On and Off The Spectrum

Dr. Esther Hess and Dr. Ann Kirsch
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Mental Health

How do families react, respond and reorganize after receiving a potentially life altering physical or mental health diagnosis, either for themselves or for someone they love? Dr. Esther Hess and Dr. Ann Kirsch, two experienced and well-known psychotherapists offer strategies, guidance and realistic hope through some of the toughest times that families can face.

  1. 6d ago

    Where Have All The Male Therapists Gone?

    Drs. Hess and Kirsch sit down with Dr. Seth Kurzban, a community mental health social worker. based in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Kurzban approaches this question from his own personal and professional experience and relates the way children are being unconsciously gender trained for future careers. Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    29 min

  2. Jun 18

    An Inclusive House of Worship: Our Conversation with Pastor Joshua Hernandez Montoya

    Drs. Hess and Kirsch sit down this evening with pastor Joshua Hernandez Montoya who leads God's Pueblo; a bi-lingual, inclusive and all inviting Christian church that offers support to the neuro-divergent community, to those who are gender fluid and at times even those who find themselves unhoused. In contrast to the larger churches in their community, God's Pueblo emphasizes intimacy, trust and community that gives rise to small miracles on a daily basis. Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    27 min

  3. Jun 11

    Dr. Laura Hernandez: A Pediatrician Who Meets Her Patients Where They're At

    Drs. Hess and Kirsch sit down with Dr. Laura Hernandez, a very knowledgeable and thoughtful pediatrician, addressing the complexities of raising today's child. She also addresses her experience as a clinician of color and how her patients acknowledge that this is often the first time that they have met a doctor who looks like they do, speaks the same language and can translate our current state of medical confusion. Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    30 min

  4. Jun 5

    Think Again Foundation: A Foundation of Hope for Families with Children Recovering from Cancer

    Drs. Hess and Kirsch interview Dr. Patty Kerrigan, founder and CEO of Think Again Foundation. An organization that offers families the necessary support services during and following recovery from cancer treatment. Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    27 min

  5. May 28

    The Relief of a Mid-life Diagnosis of ADHD

    In this episode of On and Off the Spectrum, David Richmond joins Drs. Hess and Kirsch from the UK to share his deeply personal journey toward a mid-life diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. For years, David lived with patterns of hyperactivity, inattention, and internal restlessness that never quite made sense...until they did. David reflects on what it means to reinterpret your past through a new lens, especially while navigating the demands of everyday life as a parent and partner. Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    40 min

  6. May 21

    Overcoming oral defensiveness: Supporting the neuro-diverse dental patient

    Drs. Hess and Kirsch meet with pediatric dentists Bernard Gross and Michael Kleinman who offer tips and strategies to support the special needs child and their parents navigating oral phobias and sensory sensitivities. Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    30 min

  7. May 14

    Binge Eating Disorder: Discovery and recovery

    Drs. Hess and Kirsch sit down with Ilana Zackon with a candid conversation about her own experiences with Binge Eating Disorder. She enlightens the audience to how common eating disorders are ignored or misdiagnosed and how she fought her way back to health. Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    30 min

  8. May 7

    Adoption Competency: How to Distinguish Normal Developmental Challenges from Adoption-Trauma Behaviors

    Dr. Esther Hess and Dr. Ann Kirsch together discuss the complex issues of how adoption trauma often manifests itself as maladaptive survival strategies, with guidance for differentiating these maladaptive behaviors from age-appropriate developmental challenges.  Stay in touch! This podcast is a conversation, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, topics you’d like us to explore, or are interested in being a guest on a future episode, email us at onandoffthespectrumpodcast@gmail.com Music Composer / Writer / Author: ROSSANO GENTILI - SIAE IPI: 161539866

    45 min
See All (21)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

How do families react, respond and reorganize after receiving a potentially life altering physical or mental health diagnosis, either for themselves or for someone they love? Dr. Esther Hess and Dr. Ann Kirsch, two experienced and well-known psychotherapists offer strategies, guidance and realistic hope through some of the toughest times that families can face.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Esther Hess and Dr. Ann Kirsch
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On and Off The Spectrum
  • Show Website
    On and Off The Spectrum

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