Hi Parents!
Is your teen just going through typical teenage ups and downs or could it be anxiety? That’s the question so many parents wrestle with and it’s not always easy to answer.
In this episode, I’m joined by Sophia Vale Galano, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, yoga instructor, Reiki Master, and seasoned therapist who has worked with teens and adults in schools, hospitals, and private practice across California. Sophia brings both professional expertise and a holistic approach to mental health that helps parents and teens alike feel more grounded and supported.
Together, we talk about how parents can tell the difference between normal teen behavior and signs of anxiety, how to communicate in ways that actually open the door instead of shutting it, and what steps to take if your teen is resistant to talking at all. Sophia also shares when it’s time to consider extra support and how to approach that process without adding more stress for your teen.
Her book, Calming Teenage Anxiety, offers even more guidance and practical tools for parents who want to better understand their teen’s emotions and create a sense of calm and connection at home.
More About Sophia:
Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW, is a therapist based in California who specializes in working with both adolescents and adults. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and earned her LCSW in 2018. In addition to her thriving private practice, she supervises associate therapists and has extensive experience in residential, inpatient, outpatient, and educational settings.
Beyond her clinical work, Sophia is also a certified yoga instructor, Master Reiki Practitioner, and certified in sex therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and forensic social work. She’s passionate about integrating evidence-based therapy with holistic tools to help clients navigate anxiety, trauma, and personal growth.
This conversation is both practical and deeply compassionate, reminding you that you don’t need to have all the answers to be a safe place for your child.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
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