Hi Parents! This week I’m joined by Nancy Smith, an expert in high-functioning anxiety, to continue the conversation I recently started in a solo episode about how high-functioning anxiety differs from a Type A personality. While I introduced the topic in my solo episode, Nancy brings her deep expertise to provide an even clearer understanding of how parents can better support their teens who may appear to be thriving on the outside while struggling internally. Nancy shares her story; sheds light on the subtle signs of high-functioning anxiety and offers practical approaches for distinguishing it from general anxiety or Type A behaviours. We dive into strategies for building trust, fostering open conversations, and helping teens find balance and resilience.

More about Nancy:

Nancy Jane Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor, trainer, and author. She trained in Gestalt Therapy at the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio and is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, inspired by Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and resilience. Nancy has authored three books, including The Happier Approach: Be Kind to Yourself, Feel Happier, and Still Accomplish Your Goals, which offers tools for reducing anxiety. She is currently working on a fiction book about the inner critic voices in our heads.

Tune in to discover tools that will help your teen manage their anxiety while embracing their unique strengths!

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

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Hi Parents!

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katie K. May, a renowned teen therapist and an expert in DBT. Her work is transforming how teens manage their emotions and how parents can better support them.

In our conversation, Katie shares practical strategies to help your teen manage emotional overwhelm and break free from rigid thinking patterns. She also provides expert guidance on building emotional resilience, understanding DBT, and fostering a supportive home environment.

More about Katie:

Katie K. May is a licensed therapist, national speaker, and trainer dedicated to helping parents and professionals transform teen emotions and behaviours. She’s the founder of Creative Healing Teen Support Centres and a board-certified self-harm specialist. Known for her expertise in DBT, the gold-standard treatment for life-threatening behaviours, Katie is passionate about empowering teens to feel accepted for who they are while equipping them with the skills to create a life they love. She’s also the author of You’re on Fire, It’s Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and tools that you won’t want to miss. I’m so excited for you to hear Katie’s great advice!

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

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Hi Parents!

This episode is a special one - it's a message directly for your teen to help them understand what anxiety is and how to manage those overwhelming moments. I know it can be challenging to connect sometimes, but this conversation can be a great starting point for building that bridge.

In this episode, I share practical strategies teens can use to calm their minds, build resilience, and face their fears with confidence. By breaking down how anxiety works, your teen will gain tools to recognize their triggers and take charge of their emotional responses.

Whether they’re navigating racing thoughts, avoiding challenges, or just looking for more control in their lives, this message is designed to inspire and empower them. Share it with your teen to give them the support they need to thrive!

And to all the teens tuning in, thank you for taking this step to learn and grow. As promised, you’ll find links to some guided meditations below - give them a try, and let me know which one works best for you! Beginner Introductory Guided Breathing Meditation 10 Minute Guided Meditation for Anxiety and Overthinking Guided Meditation: Relieving Anxiety 10 Minute Anxiety Relief Meditation Healing Anxiety, Stress & Panic Attacks

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

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Hi Parents!

In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Jason Hopcus, a passionate advocate for creating meaningful change and fostering resilience. I first connected with Jason as a guest on his podcast, and now he’s joining me to share his powerful insights with all of you.

Our conversation dives into practical strategies for parents to support their teens through life’s challenges. Jason shares his expertise on setting healthy boundaries, building trust, and approaching anxiety with empathy. We also discuss how to nurture resilience and a growth mindset at home, equipping your teen with the tools they need to thrive.

More about Jason:

Jason's mission to foster human connection through honest conversations began in 2011, after a mental health crisis took his mind, money, and direction. With support from loved ones, he rebuilt emotional resilience and found deeper purpose. Driven by his passion for servant leadership, Jason founded Connection Project, LTD, a for-profit focused on creating tools & resources for vulnerable populations to accelerate healing.

As host of the podcasts Get Unstuck. Move Forward with Your Life and Nobody's Perfect, Jason opens up space for honest discussions on overcoming setbacks and finding purpose. His latest endeavour is publishing the best-selling book, Get Unstuck and Move Forward with Your Life.

Join us for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable insights to help you and your teen move forward with clarity and confidence.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

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In this collaborative episode, I sit down with Autumn Carter, a wellness advocate, to explore insights on parenting and self-care. Autumn and I discuss the importance of finding balance amidst chaos and share practical strategies for families to thrive together. We also open up about our personal lives, giving you a glimpse of who we are beyond our coaching practices. Our conversation highlights how reconnecting with our true selves can empower both parents and teens to navigate life's challenges while pursuing their dreams.

More about Autumn Carter:

Autumn is a wellness advocate who specializes in helping individuals reconnect with their true selves, find balance in life’s busy moments, and pursue their dreams. With a background in applied health and a wealth of personal experience, she brings a compassionate and practical approach to promoting well-being and personal growth. Autumn is also a passionate parenting advocate, supporting families in thriving together. Her mission is to guide others on a journey toward holistic wellness and self-discovery.

To make this journey easier, Autumn's offering a free resource designed to help you communicate more effectively with your child based on their unique personality type. Join us to learn how a collaborative approach to wellness and parenting can transform your family’s path toward growth and fulfillment — and grab your freebie to start connecting on a deeper level with your teen!

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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Hi Parents!

In this episode, we're unpacking the realities of OCD and the overlap it has with anxiety, especially how intrusive thoughts can impact your teen's daily life. While everyone experiences intrusive thoughts from time to time, for those with OCD, these thoughts can feel overwhelming and distressing, often leading to compulsive behaviors. I’ll be discussing how to recognize the signs of OCD, its connection to anxiety, and the importance of normalizing these experiences.

Tune in to discover effective strategies to support your teen in managing their thoughts and emotions. We’ll explore how you can help them understand that thoughts are just thoughts — neurons firing in the brain — and that they don't define who they are. By fostering this awareness, you can empower your teen to navigate their experiences with confidence and resilience.

Whether you’re trying to differentiate between typical thoughts and those indicative of OCD or seeking ways to provide support, this episode will equip you with valuable insights and tools.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

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In this insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Froyen, a renowned expert in conscious parenting, to discuss practical strategies for supporting anxious teens. Dr. Laura guides us through the key steps to breaking the reassurance cycle and helping teens build emotional resilience and self-trust. We explore ways to foster open communication, encourage self-awareness, and model healthy coping techniques that empower teens to face their anxieties head-on.

More about Dr. Laura Froyen:

Laura has her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy. She combines trauma-informed practices with the latest in child development research to help families find more peace, calm, & connection. She teaches conscious parenting & communication with heaping doses of grace and compassion through her podcast, The Balanced Parent, & her courses and programs.

Join us to learn how conscious parenting can transform your approach and strengthen your relationship with your teen.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

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Hi Parents!

In this episode, we’re diving into the differences between high-functioning anxiety and a Type A personality in teens. It’s easy to confuse the two since both can show up as high-achieving and driven, but high-functioning anxiety hides an inner struggle with constant fear and self-doubt. I’ll be breaking down how you can spot the signs of high-functioning anxiety and what makes it unique from a naturally Type A mindset.

Tune in to learn practical ways to help your teen navigate their anxiety and encourage self-compassion. We’ll also explore how addressing high-functioning anxiety early on can prevent deeper emotional challenges, like burnout or depression. By understanding this distinction, you can better support your teen in achieving success without anxiety as the driving force behind their accomplishments.

Whether you’re unsure if your teen’s drive is healthy or masking anxiety, this episode will help you recognize the signs and provide support where it’s needed.

Big hugs,

Monica Crnogorac

Next Steps

Book a Free Discovery Call

Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program

Connect With Me on Instagram