podcast, Katie interviews Crystal Polk, a Social Worker and Licensed Therapist speaks about the dual role parents of medically complex children hold as caregiver and parent. Crystal specializes in working with families who have children with special or medical needs. She gives parents practical things they can do today to start on the path of healing. 

[3:30] Crystal introduces herself

[6:00] Identifying the differences between caregiving and parenting

[8:30] Acknowledging the stages of grief

[9:40] Grieving what you once imagined

[11:03] Delegation, being heard and frustration are common themes

[14:08] Healing unprocessed trauma using EMDR

[16:19] Lean into mindfulness

[17:53] Giving your self the the gift of consistency

[21:13] Type of support families receive varies from state to state

[22:24] Parents are demanding positive changes

[25:04] Getting the word out about parent caregiver support

Connect with Crystal

Website

Instagram

Crystal recommends using Psychology Today to search for a qualified therapist. View Crystal and other therapists here.

Crystal is LEND Certified. Read more about the LEND program here. 

Unseen Caregiver Documentary

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• Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
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• Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

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