Trust Before Tech: Building the Parent-Child Bond in a Digital World (with therapist Joanne Doucette)

What happens when parenting meets the digital age? In this episode, Nicki Reisberg sits down with family therapist Joanne Doucette to unpack the growing mental health challenges families face—especially when screens, gaming, and social media are part of everyday life. With over 25 years of experience supporting parents and kids, Joanne shares what she's seeing on the front lines: rising anxiety, disconnection, and confusion around how to set tech boundaries that actually stick. Together, Nicki and Joanne explore why open, honest conversations matter more than ever—especially when it comes to tough topics like online content, gaming habits, and screen time battles at home. They dive into real-life parenting struggles, like what to do when you're not on the same page with your partner, how to stay connected to your kids in a digital world, and why community support is key when navigating this new tech terrain. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who’s ever wondered: Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? (Spoiler: You’re not alone.) Connect with Joanne here . Joanne Doucette is a therapist, speaker, and advocate for family mental health, with 25 years of experience helping children, teens, and their parents navigate life’s toughest challenges. As a dedicated social worker, she has worked in inpatient mental health and palliative care at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Now in private practice, she focuses on equipping parents in the community with the tools and confidence to support children coping with anxiety, depression, grief, and neurodivergence. Joanne believes that parents are their child’s most powerful resource. Rooted in a no-blame, deeply compassionate approach, she helps families strengthen connection, resilience, and healing. She challenges the societal forces that undermine parent-child relationships—such as the unregulated influence of technology—advocating for changes that protect children’s well-being. Through therapy, workshops, and community education, she empowers parents to navigate these pressures while staying grounded in what matters most: their connection with their child. As both a therapist and a mother of two, with 20 years of parenting experience, Joanne understands firsthand the challenges families face. She is dedicated to ensuring parents feel supported, not judged, and offers hope, practical strategies, and a path forward—helping families create a healthier, more connected future at home and in their communities.