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Securely Attached

Securely Attached

Written by: Dr. Sarah Bren
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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.© 2021-2026 Dr. Sarah Bren Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • Q&A: How do I tell my children we're getting divorced?

    Q&A: How do I tell my children we're getting divorced?
    Jul 2 2026

    Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

    - The best way parents can tell their children that they are planning to separate or get divorced.

    - How to approach this conversation in a way that helps children feel safe, supported, and loved.

    - What parents should share, what they should avoid sharing, and why it's important to focus on what you know rather than what you don't know yet.

    - The key reassurances every child needs to hear, even if they never ask the questions out loud.

    - Why children of different ages may react very differently to the news and how to tailor your approach to your child's developmental stage.

    - How to respond when children react with sadness, anger, blame, resistance, or seemingly no reaction at all.

    - Practical ways to help children adjust to changes in the family while maintaining a sense of stability and connection.

    - When it may be helpful to involve a therapist or family professional for additional support.

    This episode will help you approach one of the most difficult conversations a family can face with greater confidence, compassion, and clarity while supporting your child's emotional well-being through the transition.

    REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

    👉 Navigating separation or divorce? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers specialized support at every stage of the process, including therapy and coaching, parenting and co-parenting support, family therapy, and weekly divorce groups for women and children. Whether you're in the middle of a split or adjusting to a new family structure, our team is here to help you and your children feel steady and supported. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the right support for your family.

    CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

    🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about busting divorce myths and breaking down the true effect it has on children with Michelle Dempsey-Multack

    🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about navigating divorce or separation through a family systems approach with Una Archer

    🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether "nesting" during a divorce better for your kids?

    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!
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    30 mins
  • Raising a neurodivergent child: How connection, co-regulation, and self-compassion change everything with Debbie Reber

    Raising a neurodivergent child: How connection, co-regulation, and self-compassion change everything with Debbie Reber
    Jun 30 2026
    Debbie Reber, founder of Tilt Parenting and author of Differently Wired, joins me for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to raise a neurodivergent child and why supporting these children begins with changing the way we understand them, not trying to change who they are. Together we explore: What it really means to be "differently wired" and why that shift in language matters. Why so many parents of neurodivergent children feel isolated, even as awareness continues to grow. The hidden emotional work of parenting children with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. How understanding your child's nervous system can transform the way you respond to meltdowns and big emotions. Why co-regulation starts with your own self-regulation and practical ways to support both. How to move from trying to "fix" behavior to building connection, safety, and trust. Why repair matters more than getting parenting "right." How raising a neurodivergent child can lead parents into profound personal growth and healing of their own. Whether you're parenting a neurodivergent child, wondering if your child might be differently wired, or simply looking for a more compassionate way to understand children's behavior, this conversation offers both practical tools and a powerful mindset shift. LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST: 🔗Tilt Parenting 📚 Differently Wired: A Parent's Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope 📱IG: @tiltparenting FB: Tilt Parenting YouTube: Full-Tilt Parenting with Debbie Reber LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: 🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren 🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families 📱IG: @drsarahbren ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES: 🔗 The Tilt Parenting Report 🎧 Full-Tilt Parenting: 10 Years Later: How We've Changed, How the Movement Has Grown (And What Comes Next) 💻 Dr. Dan Siegel - Explains Mirror Neurons in Depth 🔗 Listen to Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Securely Attached podcast and read her book, Brain-Body Parenting 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether a Neuropsych Evaluation is right for your child with Dr. Yael Rothman & Dr. Katia Fredriksen 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about secure attachment in autism: How to help neurodiverse kids build joy, confidence, and connection with Dr. Peter Vermeulen 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about ADHD and attachment security with Dr. Norrine Russell 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to modify traditional sleep strategies for neurodiverse brains with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Q&A: Why does my child follow me from room to room?

    Q&A: Why does my child follow me from room to room?
    Jun 25 2026

    Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

    - How to support a child who struggles with separation anxiety, even at home.

    - Why some kids follow their parents from room to room and constantly want to stay close.

    - How to respond when your child says "I miss you" without accidentally reinforcing anxiety.

    - Why validating your child's feelings is important, but rescuing them from distress can sometimes make separation harder over time.

    - Simple ways to help children build confidence tolerating small separations through play, connection, and gradual stretching.

    - How to figure out your child's "stretch point" so you can support growth without overwhelming them.

    - Creative ways to use timers, playfulness, collaboration, and connection to help kids practice independence.

    - How parents can reduce accommodations around anxiety while still staying warm, supportive, and emotionally attuned.

    This episode will help you better understand what may be driving your child's clinginess or separation struggles and give you practical, compassionate strategies for helping them build confidence and independence over time.

    ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

    👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

    CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

    🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can have a smoother daycare or school drop-off

    🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping preschool parents prepare for drop-off, separation anxiety, and the development of social skills with Meredith Gary

    🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about where the line is between supporting your child and feeding their anxiety

    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!
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
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