Securely Attached

Q&A: How do I tell my child he's going to start therapy?

May 21, 2026

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...   - Why it's important to tell your child that they are starting therapy (and why many parents avoid it). - How to explain therapy in simple, developmentally appropriate language your child will actually understand. - Why using your child's own words for their struggles, like "worry" or "big feelings," matters. - What to call a therapist and how to describe what they do in a way th...

Nature vs nurture: Understanding sensitivity, resilience, and what really shapes kids with Dr. Jay Belsky

May 19, 2026

Dr. Jay Belsky joins the podcast to explore one of the most important and often misunderstood truths in parenting: the same environment does not affect every child the same way. Drawing from decades of research on nature and nurture, this conversation looks at how biology and experience work together to shape development, and why some kids are more sensitive to their environments while others are more resilient.   Together, we explore:   Why some children are more affected by parenting, stre...

Q&A: How do I help my toddler cope with an absent parent?

May 14, 2026

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...   What the research actually says about attachment and why one strong, secure relationship is enough for healthy development. Why your child asking for the other parent may actually be a sign of a secure attachment, not a problem. How toddler development (around age 2) shapes their awareness of family structure and separation. How to talk about an absent pa...