LD Expert Podcast

Episode 33: Mental Health – Social Anxiety in Teens – Dr. Tracy Ballardo

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    In this Episode

     

    Social anxiety in teens may sound cliche, but did you know that it could be a necessary phase in their brain’s development?

    This week’s podcast guest is Dr. Tracy Ballardo, a licensed psychologist in Pasadena, California, who specializes in treating eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, and the trauma and grief that often co-occur with eating disorders.

    She shares the risk factors for social anxiety and helpful strategies for navigating this developmental phase with your teen.

     

    In this week's episode, you'll learn:

    • How a teen’s brain development can impact emotions and behavior
    • Risk factors for social anxiety
    • Working through egocentricity with your teen

    Episode Highlight

    "Egocentricity doesn't necessarily mean that you have a selfish kiddo or that this kid is just going to grow up and be completely self-centered…it’s developmentally appropriate for your teenager to struggle with figuring out the thoughts and feelings of others.”

    - Dr. Tracy Ballardo

     


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    Bonus Q&A

    Have you tried exposure therapy with your kid when they are anxious about doing something like joining a sports team?

    Tune in to the Bonus Q&A with Dr. Ballardo to hear her coach parents through specific examples of dealing with their teen’s anxiety.

    Episode Transcripts