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Hope For Parents With Struggling Teens

Hope For Parents With Struggling Teens

Brandon Joffe, LCSW 71 Episodes Jun 16, 2026

This podcast provides support and guidance for parents dealing with struggling teens, covering topics such as defiance, anxiety, and depression. Each episode offers expert insights and practical tools to rebuild connection and peace at home. The host, Brandon Joffe, LCSW, brings professional expertise to help parents feel less alone and more empowered.

Episodes

Joy, Influence, Meltdowns, and the Power of Gratitude
Joy, Influence, Meltdowns, and the Power of Gratitude Jun 16, 2026 857 Send us Fan MailWe explored the difference between defiant tantrums and meltdowns rooted in genuine emotional pain, why validation matters, and how parents can support a child without getting pulled into the chaos. We also discussed the surprising parenting trap of trying to make children understand, the four ways parents actually influence their kids, and why influence is far more important than
Interview With Tiffany Sumner, Parenting Profound Autism
Interview With Tiffany Sumner, Parenting Profound Autism Jun 2, 2026 3094 Send us Fan MailMost parents of profoundly autistic children feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and confused,  but what if there’s a way to find peace and purpose amidst the chaos? Brandon Joffe, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience, shares a powerful story of resilience and faith that will change how you view your journey. In this heartfelt episode, Brandon speaks with Tiffany, a mother
When Parenting Isn’t Working, Do Nothing (And Why That Helps)
When Parenting Isn’t Working, Do Nothing (And Why That Helps) Apr 28, 2026 741 Send us Fan MailParenting can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and at times… impossible.In this episode, I share a real moment from a recent parent group that hit home for a lot of people—the idea that sometimes doing less is actually what creates change.We get into: The hidden role fear and guilt play in parenting  Why trying harder often makes things worse  The difference between reacting and resp
What These Psychological Terms Actually Mean (And Why It Matters)
What These Psychological Terms Actually Mean (And Why It Matters) Mar 26, 2026 570 Send us Fan MailBrandon Joffe discusses the misuse of psychological labels like trauma, abuse, gaslighting, and others, emphasizing the importance of precise language for effective understanding and healing. He highlights how mislabeling can hinder accountability and change, especially in therapy, relationships, and parenting.key topicsMisuse of psychological languageDifference between trauma and
Why Our Mental Health Culture Isn’t Actually Helping Kids Get Better
Why Our Mental Health Culture Isn’t Actually Helping Kids Get Better Dec 18, 2025 1058 Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Brandon Joffe discusses the current state of mental health culture and its impact on youth. He argues that despite increased awareness and resources, many children are not improving and may even be getting worse. Brandon emphasizes the need for a shift from a culture of validation and comfort to one that prioritizes resilience, competence, and the ability to n
What is a Loving Response?
What is a Loving Response? Oct 23, 2025 1159 Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this conversation, Brandon Joffe, LCSW, discusses the concept of a 'loving parent response' and how it can be applied in various challenging parenting situations. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries, responding to children's frustrations with love rather than anger, and the distinction between loving and enabling responses. Throug
The Line Between Explaining and Enabling
The Line Between Explaining and Enabling Sep 29, 2025 1451 Send us Fan MailIn this podcast episode, Brandon Joffe, LCSW, discusses the delicate balance between enabling and teaching children. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries without over-explaining, which can lead to enabling behaviors. Joffe shares insights from his practice, illustrating how constant nagging and explaining can create unhealthy dynamics and codependency. He advises pare
Trauma vs. Adversity: Why the Distinction Matters
Trauma vs. Adversity: Why the Distinction Matters Aug 25, 2025 1728 Send us Fan MailIn this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the nuanced world of trauma and the consequences of mislabeling everyday experiences as traumatic. Join us as we explore how this mischaracterization can affect mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Our expert guests share insights on distinguishing genuine trauma from challenging experiences, offering listeners a cleare
Parenting and Social Skills: You Don’t Get to Opt Out Without Consequence
Parenting and Social Skills: You Don’t Get to Opt Out Without Consequence Aug 8, 2025 1789 Send us Fan MailIn this insightful episode of "Hope for Parents," host Brandon Joffe delves into the profound impact parents have on their children's social development. Through engaging narratives and expert insights, Brandon discusses how parents' social behaviors—whether confident or awkward—serve as powerful models for their kids. He emphasizes the importance of self-awaren
Giving Kids Too Much Say
Giving Kids Too Much Say Jul 28, 2025 1338 Send us Fan MailSummaryIn this conversation, Brandon discusses the complexities of parenting in a world where children often have too much say. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining authority without resorting to control, the dangers of empowering children in conflictual situations, and the necessity of consistent parenting to foster emotional safety. Brandon advocates for a balanced approac
The Parenting Void
The Parenting Void Jul 21, 2025 806 Send us Fan MailBrandon walks us through what a parent can do when they’ve seemingly tried everything: reasoning, reward systems, punishments, calm talks, and “I” statements. None of it worked because the child doesn’t believe there is a problem. Brandon explores what happens when a parent runs out of strategies, begins eliminating what isn’t working, and is left with a parenting void. But this is
Aligning Your Morals and Values
Aligning Your Morals and Values Jun 25, 2025 1167 Send us Fan MailBrandon opens up about the connection between mental health and living in alignment with our morals and values. He explores how our internal compass, shaped by upbringing, experience, and personal beliefs, can either ground us or leave us feeling lost when ignored. Brandon breaks down the difference between morals and values, explains how misalignment can lead to emotional distress

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