flight response can prevent us from storing these negative emotions inside of our body. 20:13 - Finding the middle ground that works best for your unique family - not encouraging explosive behaviors while also not always repressing your child's (and your own) anger. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: Additional podcast episodes on the topic of anger: 204. The science of "mom-rage" and how to use mindfulness as a tool for being less reactive with Diana Winston 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!

Jun 25, 2024 • 51min
Raising emotionally intelligent sons: Parenting boys to combat "toxic masculinity" with Ruth Whippman
We're diving into the complexities of raising boys during a transformative time in history with our special guest, Ruth Whippman. Ruth is an acclaimed author whose latest book, BoyMom, masterfully blends memoir, cultural critique, and reporting. In this episode, we explore: Brain Development: The differences in brain development between boys and girls, highlighting why baby boys need more intensive caregiving in their early months and how these differences impact emotional regulation and attachment. Cultural and Social Influences: Insights into contemporary boyhood, including the evolution of feminism, the #metoo movement, and the nature vs. nurture debate in the development of boys versus girls. Emotional and Relational Intelligence: The importance of teaching boys emotional intelligence and relational skills to mitigate the report of a loneliness epidemic that teen boys and young adult men are facing. Early Attachment Relationships: Understanding the importance of early attachment relationships and how they set the blueprint for future interpersonal skills and emotional well-being. Practical Parenting Strategies: Realistic advice for parents on how to foster empathy, emotional intelligence, and strong moral values in boys, moving beyond traditional gender norms. Join us for this enlightening and heartfelt episode as we delve into the essential work of redefining masculinity and creating a more emotionally inclusive world for our boys. LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTH: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/ GET RUTH'S LATEST BOOK: BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES: 🎧 02. Attachment theory and fostering secure attachment relationships 🎧 140. How understanding our child's sensory sensitivities can help us strengthen their emotional intelligence with Alyssa Blask Campbell 🎧 24. The psychology behind dysregulation with Cara Goodwin

Jun 20, 2024 • 24min
Q&A: What's the best way to talk about my child's diagnosis with her and her sibling?
Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... 2:49 - Sharing information in an honest and developmentally appropriate way is helpful for kids, so it can be empowering to tell your child the name of the diagnosis. 3:50 - Want to learn more about helping kids feel comfortable and confident taking advantage of school supports? Listen to the podcast episode we reference in this conversation. 6:24 - Suggestions for specific language you can use to speak to your child about a diagnosis. 9:54 - When is the right time to share this with your child who received this diagnosis as well as their siblings? 10:45 - It's important not to avoid talking about the diagnosis or the symptoms with your child, which can inadvertently communicate to them that we don't think they can handle it. 14:41 - If your child is older, how to bring up this conversation and repair anything that they may have inferred and encourage open and honest conversation going forward. 19:00 - How to support the non-afflicted sibling so they know it's okay for them to take up space and also help them feel empathetic for their sibling that takes up a lot of space. ✨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! ✨

Jun 18, 2024 • 53min
Movement and motherhood: Expert advice on staying active throughout pregnancy and well into parenthood with Dr. Megan Roche
We're talking about pregnancy, fitness, and mental health! Joining me is Dr. Megan Roche. Megan received her medical degree from Stanford University, is the co-founder of the running coaching group Some Work All Play, and is currently pregnant with her second child. In this episode, we explore: Navigating Confusing Guidelines: We tackle the often confusing and sometimes scary guidelines around pregnancy and exercise. Megan demystifies the do's and don'ts and emphasizes the importance of balancing science with your own intuition to help you make the best decisions for your health. Mental Health and Exercise: Understand the profound connection between mental health and physical activity during pregnancy and throughout parenthood. Practical Movement Strategies: Realistic and relatable tips for incorporating movement into your busy life, especially for parents who often find themselves at the bottom of their own priority list. Community and Support Systems: Discover the value of having a supportive community, whether through social media, local groups, or friends and family, to help maintain motivation and accountability. Join us for this inspiring and informative episode that blends scientific research with deeply personal stories, all aimed at empowering you to stay active, healthy, and happy during pregnancy and well into parenthood! LEARN MORE ABOUT MEGAN: Megan Roche LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME WORK ALL PLAY: https://swaprunning.com/ LISTEN TO MEGAN'S PODCAST, SOME WORK ALL PLAY: https://swaprunning.com/podcast DOWNLOAD MY FREE POSTPARTUM MENTAL HEALTH CHECKLIST: ➡️ Interactive workbook to create your personalized mental health checklist CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL RELATED EPISODES: 🎧 Preparing your mind and body for pregnancy, birth and postpartum with Brooke Cates 🎧 Bridging ancient wisdom and modern science with yoga therapist Nicole Katz 🎧 Addressing the crushing weight of parenthood: How to lighten the load in pregnancy and parenthood with Dr. Christine Sterling


