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Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.
TODAY'S QUESTION:
"How do I protect my child from online dangers while still giving them independence?"
Your child begs for more screen time. They want their own social media account and insist that everyone in their class has unlimited internet access. Meanwhile, your mind jumps to all the online dangers—strangers, inappropriate content, cyberbullying—the list goes on. So how do you strike the balance between keeping them safe and giving them the independence they crave?
In this episode, Vanessa shares how to teach kids to navigate the digital world safely rather than simply blocking access. She explains why making mistakes while they still have your guidance is key to long-term digital responsibility. From setting age-appropriate boundaries to helping kids think critically before they post, this episode provides practical, real-life strategies to keep kids safe online without creating unnecessary fear.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
LINKED EPISODES:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:
Vanessa also shares a must-have book for educators, school counselors, and therapists—30-Minute Groups: Online Safety for Middle and High School Students by Dr. Rachel Quesada Luman. This resource provides ready-to-use activities, key terms, and reflective questions to teach kids how to stay safe online. Grab your copy through the link in the show notes!
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
The goal isn’t to shield kids from the online world—it’s to prepare them to navigate it safely and responsibly. By fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, and being a trusted resource rather than just an enforcer, you help your child develop the skills they need to make smart choices online now and in the future.
Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!
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.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Becca Powers—Fortune 500 sales executive, mindset expert, bestselling author, and speaker—who shares her incredible journey from working at a dollar store to thriving in a 20-year career in technology.
In this episode, we dive into Becca’s latest book, A Return to Radiance, and explore the concept of “unpotential”—those moments when we feel disconnected from our true selves and passions. Becca opens up about a pivotal moment in her life, when she found herself on the bathroom floor, completely overwhelmed, and realized she needed to make a change. Her raw honesty sets the stage for a powerful discussion on:
Becca shares actionable steps to help you rediscover joy, align with your values, and step into the CEO role of your own life. Whether you’re a busy parent, a career professional, or simply someone looking for more fulfillment, this episode is filled with wisdom to help you return to your radiant self.
Tune in now and start your journey back to YOU!
REFERENCED LINKS:
https://www.beccapowers.com/
https://www.beccapowers.com/books
https://www.instagram.com/beccapowers1313/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapowers1313/
https://www.facebook.com/beccapowers1313
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.
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting, and not lose your, well… you know.
TODAY'S QUESTION:
"How can I handle my child constantly whining?"
Whining - it’s like nails on a chalkboard for parents. Whether it’s the drawn-out “Moooooommm!” or the never-ending “But I don’t wannaaaa…,” it can be exhausting to deal with all day long. But here’s the good news: whining isn’t a forever thing, and you can break the habit!
In this episode, Vanessa shares practical strategies to reduce whining while teaching your child how to communicate their needs in a more effective way. She explains why kids whine, how to set boundaries without power struggles, and what to do to make sure their needs are met before the whining even starts.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Whining isn’t personal, it’s a learned behavior. The more we give in, the more kids will use it. But by staying consistent, modeling calm communication, and giving them the tools to express their needs, we can teach them a better way to get their message across—without the ear-piercing tones.
Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!
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.
Ever feel like you’re running on fumes, but somehow, you just keep going? Like a phone with 1% battery, no charger in sight—yet you’re still pushing through? Eventually, that phone dies, and if we’re not careful, so do our energy levels, our peace, and our joy.
In this episode, Vanessa gets real about the mental detox high-achieving women and perfectionists desperately need. She shares her personal experience of juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and leadership responsibilities while barely having time to recharge. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, stuck in perfectionism, or like you’re constantly giving without refilling your own cup, this conversation is for you.
Join us as we explore three powerful ways to detox your mind—from unplugging digitally, to shifting your mindset, to breaking free from toxic habits. Plus, the episode ends with a guided reflective meditation to help you reset and step into clarity.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
LINKED EPISODES:
Redefining Success While Prioritizing Self-Care with Dr. Niki Smith
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/250
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Taking time to detox your digital life, your mindset, and your habits creates space for clarity, peace, and presence. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in perfectionism, it’s time to reset. Listen in, and remember—you are always free to be mindful.
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.
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.
TODAY'S QUESTION:
"What are some coping strategies I can teach my child for handling big feelings like anger, sadness, or frustration?"
Big emotions can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. When frustration, anger, or sadness take over, it’s easy to default to saying, “Calm down!”—but let’s be honest, that rarely works. In this episode, Vanessa shares a real strategy that helps kids manage big emotions in a way that actually makes sense for their developing brains. She breaks down the steps—starting with movement, then using distraction, and finally introducing coping strategies after kids are calm. Plus, she shares why practicing coping skills before emotions run high is the key to long-term success.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Helping kids manage big emotions isn’t about stopping the feelings—it’s about giving them the tools to navigate them. By using movement, redirection, and practiced coping strategies, you’re helping your child develop emotional regulation skills that will serve them for life.
Download Vanessa’s FREE 120 Coping Strategies Guide—complete with videos to help you and your child implement these tools—by clicking this link:
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills
Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!
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.
This week on the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with Dr. Nikia Smith, an anesthesiologist with a powerful story about moving from burnout to balance and fulfillment. Dr. Smith opens up about the pressures of her demanding medical career, how it affected her well-being, and the brave steps she took to put her health and happiness first.
In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Smith shares the turning point that led her to seek therapy and rethink what success really means. She talks about the slow build-up of burnout and how it can sneak up on us, especially when we’re trying to meet the expectations of others.
Through her healing journey, Dr. Smith learned to listen to her body, honor her feelings, and define success in a way that truly fits her life. Now, she helps other women—especially women of color in the medical field—spot burnout early and make their mental health a priority before things spiral.
Listen to this powerful episode wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share it with someone who could use a reminder that their well-being matters!
REFERENCED LINKS:
Website: sheisfireforged.com
Instagram: @sheisfireforged
TikTok: @NikiaSmithMD
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.
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions, offering practical advice to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting - and not lose your, well, you know…
TODAY'S QUESTION:
"What can I do to help my daughter be more confident?"
In this episode, Vanessa shares practical ways to help your daughter develop unshakable confidence. From modeling self-assurance to encouraging effort over perfection, she breaks down how small shifts in parenting can make a big impact. Vanessa also provides strategies for fostering positive self-talk, embracing challenges, and helping your daughter own her worth.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Confidence isn’t about getting everything right - it’s about learning, growing, and believing in yourself along the way. With small, intentional shifts, you can help your daughter step into every space knowing she is strong, capable, and worthy.
Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!
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.
In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, we’re diving into the topic of emotional guarding—the walls we build to protect ourselves from pain but that often keep us from experiencing connection, trust, and joy. Whether it's fear of rejection, past trauma, or societal pressures, emotional guarding can hold us back in many areas of life.
Vanessa shares insights on how these walls form and offers practical strategies for breaking them down. She also reflects on her own journey of emotional guarding, exploring the balance between protecting our peace and opening ourselves to possibility.
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Learn what emotional guarding is, why it happens, and how to break free from it. Vanessa explores how trauma, childhood expectations, and personal insecurities can create emotional barriers. She provides tools to help you dismantle these walls, from self-reflection to communication, and explains how openness can lead to growth, connection, and healing.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Breaking down emotional walls takes time and intention, but it opens the door to deeper relationships, greater self-awareness, and a stronger sense of peace. It starts by acknowledging why those walls are there and committing to the steps that foster trust and connection. Listen in, and remember—you’re always free to be mindful!
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.
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she dives into real-life parenting questions, offering practical advice to help you raise confident kids, nurture stronger connections, and find your calm in the chaos of parenting.
TODAY'S QUESTION:
"How can I get my child to listen without having to yell or repeat myself a thousand times?"
In this episode, Vanessa shares strategies to help parents get their kids to listen the first time without the need for yelling or constant repetition. She explains why kids tune us out, how this behavior becomes a pattern, and how small shifts in communication can break the cycle. Vanessa provides practical tools like concise directions, eye contact, and natural consequences to foster cooperation and reduce stress at home.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Yelling and repeating yourself a thousand times doesn’t have to be your norm. By making small, mindful changes like improving communication and using natural consequences, you can create a calmer, more cooperative home environment. Progress, not perfection, is key.
Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!
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.
In this inspiring episode of Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with life coach and author Chris Jensen to discuss her powerful journey to sobriety and her upcoming book, Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want.
Chris opens up about her personal experiences, including the challenges of navigating sobriety and how it inspired her to help others, particularly high-achieving perfectionists. She shares strategies to overcome performance pressure, break free from self-sabotaging habits, and cultivate a life grounded in self-worth and balance.
The conversation highlights the critical role of community and mindfulness in the path to personal growth and healing. Chris also offers valuable insights on creating a healthier relationship with yourself and embracing a more intentional, sober lifestyle.
Grace Yourself is available for pre-order now and officially launches on February 18th! For more information about the book and Chris Jensen's coaching services, visit her website below.
REFERENCED LINKS:
https://www.graceyourselfbook.com/
https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjanssencoaching/
https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/
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.
From the publisher's feed
The Free to Be Mindful Podcast is a weekly mental health podcast for high-achieving women, hosted by licensed therapist, speaker, and Latina mom coach Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC,…
Fifteen honest minutes with someone who actually gets what it's like to build something impressive and still feel like you're disappearing inside it. We get honest about ambition, identity, and the parts of ourselves we've quietly put on hold.
Each episode is unfiltered and grounded in mental health insight, for the woman who's tired of holding it all together and ready to come back to herself. It ends with a short guided reflection, a chance to give yourself permission for the one thing you've been putting off.
It's like a conversation with a friend... who happens to be a therapist.
New episodes drop every week.

18,907 Listeners