Brave Being the Podcast

In this special episode of Brave Being, Bridget is joined by her young friend Elliot to discuss the pressing issues of our time: homework, dessert, the racket of lego prices, and dogs.Topics Include:- The tyranny of worksheets- Benefits of Lego sets- Reading for ages 6-12- The value of animal/child relationships- And other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

The challenges of everyday life can create unpleasant feelings for us. Things don't go our way, people are difficult, or sometimes we just feel off. Paradoxically, the more we resist these unpleasant feelings, the more stressed our nervous system becomes.In today's episode, Bridget discusses how acceptance can be used to work with feelings of unpleasantness. She discusses why acceptance is central in mindfulness and meditation, and how acceptance can help us be better parents.Topics Include:- Conscious discipline- How resistance creates stress- The power of mindfulness to create space for acceptance- Why judgment of others leads to self-judgment- How acceptance transforms relationships- And other topics…Resources Mentioned:Conscious Discipline w/ Becky Baily: https://consciousdiscipline.com/Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

The ability to regulate one's behavior is arguably the ultimate life skill. When we model this for our children, we set them up for a lifetime of success.But dysregulation manifests differently for children and adults, making it challenging for us to respond appropriately. When our child is in the middle of a meltdown and nothing is working, we often feel helpless and resort to counterproductive measures.In today's episode, Bridget discusses dysregulation and why it is the root of all challenging behaviors. She explains how understanding dysregulation can solve many of our parenting challenges, how to spot and deal with dysregulation in ourselves and our kids, and what to avoid when doing so. Topics Include:- Helping kids build regulatory skills- How dysregulation differs in children and adults- Behaviors that exacerbate and perpetuate dysregulation- Training the brain's response to challenges- Modeling regulatory behavior for our kids- And other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Every parent wants to communicate with their child from a place of love. Yet, despite the deep love we have for our kiddos, we often find ourselves communicating from a place of fear.In today's episode, Bridget discusses why intentionality is the key to communicating from the heart. She discusses how reactivity pulls us away from the heart, and how a commitment to intentional communication can help us cut through our reactive responses. Topics Include:- Why our reactive responses often backfire- Holding space for communication breakdowns- Navigating deviant behavior- How fear prevents intentionality- Creating a word for your year- And other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Our obsession with being productive keeps us so busy that we often forget to stop and smell the roses.Even when we do take a few moments of downtime, our minds are quick to rush along to the next thing we have to get done.In today's episode, Bridget discusses how this mindset affects our kids and hinders our capacity for connection. She discusses what we can learn from observing how our kids approach their activities and what we can do to make space for downtime and connection.Topics Include: - How staying busy can stunt our growth- Trusting what needs to get done will get done- Why spontaneity is essential for play- Taking the preciousness of childhood for granted- Creating connection with those you love- And other topicsWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

When our kids are the target of unwanted attention, often our first impulse is to step in as their protector. Unfortunately, our efforts typically aren't effective. And as kids grow older these types of interactions only become more complicated.In today's episode, Bridget explores how we can equip kids with the tools they need to navigate tough situations. She discusses why the desire to protect our kids often backfires, and how we can empower them to stand up for themselves and set clear boundaries.Topics Include:- When to let kids sort it out, and when to intervene- Helping our kids problem-solve, rather than trying to solve their problems- Avoiding “you should”, and what to say instead- The empowering effect of standing up for yourself- Three strategies for dealing with “that kid”- And other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

We've all been there. Heels dug in, both sides are convinced "I'm right," and no one's budging an inch. How do we avoid these power struggles while maintaining our authority?In this episode, Bridget breaks down why we end up in power struggles and how to avoid them.Topics Include:- Why perception is the root of power struggles- Letting go of being right- Viewing behavior as communication- How to honor the feelings of others while maintaining strong boundaries- What to do when kids become aggressive- And other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Today we discuss the importance of play and how children use play to process important events. We discuss the TV show Bluey, why Bridget is a fan, and how we can use play to instill autonomy in our kiddos.Topics Include:The importance of physical and imaginary playHow play helps children integrate life skillsAllowing our children to lead during playtimeCreating dedicated time for playAnd other topicsWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Uncertainty is one of the most uncomfortable feelings for humans to manage. In our rapidly changing post-COVID world, there's no shortage of uncertainty–especially as a parent.Getting clear on our core values and defining a vision for our family can help us navigate uncertainty with purpose and confidence. In this episode, Bridget discusses how to bring awareness to our core values and how we can instill these values in our children.Topics Include:Why lack of clarity leads to stress and burnoutHow clear values act as an anchor during uncertain timesThe power of clarity to calm our nervous systemTeaching children specific values by labeling behaviorsCreating a vision together as a familyAnd other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Schools are back in session, but the gap in organized education brought about by COVID has left many parents feeling like their children are falling behind.In this episode, Bridget discusses how we can empower our kiddos to overcome any social-emotional deficits they may be experiencing in the classroom.Topics Include:Taking responsibility for your child's social-emotional educationIdentifying age-appropriate social behaviorsFocusing on what you can control in the classroomModeling the regulation of strong feelings at home.And other topics…Resources Mentioned:Eric Erickson, developmental psychologistWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

When you encounter a challenge as a parent, it's all too easy to jump on google or grab that parenting book in search of a solution.The sheer number of resources can be overwhelming. And if you've played this game for any length of time, you know the results are often disappointing.What if we learned to look inward for solutions first?We all have unique backgrounds and values as parents. What works for others may not work for us, and what works for some kids may not work for our kids.In this episode, Bridget explores how we can tune into our inner wisdom as a parent, bringing our unique background and values to the table when dealing with parenting challenges.Topics Include:How trusting your inner wisdom models independence for your kidsInstilling our deepest values in our kiddosTaking the time to discover your child's unique needsBeing willing to fail and try new thingsBuilding confidence as a parentAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Parenting is tough.We enter parenthood with dreams of being the best parent ever. But it doesn't take long for us to discover how hard it is to balance our busy lives with the challenges of modern parenting.Things become even more complicated when we have a child with difficult behaviors and big emotions.This next season of Brave Being is designed to help you navigate the challenges of modern parenting. We'll be sharing insights and strategies to help you become a proud, confident parent.We all want our kids to be happy and successful. Together, we can raise happy, resilient kiddos capable of taking on life's challenges.In this episode we explore:The fear that our child may not grow out of problem behaviorsWhy connection is the solution to your parenting challengesHow to create connection through authenticity and vulnerabilityFeeling our feelings and working with uncomfortablyTrusting our intuition to guide our parenting decisionsAnd other topics…Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

We made it to episode 100!! A deep offering of gratitude to each and every one of you who have been on this journey with us, and a warm welcome to new listeners who are just now finding the show. In this episode, Bridget offers a reflection on our first 100 episodes. She shares what she sees as the highlights of the podcast thus far, and her intentions for the show moving forward. Topics Include:How this podcast was born out of motherhood. Transformation as the dance of life. The uncomfortable nature of change. Identifying, managing, and processing emotions. Getting stuck in our stories. The lost episode. The collective disruption caused by the pandemic. Finding the courage to have brave conversations. Discussing challenging topics with our kiddos. And much more.Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Are you struggling to set clear boundaries around screen time with your kiddos? In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget discusses strategies for managing screen time for our kiddos and for ourselves as we move into the summer months.Topics Include:Establishing that screen time is a privilege, not a right. Setting clear boundaries and time limits around screen use. Why we as caregivers need to model healthy screen time habits for our kiddos. The dangers of using screens as a soothing tactic. Avoiding screens before bed, and much more.Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget discusses the common trap many of us fall into when dealing with defiant children–the impulse to withhold connection. Bridget explores why withholding connection, or threatening to withhold connection, can unconsciously communicate to our kiddos that they are not worthy of love, and how we can handle difficult moments differently.Topics Include: Creating an environment of safety and security, choosing love over rejection, why threats don't work long-term, committing to connection even when it's hard, working through challenges in our adult relationship, and other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget connects with listeners on the lessons of parenthood, and the ways in which our children are our greatest teachers.Topics Include:What kiddos teach us about time and patienceSelf-compassion. Knowing what you are doing is enoughIntegrating your desires with the responsibilities of childhoodSpontaneity and fun as a parentMaintaining our childs sense of wonderAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget continues her series on anger, heartbreak, and grief, guided by Glennon Doyle's book Untamed, and discusses how grief can provide us with a doorway into deep transformation.Topics Include:Grief as a doorway to transformationAvoidanceProcessing griefConnecting with our inner childSurrenderAnd other topics...Resources Mentioned:Book – Untamed by Glennon DoyleWebsite – https://togetherrising.org/Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget follows up with listeners on last week's episode about anger, heartbreak, and grief. In this episode, Bridget discusses heartbreak, motherhood, and how heartbreak can guide us to find purpose and meaning in our lives.Topics Include:The relationship between heartbreak and purposePurpose and belonging in motherhoodAnswering the door when heartbreak knocksHow heartbreak can reveal our deepest callings in lifeAnd other topics...Resources Mentioned:Book – Untamed by Glennon DoyleWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget discusses with listeners what we stand to lose when we neglect difficult emotions, and how facing our challenges head-on can help us tune into our authentic selves.Topics Include:The cheetah at the zooAnswering the door when difficult emotions ariseFinding ourselves through difficult emotionsAnger, and what it may be signaling to usBoundariesAnd other topics...Resources Mentioned:Book – Untamed by Glennon DoyleWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget continues her previous discussion on the Boulder, Colorado shooting, how we might make sense of such events, and what we can do to reduce incidents of violence as a community.Topics Include:Responding to tragedy and griefMaking sense of mass shootingsRemembering we were all once innocent childrenTeaching empathy and mindfulness in schoolsCreating space for men to express their feelingsAnd other topics...Resources Mentioned:YouTube Video: How we can Reduce Bullying, School Shootings, and ViolenceWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget discusses the topic of modeling, how children learn by observing what we do rather than what we say, and what this means for how we express ourselves to our kiddos.Topics Include:Children learn through observation, not descriptionManaging confrontation in front of our kiddosModeling the behaviors and values we tell our kids are importantWhy our children often express the things we as parent suppressChildren that express aggressionRealistic expectations as a parent or caregiverAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget discusses the Colorado grocery store shooting that took place this week, and how we can have brave conversations with our kiddos about this tragedy and other acts of violence.Topics Include:The normalization of violence in our cultureResisting the urge to shelter our children from realityBrave conversations with kiddos about violenceNaming what has occurred, being mindful of the feelings that arise, and holding space for questions and reflectionsFighting our numbness to tragedyAnd other topics...Resources Mentioned:https://www.facebook.com/bravebeingWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi 

Bridget discusses the topic of mirroring and how young children look to their parents and primary caregivers as examples of how to behave in the world.Topics Include:Developmental changes for one-year-oldsMirror neuronsPromoting development and learning through modelingBuilding neuropathwaysWhy "do as I say, not as I do" can't work with kiddosMirroring with siblings Developing coping skillsAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi 

In today's episode, Bridget discusses the pent-up energy many of us are feeling right now, our kiddos included, and how we might manage expectations of our children and ourselves during this time.Topics Include:Managing pent-up energy from winter and the pandemicSuspending our problem-solving brainsThe impulse to intervene more than maybe we shouldLetting your kids sort things outFinding empathy for ourselves during these challenging timesAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

In today's episode, Bridget discusses our need to feel right, why differences in relationships are as important as shared interests, and how having a healthy relationship with these differences can foster more resilient children.Topics Include:Our attachment to being rightThe fantasy of being completely on the same page with someone elseBetter together because of our difference, not in spite of themChoosing a partner that pushes our growthHow being exposed to different values fosters resilience in childrenAnd other topicsWant to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

In today's episode, Bridget addresses the growing tensions in today's society, how being stuck in a survival state causes us to lose sight of our common humanity, and what we can do to navigate these feelings.Topics Include:The survival stateThe intensifying of dichotomies in societyBeing a role model for our children and the worldLetting go of being rightThe power of kindnessLeaning into love, even in moments of angerAnd other topics...Resource Mentioned:Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget connects with listeners on the topic of unconditional love, the tragedy of love's trivialization in popular culture, and why unconditional self-love is the key to contentment.Topics Include:Pop culture's trivialization of loveLove vs unconditional loveBeing loved, unconditionally–our deepest human desireDefining unconditional loveHow we shape our child's inner dialogueSelf-love, and egoMaterial satisfaction vs inner contentmentAnd other topics......Resources Mentioned:https://tinybuddha.com/blog/unconditional-self-love-looks-like/Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget opens up to listeners about her recent experience of tragedy, the pain of being seen when we are hurt, and how tragedy provides us with a precious opportunity for growth... Topics Include: How tragedy forces us to confront the reality of our lives... The fear of being seen when you are hurting... Borrowing another's belief in you when you need it... Being mindful of our resilience as we move through tragedy... Trusting that out of darkness comes light... And other topics...... Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

Bridget discusses the scientific benefits of mindfulness-based practices, the importance of keeping your practice simple, and resources that can help you on your mindfulness journey... Topics Include:Doing more by doing less... The scientific benefits of mindfulness-based practices... Starting simple–finding a practice that can be done anywhere... Creating space for subconscious processing... Reducing reactivity... Resources to help you on your mindfulness journey... And other topics... A quote for you :) "Quiet the mind and the soul will speak" Resources Mentioned: https://www.headspace.com/ https://www.calm.com/... Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedeschi @bridgettedeschi

In today's episode of Brave Being, Bridget discusses how we can model healthy attachment to self for our kids, a foundational skill they will draw from for the rest of their lives.Topics Include:A foundation for life–teaching kids to cope with big emotionsModeling healthy attachment as a parentUnderstanding our feeling statesThe relationship between feeling states and physical sensationsThree parts of attachment to selfParent/child communicationHow your parenting will impact future generationsAnd other topics…...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget discusses the transition back to our day to day routines from holiday festivities and the emotions that come along with it.Topics Include:The hangover of intense emotionsGetting back into normal rhythms and routinesThe dynamic nature of emotionsHow our constant need for more leads to burnoutThe relationship between joy and sorrowReturning to the simple pleasuresAnd other topics......Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Bridget addresses the parental burnout many of us are feeling right now, and gives listeners tips and ideas for how to avoid it.Topics Include:The psychological condition of parental burnoutThe power of choice. Being selective to avoid burnoutLet your kids be bored! Really. It’s okay :)How creating simple daily rhythms can help us (and our families!) avoid burnoutThe importance of staying connected while social distancingAnd other topics......Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Happy New Year Brave Beings!! In this episode, Bridget discusses the practice of goal setting in the new year, how you can avoid setting goals that you likely won't follow through with, and how you can set intentions that align with your deeper desires.Topics Include:New year intentionsWhy most of us fail to execute on our new year's goalsIntellectual versus intuitive goals and intentionsSetting goals that align with our deeper desiresSetting the intention to be more intentionalAnd other topics......Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Bridget recaps the topics we've discussed on the podcast this year, intentions moving into 2021, and shares her birthday wish with her audience.Topics Include:Adventures in motherhoodWhy being a mother is the most important job in the worldReflections on 2020, and the emotions we've feltUnderstanding and navigating our own emotionsAwareness as our greatest resourceGratitudeAnd other topics....Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Bridget shares with listeners how we can use family traditions to foster connection and nurture family values.Topics Include:The power of family traditions and ritualsCreating space for connectionHow traditions provide an opportunity to instill family values Creating your own family traditionsAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Bridget follows up with listeners on last week's episode, extending the balancing perceptions exercise to other life events and challenges. Bridget shares how we can use this exercise to find joy in our lives anytime, anywhere.Topics Include:Recognizing that joy is always available to usAccepting that life is a full experience, and that all the emotional states come withResilienceOur obsession with extreme states, and the danger inherent in themDealing with the loss of a loved oneDoing the work to identify the benefits of challenging experiencesAnd other topics“We can have resolution with anything, anytime–if we are willing to do the work to get it.”...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Happy Gratitude Week! In this episode, Bridget reflects on the challenges we've faced in 2020 and guides listeners through an exercise to bring mindfulness to the benefits this year may have provided us with.Topics Include:Remembering what is truly importantReflecting on the challenges of this yearFinding a diamond in the roughStruggle and pain as the gateway to true joyThe balancing perceptions exercisePost-traumatic growthAnd other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Bridget shares with listeners how we can calm an overwhelmed or anxious mind by mindfully reconnecting with our bodies, and shares a technique for doing so.Topics include:- Coming back to our physical beings in chaotic times- Tuning into bodily sensations- How thoughts manifest into bodily sensations- Disrupting repetitive thought patterns- Working with bodily sensations- And other topics...Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedeschi@bridgettedeschi

Bridget continues her discussion on the mental and emotional health of children, the failure of our society to adequately equip children with the skills to regulate their emotions, and things we can do to change this. Topics Include:- Reframing mental health as emotional health- Why 0 to 3 is an important age group for longterm emotional well-being - Emotional development strategies for the 0 to 3 age group- How trauma changes the composition of our brains- Addressing the current emotional health crises in children and young adults- Remember, your children are extraordinarily resilient and can quickly learn new skills- And other topics Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedechi@bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being the podcast, Bridget shares with listeners how we can use mindfulness to manage our post-election emotions. Topics include:- The relationship between future-focused thoughts and intense emotions- Remember, whatever you are feeling right now is only temporary- Detaching our internal process and well-being from external circumstances- Staying present and centered amidst tumultuous times- Practicing mindfulness- Why focusing on the future will orient you to fear and extreme states- The present moment as our place of resource- And other topics Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedechi@bridgettedechi

It’s mental health awareness month! In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget discusses the connection between our mental and physical well-being, and shares with listeners how we might reframe mental health as emotional health. Topics include:Dispelling myths around mental health challengesFighting stigmaReframing mental health as emotional healthThe connections between physical and emotional healthEmotional well-being as a lifelong, active processIndicators that your emotional health may need attentionWhen to seek therapyMeaningful relationships, vulnerability, and other pillars of emotional healthAnd other topics. Resources:Places to get a therapist: www.betterhelp.comSuicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255www.pyschologytoday.comwww.MentalHealth.gov Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedechi@bridgettedechi

Bridget is joined by life coach and podcaster Nicole Baker to discuss how to fortify your mindset and confront imposter syndrome. Topics of conversation include:Placing visual affirmations in your immediate environment to punctuate habitual thinkingThoughts are driven by where you focus your attention. What are you focusing on?Breaking down the trigger, behavior, reward loops that feed our habitual behaviorsUtilizing physicality to hack your mindstatesThe power questions have in shaping our thoughtsAnd other topics Resources Mentioned:Instagram @lifecoachbakerLife Coach Baker PodcastLife Coach Baker WebsiteGuide to Creating Your Perfect Morning RoutinePower of Habit by Charles Duhigg Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedechi@bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget shares with her listeners strategies for managing difficult feelings when you are having a sad day. Topics included: Bridget’s history of depression and how she’s learned to manage it through psychotherapy, recognizing the difference between having sad days and slipping into depression, healthy and unhealthy coping strategies for managing difficult feelings, the importance of keeping healthy coping strategies simple and accessible, coping tools such as writing and exercise, and other topics. Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at: www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.comwww.bridgettedeschi.comwww.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapywww.facebook/bridgettedechi@bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget discusses the tendency to lose our authentic self as we transition into adulthood and begin to embody the expectations of the world. Featuring an introduction from a very special guest, Parker G., Bridget shares with listeners an exercise they can use to connect with their inner child and to explore their authentic self. Topics include: modeling your true self as a parent, honoring the whole self including parts we may feel averse to, how to find clarity as we investigate our authenticity, and other topics.   Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:  www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedechi @bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget shares how her experience with play therapy informs how she thinks about human behavior and interactions. Topics include: play as something we are always engaging in irrespective of age, framing our understanding of how we interact with the world as play, three different lenses to look at play through and their associated energy states, the transformative model and how it relates to play, play being the tool by which we integrate our emotions and overcome challenges, and other topics.   Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:  www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedechi @bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget discusses the psychology concept modeling and how it relates to our common desire to create change in the world. As human beings, our primary form of learning comes through enacting the behaviors that have been modeled to us, specifically those that communicate who we are and how we ought to be in the world. Bridget explains why she believes the most effective way to transform our world is to model in a congruent and authentic way.    Topics include: examining how we show up in the world, being a role-model in our relationships and our community, how to hold big emotions triggered by injustice and tragedy, the need to address our internal states in preparation to take on our external environments, learning to live in alignment with our authentic selves, and other topics.   Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:  www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedechi @bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being the Podcast, Bridget takes a deep dive into the topic of validating feelings. Topics include: validating feelings as a parenting strategy, how learning to validate the feelings of others teaches us how to show up as our authentic selves, moving away from our conditioned fix, rescue, or problem-solve response to negative emotions, why negative emotions are integral to understanding ourselves, simplifying negative emotions down to mad, sad, and scared in framing the question “how might I feel if this was happening to me?”, and other topics.   Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:  www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedechi @bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being, Bridget connects with listeners to discuss the parenting challenges many of us are experiencing as a result of the pandemic. Topics of conversation include: setting boundaries and teaching our kiddos that it is okay to be disappointed, understanding that our mindful presence is all that children yearn for, being realistic about the roles that we can and cannot fulfill in our kids’ lives, the importance of showing vulnerability, how we can use this situation to model resilience and balance for our children, and other topics.   Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:  www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedechi @bridgettedechi

In this episode of Brave Being the Podcast, Bridget discusses how we can show up authentically and settle into the new, new normal that life is presenting us with. Topics of conversation include: how being vulnerable gives people around us permission to do the same, the connection between childhood and mindfulness, the unique parenting challenges many of us are experiencing right now, how we might reframe our experience of the pandemic, confronting and being present with our emotions and experiences rather than running to thoughts of the past or future, and other topics. This week, we have a challenge for you. When somebody asks you how you are doing, be brave and share genuinely. Let us know how it goes, and we will see you next week!   Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:  www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com https://www.facebook.com/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy/ www.facebook/bridgettedechi @bridgettedechi

We are back! Welcome to another episode of Brave Being the Podcast. Thank you for joining us! In this episode, Bridget reestablishes her intentions for the podcast and gets clear on her offering for the Brave Being audience. Topics covered include: the birth of Bridget’s daughter, moving towards our authentic self and becoming a brave being, Bridget’s first therapy session with a child and what she learned from the experience, being willing to be vulnerable with the things that cause us pain, the principles and intentions behind the podcast and what listeners can expect each week, and other topics.   Want to connect with Bridget? Find her online at:  www.thebridgecenterforplaytherapy.com www.bridgettedeschi.com www.facebook/thebridgecenterforplaytherapy www.facebook/bridgettedechi @bridgettedechi

We are relaunching the Podcast August 24th. Listen to this special announcement of what is to come and why we have made this decision to take some reprieve for a bit. I look forward to reconnecting with all of August 24th with a new podcast, new format, and new content. Until then please subscribe, so you don't miss an episode. Track back to some of your favorites and give them another listen or join us on our Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/bridgettedeschi See all you Brave Beings in August. Want to request a topic ??? Submit inquiry to hello@bridgettedeschi.com