When your teen snaps or shuts down, could anxiety be hiding underneath?What can you do—today—to support them without “fixing” them?

Colleen talks with therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW about recognizing teen anxiety (including surprising signs like irritability and anger), the biological and cultural drivers (from hormones to social media and admissions pressure), and what actually helps at home. They unpack why quick fixes backfire, how to communicate about hard topics, and ways to modify expectations, build self-esteem, and set boundaries over blanket restrictions (e.g., muting or curating feeds instead of banning apps). Sophia shares practical scripts, “what to say/what to avoid,” and mom-first strategies like leading by example and using preventive care long before a crisis.

Sophia Vale Galano is a licensed clinical social worker serving teens and adults in California. With experience across residential, inpatient, outpatient, and school settings, she specializes in adolescent anxiety and parent coaching. Her new book, Calming Teenage Anxiety, gives parents concrete tools and phrases to support anxious teens with clarity and compassion.

Three takeaways:

Listen before you fix. Validation opens the door; advice can slam it shut.

Boundaries beat restrictions. Curate tech (mute/restrict/positive follows) rather than blanket bans to protect self-esteem and trust.

Model what you want to see. Your therapy, rest, limits, and self-care quietly teach your teen how to manage anxiety.

Learn more at: https://sophiagalano.com/book/

Follow at: https://sophiagalano.com/book/

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