Jaime Monaco, LCPC, and Rivka Benjamin, LCSW, are Co-founders and Therapists at Enso Wellness Centers in Northbrook, a mental health program specializing in partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) care for children and adolescents. Under their leadership, Enso Wellness has become known for its collaborative, wraparound approach involving families, schools, and providers. Jaime has over a decade of experience in CBT, SPACE, parent coaching, and behavioral interventions, while Rivka began her career as a school-based mental health counselor.

When a child is overwhelmed, it can feel like the whole family is holding its breath. Behaviors that look confusing on the surface often reflect moments when kids simply don't have the right tools yet. What does it take to help them feel capable again?

The answer, according to child therapists Jaime Monaco and Rivka Benjamin, starts with practical skills kids can use in the moments when they feel anxious, frustrated, or out of control. They explain that progress isn't built in a quiet office but in everyday situations that trigger stress. For Jaime, exposing kids to those real-life challenges in a safe environment reveals what skills they actually need, not just the ones they can recite. Rivka believes that true growth comes from collaborative support where therapists, parents, and schools all reinforce the same expectations. With the right support, meaningful change is possible.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz is joined by Jaime Monaco, LCPC, and Rivka Benjamin, LCSW, Co-founders of Enso Wellness Centers, to discuss helping kids build skills that truly work in real-life situations. They explore how to identify triggers, practice coping tools through exposure, and reduce unhelpful accommodations at home. Jaime and Rivka also give advice on collaborating effectively with schools and providers.