Episode Details

What if your child’s anxiety, anger, or withdrawal is really a signal that they need connection, not correction?

Ashley Pena, LPC-C is a counselor who works with children and families, and in this conversation she shares what drew her into the mental health field after seeing the powerful impact that empathy and support can have on a child and parent navigating autism. Her heart for helping kids communicate what they are feeling—and helping families build stronger, healthier connection—is at the center of this episode.

In this episode, Ashley and Cathy talk about what parents and caregivers should be watching for when it comes to children’s emotional health, why anxiety is often misunderstood, and how therapy can be a positive, practical support for both kids and families. They also explore attachment styles, play therapy, art therapy, social media’s effect on children, and why consistency, curiosity, and open communication matter so much at home.

This conversation covers:

• Why more children seem to be struggling with anxiety and emotional overwhelm
• How social media and modern family dynamics may be affecting kids
• Why anxiety is not always a negative thing
• How play therapy and art therapy help younger children express emotions
• What attachment styles can look like in children and later in adulthood
• How parents can recognize changes in behavior that may signal a deeper issue
• Why “connection over correction” can help children feel safe enough to open up
• How therapy can support not just the child, but the whole family

If you are a parent, caregiver, or someone walking closely with a child who may be struggling, this conversation offers practical encouragement and hopeful insight. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that seeking help is not a weakness—it can be a wise and healing next step.

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