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Happy New Year! 🎉 In this episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, we’re diving into a powerful way to start your year with purpose and clarity. Instead of traditional resolutions, I share how choosing a "Word of the Year" can help guide your decisions, align your goals, and keep you on track—even when life throws challenges your way.

Join me as I reflect on my words from past years—like "Intentional" and "Focus"—and reveal my 2025 word: Aligned. I’ll explain how this simple concept can help you stay true to your values and create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

You’ll also hear practical tips for:
✨ Reflecting on what worked (and didn’t) in 2024
✨ Identifying what brings you joy—and what to let go of
✨ Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth
✨ Crafting your own Word of the Year to inspire your journey

Whether you're navigating school, work, or big transitions, this episode will help you step into 2025 with confidence and intention.

💬 Let’s Connect!
What’s your Word of the Year? Reach out—I’d love to hear how you’re aligning your life for 2025! If anxiety is holding you back, I’m here to help. Contact me to learn more about working together to make this year your best yet.

📬 Follow for more tips on managing anxiety and living your best life:
🔗www.cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of The Teen Anxiety Maze!

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Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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In 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.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to lead with love, raise confident and connected teens, and transform the way you parent.

🌟 Download Mary’s freebie here

📲 Follow Mary at Raising Remarkable Kids:
Website
Facebook Group
Instagram

Let’s create the future we want for our families—starting today!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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🎙️ Welcome to The Anxiety Maze Navigator Podcast!

In this episode, we dive into the power of coaching for teens and young adults dealing with anxiety. Discover how coaching can help your teen:
✅ Feel understood and supported in their journey
✅ Learn practical strategies to manage anxiety
✅ Unlock their strengths and navigate challenges with confidence

As a parent, you’ll gain valuable insights into how coaching differs from therapy and why it could be a turning point for your family has been looking for.

If you’re ready to explore how coaching can empower your teen to thrive, don’t miss this episode!

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Free Anxiety Audit Session:
https://calendly.com/ccoufal/60-minute-consult

Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching/?hl=en

💬 Let’s Connect!
Have a question about coaching or anxiety? Drop it in the comments below, or reach out directly.
I’d love to hear from you!

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes.

#TeenAnxiety #ParentingTeens #CoachingForTeens #AnxietySupport #MentalHealthTips

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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Join 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 rebellion
How brain development continues until age 25
Strategies for building stronger parent-teen relationships
Navigating social media and independence challenges

Isla 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.
🔑 Learn how to:

Communicate more effectively with your teen
Understand the biological drives behind teenage behavior
Shift from an authoritative to a collaborative parenting approach

Free Resource: Download Isla's 10 Reasons Worksheet

Connect with Isla:
Instagram
YouTube
Website

#TeenParenting #BrainDevelopment #ParentingTips

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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🎓 From Anxiety to Ivy League: Empowering Teens for Success

In this episode, I team up with Shellee Howard from College Ready for a dynamic, double interview that blends the best of both our worlds! Whether you’re navigating the maze of college applications, dealing with test anxiety, or wondering how to support your teen’s mental health, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and encouragement.

What You’ll Learn:
🌟 How to help teens manage anxiety and thrive during transitions.
🌟 Shellee’s proven strategies for debt-free college planning.
🌟 The truth about test anxiety—and how to overcome it.
🌟 How technology impacts mental health and what parents can do.
🌟 Why starting early with college planning is critical for success.

Shellee shares her inspiring journey of helping her own son get into Harvard (debt-free!) and offers practical advice on balancing academics, extracurriculars, and life. I dive into my unique approach to managing anxiety and building resilience in teens and young adults. Together, we explore how to create a support system that sets teens up for success—both academically and emotionally.

📚 Grab Shellee’s book, College Admissions Simplified, for even more insights.

🔗 Explore free resources from College Ready:

College Ready Podcast:


If you’re a parent of a teen or young adult, this episode is a must-watch! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable content.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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🎄 Feeling the Holiday Pressure? Teen Mental Health Survival Guide 🌟

The holidays aren't always magical - especially for teens. In this episode, I'm breaking down the REAL sources of holiday stress that most people don't talk about. From academic pressure to family gatherings, social media, and emotional overwhelm, we're diving deep into what teens actually experience during this "most wonderful time of the year."

🔍 What You'll Learn:

Hidden sources of teen holiday anxiety
Red flags to watch for in your teen's mental health
Practical strategies to support your family
How to create healthy boundaries during the holiday season

💡 Key Topics Covered:

Disrupted routines and schedule stress
Academic pressure during breaks
Social and romantic relationship challenges
Financial and family expectations
Substance abuse and social gathering triggers
Post-holiday blues

👥 Perfect for:

Parents of teens
Educators
School counselors
Anyone supporting young people


#TeenMentalHealth #HolidayStress #ParentingTips #mentalhealthawareness

📆 Want more support? ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional mental health support.

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Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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I 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 Different

75% 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 isolation

Many young men are avoiding in-person dating entirely

Nude photo requests have become a disturbing "social status" issue

Most 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/id6471620444

Her #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

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Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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I 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.
🔍 Key Insights About OCD:

It's NOT about loving organization or cleaning
OCD involves intrusive, persistent thoughts (obsessions) that trigger repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
These thoughts are often distressing and feel completely out of the person's control

Real OCD Examples:

Persistent thoughts like "What if my drink is contaminated?"
Excessive mental rituals like repeated silent prayers
Constant doubting, even when the person KNOWS the thought isn't logical

The Most Important Takeaway: OCD isn't a quirk or a personality trait. It's a serious condition that can significantly impair daily functioning.
Amanda's professional advice? Don't self-diagnose from TikTok. If these symptoms resonate, consult a trained professional who specializes in OCD treatment.
Want to learn more? Check out Amanda's work:

Website
Instagram
Workbook: Available on Amazon
Exposure Therapy Coloring Books (great for kids!)


Compassion starts with understanding. Let's break down these mental health myths together.

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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