EP60 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and psychiatrist, Dr. Natalie Weder, on how to help young children bounce back from social and emotional setbacks.

In the episode, Dr. Elisa-Shipon-Blum and Dr. Natalie Weder discuss resilience, reframing, recognizing micro-moments of success and more.

Understanding Resilience through the Lens of Selective Mutism

Episode 60 begins with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Natalie Weder exploring the concept of resilience in children with selective mutism. 

They start by discussing how understanding the biological basis of selective mutism helps both parents and children develop coping strategies during selective mutism treatment.

The two experts examine how psychoeducation, meeting children where they are developmentally, and building on their strengths can create a foundation for overcoming communication challenges while fostering emotional resilience.

Reframing Setbacks as Opportunities: The Role of the Adult

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Natalie Weder continue their discussion by looking into strategies for reframing setbacks and building resilience in children with selective mutism, emphasizing the importance of focusing on wins rather than failures and helping parents adapt their approach when children aren’t ready to speak or be verbal. 

The experts explore how providing children with roadmaps, skill-building tools, and age-appropriate motivation creates a foundation for long-term progress while addressing parent anxiety that can inadvertently hinder a child’s development.

Building Micro-Moments of Success: The Foundation of Resilience

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Natalie Weder reach the middle of this podcast episode as they shift their focus towards celebrating micro moments of success in children with selective mutism, discussing how even small verbal breakthroughs like correcting a mistake during play can be profoundly meaningful for these selectively mute children. 

The experts share creative tracking methods such as puzzle piece rewards and celebration charts that help young children visualize their progress and maintain motivation while building toward larger communication goals.

Addressing Trauma, Rejection and Social Pain in Children with Selective Mutism

In this segment, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Natalie Weder address the social challenges children with selective mutism face when they cannot advocate for themselves, including bullying and unhealthy dependency relationships where other children speak for them. 

The experts discuss strategies like vigilant adult supervision, strategic peer connections, and group therapy programs that help children build social identity and resilience by connecting with others who share similar communication struggles.

Protective Factors and Practices that Boost Long-Term Resilience

Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Natalie Weder conclude their discussion by breaking down the balance between protecting children with selective mutism and fostering their resilience, warning against parental overprotection that can inadvertently reinforce a child’s fear and self-doubt. 

The experts explore age-appropriate coping strategies, from teaching young children breathing techniques and emotional vocabulary to helping older children challenge negative thought patterns, while emphasizing that effective treatment requires active parent involvement and consistent practice beyond weekly therapy sessions.