Free to Be Mindful Podcast | Mindset, Permission and Real Talk for the High-Achieving Woman

The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions to help moms reduce the overwhelm, find joy and live life intentionally.

TODAY'S QUESTION IS:
The new school year is about to start. How can I help my child manage her anxiety?


READ THE BLOG:
Helping Your Child Manage Back-to-School Anxiety: Practical Tips for Parents
https://www.freetobemindful.com/helping-your-child-manage-back-to-school-anxiety-practical-tips-for-parents

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

We're thrilled to welcome you back to a brand-new season of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast! Kicking off season 6, Vanessa shares some personal updates and exciting changes to our podcast format. 

In this season we're diving deeper into topics that resonate with moms specifically, with more stories, tips and guest interviews twice a month. We're also bringing back the Consult a Counselor Series, which answers parenting related questions to help you reduce the overwhelm and live life intentionally. And of course each episode will continue to end with a guided meditation, reinforcing our commitment to helping you find peace amidst your busy life. 

Join Vanessa as we explore new topics, meet new guests, and continue our journey of mindful living together. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

To close off our season, we celebrate and replay our top three listened-to episodes of Season 5! Holding the number one spot is: From Adversity to Triumph: Mario B's Journey of Resilience. This episode holds weight because it shows the power of hustle and grind, building authentic relationships, and having faith in ourselves and the journey. 

Founder of SalsaFever on2 Dance Academy and guest resident lecturer at ASU, Mario Gonzalez, better known as Mario B, is a visionary creative with over 25 years of experience in dance. He has appeared on multiple reality shows and films, has performed and taught over 36 countries, hosted several Salsa Congresses, and loves inspiring others and making salsa as inclusive as possible.

Mario B shares personal stories and experiences of how he overcame adversity that paved the way for who he is today. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and Mario B in a conversation about culture, growth, and education, and the lessons learned along the way in the journey that show you don't have to fit in a certain box to reach your dreams.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

To close off our season, we celebrate and replay our top three listened-to episodes of Season 5! Holding the number two spot is: A Year in Review. We think of the new year as new beginnings; but before we can look onward to see where we're going, we must take the time to look back and reflect on where we've been. Our experiences serve as a baseline for tracking our growth for the future. 

Whether you're tuning in at the end of the year or during any other moment, the insights shared are timeless and relevant.

In this episode we discuss the power of reflection on the past, celebrating current achievements, and planning for the future. Guided questions are provided for each aspect to help the listener reach success for the upcoming year.

Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a reflective journey - a deep dive into the wins, challenges, and exciting developments that defined Free to Be Mindful in 2023. A BIG surprise and exciting news for Vanessa is also shared in this episode.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

To close off our season, we celebrate and replay our top three listened-to episodes of Season 5! Holding the number three spot is: Finding Your Life's Purpose Through Passion with Rhina Lopez. Through personal stories, Rhina showcases how to look good and feel good, enhance how beauty is more than skin-deep, and use mindfulness as a tool to build confidence and take care of ourselves and others. 

“I love to enhance the natural beauty of a woman and help them see their true beauty for themselves. When they say to find a career you love and you never work a day in your life, it’s true!” Changing from the typical corporate job to fulfilling her passion and pursuing entrepreneurship and her love for makeup artistry was scary at first, but something Rhina Lopez knew was meant to be.

From learning to live with intention, to finding beauty in the struggle, this episode dives into how pursuing purpose and passion can turn your life around. It all starts with a small change - and that's exactly what following your dreams is about.

Join licensed therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and special guest and MUA Rhina Lopez as they explore inner and outer beauty, what enlightens the soul, and the impact of a transformative journey - all with a side of glam!

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

Cue the confetti—we're closing off Season 5 with Episode 200! In this 'season finale' episode, we celebrate and reflect on some of our podcast accomplishments and experiences, and how the guiding word I chose for the year—grace— can impact personal and professional journeys.

This episode demonstrates how to use grace as an actionable tool to embrace the journey with kindness and awareness, recognize the signs that we may feel "stuck" and reclaim our lives.

Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in celebrating the milestones with grace. As always, thank you for being a part of this incredible mindful living journey so far, and make sure to tune back in September for Season 6!


Referenced Links:

Episode 181: Beyond Resolutions: Embracing a Word of the Year
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/181

Episode 199: Small Wins, Big Impact: The Psychology of Celebrating Small Wins

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

Happy 5th birthday to Free to Be Mindful! Celebrating the big wins and milestones of Free to Be Mindful is a beautiful gift. However, the growth over the years isn't just dedicated to the end results. It's credited to all of the steps taken on the journey, from the therapy practice, the podcast, Amiga Moms, the amazing feedback from our listeners, and all the behind-the-scenes work,

This episode highlights why small wins drive large impacts, by diving into the psychology of celebration, the importance of making space for our daily accomplishments, and clarity on enjoying all achievements, not just big ones.

Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a discussion to celebrate the progress and not just the victory, encouraging a journey-driven mindset that propels us toward our goals.


Referenced Links:

Episode 198: Mental Health in Kids
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/198 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, we featured our short Mental Health Awareness series, where we dove deep into the diverse experiences of the therapeutic world with mental health professionals.

To cap off this series, this episode highlights the topic of mental health in kids. Discover how the developmental stages of children impact how they express and experience emotions, how caregivers and teachers can help them manage and regulate their emotions, and tips to ensure the best therapeutic care. 

Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman on our final May Mental-health Month episode that demonstrates how to navigate and encourage mental health care for kids. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, we're featuring our short Mental Health Awareness series, where we will delve deep into the diverse experiences of the therapeutic world with mental health professionals.

In the last installment of our series, we welcome healer, activist, and agent of change, Dr. Tina Onikoyi, the founder of a private practice called Wellness Meets World and a Licensed Professional Counselor with multiple degrees in clinical psychology and mental health counseling. During our conversation, she talks about her specialization in helping high-achieving, Women of Color professionals who are experiencing high-functioning anxiety or imposter syndrome.

Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and Dr. Tina Onikoyi in a conversation about identifying the fear of feeling like you don't belong, highlighting the challenges that exacerbate imposter syndrome, and discovering mindful ways to break the barriers of imposter syndrome.

Referenced Links:

Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tinaonikoyi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaonikoyi/

Wellness Meets World Therapy Practice:
https://www.wellnessmeetsworld.com/ 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, we're featuring our short Mental Health Awareness series, where we will delve deep into the diverse experiences of the therapeutic world with mental health professionals.

On our second episode of the series, we welcome a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Financial Social Worker Jasmine Ramirez, who supports BIPOC communities through individual and couples' financial coaching and speaking engagements. During this conversation, she highlights her mental health career journey in outpatient and inpatient settings, how financial debt and burnout propelled her to pursue her passion, and the difference between financial therapy and financial coaching.

Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and Jasmine Ramirez, in a conversation that dives into hustle culture and how to navigate it with intention, budgeting, and mindfulness.

Referenced Links:

Episode 187: Trusting Your Inner Intuition
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/187 

Episode 195: Mental Health Awareness Series with Kathy Acosta, LCSW
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/195

Therapy Practice:
https://www.honesthourtherapy.com/

Coaching Services:  
https://www.byanymeanscoaching.com/
Social Media - @Bam.Coaching on Instagram & Tiktok

Latinx Practice Collective for Latinx Private Practice Owners:
latinxpracticecollective.com

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

GRAB AN OFFER
🎁 Free 120 Coping Skills: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills

💛 Coaching for the Mom CEO: https://www.amigamoms.com

💡 Coaching for Child Therapists: https://www.thekidclinician.com

💚 Coaching & Community for Latinx Therapists: https://www.latinxpracticecollective.com

 🛍️ Shop My Favorites: https://shopmy.us/shop/counselorvdejesus


ABOUT ME
I'm Vanessa, the therapist who helps high-achieving adults become the best version of themselves, not just at work, but in the rooms that matter most. I host the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, named the #1 Latino Mental Health Podcast in 2026 by Feedspot. 

CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL
🎧 Podcast: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselorvdejesus/
📋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/counselorvdejesus/
🎤 Speaking & Workshops: https://www.freetobemindful.com/speaking

DISCLAIMER
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.