Your Zen Friend

Send Lauren a text!

Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.

On this episode I'll tell you why being less positive with your tween or teen can actually help them when they are stuck in a bad mood.

If you are looking for support for your tween or teen and live in Connecticut, check out my private practice, Firefly Counseling and Wellness: https://www.laurencounseling.com/

If you live outside of Connecticut you can find a qualified provider by searching here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjNS3BhChARIsAOxBM6rVNH9Qw5yngEKVNrSF95jfob6MruxcZPXPd4nZAk1Xjk9Svl1jsh0aArwgEALw_wcB

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode, licensed clinical social worker, Mary Kate Robb is here to talk about the connection between autism and anxiety. She will tell us what recent research says that could explain why it is common for individuals with autism to also have anxiety. Mary Kate will also talk about whether or not it is in a teen's best interest to be told about their autism diagnosis. 

All human beings are unique individuals and this is certainly true for people with autism. Mary Kate and I recorded this episode in the hopes of spreading autism awareness and acceptance. We did our best to approach this conversation with sensitivity and compassion. Whether or not you have a child with an autism diagnosis, we think you will find this interview helpful and appreciate you listening in!

About Mary Kate Robb: Mary Kate Robb is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children and with parent on parenting issues.Mary Kate went to Fairfield University and received a bachelor's degree in communications in 2004. She then went to Fordham University and received a Master's in Social Work in 2009.  Mary Kate is also a yoga teacher, reiki healer, mindfulness meditation instructor, and is trained in EFT tapping.  She is The Center's founder and is dedicated to helping children and parents find their path towards healing and happiness.

https://www.parentchildwellnesscenter.com/services

I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:

• Email me at: [email protected]
• Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend

For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out:  https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care. 

This mediation is perfect to do anytime you are feeling overwhelmed with all the efforting of life. 

Enjoy! 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Have you ever been given a hot potato by your tween or teen? I bet you have! Especially if you have a tween or teen with anxiety. On this episode I'll tell you why kids give hot potatoes to their parents and what you should do if you if you get one.

And stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you What's Bringing Me More Zen. This includes some singing so you've been warned!

Mentioned on this episode: 

• "Word to the Mutha:" https://youtu.be/5eN7AnpBFZw?si=RDVoUmN-MiCnS4yL -
• Pumpkin Pie Essential Oil: https://www.revive-eo.com/product/pumpkin-pie-essential-oil-blend/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrp-3BhDgARIsAEWJ6SzydhvkvqYguAiseTtC7LdnpEf1mp70dHZti7FhRrKCMVycDhyKdjYaAhRUEALw_wcB
• Lesser Evil Popcorn: https://shop.lesserevil.com/products?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_content=branded&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrp-3BhDgARIsAEWJ6SwysvOhA9u_6MN23J_Skx62h3J08uWPAgs-UXd_8njNshqtXAkMKRQaAteqEALw_wcB

I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:

• Email me at: [email protected]
• Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend

For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out:  https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens. 

On this episode I'll tell you why it can be helpful to lose it with your kids from time to time. And I'll give you an example of how to repair after you've lost it. 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode my daughter Leena joins me to talk about the benefits of making healthy choices for managing anxiety. We talk about how challenging it can be for tweens and teens to do things like limit phone use and get enough sleep. Leena shares how she has learned to care for herself in ways that keeps her anxiety low. She tells us what she currently does for regular self care and what she is working towards improving.

And stay tuned to the end of the episode when Leena tells us what's bringing her more zen! Here's a hint.......it involves Trader Joes and is a wonderful treat any time of year.

I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:

• Email me at: [email protected]
• Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend

For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out:  https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care. 

This mediation is perfect to do anytime you would like to connect with your inner strength. 

Enjoy! 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Parenting a tween or teen is challenging. Especially when your child has anxiety! So on this episode I will tell you what you MUST DO in order to have more enjoyment during these often difficult years.

And stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you What's Bringing Me More Zen.  It has to do with boundary setting and I have a funny story to share with you about how the universe keeps testing me lately. I giggle every time I think about it!

I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:

• Email me at: [email protected]
• Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend

For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out:  https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens. 

On this episode I'll tell you why it's important to set healthy boundaries with your anxious tween or teen. 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.

Send Lauren a text!

*****REPLAY EPISODE

Anxiety symptoms in children often look different from what we imagine. Parents are sometimes surprised at how some of their children’s behavior, especially their  misbehavior, comes from their anxiety.

On today's episode I will tell you about some symptoms I commonly see in kids and teens who are experiencing anxiety. The symptoms I'll tell you about are not always  recognized as anxiety. I’ll also give you some strategies for helping your children to reduce their anxiety symptoms and feel more calm. 

It's been awhile since I've told you what's bringing me some zen. I'll start out this episode by telling you about a few ways I'm feeling more zen lately. One of them has to do with the transitions from summer to fall, which always makes me sad. I'll also tell you about a television show I'm enjoying with my husband and a treat I sometimes indulge in from Starbucks.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.