A podcast where young people can find information about emotional regulation that will change their lives. This podcast will help teens to be more emotionally intelligent and help them to be the best individuals they can be.
Send us a text Are teen athletes under more pressure than we realize? In this episode, I sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor and cheerleading coach Kaitlyn Sampson to talk about the hidden mental health struggles young athletes face—and what parents, coaches, and educators can do to help.From performance anxiety and perfectionism to overloaded schedules and parental pressure, Kaitlyn shares powerful insights from her work with teens on and off the field. As the founder of Mental Health Booster, she combines coaching and counseling to support the whole athlete, not just the stats.
Send us a textWhat do you do when your child comes out to you?How do you support a transgender or nonbinary child — especially when it feels unfamiliar, overwhelming, or even scary?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lulu, also known as The Momatrician — a pediatrician, parent coach, gender and sexuality educator, and the proud mom of a transgender child. But her journey didn't begin with full understanding and acceptance.Dr. Lulu opens up about:Her honest, emotional response when her child came outGrowing up queer in a conservative Nigerian Catholic householdWhy parental affirmation is life-saving for LGBTQ+ youthThe difference between accepting your child and truly affirming themHow parents can grow, even if they make mistakesWhether you're a parent, educator, or someone seeking to understand the transgender experience better, this conversation will touch your heart and expand your perspective.
Send us a text When should I push my anxious child—and when is it too much?In this episode, I share a personal story about my grandson learning to swim and the powerful lesson it taught me about supporting anxious kids through discomfort without sending them into panic.If you're a parent wondering:“Am I pushing too hard?”“Should I back off?”“How do I help my child grow without overwhelming them?”…this episode is for you.
Send us a text What if helping your teen set just one clear, meaningful goal could shift their entire future?In this episode, I'm joined by Phylicia Littleton, a National Certified Counselor and career consultant at Pearson Virtual Schools. We dive into how school counselors and parents can help teens set SMART goals that lead to real academic, emotional, and career success.You'll learn:✅ How SMART goals improve motivation and reduce anxiety✅ How to support your teen with realistic and effective goal setting✅ Tips for time management, career planning, and building future readiness✅ Why just one well-chosen goal can build lifelong confidenceWhether you're a parent, educator, or school counselor, you'll walk away with practical strategies to help teens turn their dreams into action, starting today.
Send us a text Is your brain constantly telling you you're not good enough, or that everyone's judging you? That voice—the inner critic or inner roommate—might sound convincing, but it's not telling the truth.In this episode, I break down 7 common thinking traps like mind reading, catastrophizing, and all-or-nothing thinking, and show you how to challenge them using powerful questions.
Send us a textSign up for my July Workshop: How to Calm Your Teen's Anxiety Without Triggering YoursCould your child's anxiety or tics be something more? Meet Ethan Pompeo, whose health journey led to answers—and a mission to help others.Ethan was misdiagnosed with Tourette's as a teen and put on over 40 medications before discovering the real root of his symptoms: PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus). In this powerful interview, Ethan shares his long road to healing, how CBD became a turning point, and why he now helps families find natural, effective relief through his company, Green Valley Nutrition.
Send us a text Parenting differences can create chaos in families, but they don't have to. In this episode, I break down the four main parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved—and explain how understanding these differences can transform your co-parenting relationship. Drawing from my own experience navigating conflicting parenting styles in her first marriage, Cynthia shares honest insights about how our backgrounds, personalities, and experiences shape the way we parent. She explores why couples inevitably clash over parenting approaches and offers practical solutions for finding common ground. You'll discover: The four primary parenting styles and their impact on childrenWhy we parent the way we do (and why our partners parent differently)How conflicting styles confuse kids and create family tensionThree powerful strategies for creating a united front in parentingKey Takeaways: Shared Family Values - How to identify 3-5 core values you both want to instillMust Agree On vs. Okay to Differ - Distinguishing between non-negotiable safety issues and acceptable differencesThe Pause and Plan Phrase - A code word system to avoid undermining each other in front of the kidsWhether you're married, divorced, or co-parenting in any capacity, this episode provides actionable tools to reduce conflict, support your partner, and create the consistency your children need to thrive. Perfect for parents who want to stop fighting about parenting styles and start working together as a team. Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a text What if everything you thought you knew about human trafficking was wrong?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Erin Williamson, a national expert in child trafficking prevention and survivor care, to reveal the truth about how trafficking really happens — and what parents, educators, and caregivers must know to protect the children in their lives.You'll learn:How traffickers use grooming and manipulation — not abductionWhy many victims still attend school and appear "normal"The critical role of technology and online platformsWarning signs adults often missWhat to say to your child so they see you as a safe personHow to create tech boundaries that actually workErin also shares real-life stories and practical tips from her work at Love146.org, an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking and supporting survivors.
Send us a text Exhausted parent, this one's for you. After a day of endless decisions, mental checklists, and carrying the invisible load of family life, your mind deserves to rest. This sleep meditation is specifically designed for parents who struggle to "turn off" at bedtime.What you'll find in this meditation:✨ Recognition of the unique mental load parents carry✨ Permission to stop being "on" and just BE✨ Gentle body relaxation to release physical tension✨ Mindful techniques to quiet your planning mind✨ Loving reminders of your worth beyond parenting✨ Peaceful imagery to guide you into restorative sleepPerfect for when you're:Mentally reviewing tomorrow's schedule at bedtimeCarrying worry about your childrenFeeling overwhelmed by the invisible labor of parentingStruggling to transition from "parent mode" to sleepExhausted but your mind won't stop racingFeeling like you're never doing enoughThis meditation honors the reality of modern parenting - the beautiful chaos, the constant giving, and the deep love that sometimes keeps us awake with worry. Tonight, give yourself permission to rest knowing you've done enough today.Tips for best results:Use headphones for a more immersive experienceListen after your bedtime routine is completeKeep your phone on Do Not DisturbAllow yourself to drift off during the meditationYou are enough. You have given your family what they needed today. Now it's time to give yourself the gift of peaceful sleep.
Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed? Mind racing with thoughts about school, friendships, the future, or just... everything? You're not alone. This sleep meditation is specifically designed for teens and young adults who struggle with anxiety and racing thoughts at bedtime.What you'll find in this meditation:✨ Techniques to quiet your overactive mind✨ Body relaxation exercises to release tension✨ Gentle reminders that you don't have to have it all figured out✨ Validation for the unique pressures your generation faces✨ Peaceful visualizations to drift into restful sleepPerfect for when you're:Stressed about school or gradesOverthinking social situationsAnxious about the futureFeeling pressure to be perfectHaving trouble shutting off your thoughts at nightThis meditation meets you where you are - no judgment, no pressure to be anything other than human. Your generation carries a lot, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Tonight, give yourself permission to rest.Tips for best results:Use headphones or earbuds for a more immersive experienceFind a comfortable position in bedDim the lights or use your phone's dark modeTry to listen to the whole meditation without checking your phoneYou're doing better than you think. You're stronger than you know. And right now, it's time to let sleep take care of you.
Send us a text Wendy Cole: Transitioning at 67 & Living as Your True SelfHave you ever felt like you weren't living as your real self?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Wendy Cole, a Transition Mentor who made the life-altering decision to transition at age 67. Wendy shares her deeply personal story—from knowing her true identity as a child to finally embracing it decades later.We talk about:The difference between gender and sexWhy the mental journey of transition is so often overlookedHow to support transgender youth with love and understandingWhat parents need to know (and what to avoid)How to live more freely by shifting your beliefsWhether you're a parent, educator, ally, or someone who's curious to learn more about gender identity, this episode offers honest education, heartfelt encouragement, and a message of hope.
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Send us a text What if your anxiety isn't actually anxiety—but your blood sugar crashing?In this episode, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Tracy McCarthy reveals the connection between what you eat and how you feel. After years of prescribing medications and feeling limited by traditional approaches, Dr. McCarthy discovered functional medicine—and it changed everything.
Send us a text Divorce doesn't have to damage your kids. In this episode, certified divorce coach and therapist Karen McNenny shares how divorced parents can reduce anxiety in children by improving communication, building co-parenting strategies, and creating stability across two homes. Whether you're going through a divorce or supporting families who are, you'll learn practical tips to protect your child's mental health and emotional well-being.
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Send us a text What if we celebrated teens the same way we celebrate celebrities? ✨In this inspiring episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I talk with Orlana Darkins Drewery, founder of The Shyne Awards, a red-carpet ceremony that honors young people (ages 13–24) doing incredible things in academics, arts, community service, and more.We discuss:
Send us a textIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Sid McNairy — bestselling author, spiritual coach, and 2024 World Peace Award recipient — to explore how we can transform anxiety, fear, and inner chaos into peace, clarity, and purpose.Sid shares his journey from football coach to global peace leader and breaks down “The Practice,” a life-changing framework anyone can use to raise their frequency, create inner harmony, and live with intention.
Send us a textI gave a Baccalaureate speech this year to my hometown high school, and I wanted you to hear my message as well!Please share it with anyone that could use a hopeful message for the future!!I am sending much love to all graduates and their families! Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a textIs your teen constantly overwhelmed, anxious, or shutting down? In this episode, we explore practical, research-backed ways to help them regain calm and confidence, without forcing or fixing.Join me, Cynthia Coufal, teen anxiety coach, as I sit down with Dr. Matthew Berstein, psychologist, educator, and mindfulness expert, for a refreshing conversation about how anxiety shows up in teens and what actually helps.You'll learn:Why typical adult responses can backfire with anxious teensHow mindfulness can be accessible and effective—even for skeptical teensWhat self-awareness looks like in real life (not just theory)Simple ways you can support your teen without increasing tensionWhether you're a parent, educator, or coach, this episode is packed with takeaways you can use today.
Send us a textIs your anxious teen really ready for college? In this episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I'm joined by college success coach Alexandra Holt, founder of Campus Thrive Coaching, to tackle one of the most common and stressful questions parents face: What if my child isn't ready for college?We talk about: ✅ How anxiety impacts college readiness✅ What skills your teen needs before they leave home✅ How parents can start building independence now✅ When to consider a gap year or alternative paths✅ Navigating accommodations and mental health services in collegeWhether your teen is preparing for college or still unsure about their path, this conversation is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and next steps to help them move forward with confidence.
Send us a text Is your child struggling with math anxiety? Avoiding homework, saying “I'm not a math person,” or feeling frustrated by numbers?In this episode, I talk with Mina Neuberg, CEO of Wonder Math, the only math program designed to build confidence and reduce anxiety through storytelling, adventure, and a growth mindset.You'll learn: ✅ Why math anxiety affects nearly 60% of students✅ How Wonder Math makes math fun, engaging, and stress-free✅ The link between math confidence and future success✅ How to support your child emotionally and academically
Send us a text Is your teen's anxiety just normal stress — or something more? In this powerful episode, we unpack the science of hope and how it can be a game-changer for kids struggling with anxiety.I'm joined by Sara Stockwell, a longtime educator, school psychologist, and mental health advocate who brings deep insight and personal experience to the conversation. We talk about:✅ The real difference between normal anxiety and a deeper issue✅ How to help kids who are paralyzed by fear and panic✅ Why hope is more than wishful thinking — it's a science-backed strategy✅ Tools for parents, educators, and anyone who supports youth✅ What to do if your child refuses therapy or won't open upSara shares her own story of growing up with OCD and panic attacks — and how she's now helping families and schools support kids through anxiety, trauma, and stress with practical, proven methods.
Send us a text Jodi Silverman, empty nest coach, reveals how the journey of letting go starts when teens gain independence - not when they leave home. Learn to shift from "fixer" to "coach," empowering both yourself and your teen while reducing parental anxiety.Discover practical strategies for:Reclaiming your identity while parenting teensHelping teens build confidence through supported failureFinding balance between motherhood and self-fulfillmentTaking small "dares" to rediscover your passionsConnect with Jodi:WebsiteFacebookEmail: jodi@momswhodare.com#EmptyNest #ParentingTeens #MotherhoodJourney #SelfDiscovery Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don't have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let's talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a text Are you a foster or adoptive parent struggling to support your child through anxiety and trauma? In this episode, I sit down with Bonnie Butler, a certified life coach and mother of ten—six of whom she adopted after fostering them. Bonnie shares her powerful journey, the challenges of parenting children who have experienced trauma, and practical strategies for helping kids navigate anxiety.
Send us a text How Strength Training Helps Teens Manage Anxiety and Build ConfidenceAnxiety and stress are on the rise for teens, but what if there was a powerful, science-backed way to help? In this episode, I talk with Jensi Shaw, founder of Vessel Initiative, LLC, about how resistance training and movement can transform mental health.Jensi shares her personal journey—from believing she wasn't an athlete to discovering how strength training helped her heal from grief and build confidence. Now, she's on a mission to help teens harness the power of movement to develop resilience, manage anxiety, and step into leadership.
Send us a text In this episode of Teen Anxiety Maze, I welcome the extraordinary Dr. Tara Perry, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Doctor of Chinese Medicine whose approach to anxiety has transformed celebrities, Olympians, and thousands of everyday people struggling with invisible burdens.Have you ever wondered why your teen's anxiety persists despite their best efforts? Dr. Perry reveals the profound truth: we're often operating on outdated internal programming installed between ages 2-10, carrying invisible 100-pound backpacks of emotional weight we don't even realize we're bearing.This conversation unveils the magnificent power of your subconscious mind - processing an astounding 40 MILLION bits of information per second compared to just 40 bits consciously. Dr. Perry shares breathtaking stories of transformation, including her 89-year-old mother healing a shattered kneecap through subconscious work, and a military veteran finding peace after years of maximum-level PTSD.What touched me deeply was realizing how we unknowingly pass anxiety through generations, modeling for our children what we learned from our parents. But here's the beautiful truth - this cycle can be broken, often more quickly than you'd imagine.Dr. Perry offers practical wisdom for immediate implementation:The "puppy dog" approach to retraining your nervous systemWhy celebrating small wins rewires your brain for successHow diet, breath work, and connection create the foundation for lasting changeThis episode isn't just information—it's an invitation to transformation for both you and your teen. As Dr. Perry says, "I feel like I get paid to let people out of prison, and that thrills me."Connect with Dr. TaraInstagramFacebookLinkedInFree meditation gift: Go to the bottom of Dr. Tara Perry's website Home Page#TeenAnxiety #SubconsciousHealing #ParentingSupport #MentalWellness #AnxietyRelief Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a textThe Mindset Shift That Can Break Your Teen's Negativity CycleStruggling with a teen who's trapped in negativity? In this episode, discover powerful mindset tools to help both you and your teen break free from negative thinking patterns. Learn the crucial difference between fixed and growth mindsets, and how simple shifts in language and perspective can transform your teen's approach to challenges.I share practical strategies you can implement today, including:How to model positive mindset techniques for your teenThe power of adding "yet" to limiting beliefsWays to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growthSimple daily practices like gratitude journaling and celebrating small winsWhether your teen seems resistant to everything you say or you're caught in your own negativity cycle, these evidence-based techniques can help create lasting change. Learn how mindset work is fundamental to anxiety management and how these shifts can improve communication and resilience for the whole family.Subscribe for more strategies to help teens and parents thrive through life's challenges! Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a text As parents, our instinct is to shield our kids from discomfort—but what if removing challenges is actually increasing their anxiety? In this episode, I dive into a powerful story from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt that perfectly illustrates why kids need struggle to grow stronger.I share the surprising science behind resilience, the dangers of overprotection, and practical ways to help your child develop the confidence and skills they need to face life's challenges. Plus, I'll give you actionable steps to start fostering independence in your child today—no matter their age!What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How overprotecting kids leads to increased anxiety✅ The science behind stress wood and what trees teach us about resilience✅ Practical ways to introduce healthy challenges to your child's life✅ How to help your child develop problem-solving skills and independence✅ Small, everyday actions that build emotional strength and confidenceResources & Links:
Send us a textStruggling with Teen Anxiety? Discover Detective Ev's Functional Medicine SecretsIs your teen battling anxiety? You're not alone. In this episode, we talk with Evan Transue, aka Detective Ev, who's helped over 50,000 students overcome anxiety and thrive.Here's what you'll discover:Evan's incredible story of healing himself & others using functional medicineActionable tips to help your teen manage stress & improve their mental wellnessThe surprising link between sleep deprivation & teen anxietyWhy nutrition & gut health are crucial for mental clarityHow environmental factors impact our kids' mental healthMy audience gets a free course with 5 screening tests.Free CourseAbout Evan Transue:Host of the Health Detective PodcastOwner of Bucks County Light Therapy & Functional Medicine CenterFunctional Diagnostic NutritionistResources:PodcastFunctional Medicine CenterBookBucks County Life TherapyDon't let anxiety control your teen's life. Tune in for practical solutions and real hope! Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a textFinding Purpose in Grief: A Conversation with Amy Shaw | Teen Anxiety Maze PodcastIn this powerful episode of Teen Anxiety Maze, I speak with Amy Shaw, a mother of ten who transformed her grief into purpose after her husband's terminal diagnosis. Amy shares her remarkable journey of raising four biological and six adopted children, navigating profound loss, and ultimately creating the "Walk the Red" program to help others face terminal illness with dignity and meaning.Amy opens up about the stillbirth of her child at 39 weeks, facing her husband's terminal brain cancer diagnosis while raising children ages 3-18, and how these experiences shaped her approach to grief. Rather than becoming bitter, she chose growth and created practical resources for others going through similar situations.Key moments in this episode:00:45 Amy's journey to mothering ten children, including international adoptions05:20 The profound impact of early losses and her decision to not let grief define her10:35 How her family approached her husband's terminal diagnosis14:50 Creating the "Navigating Goodbye" guide for those blindsided by terminal illness19:30 How teenagers vs. young children process grief differently23:15 The powerful mindset shift that helped her family "cheer on" her husbandWhether you're a parent, educator, or someone facing loss, Amy's perspective on how we can all "walk the red carpet" of life offers profound wisdom on making the most of every moment we have.
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Send us a textParenting an Anxious Teen: What You Need to KnowIs your teen struggling with anxiety? Do you feel unsure about how to help them without making things worse? In this episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I'll break down what every parent needs to know about supporting an anxious teen—without overstepping or adding more stress.You'll learn:✅ The key signs of anxiety in teens (and what they really mean)✅ How to respond in a way that helps, not hurts✅ The #1 mistake parents make when trying to "fix" anxiety✅ Simple, effective strategies to help your teen build resilienceParenting an anxious teen is challenging, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Watch now to gain the tools and confidence to support your teen's mental health.Follow Duygu Balan:Website: https://www.duygubalan.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duygubalanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/duygu.balan.5LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duygubalan/
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Send us a textTransitioning from high school into adulthood—whether it's college, the workforce, or the military—can be overwhelming for teens and their families. In this episode, we tackle the anxiety that comes with these life-changing moments and provide practical strategies to move forward with confidence and resilience.
Send us a textDo you find yourself stuck in a cycle of emotional or binge eating? You're not alone. In this episode, we uncover how anxiety, habits, and emotions fuel eating struggles—and, more importantly, how you can take control. Learn powerful strategies to rewire your brain, regain confidence, and shift from chaotic eating to mindful, empowered choices.
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Send us a textFormer School Counselor & Teen Anxiety Expert Cynthia Coufal explores teen grief with author Clarissa Moll, who lost her husband in a hiking accident and co-wrote "Hurt, Help, Hope" with her grieving teenage daughter. Learn why euphemisms hurt more than help, what grieving teens actually want from friends and family, and how to prepare children for discussions about death. Moll shares research showing 50% of teen grief support drops after 3 months and offers practical ways to maintain meaningful connections with grieving students.Key Topics:0:00 Introduction2:15 Clarissa's personal loss4:30 How to talk honestly about death with kids8:45 Why teens need normal treatment while grieving12:20 Supporting grieving students in school15:40 Preparing for grief at milestones18:55 Building grief companionshipResources mentioned:Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with GriefHurt, Help, Hope: A Real Conversation About Teen GriefChristianity Today's Surprised by Grief podcastClarissa's Website Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a textHappy New Year!
Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with parent coach Mary Kay Garrett, whose mission is to help parents create meaningful, lasting connections with their teens. If you've ever felt stuck in cycles of guilt, frustration, or control as a parent, this conversation will inspire you to make a change.Mary shares her personal transformation story and reveals practical strategies to help parents:Understand how their mindset impacts their teen's reality.Navigate the 5 levels of parenting to become an empowered parent.Handle conflict with compassion and build trust in their relationships.She also introduces her free resource, Empowering Conversations: 10 Powerful Scripts to Connect with Your Teen, a must-have tool for creating deeper, more impactful relationships.
Send us a textJoin host Cynthia Coufal and expert Isla Reddin as they dive deep into the science of teen brain development and transform how parents understand and connect with their teenagers.Key Insights:Why teenage behavior isn't about rebellionHow brain development continues until age 25Strategies for building stronger parent-teen relationshipsNavigating social media and independence challengesIsla Reddin, founder of Crack the Teen Code, shares her expertise from 18 years of working with young people and studying psychology, brain development, and communication theory.
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Send us a textI just had an eye-opening conversation with Elle Kristine, a 16-year-old TikTok influencer who's on a mission to help teens navigate the wildly complex world of dating in the social media era. And trust me, it's nothing like dating was when we were teenagers.Here are the critical takeaways that every parent and teen should understand:Dating Today is Completely Different75% of teens text their romantic partner DAILYSocial media has transformed dating into a minefield of "talking stages" and "situationships" Snapchat is now the primary dating platform (and it was literally designed for sexting)The Biggest Red Flags:Teens are experiencing unprecedented social isolationMany young men are avoiding in-person dating entirelyNude photo requests have become a disturbing "social status" issueMost Shocking Statistic: 45% of men ages 18-25 have NEVER asked someone out in person, while 70% of women want to be asked out more.The Good News: Elle has created an app called "Ask Elle" specifically to help teens get safe, vetted dating advice. It's not just for teens - parents can use it to understand modern dating terminology and dynamics.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/askelle-ai/id6471620444Her #1 Recommendation for Parents: Don't completely ban social media. Instead, have open conversations and create a monitoring approach that helps teens develop their own moral compass.P.S. Download the AskElle app. It could be an essential tool for understanding teen dating in 2024.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/askelle-ai/id6471620444 Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a textI just had an eye-opening conversation with OCD specialist Amanda Petrik-Gardner that I can't wait to share with you.Most of us think we understand OCD – neat freaks who love cleaning, right? WRONG. Amanda completely shattered those myths and revealed how complex and misunderstood this disorder really is.
Send us a textWith finals approaching, I know many of you (or your teens) are feeling the weight of test anxiety. Whether it's high school finals, AP exams, the ACT/SAT, or even career-defining certifications, the pressure is real. But here's the truth: it's not the test itself that causes anxiety—it's your thoughts about the test.This week on The Teen Anxiety Maze, we're tackling test anxiety head-on:1️⃣ What is test anxiety?2️⃣ Why do we experience it?3️⃣ How can you break free from its grip?You'll walk away with practical tips to prepare for exams, manage your thoughts, and keep your body calm and focused when it matters most. Plus, I've included a special free bonus:
Send us a text Hey everyone,Get ready for an inspiring episode of the podcast! I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my good friend and former colleague, Damon Parker. Damon and I worked together for years as educators, and I was so excited to reconnect with him and hear about his incredible journey since then. Now, if you're thinking, "Another podcast episode about education?", think again! This conversation went far beyond the classroom. We talked about Damon's transition from teaching to becoming a mental health advocate, a sought-after speaker, and even a championship-winning wrestling coach! Talk about wearing many hats!Damon's work with teens and mental health is particularly close to my heart. He shared some powerful insights on how he helps young people navigate the challenges they face today, including the importance of:Shifting focus from outcomes to relationships and being present. This resonated so much with me, as it aligns with my own approach to counseling.Investing in relationship building with people outside of their usual social circles. This is something I think we could all benefit from! Learning conflict resolution skills and understanding that healthy coexistence doesn't require loving everyone. This is such a crucial skill for young people (and adults too!). Damon also shared how he applies these principles to coaching, which has led to remarkable success for his wrestling team. We also had a candid discussion about the pressures facing teens today, from the overwhelming demands of academics and extracurriculars to the constant presence of technology.I know you'll find Damon's story and his practical advice as inspiring and thought-provoking as I did. I highly encourage you to listen to the full episode for all the gems he shared.Don't forget to check below for more information about Damon's work, including his free mental health talks for schools in Kansas and surrounding states, as well as his professional speaking engagements for businesses and corporations across the US. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this powerful episode!More about my guest, Damon Parker:Damon Parker has forged a unique career path as a professional speaker, nonprofit leader, and championship coach. He delivers keynotes on mental health, high-performance leadership, and DEI, helping organizations and individuals thrive. As Executive Director of The Jones Project, Damon has reached over 60,000 students with messages of hope and resilience. Additionally, he leads the nation's largest all-female wrestling team at Washburn Rural High School, guiding them to multiple state championships, including a historic double title win in 2021. Damon's work inspires transformation across industries, communities, and sports. Get in contact with Damon:https://dot.cards/damonparkerhttps://www.damonparkerspeaks.com/https://thejonesproject.org/damon@thejonesproject.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonesprojectksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejonesproject2023/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejonesprojectks Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio VersionEngage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scoutingFind my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a textI just recorded a fascinating episode about anxiety that I had to share with you. I've been diving into this incredible book called "Anxiety Rx" by Dr. Russell Kennedy, and it's completely shifted how I think about anxiety management.Here's what blew my mind: We've been approaching anxiety backward!Instead of trying to think our way out of anxiety, we need to start with our bodies first. You see, when we experience trauma (and yes, that includes things like rejection or feeling shame – stuff we've all been through), those emotions get stored in our body as "alarms." Sometimes these alarms go off and we don't even know why.What happens next? Our brain tries to "help" by creating what Dr. Kennedy hilariously calls "brain droppings" – all those worrying thoughts that are really just distractions from what we're feeling in our body.The solution? Feel, don't think. I know, I know – easier said than done! But there's this beautiful practice Dr. Kennedy suggests:Place your hand on your heart (or wherever you feel the anxiety)Take slow, deep breathsSimply say to yourself: "I am safe in this moment"It's about treating that anxious part of yourself like you would a scared child – with compassion and understanding, not judgment.In this episode, I break down:The ALARMS system (what creates anxiety in the first place)Why worry is just a distractionPractical tools to work with your body instead of your mindThe ABCDE method for anxiety managementWant to learn more? Listen to or Watch the full episode below. And if you're struggling with anxiety right now, remember – I offer free anxiety audits where we can talk about what's going on and create a plan just for you, even if we never work together formally.Your anxiety doesn't have to be a life sentence. There are tools, there is hope, and there is a community here ready to support you.P.S. If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who might need it. We're all in this together.
Send us a textEver thought about puberty as something amazing rather than awkward? Well, get ready to have your mind blown!I just had the most fascinating conversation with Kimberly Grustas, who's been dubbed the "OG of tween skincare" - and wow, did she change my perspective on what's happening during those transformative years!Here's a sneak peek of what we discussed:Why modern puberty is literally different from what your grandma experiencedThe surprising first signs that changes are coming (hint: it's not what you think!)How your body is basically becoming a superhero command center
Send us a textI'm so excited to share this week's episode with you! I had an amazing conversation with Marie Young, who taught me some incredible techniques for finding calm and peace - even when you're stuck at your desk all day.You know those moments when anxiety starts creeping in, but you can't exactly drop everything and do a full yoga session? Marie shows us some genius "any chair, anywhere" exercises that literally changed how I feel. During our chat, I was getting those wonderful relaxation tingles (fellow ASMR fans, you know what I'm talking about!
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