Wayne Brown, LCSW, EdM (he/him)

Wayne joined Momma on July 29, 2024 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Accepting Kids as They Are

About Wayne

Wayne Brown is a remarkable individual whose life's journey has been marked by a profound commitment to helping others, both as a dedicated clinical social worker and a passionate advocate for individuals facing rare medical conditions. His story is one of unwavering dedication to promoting mental health, educational excellence, and fostering a stronger, more empathetic society.

Wayne's journey began as a middle and high school teacher of social studies in some of Buffalo, New York's most underprivileged schools. In these challenging environments, he witnessed the immense impact that social and emotional well-being can have on a student's ability to learn and succeed. This experience ignited Wayne's passion for addressing the broader, underlying issues affecting individuals' lives, inspiring his transition into the field of clinical social work.

Since 2018, Wayne has been tirelessly working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Wayne's practice specializes in serving high-risk patients facing a wide range of issues, including addiction, gender-related challenges, positive parenting, and the critical issues of self-harm and suicidality. His compassionate and empathetic approach has helped individuals and families navigate these complex issues, providing much-needed support and healing.

Beyond his clinical work, Wayne is the founder of the Acromegaly Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and support for patients with Acromegaly, a rare pituitary disorder. This organization extends emotional help and support to both patients and their families, recognizing the profound impact such conditions can have on the entire support system. Remarkably, Wayne has ensured that membership for patients and their loved ones remains free, perpetually reinforcing his commitment to accessible care and support.

Wayne's work extends to private practice mental healthcare, where he founded Willow Grove Counseling, a group practice that prioritizes the mental well-being of clients. Simultaneously, he shares his vast knowledge and experience as a part-time instructor at the University of Buffalo, part of the SUNY system. Here, he teaches interventions to first-year Masters of Social Work students, passing on his expertise to the next generation of social workers.

Wayne N. Brown is not only a compassionate professional but also a loving family man. He has been happily married for eleven years and is the proud father of three beautiful children. This balance between his personal life and professional commitment is a testament to Wayne's ability to bring empathy, care, and understanding into every facet of his existence.

In summary, Wayne N. Brown, LCSW, EdM, is a beacon of compassion, advocacy, and support for those in need. His journey, from dedicated educator to clinical social worker and advocate, serves as an inspiring example of the profound impact one individual can have on the world, making it a better place for all.

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Website - https://www.willowgrovecounseling.net/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WillowGroveCounseling.Net/

• Twitter / X - https://x.com/waynebrownlcsw

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/willowgrovecounseling/

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wnbrown99/

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/willow_grove_counseling/

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Acromegaly Community

• Book Recommendations: 

  • Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 

  • No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson 

  • The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk 

• Show Recommendation: Ted Lasso 

• Favorite Poem: Still I Rise by Maya Angelou 

• Death Wish Coffee Co

Episode Summary

This episode is a must-listen for parents, guardians, and anyone who cares about supporting kids’ mental health, as we tackle the real-life challenges of accepting children as they are and building genuine, lasting connections.

Key Takeaways

• Listening to children is crucial for their development.

• Children's stories, no matter how trivial, are important to them.

• Acceptance of children fosters their emotional well-being.

• Setting boundaries with children can enhance communication.

• Resilience in children is supported by a nurturing environment.

• Understanding a child's perspective is key to effective parenting.

• Building a safe space for conversations leads to deeper trust.

• Understanding and patience are key in discussions about gender identity.

• Generational differences impact how children explore their identities.

• Children who are afraid of their parents do not share with their parents.

• Mental health is something to be feared.

• Decisions are made by those who show up.

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews Wayne Brown, a clinical social worker and advocate, on the topic of accepting children as they are. Wayne shares his journey from inner-city teaching to social work, emphasizing his commitment to helping individuals facing diverse challenges, such as addiction, gender identity, and rare medical conditions. Wayne’s unique perspective stems from his personal experiences, including his diagnosis of acromegaly and a rare thyroid condition as an infant, which taught him resilience and adaptability.

Throughout the conversation, Wayne discusses the importance of meeting children where they are emotionally and listening to them without judgment or distractions. He highlights how showing genuine interest in children's seemingly small stories can build trust, allowing children to feel heard and valued. This foundation of trust is especially important as children age and face complex issues like gender identity, mental health, and social pressure. Wayne underscores that fostering open communication from an early age encourages children to share significant life challenges with their parents as they grow older.

Wayne also shares practical advice for parents who work from home or have busy schedules. He recommends establishing clear boundaries, like keeping the door closed when working, while ensuring children receive undivided attention during designated family time. Intentional time together and respectful boundaries are essential to balancing work and family while maintaining meaningful connections.

The conversation covers common misconceptions about children’s resilience. Wayne asserts that resilience requires nurturing through supportive relationships rather than assuming kids will simply "bounce back." Children need consistent validation and support to navigate struggles, especially with issues tied to self-esteem and identity. Wayne shares a key technique for parents: listen to kids when they are young, as this builds the trust that enables them to confide in you about tougher subjects in adolescence.

When discussing ways parents can navigate their children’s unique struggles, Wayne shares specific strategies, including using "SMART" goals to help kids set achievable objectives. He also addresses the value of modeling emotional openness and vulnerability with children. Wayne stresses that children are intuitive and sensitive to their parents’ emotions, so maintaining a calm and accepting demeanor is crucial when addressing sensitive issues like gender identity, peer pressure, or mental health challenges.

As the interview progresses, Wayne emphasizes that parents’ engagement in politics and social issues is equally valuable for modeling an active, well-rounded life. He encourages families to educate themselves on current events and make informed choices, reinforcing critical thinking skills in their children. Wayne advocates for parents to allow children space to form their own beliefs, noting that respecting children’s developing opinions helps build self-confidence and autonomy.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the value of therapy as a means of fostering self-acceptance and resilience, which Wayne views as essential for everyone, including parents. He emphasizes that mental health conversations should be open and stigma-free, empowering families to seek help and support one another on their journeys.