Unspoken Words: A Selective Mutism Podcast by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

EP46 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at January 2025 CommuniCamp.   In the episode, Dr. E and three participating parents discuss separation anxiety, strategies to encourage verbal communication, how to address fears of speaking and much more.   -- Chapters:  (5:58) UNDERSTANDING SEPARATION ANXIETY AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE (17:07) STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE VERBAL COMMUNICATION(24:46) HOW PARENTS CAN CREATE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR CHILDREN (29:50) ADDRESSING FEARS AND CONCERNS ABOUT SPEAKING (35:58) WAYS TO EMPOWER AND ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available.  Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)

EP45 features the latest installment of our Shining Stars series, where we sit down with former SMart Center patients – or their parents – and discuss how they overcame Selective Mutism. This episode, we meet former SMart Center patient, Nick Jones.  In this episode, Dr. E and Nick discuss how Nick overcame Selective Mutism, how Nick approaches social interactions today, the importance of small wins and much, much more.  --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Chapters:  (3:30) NICK’S SELECTIVE MUTISM BATTLE BEGAN AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT (10:09) SELECTIVE MUTISM STILL PLAYS A ROLE IN NICK’S EVERYDAY LIFE (14:42) NICK’S ADVICE TO TEENS STRUGGLING WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM (24:05) WHEN YOU HAVE SELECTIVE MUTISM, TEXTING IS EASIER THAN IN-PERSON CONVERSATIONS (28:25) NICK’S BATTLE WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM SERVES AS A BEACON OF HOPE FOR OTHERS  -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories, including Nick Jones!   Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Share our upcoming Selective Mutism In The School Virtual Conference with your child or teen’s school staff. 6.5 CEs/CEUs are available.   Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program. -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

EP44 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr E. and Kelly Melhorn, BCaBA on life after Selective Mutism.  In this episode, Dr. E and Kelly discuss overcoming selective mutism, navigating social challenges, fostering independence in your children and much more.  Chapter:  (4:24) NAVIGATING LIFE AFTER SELECTIVE MUTISM (16:20) UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSE(S) OF SELECTIVE MUTISM (28:49) IMPORTANCE OF EXPERTS WHEN TREATING SELECTIVE MUTISM (39:08) UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILD’S UNIQUE INTERESTS AND MOTIVATIONS (47:36) CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND LOVE YOUR CHILD  --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Ask Dr. E a question!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

EP43 features the latest installment of our Shining Stars series, where we sit down with former SMart Center patients – or their parents – and discuss how they overcame Selective Mutism. This episode, we meet Pushkar and Nicole Marathe, the parents of SMart Center Shining Star, Toyam. In this episode, Dr. E, Pushkar and Nicole discuss Toyam’s SM journey, finding the right support for your child with SM, celebrating milestones and much, much more. --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)  -  Chapters: (4:53) TOYAM’S JOURNEY WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM (12:02) STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING SELECTIVE MUTISM (17:50) SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS ARE KEY WHEN TREATING SELECTIVE MUTISM (32:03) CHILDREN WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM HAVE UNIQUE NEEDS   (40:44) MORE ON UPCOMING 4TH ANNUAL SMRI FUNDRAISER AT STAGE KITCHEN -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn More: Upcoming 4th Annual 4th Annual SMRI Fundraiser at Stage Kitchen on January 30th, 2025.  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

EP42 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a deep dive discussion between Dr. E and SMart Center Lead Clinician and School Consultant, Jennifer Brittingham, on the popular topic of sibling dynamics.  In the episode, Dr. E and Jen discuss sibling roles, managing jealousy and stress amongst siblings, how different family members react and respond to child’s Selective Mutism and more.  --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Chapters:  (3:13) Balancing attention and needs within family structures (13:37) Encouraging Communication Without Overstepping (23:48) Encouraging independence in a multi-child household (30:12) Understanding Jealousy and Emotional Needs in Kids (39:05) Parenting Strategies for Twins  -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about C&A, our General Mental health Counseling & Assessments division  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

EP41 of the Unspoken Words podcast features our latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series.  In the episode, we answer five questions, including how hard to push your child to go to school, what to do when your child’s psychologist isn’t helping, ways to reward talking without bringing too much attention to it, and more.  -  Chapters:  (3:18) What is Snoezelen and do you recommend it? (9:13) Should I keep pushing my teenager to go to school? (16:42) What to do when my daughter’s teachers are not cooperating (21:44) How to handle a psychologist who isn’t helping (28:36) Rewarding “talking” but not over-doing it  -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about C&A, our General Mental health Counseling & Assessments division  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠  --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)

EP40 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a live chat with parents at CommuniCamp, focusing on preparing for the upcoming holiday season.    In the episode, Dr. E and three participating parents discuss parenting strategies to focus on this upcoming holiday season, how to help children overcome social anxiety during holiday events, understanding silence when dealing with children with selective mutism, and much more.   --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Chapters:  (4:09) PARENTING STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING HOLIDAY ANXIETY(13:38) HOW TO OVERCOME SOCIAL ANXIETY DURING HOLIDAY EVENTS(23:26) HOW TO COMFORT CHILDREN w/ SELECTIVE MUTISM DURING HOLIDAYS(34:09) UNDERSTANDING SILENCE WHEN PARENTING CHILDREN WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM(40:01) BREAKING DOWN THE JOURNEY FROM MUTE TO VERBAL -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about C&A, our General Mental health Counseling & Assessments division  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org

EP39 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr E. and Dr. Jodi Mindell, a Professor of Psychology at Saint Joseph’s University, on sleep and anxiety. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Mindell discuss the role of sensory issues in sleep, navigating parent-child sleep dynamics, the overall importance of sleep and much, much more. Chapters:  (3:13) NAVIGATING SLEEP CHALLENGES IN AN ANXIOUS (13:37) DR. MINDELL’S CONTROVERSIAL OPINION ON DEVICE USE BEFORE BED (23:48) HOW PARENTS CAN MASTER BEDTIME (29:39) FLEXIBILITY IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP (38:41) FOOD AND CAFFEINE’S IMPACT ON GOOD SLEEP  --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.com)  -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

EP38 features the latest installment of our Shining Stars series, where we sit down with former SMart Center patients – or their parents – and discuss how they overcame Selective Mutism. This episode, we meet Jenny, mom to Shining Star Emily.    In this episode, Dr. E and Emily’s mom, Jenny, to discuss Emily’s SM journey, the importance of parental involvement, embracing our children’s unique gifts, and much, much more. This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Chapters:  (2:35) (8:51) (15:47) (24:23) (33:26)  -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ 

EP37 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr E and Kati Morton, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author and media personality – on how parents and caregivers can better manage the stress often associated with raising an individual with Selective Mutism.    In this episode, Dr. E and Kati Morton discuss parent and caregiver stress, the importance of self-care for parents and caregivers, why modeling healthy behaviors to your children is so important and more.    --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Chapters:  (3:47) Strategies & Solutions to Navigate Caregiver Stress (9:32) Tools for Everyday Wellness  (16:24) Importance of Showing Your Children Positive Self-Care Routines (22:20) Understanding Your Emotional Triggers (27:59) Simple Tools for Navigating Your Emotions -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠