In this solo episode our host and Executive Director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, Zack Shafer MSOTR/L unpacks one of the most overlooked components of teen mental health: sensory processing. Speaking directly to parents of adolescents who are anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive, Zack explains how teens with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder often experience the world through a different sensory lens—and how those differences can dramatically affect their ability to cope, self-regulate, and function in daily life.

With warmth and clarity, Zack breaks down terms like sensory processing vs. sensory integration, and lesser-known but critical senses like proprioception (body awareness), vestibular input (balance and movement), and interoception (internal body signals). He shares research linking sensory challenges with mental health conditions and helps parents understand why their teen might shut down in crowded spaces, seem "overreactive" to touch or sound, or crave constant physical input. More importantly, Zack offers practical tools and language to help parents support their teen's sensory needs—whether through environmental modifications, movement-based activities, or simply a shift in perspective.

If your teen's anxiety or OCD seems tied to "little things" that quickly escalate, this episode offers a new framework for understanding—and a hopeful path forward rooted in science, compassion, and occupational therapy insight.

Zack Hack: In this week's episode Zack shares an insightful quote from Peter Levine, a famous trauma therapist to help you fear less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.