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The Teen Anxiety Maze- Parenting Teens, Help for Anxiety, Anxious Teens, Anxiety Relief
Struggling to grasp the root causes of your teen's anxiety?
Finding it tough to communicate effectively with them about their struggles?
Feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of everyday life?
Look no further. I've got you covered.
🎙️ Welcome to The Teen Anxiety Maze, where I delve into the heart of teen anxiety to bring you practical solutions and heartfelt support. Ranked in the top 10% globally, my podcast is your go-to resource for understanding and managing teen anxiety.
👩‍👧‍👦 With 33 years of experience working with young people and families, including 25 years as a school counselor and 2 years as a teen anxiety coach, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Having raised an anxious teen myself, I understand the challenges firsthand.
đź’ˇ In each episode, we'll explore effective coping mechanisms and strategies tailored to manage anxiety, drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience. Together, we'll uncover the root causes of anxiety, process it, and create a unique plan for your teen based on their strengths and values.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 But this podcast isn't just for teens. Parents, this is your opportunity to gain valuable insights into understanding and supporting your anxious teen. By listening together, you'll find conversation starters that bridge the gap and foster open communication.
🌟 Subscribe now so you never miss an episode packed with actionable advice and heartfelt support. Connect with me on social media or via email to have your questions answered. Let's navigate the journey of teen anxiety together, one episode at a time. Your teen's well-being starts here.
Episodes
299 episodes
The Parent Coach Collab: Managing Mental Health Together
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while 1 in 5 people may be diagnosed with a disorder, 5 in 5 of us have mental health to manage. We cannot leave our well-being to chance; without intentional care, our brains can easily g...
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Why Smart Teens and Young Adults Still Get Stuck
Do you ever look at your teen or young adult and think, “I know you’re smart. I know you’re capable. So why do you seem so stuck?”In this episode, I’m talking directly to parents who are watching their teen or young adult struggle with ...
Creating Your Climate: How to Grow Where You’re Planted
Can a palm tree grow in the Rocky Mountains? 🌴🏔️In this episode, we dive deep into the world of self-awareness and why it is the #1 predictor of success—beating out GPAs and standardized test scores. Whether you are a stu...
The Real Reason College Decisions Feel So Overwhelming
Choosing what comes after high school can feel overwhelming—for teens and parents.In this episode, Cynthia Coufal breaks down the most common post-secondary planning mistakes families make and explains how to make calmer, more thoughtful de...
An Invitation to Be Part of What Comes Next
I didn’t disappear—I slowed down on purpose.In this episode, I’m sharing where I’ve been, why I took a step back, and what’s changing in the new year. I’ve truly missed this space and the conversations we’ve had here, and this pause gav...
Your Teen’s Story Isn’t Finished Yet — Here’s How to Help Them Rewrite It
What if one simple question could help your teen break free from anxiety, self-doubt, and the negative stories they’ve been carrying all year?In this powerful end-of-year episode, we revisit one of the most transformational tools I’ve e...
The One Word that Can Change 2026 for You and Your Teen
What if a single word could change the entire direction of your year? In this episode, I share one of my favorite year-end rituals: choosing a Word of the Year — a simple, powerful practice that helps teens, pa...
Why You Freeze When You Need to Speak Up
In this new episode, Cynthia unpacks why saying no feels like danger to your brain — and how tiny daily “Boundary Reps™” can completely change your confidence, your relationships, and your emotional energy. You’ll learn:&nb...
The Anxiety Maze Archives: Test Anxiety is NOT about the test. It's about the brain.
Finals season is here — and so is the test anxiety that so many teens and college students struggle with. In fact, research shows: 25–40% of students experience significant test anxietyAbout 20% experience te...
The Anxiety Maze Archives: Questions to Ask Yourself
When anxiety takes over, it’s easy to believe your thoughts are the truth.But what if the way out of anxious thinking isn’t finding the right answer—it’s asking a better question? In this episode, ...
E 270 I Dropped Out Mid-Semester Here’s What I Wish I’d Known
So many college freshmen hit a wall mid-semester — feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or unsure if they belong. In this episode, I share my personal story of dropping out mid-semester and what I’ve learned from working with students who are living th...
E 269 Why "Being Normal" is Making You Anxious (and What To Do Instead)
What if “normal” isn’t real?In this episode, teen anxiety coach Cynthia Coufal reveals why “normal” is a social construct — and how chasing it creates more anxiety, comparison, and self-doubt.You’ll hear powerful insights ...
E 268 The Real Reason Teens Hate Homework
Do homework battles happen daily in your house? You’re not alone.In this episode, I talk with Jessyka Coulter, founder of ACE Cookie Tutoring, about why so many teens struggle with homework — and how parents can help them learn ho...
E 267 The Truth About Why You Can’t Relax on Vacation
Ever been on vacation and felt anxious — even though everything should be perfect? You’re not alone.In this episode, I share why vacations can actually trigger anxiety for people who thrive on structure and routine. You’ll learn h...
E 266 How to Help Your Teen Use Social Media in Healthy Ways
Have you ever looked at your teen scrolling on their phone and thought, “I’ve completely lost control of this?”You’re not alone. Many parents feel overwhelmed trying to balance their teen’s screen time and social media use while keepi...
How Social Media Algorithms Control Your Mind (And How to Take Back Control)
Ever feel worse after scrolling through social media? You're not imagining it. Social media algorithms are designed to keep your attention—not to show you the truth. In this episode, I'm breaking down how these a...
E 264 How to Strengthen Trust and Communication with our Teens
✨ What if your teen’s biggest challenges could actually become their greatest strengths?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Blythe Metz-Mändmets—metaphysician, author of Dear Teenager, You Are Amazing, and holistic healing coach—...
Celebrating 5 Years: The Message That Started It All – You Are Worthy
🎉 I am celebrating 5 YEARS of the podcast! 🎉To mark this milestone, I’m taking you back to where it all began — my very first episode, recorded during the pandemic. I was terrified and excited, but I knew I had to share the messag...
E 262 The 4 Ways People Handle Anxiety (Find Yours)
Have you ever wondered why breathing techniques that work for your friends leave you feeling more anxious? Or why everyone tells you to "just relax" when your mind won't stop spinning?After years of helping people manage anxiety, ...
E 261 How Podcasting Changed Me in 5 Years
🎉 I’m celebrating 5 years of podcasting! In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 biggest lessons I’ve learned after showing up behind the mic every single week for half a decade.These lessons aren’t just about podcasting—they’re about ...
E 260 Are You Modeling Stress Drinking for Your Kids?
Have you ever joked, “I need a glass of wine after today”—without realizing your kids were listening? Stress and drinking are often paired in our culture, but what message does that send at home?In this episode, I sit down with Adriana ...
E 259 Simple Science-Backed Stress Relief for Families
Have you ever wished there was a way to calm stress quickly—whether it’s your teen shutting down, emotions running high, or life just feeling overwhelming?In this episode, I sit down with Barb Fletcher, a Certified HeartMath® Coach and ...
E 258 Cutting Through Parenting Advice Overload
Feeling overwhelmed by all the parenting advice out there? You’re not alone—and today’s guest, Jessica Shelley, is here to help you cut through the noise.Jessica is a mom of six, former public school teacher, and co-founder of Launch Fa...
E257 The Hygiene Fix for Tween and Teen Mental Health
Is your teen avoiding showers? Are you tired of the nightly hygiene battles? In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Yavil, founder of Gryme — a clean, safe personal care brand made just for tweens and teens....
E 256 The Secret to Helping Teens Find the Right Career Path
Is your teen overwhelmed by the question, “What do you want to do with your life?” You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.In this episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I talk with career guide and author Jay Dusold, who’s on a miss...