Holidays are meant to be magical, but let’s be honest – they can also be a whirlwind of stress, unmet expectations, and arguments over things like... ham on napkins. Ever found yourself mid-fight during the holiday season, wondering, “What are we even fighting about?” This episode is for you.

As a therapist, I see this all the time in my sessions: couples bickering over seemingly small things that often hold deeper meaning. Today, I’m unpacking what’s really behind those seemingly silly holiday fights and sharing practical ways to handle them with curiosity and connection.

We’ll explore why the conflict isn’t really about the napkins or the ham, but what they represent – memories, traditions, or unmet needs. So, whether you’re dealing with family chaos, mismatched holiday vibes, or just the general holiday rush, I’ve got you covered.

• Why holiday fights are rarely about what they seem – and how to figure out what’s really going on.
• The importance of understanding your partner’s holiday traditions and what they mean to them.
• How to approach disagreements with curiosity rather than conflict.
• Tips for validating your partner’s feelings (even if you don’t agree!).
• Why compromise is healthy – and how to do it without dismissing each other’s needs.
• How to start meaningful conversations about celebrating holidays together.
• The power of acknowledging sadness when things don’t go as planned.

• Well, Hello Anxiety Podcast: My conversation with Jodi Richardson where we chatted about mismatched holiday vibes, setting boundaries, and handling family chaos. Listen here.
• Christmas holiday boundaries blog   – Additional tips and articles on holiday stress and relationship dynamics.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe for more conversations on navigating life and relationships. Let’s keep the conversation going on social media – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Ready to hit reset on your relationship? Join me for a workshop packed with practical tools and guided prompts to help you and your partner communicate better, tackle tricky topics like money, and create a clear plan for the year ahead. 

-- JOIN ME LIVE--

https://marievakakis.com.au/events/

Does the holiday season leave you feeling stressed and overcommitted? With endless parties, gift exchanges, and family gatherings, it’s easy to say yes to everything and forget about your own needs. In this episode, I’m sharing how to set boundaries that protect your energy, time, and budget, so you can truly enjoy the festive season without the burnout.

I’ll explore why setting boundaries matters and how to communicate them clearly, even when it’s hard. From managing tricky family dynamics to sticking to a budget for gifts and dinners, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you navigate the holidays with more ease and confidence.

• How to recognise your limits and avoid overcommitting during the holidays
• Why boundaries are about your actions, not controlling others
• Tips for setting clear financial limits without guilt
• How to manage social and family pressures with calm and confidence
• The power of saying no and following through on your boundaries
• Practical ways to offer alternatives that work better for you

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

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If you’ve ever wondered why your teen seems on edge or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Anxiety in teens can feel daunting to understand and even harder to navigate. In this episode, I break down the basics of anxiety, what might be going on with your teen, and how you can truly support them. Whether it’s about recognising the signs, fostering empathy, or knowing when to seek help, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put into action today.

• Understanding the difference between stress and anxiety: Stress is often tied to specific events and can dissipate once the issue resolves. Anxiety, however, can linger and feel harder to manage.
• Why teens are more prone to anxiety: During adolescence, critical brain development and life pressures make teens more vulnerable to intense emotions.
• Common triggers for anxiety in teens: These can include schoolwork, social pressures, family dynamics, and even global issues like climate change.
• The importance of empathy: Listening without dismissing your teen’s feelings is key. Simple phrases like, "That sounds really hard," can go a long way in showing support.
• Helping teens build resilience: Letting them face challenges and problem-solve on their own, while ensuring their safety, can foster confidence.
• Recognising when professional help is needed: If anxiety disrupts daily life, it might be time to seek support from a mental health professional.
• Normalising therapy and self-care: Sharing your own experiences with therapy or coping strategies can help teens feel comfortable seeking help.

• Connected Teens Course: Learn how to strengthen your connection with your teen while respecting their individuality. 
• Book Recommendation: Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Maté – A helpful guide on supporting your teen’s emotional development.
• Related Episode: Why Does My Teen Feel Overwhelmed and What Can I Do to Support Them– Discover how to identify and address overwhelm in teens.

Connected Teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Connect with Marie

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Ever wondered why your teen sometimes seems to be on an emotional rollercoaster? In this episode, I tackle a question that’s close to home for many parents: Why does my teen seem so moody? Instead of brushing it off as "just a phase," I explore what’s really going on for teens emotionally and mentally, from hormonal changes to the social pressures they face every day. If you've ever been met with a slammed door or an eye-roll, this episode will help you understand the bigger picture and respond in ways that support them.

I share insights into brain development, social dynamics, and how to create a supportive environment at home. This is all about building connections and helping teens feel understood rather than dismissed.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding that teen moodiness isn’t just “acting out”; it’s a response to many factors, including brain development and social pressures.
• The impact of fluctuating hormones on emotions and behaviour, and how this is a natural part of growing up.
• Recognising signs of overwhelm in teens and the importance of timing and tone when discussing sensitive topics.
• Why criticism or constant reminders can feel like “nagging” to teens and might lead to defensiveness.
• Balancing giving teens independence while staying available for support and guidance.
• The importance of modelling emotional regulation as a parent, as teens learn by observing how we handle our emotions.
• Simple, actionable steps to connect with your teen without pushing them away, like avoiding overloading them with questions.
• Ways to validate your teen’s feelings, even if you may not agree, and how to create a safe space for them to express themselves.

Resources:

• Connected Teens™ Course – My on-demand course designed to help parents connect with their teens.
• Episode on “Why Won’t My Teen Talk to Me After School?” – For more tips on how to handle after-school conversations.

If you have a question you’d like me to answer in a future episode, reach out via the link in the show notes. I’d love to hear from you and explore the topics that matter most to you and your family.

The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/

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Ever wondered why your teenager suddenly seems to prefer hanging out with friends over family dinners or weekend outings? In this episode, I’ll be talking through some of the key reasons teens begin to pull away from family time, focusing on the natural shifts in social priorities and independence that come with adolescence. It’s not about rejection, though it might feel that way; it’s a complex stage of growing up where friendships often take centre stage. I’ll explore why this happens and share some tips on how you can maintain a meaningful connection without pushing them away.

So, if you’re finding family time with your teen to be a bit of a tug-of-war, this episode is for you!

• Teens often prioritise friendships over family as they develop their own identities and social lives.
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) plays a big role, making them want to stay closely connected with their friends.
• The shift towards friendships is part of natural differentiation—teens exploring their sense of self outside of the family.
• Parents can feel rejected, but understanding this phase helps in responding supportively.
• Handling feelings of rejection with awareness can prevent tension and create a more positive environment for connection.
• Encouraging shorter, meaningful family interactions can help without making them feel forced.
• Finding a balance between family traditions and their developing independence allows teens space to grow while staying connected.
• Recognise and respect their need for autonomy; focus on quality time rather than quantity. 

Episodes to link to  

https://marievakakis.com.au/parents-feeling-rejected-by-their-teens/

Connected teens

https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

Submit a question to the Podcast

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Do you ever feel like you're navigating your work solo, without a support system? In this episode, I'm diving into the world of group supervision and why it’s a game-changer for therapists and mental health professionals. I’ll share my experiences with supervision, the lessons learned, and why group supervision has been one of the most powerful tools for professional growth and connection.

Group supervision isn’t just about case reviews; it’s about building networks, gaining different perspectives, and developing as a therapist. If you're a mental health practitioner, this episode is for you. And if you're feeling isolated in your work or unsure about group supervision, let me reassure you that it can offer so much more than you might expect.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of group supervision: It offers a chance to connect with peers and get multiple perspectives on cases.
• Normalising struggles: Hearing from other practitioners can remind you that you’re not alone in your challenges.
• Peer feedback and skill-building: Group settings provide safe spaces to improve on areas like public speaking or case presentation.
• Social networking and referrals: It’s not just about supervision—it’s about building relationships with colleagues for long-term support.
• Hive mind approach: With multiple perspectives, you get more than one way of thinking about a case, which can spark new insights.
• Building empathy and self-compassion: Group supervision fosters an environment where you can be kinder to yourself, something we often forget to do.
• Practical skill development: It’s a great space to practice presenting cases or fine-tuning therapeutic techniques in a supportive setting.

Resources:

• For more information on group supervision, visit The Therapy Hub

Other episodes in this series

Listen here 

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Ever feel like your teen is constantly overwhelmed and stressed, but you're unsure how to help without making things worse? In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways you can support your teen when life feels like it’s coming at them too fast. Whether it's school pressures, social media, or the daily juggle of activities, teens today face a lot. I’ll help you understand why they might be feeling so overwhelmed and how you, as a parent, can be there for them in the best way possible.

As a therapist and mental health educator, I’ve seen how parents can unintentionally add to the pressure. But it doesn’t have to be this way! I’ll explain why listening is often more powerful than offering solutions and share tips on connecting with your teen when they’re struggling.

• Why teens feel overwhelmed: Reflect on the factors contributing to your teen’s stress, from social pressures to academic expectations.
• The difference between stress and overwhelm: Understand how stress can motivate, but when it turns into overwhelm, it’s like drinking from a fire hose.
• Stop fixing, start listening: Discover how to hold space for your teen and let them feel heard without jumping into problem-solving mode.
• Use emotion coaching to connect: Learn how to validate your teen’s feelings and open up the conversation in a supportive way.
• Give them space to decompress: Understand why bombarding them with questions or advice right away isn’t helpful.
• Collaborate on solutions when they’re ready: Help your teen problem-solve once they feel seen and heard, not before.

• Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: A fantastic resource on stress and overwhelm.
• Link to stress cycle video: Check out my video on how to manage the stress cycle.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bFGz9ObyW4 

JOIN the Connected Teens Course https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

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Have you ever wondered what supervision is all about and why it’s so important for mental health professionals? In this episode, I share my thoughts on the power of supervision, and how it helps mental health practitioners grow, avoid burnout, and improve their skills. Whether you’re in supervision now or looking to find the right supervisor, this episode is full of insights to get you thinking about how you can get the most out of the process.

I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences as both a supervisee and a supervisor, and in this episode, I explore the value supervision can bring to social workers and mental health professionals. Supervision is not just about ticking boxes; it's about critical reflection, growth, and making sure we’re giving the best possible care to our clients.

If you’re a mental health practitioner or professional, this episode is for you. Let’s explore the essentials of supervision and what to look for when choosing the right supervisor for your professional growth.

• Supervision is essential for maintaining high-quality practice and reducing the risk of burnout.
• It’s a space for reflection, learning, and understanding how we show up for our clients.
• Finding the right supervisor is crucial, and it can feel a lot like finding the right therapist.
• Supervision isn’t just about management – it’s about building your professional skills and supporting your wellbeing.
• It’s important to choose a supervisor who aligns with your values, areas of interest, and approach to practice.
• Some practitioners may not advertise heavily, but that doesn’t mean they’re not great supervisors – asking the right questions can help you find a good fit.
• Supervision can be flexible – you can opt for individual or group sessions, or even a mix of both.
• Supervision is a lifelong process – there’s always room to grow and learn.

Supervision is a crucial part of any mental health professional's journey, offering the opportunity for ongoing learning, growth, and preventing burnout. In this episode, I dive into the importance of finding the right supervisor and the many ways supervision can support both your professional and personal development. Whether you’re just starting out or have been practicing for years, supervision can help you provide better care for your clients and keep your own wellbeing in check.

Submit a question to the Podcast

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Have you ever asked your teen a question, only to be met with silence or a shrug? It’s frustrating, right? This is a common concern for parents. I hear this concern a lot. 

In this episode, I’m answering this common question I get from parents ‘’why won’t my teen talk to me?” 

I’ve heard so many parents share that they feel disconnected or rejected when their child turns to friends instead of them for support or advice. But here's the thing, t’s completely normal for teens to gravitate towards their peers, though that doesn’t make it any less painful for parents.

In this episode, I’ll be covering the most common mistakes that cause communication breakdowns and offering strategies to help rebuild that connection. You don’t have to feel stuck in a cycle of miscommunication. By making a few adjustments, it’s possible to create a space where your teen feels safe and comfortable opening up again.

• Fixing problems isn’t always the answer. Teens often just want to feel heard and understood.
• Too many solutions can overwhelm your teen and make them feel as if you don’t trust them.
• Judging or criticising, even about their friends, can shut down communication.
• Let your teen make mistakes—this builds resilience and trust.
• The shift from being a “manager” to a “consultant” and offering guidance without controlling.

Quotes:

• "People often don’t want their problems fixed. They just want to be heard, empathised with, and validated."
• "Frequent judgment ruptures that connection. And remember, connection is one of the most important things for a relationship."
• "Resilience comes from actually falling down, dusting yourself off, and getting back up—both physically and metaphorically."

Resources:

• Free eBook: My Teen Won’t Talk to Me
• Connected Teens™ Parenting Course

If you’re struggling with teen communication, this episode offers practical advice to help you reconnect with your child, even when it feels like you’re drifting apart.

The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/

Submit a question to the Podcast

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Connect with Marie

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Have you ever thought about sneaking a look at your teen’s diary? 

It’s something a lot of parents consider, especially when they're worried about their teen or feeling out of the loop. But is it the best move? 

In today’s episode, I’m digging into whether reading your teen’s private thoughts helps or harms your relationship, and how you can stay connected without crossing that line.

This episode covers the common question: “Is it okay to read my teen’s diary?” It’s a question I hear from parents who are desperate to understand what’s going on in their child’s life. While the temptation is understandable, I explain why breaching that boundary can cause more harm than good and share strategies for maintaining trust and communication with your teen.

Why It’s an Important Question

Many parents feel torn between wanting to respect their teen’s privacy and needing to know what’s happening in their life. This is an important question because it highlights the fine line between concern and control, and how actions like reading their diary can impact your relationship long term. From my work with teens and families, I’ve seen how breaking trust can lead to emotional distance, and it can be tough to rebuild.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why reading your teen’s diary can damage the trust between you
• How privacy violations affect their emotional development and future relationships
• Practical tips for keeping the connection strong without invading their personal space
• Strategies for managing your worries and having open, respectful conversations with your teen
• How to model healthy boundaries and respect, setting the example for your teen

My Experience and How I Can Help

I know it’s hard not to want to know everything about what’s going on with your teen, especially when they’re going through difficult times or pulling away from you. From working with many families, I’ve seen how important trust is in parent-teen relationships. Once that’s broken, it can be hard to get back. Instead of reading their diary, I’m here to offer some practical ways to build trust and foster openness. Whether it’s finding ways to stay connected through shared activities or starting conversations in a way that invites them to share, this episode is full of tips you can put into action straight away.

Ready to learn more?

If you’re looking for more support on how to build a stronger relationship with your teen, be sure to check out my Connected Teens™ program. There’s a live cohort starting soon, so don’t miss out on a chance to dive deeper into these strategies! And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with other parents who are navigating the tricky world of teen privacy and connection.

The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/

Submit a question to the Podcast

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Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

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