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 transi...
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 feelin...
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 comin...
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 rela...
Send us a text Today, we’re wrapping up the book Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents. If this is your first time with me, I recommend checking out the last eight solo episodes. Each one covers important strategies from the book for managing anxiety. But don’t worry if you’re new—today, we’re pulling it all together into one cohesive plan.Here’s what we’ll be focusing on:Putting the puzzle pieces together: We've covered seven puzzle pieces over the past episodes. Today, it’s all about combining...
Send us a text💥Transform Your Teen's Life: Izzy’s Story & How It Could Be Yours Too 🤩I'm thrilled to share a new podcast episode featuring Izzy, a client I’ve worked with for 3 years. Her journey from overwhelming anger and anxiety to confidence and self-discovery is a must-hear for any parent of a teen struggling with similar challenges.Izzy’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. Through personalized coaching, she learned to manage emotions, overcome anxiety, and grow into a more conf...
Send us a textThis week's episode takes a heavy but vital turn as we delve into the aftermath of a school shooting. Brandy Samuell, a seasoned educator with a background in counseling, special ed, and leadership, shares her chilling experience guiding crisis response in Roswell, New Mexico back in 2014.This episode is a must-listen for everyone in the education ecosystem – educators, families, and students alike. Here's what you'll gain:Being Prepared for the Unthinkable: Brandy emphasizes th...
Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode of Teen Anxiety Maze, I dive deep into a fascinating phenomenon: how worry can give you amnesia. Discover how anxiety tricks your brain into forgetting your capabilities and learn powerful strategies to overcome this mental roadblock.Key topics covered:How worry makes you forget your skills and experiencesUsing past successes to tackle new challengesBridging techniques from known situations to unfamiliar onesPractical tips for parents to support anxio...
Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Kristi Simons, a transformational coach dedicated to helping teens unlock their true potential. We dive deep into Kristi's unique approach to empowering teenagers who struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, and low confidence.Learn how Kristi works with teens to help them develop a strong sense of self, embrace their inner strengths, and build the resilience they need to navigate life's challenges. Whether you're a parent, educator, or teen, this episod...
Send us a textYou know that thing on your to-do list that keeps getting pushed to tomorrow? Yeah, that one. We talked about why we do that and how it might be linked to anxiety.Here's the scoop:We all avoid stuff. It's not just you.Avoiding things feels good... for about five minutes. Then it usually makes us feel worse.Try this: Instead of "I have to do this," say "I choose to do this." It's a small change, but it can make a big difference.Doing uncomfortable things is how we grow. It's not ...
Send us a textIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Katie May, licensed therapist and author of "You're on Fire, It's Fine." Katie shares her expertise on helping teens struggling with depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts - topics that are often overlooked but critically important.Key highlights:Why some teens experience emotions so intensely it feels like they're "on fire"The importance of parent self-regulation in supporting troubled teensHow unilateral change can improve family...
Send us a textIn this episode, we’re diving deep into practical techniques for managing anxiety when it feels overwhelming. 🌟 Anxiety is something we all experience, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. In this solo episode, I explore simple breathing exercises and mindset shifts that can help you calm down before anxiety spirals out of control.I’ll share insights from the book Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents and break down one of the “puzzle pieces” to help you manage those uncomfortable ...
Send us a textThis week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Joanna Lilly, a consultant who specializes in helping young adults (18+) navigate that tricky period between high school and, well, the rest of their lives.You know how we always hear that there's only one path to success? High school, college, job, family, rinse and repeat? Well, Joanna's here to shake things up a bit. Her approach is all about recognizing that success looks different for everyone, and that's okay!Here are some hig...
Send us a textI'm diving deep into the concept of embracing uncertainty and discomfort. It's a tough one, I know, but it's a crucial step towards personal growth and overcoming anxiety.I've talked about the importance of expecting worry and the power of talking to your anxiety like a person. This week, I focused on the idea that life is full of unknowns. It's okay to feel uncertain about the future. In fact, it's normal!The key is to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and take risks...
Send us a textTransitioning from high school to college can be challenging, especially for students with anxiety or disabilities. In this episode, we sit down with Dan Jordan, a college accessibility expert with 15 years of experience, to discuss essential strategies for success in higher education.Key topics covered:Understanding the differences between high school and college accommodationsDeveloping crucial self-advocacy skillsPractical tips for managing anxiety on campusHow to request and...
Send us a textThanks to my listener, Branson, Missouri, who asked for a bedtime prompt for an anxious teen.Here is a sleep meditation that you can listen to anytime you need help falling asleep.Let me know how it goes.Enjoy! Find my podcastEmail me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me: 785-380-2064More information
Send us a textRemember a couple weeks back when we talked about expecting worry? Well, this time we're taking it a step further. We're learning how to actually talk to our worries! I know, it sounds a bit odd at first, but stick with me here.The idea is to personify our anxiety - give it a character, a face, maybe even a silly voice. For me, it's Mrs. Crawley from Downton Abbey (if you know, you know!). By doing this, we can separate ourselves from our anxiety and have a conversation wit...
Send us a textIn my latest episode, I dive deep into the complex issue of parent-child rejection, especially in the context of divorce and custody disputes. My guest, Cathy Himlin, brings over 25 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist to shed light on this challenging topic.Cathy shares valuable insights on:The various reasons children might reject a parent, beyond the usual assumptionsHow parental anxiety and emotional states can influence children's behaviorsEffec...
Send us a textAre you tired of feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? You're not alone. In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the concept of "expecting to worry."I'm currently reading an amazing book called "Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents," and I'm so excited about the insights I'm gaining. It's opened my eyes to how normal anxiety is, and how we can actually work with it instead of against it.In this episode, you'll learn:Why expecting to worry is a game-changer for managing anxietyHow to m...
Send us a textIn this episode, Cynthia welcomes Laurie Moser, founder of Staying Active Health and Wellness, to discuss the importance of supporting both parents and teens through mental health challenges. Laurie shares her personal journey that began during the COVID pandemic with her daughter's mental health crisis, leading her to discover and implement self-care tools like breathing, journaling, and movement. She emphasizes the significance of group support and provides practical tips for ...