Dr. Leigh Weisz is the Founder of Coping Partners, a mental health clinic. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice after having been on staff and affiliated with The Family Institute at Northwestern University for several years. She has experience working with children, adolescents, families, and individual adults in areas such as child and adolescent family therapy, grief and loss, and relationship issues.

Dr. Weisz earned her graduate degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology with a speciality in children and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Michigan having graduated with honors. Dr. Weisz has practiced in community mental health, hospitals, and outpatient family medicine practice settings.

The mass shooting during the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois left residents traumatized and scared. In the aftermath of the tragedy, many parents are wondering how to talk to their children about the violence that occurred. So, what are some ways you can help your children process their emotions and heal from such devastation?

Dr. Leigh Weisz says to first determine exactly what your children witnessed during the event. Once you’ve established that knowledge, it’s important to provide your kids with a safe space to express their feelings, without introducing any outside information from media sources. By validating your children’s feelings and reassuring them of their immediate safety, you can begin the healing process.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Dr. Jeremy Weisz, the Co-founder of Rise25 Media, to discuss how to talk to children after a traumatic event. Dr. Weisz talks about the mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, explains how adults and children can process their emotions, and shares tips for moving forward.