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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 often sound like questions (“What if I fail?” “Why can’t I stop worrying?”) and how to reframe them
 🧠 The neuroscience behind curiosity and calm — and why labeling emotions reduces stress in the brain
 💬 The difference between control questions and curious questions
🌱 Practical prompts you can use this week to help yourself or your teen pause, reflect, and respond with more peace 

Cynthia blends new research with compassionate insight to show that calm doesn’t come from silencing your thoughts — it comes from questioning them with intention. 

Because the quality of your questions determines the quality of your calm. 🌿  

Reflection Prompts from This Episode: 

• What question do I ask myself most when I’m anxious?
• Does that question make me feel smaller or stronger?
• What’s one new question I can practice this week?
• Which part of the Triangle Formula do I need to focus on — my perception, my process, or my plan?

 
🎧 Listen if you or your teen ever feel trapped in anxious overthinking, perfectionism, or self-doubt. This episode will help you turn curiosity into calm — one question at a time.
 

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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

How parents can support without rescuing

How to normalize uncertainty and build emotional resilience

Whether you’re a student feeling lost or a parent wondering how to help, this episode will give you hope, perspective, and practical next steps.

🎧 Listen to The Teen Anxiety Maze Podcast
📘 Learn more at CynthiaCoufalCoaching.com

💌 Download my free Parent’s Guide to Teen Anxiety: https://www.betterregulatethannever.c...

#collegefreshman #anxietyhelp #collegelife #mentalhealth #teencoach #transition #collegeanxiety #parentingteens #emptynest #midsemesterslump #collegeparents #anxietymanagement 

 Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: [email protected]

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 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 confidence, and take brave action as your authentic self.

If you’ve ever said, “I just want to be normal,” this episode will change the way you see yourself — and help you feel safe being real.

✨ Download your free Redefining Normal Reflection Guide in the show notes to start applying the Triangle Formula in your life.
https://cheerful-writer-462.kit.com/2fac7aa60e 

 Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: [email protected]

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Text me: 785-380-2064
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 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-taking cause stress, anxiety, and frustration for both kids and parents.

You’ll learn:
✅ Why “I don’t have homework” is rarely the real problem
✅ The 12 essential study skills every teen needs to succeed
✅ How parents can stop nagging and start empowering their kids
✅ What schools often miss when it comes to teaching kids how to learn

🎁 Free Resource: Download Jessyka’s Homework Buster guide to help your teen overcome homework resistance → https://www.acecookietutoring.com/about-jessyka

Connect with Jessyka Coulter:
🌐 Website: https://www.acecookietutoring.com/
📘 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asforstudents 
📺 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoDL_P08NEyLFdfIH7IEgsQ

Connect with Cynthia Coufal Coaching:
🌐 www.betterregulatethannever.com

💛 Learn more about Parenting Through The Maze: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/parenting-through-the-maze

#parenting #teens #studyskills #homeworkhelp #teenanxiety #education #learninghowtolearn #anxietycoach #cynthiacoufal #theanxietymazenavigator 

 Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: [email protected]

Find my podcast
Email me: [email protected]
Text me: 785-380-2064
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 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 makes some people anxious

The difference between healthy routine and rigid control

How to create “routine anchors” on vacation

Simple ways to feel calm when everything around you changes

If you’ve ever thought, “What’s wrong with me? I’m supposed to be relaxing!” — This episode will help you understand and manage that anxious feeling.

💬 Join Parenting Through the Maze: — A community for parents raising anxious teens
https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/parenting-through-the-maze

#AnxietyCoach #VacationAnxiety #ParentingTeens 

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 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 constant arguments
✅ Build a Family Media Plan that works for everyone
✅ Model healthy digital habits (even when you struggle too)
✅ Talk with your teen about online news, bias, and misinformation
✅ Strengthen your connection while navigating the digital world together

💡 This isn’t about control — it’s about communication, balance, and helping your teen use technology in ways that support their wellbeing.

📚 Explore resources mentioned: 

HealthyChildren.org Family Media Plan:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx

UNICEF Digital Parenting Toolkit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kEAH5jgapeFVo6y2UJ4mIalDdEm2EEJU/view?usp=sharing

SAMHSA: 
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families/online-health-and-safety-for-children-and-youth

All Sides
https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news

Ground News
https://ground.news/

👉 Follow for weekly tips on parenting anxious teens and helping your family thrive in today’s digital world. 

 Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: [email protected]

Find my podcast
Email me: [email protected]
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

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 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 parent trying to help, this video gives you practical tools to manage your digital life and protect your mental health.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
✅ How social media algorithms actually work (and why your feed feels so toxic)
✅ The "mirror vs. window" concept that changes everything
✅ How to set boundaries that actually work (no, you don't have to quit)
✅ How to curate a feed that lifts you up instead of drags you down


KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧠 Your feed isn't reality—it's a reflection of what you click on
📱 Notifications are stealing your peace (here's how to fix it)
💭 Small mindset shifts that make a huge difference
🛡️ Digital literacy is your best defense against manipulation
🤝 Connection is the antidote to digital stress
RESOURCES :

Bad News Game (free misinformation training): https://www.getbadnews.com/en
988 Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988 anytime for mental health support
School counselors and trusted adults are there for you

LET'S CONNECT:
📸 Instagram: @cynthiacoufalcoaching

If this video helped you understand social media better or gave you tools to manage your digital life, please give it a thumbs up and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Subscribe for more conversations about mental health, digital wellness, and thriving in our modern world.
Remember: You don't have to quit social media to stay healthy—you just need to manage it with intention. 💙



DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or contact a mental health professional immediately. 

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 ✨ 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 and resilience
✅ Why forgiveness transforms health, happiness, and relationships
✅ What “Imagineering” means—and how it helps teens shape their future
✅ The #1 thing parents can do to strengthen their connection with teens
✅ Simple shifts to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thinking

🌟 Free Gift from Dr. Blythe: Get the Connection Blueprint: 10 Keys to a Thriving Parent-Teen Relationship here → https://blythenaturalliving.myflodesk.com/teens

💬 Let’s connect:
Subscribe for more tools to help parents and teens navigate anxiety and life’s challenges with confidence.

📌 Chapters:
0:00 Intro – Meet Dr. Blythe Metz-Mändmets
2:15 What is a Metaphysician?
6:40 Teaching Teens Self-Love & Intuition
12:00 Imagineering Explained
20:00 The Power of Forgiveness for Teens & Parents
27:00 Strengthening Parent-Teen Connections
31:00 Free Gift: The Parent-Teen Blueprint

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with another parent who needs encouragement today! 

 Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: [email protected]

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Email me: [email protected]
Text me: 785-380-2064
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 🎉 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 them, but it grew into something so much bigger — a community, a resource, and a reminder that none of us are alone in our struggles.

In this special replay, you’ll hear:
✅ Why I started the podcast in the first place
✅ The struggles and fears I had when beginning
✅ The core truth that still guides every episode today

💛 Thank you for being part of this journey — whether you’ve been listening since day one or this is your very first time. I’m so grateful for you!

👉 Listen to more episodes of The Teen Anxiety Maze Podcast: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OT7CqOJ4ao&list=PL_GAwNq4evJ-FsN-0E4vA9-yGmkh2bFSZ
👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9WBijdxeYpQSekM7RZYvA?sub_confirmation=1

 Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: [email protected]

Find my podcast
Email me: [email protected]
Text me: 785-380-2064
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 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.

In this episode, I break down the 4 distinct anxiety navigation styles:
THE THINKER - You analyze everything, searching for the "why" behind every anxious moment. Your brain processes those 60,000 daily thoughts by dissecting each one.
THE DOER - You can't sit still when anxiety hits. You clean, exercise, organize - anything to channel that energy into productive action.
THE FEELER - You dive deep into emotions, absorbing the energy of everyone around you while processing feelings on a profound level.
THE DREAMER - You escape into imagination, books, creativity, and rich inner worlds when anxiety becomes overwhelming.

Here's the truth: there's nothing wrong with your natural way of handling anxiety. You're not broken because meditation doesn't work for you. You're simply working with a different operating system.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

Research-backed strategies tailored to your specific navigation style
Why traditional anxiety advice might not work for you
The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique for Thinkers
How to channel anxiety energy purposefully as a Doer
"Name it to Tame It" strategies for Feelers
Reality check techniques for Dreamers
How to become the captain of your own ship toward calmer waters

TAKE THE FREE QUIZ: https://forms.gle/D1g1p3S7PXEPUaj48
Discover your personal anxiety navigation style and get a customized toolkit of strategies that actually work for your unique brain.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction - Why anxiety strategies fail
2:30 The Thinker - Analysis and overthinking
6:15 The Doer - Action-based anxiety management
10:45 The Feeler - Emotional processing and empathy
15:20 The dreamer - Creative escape and imagination
19:30 Your personalized toolkit
22:00 Taking the quiz and next steps

Remember: your anxiety isn't your enemy. It's your mind and body working overtime to keep you safe. Understanding your navigation style helps you work with your nature instead of against it.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

National Institute of Mental Health study on analytical thinking and rumination
Harvard Medical School research on exercise and anxiety
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology empathy study

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/
Instagram: @cynthiacoufalcoaching
Podcast: The Teen Anxiety Maze  https://podfollow.com/the-teen-anxiety-maze
Free Quiz: https://forms.gle/D1g1p3S7PXEPUaj48

If this episode helped you understand your anxiety in a new way, please subscribe for more evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety and finding calm.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or t

 Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: [email protected]

Find my podcast
Email me: [email protected]
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information