Free Virtual Lunch & Learns
The questions keeping you up at night deserve real answers. This summer, Alyssa Hertz, PsyD, is hosting three free virtual sessions on the topics that affect a lot of families — but don't always get talked about with the clarity and compassion they deserve. Each session is free, stands on its own, and is open to anyone, anywhere.
Is this more than picky eating?
Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders for Parents & Caregivers
For parents, caregivers, and school counselors — and anyone who loves a young person and wants to feel less in the dark.
Beyond the Stereotype
Understanding OCD, Its Real Signs, and How It's Treated
For anyone who suspects they might have OCD, loves someone who does, or is tired of the stereotypes getting in the way of real answers.
When Helping Hurts
A Smarter Approach to Parenting an Anxious Child
For the parents who love their anxious child fiercely — and are ready to try something that actually works.
Alyssa Hertz, PsyD
Alyssa Hertz, PsyD, is the Director of Eating Disorders Services at Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center, where she specializes in eating disorders, OCD, and anxiety in children, teens, and adults.
Lunch & Learn Session Details
Is this more than picky eating?
Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders for Parents & Caregivers
As a parent or caregiver, you know your child better than anyone. But eating disorders can be subtle — and easy to mistake for normal phases, "going through something," or just being particular about food. In this free one-hour session, Dr. Alyssa Hertz, PsyD, breaks down what early warning signs actually look like, how to talk to your child about concerns without making things worse, and when and how to seek professional support. Whether you have a nagging gut feeling or a more urgent concern, this session will help you trust your instincts and feel confident in deciding what to do next.
Beyond the Stereotype
Understanding OCD, Its Real Signs, and How It's Treated
Most people think OCD means being neat or double-checking the stove. The reality is far more complex — and far more treatable than many people realize. In this free one-hour session, Dr. Alyssa Hertz, PsyD, walks through what OCD actually looks like (including presentations most people don't recognize), how it differs from anxiety and general worry, and what evidence-based treatments like ERP can do. You'll leave knowing more than most people ever do about OCD — and exactly what steps to take next.
When Helping Hurts
A Smarter Approach to Parenting an Anxious Child
When your child is anxious, it's natural to want to make it stop — answer the question one more time, skip the thing that's scary, stay a little longer. These instincts come from love. But research shows that accommodating anxiety, even with the best intentions, can actually strengthen it over time. In this free one-hour session, Dr. Alyssa Hertz, PsyD, walks through SPACE — Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions — a treatment developed at Yale University that focuses on parents rather than the child. You'll learn what accommodation actually looks like, how to start reducing it gradually, and how to stay warm and connected with your child while you do. You don't have to choose between supporting your child and helping them get better. This session will show you how to do both.
Please Note: These Lunch and Learn Sessions are educational and do not constitute therapy or a therapeutic relationship.
