[REWIND] Parents Have Feelings, Too With Caroline Megargel & Sarah Lewis [Podcast Episode]

Today we’re starting a series on our greatest hits and the tips and strategies we as therapists talk to parents the most about. We say the same things over and over again because so many of us struggle with the same things. I figured it would be great if I could give you my greatest hits whether you’re in my office or just listening to the podcast.

In this rewind episode, Sarah Lewis from The Lewis Practice, and Caroline and I talk about how and why parents should be talking to their kids about their OWN feelings. This is probably contrary to what you see on Instagram or have heard before, which is that we should hold it together to take care of our kids’ feelings. And that’s true. But it’s equally true that we should be talking about our own feelings. Doing this will not only increase empathy and problem-solving for our kids, but we as adults will also feel closer to our kids and so much better in general.

“Feeling your feelings is empowering”
– Caroline Megargel

In this episode on sharing your feelings with your kids, we cover:

• Why it’s important to talk to your kids about your own feelings;
• What happens when we don’t talk about our feelings;
• How to discuss your own feelings with your kids: what wording to use, the best timing, etc.;
• Tips on what not to do;
• And so much more!

You can find our podcast Active and Connected Families wherever you listen to your podcasts, or easily click the links below to listen:

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More about Virginia Family Therapy

Virginia Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. VFT is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. You can learn more about our practice or contact us here.

More about Caroline Megargel, MSW, LCSW

Caroline is an individual and family therapist at Virginia Family Therapy who specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults struggling with their mental health, life transitions, parental divorce, and more. She has particular expertise in working with teens struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and disordered eating.

After growing up in Charlottesville, she attended Vanderbilt University and pursued an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She later attended Boston College and earned her Masters of Social Work. Caroline returned to Charlottesville in 2018, where she began practicing as an outpatient therapist. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in June 2020. Outside the office, she enjoys walking her dog, spending time with friends, and listening to podcasts.

You can learn more about Caroline here.

More about Sarah Lewis, MSW, LCSW

Within her own practice, The Lewis Practice, Sarah works with Children, Adolescents, Families, Elite Athletes (competing on travel teams, high school, college, and gearing up or in the college recruiting pipeline), as well as people in the lgbtq community. She takes a balanced approach combining support, warmth, empathy, and humor (when appropriate).

She earned her MSW in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and has a BA in Psychology from Randolph Macon Woman’s College where she was a two-sport athlete in basketball and tennis. As an undergraduate, she spent a year abroad and played international basketball. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, crisis services, as well as inpatient and outpatient mental health. During her more than 25 years in private practice, she has also taught at James Madison University and served as an expert witness for the state and federal court system.

You can learn more about Sarah here.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode

• We’d love to hear your feedback on our podcast. Why not leave us a review on Apple Podcasts?
• Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
• We’ve got a bunch of episodes for you to binge-listen to! Did you listen to last week’s episode in which Meg Allan Cole and I talked about going from people pleaser to setting healthy boundaries in your 40s?

Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.