The Teen Anxiety Maze- Parenting Teens, Help for Anxiety, Anxious Teens, Anxiety Relief

Send us a text

 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, parents, and school counselors move into 2026 with clarity, intention, and emotional grounding. 

Instead of setting resolutions that fade by February, one word becomes a compass. A filter. A steady anchor you retu...

Send us a text

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: 

⭐ Why your brain treats boundaries like a threat
⭐ The hidden lie behind people-pleasing (and why it’s really fear management)
⭐ A real story of a 19-year-old who couldn’t say no — and how 20 ...

Send us a text

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 anxiety
• About 20% experience test anxiety at severe levels
• Students with high test anxiety score an average of 12 percentile points lower even when they’ve studied
• Anxiety directly impacts memory, focus, motivation, and performance

If you...

Send us a text

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, Cynthia Coufal shares how both teens and parents can use intentional self-questioning to shift perception, process emotions, and plan their next best step through anxiety. 

We’ll explore:
 ✨ Why anxious thoughts oft...

Send us a text

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 that same experience today.

You’ll learn:

Why the mid-semester slump happens (the “messy middle”)

What students can do when they feel stuck or anxious

Send us a text

 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 inspired by Jonathan Mooney, author of The Short Bus and Normal Sucks, and learn Cynthia’s 3-step Triangle Formula (Perception – Process – Plan) to calm your mind, build confiden...

Send us a text

 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 how to learn.

Jessyka explains the difference between content tutoring and study skills coaching, revealing how missing skills like time management, organization, and note-t...

Send us a text

 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 how to find the right balance between freedom and predictability, so you can finally relax and enjoy your time away.

🌴 In this episode:

Why unstructured time make...

Send us a text

 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 keeping the peace at home.

In this episode, Cynthia Coufal, Teen Anxiety Coach and founder of The Anxiety Maze Navigator, shares how to:
✅ Set screen time limits without con...

Send us a text

 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 algorithms control what you see, how they impact your mental health, and most importantly—how to take back control.

Whether you're a teen feeling the pressure or a p...

Send us a text

 ✨ 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—to explore her 5 Keys to Creating a Life You Love.

We dive into practical tools for both parents and teens, including:
✅ How unconditional self-love builds confidence ...

Send us a text

 🎉 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 message that changed my life:

✨ You are 100% worthy and loveable, exactly as you are. ✨

This episode started as a way to reach my students when I couldn’t be with the...

Send us a text

 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, I've discovered something crucial: we've been treating anxiety like it's one-size-fits-all, when it's actually as unique as your fingerprint.

Send us a text

 🎉 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 creativity, resilience, and personal growth. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to keep a podcast going long-term (or you just want some inspiration for your own journe...

Send us a text

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 Cloud—a certified Gray Area Drinking coach, life coach, hypnotist, and host of the How to Drink Less podcast. After being a daily drinker for over a decade, Adriana quit in 20...

Send us a text

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 Stress Mastery Educator, to explore simple, science-backed tools that help you shift from chaos to calm in just minutes a day.

You’ll learn:
✨ What “coherence” re...

Send us a text

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 Family—a personalized support platform that gives parents clear, practical guidance based on their unique family goals. Whether you homeschool, your kids are in public school, o...

Send us a text

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.

With 20 years in the beauty industry and three boys at home, Sabrina saw a huge gap in the market — and in parenting. She shares how the right products (and the right mindset) can build independence, re...

Send us a text

 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 mission to help teens and young adults find their True Job Match—and ditch the anxiety and confusion that come with too many choices and too little clarity.

💬 We cover:
<...