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What if the anxiety we're seeing in teens isn't actually the whole story? Sometimes what looks like anxiety is sitting on top of ADHD, autism, AuDHD, or a nervous system that simply had too much. In Episode 70 of Teens Uncharted, host Charity sits down with Dr. Ivy Horan, DSW, LCSW, to explore the underlying factors of adolescent anxiety and neurodivergence. Drawing from over 13 years of experience working with adolescents, Dr. Horan breaks down why we need to move beyond standard coping skills to truly understand a teen's experience. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 The Sensory Bucket: How a teen's sensory experience of the world impacts their ability to make decisions, tolerate emotions, and build social connections. 🔹 Misunderstood Symptoms: How to recognize when anxiety is actually a manifestation of ADHD, autism, or AuDHD. 🔹 Neurodivergent Adaptations: The distinct differences between camouflaging, masking, and mimicking in social environments. 🔹 Emotional Tolerance: How to help teens move through their feelings rather than expecting them to constantly live in a regulated state. Connect with Dr. Ivy Horan: 🔹 Website: https://www.jeweloflifecounseling.com/ 🔹 Instagram: @jeweloflifecounseling Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #Neurodiversity #TeenAnxiety #AutismInTeens #AuDHD #ADHD #MentalHealthCounselor #SensoryProcessing #ClinicalPractice

In Episode 69 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Oklahoma City-based licensed clinical social worker Laura Jacobs to discuss the nuances of doing authentic therapy with adolescents. Laura shares her personal journey through teen mental health struggles and how it inspired her 21-year career in the field. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 Using Pop Culture in Session: How leveraging memes, TikToks, movies, and favorite music artists builds rapport and offers a safe window into a teen's inner world without triggering defensiveness. 🔹 High-Pressure Private Schools: Navigating the unique stress of "legacy families" in rigorous academic environments and utilizing radical acceptance when a teen's school situation cannot be changed. 🔹 Controversy Corner: A candid discussion on the debate around disclosing Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) to parents, and why breaching confidentiality for non-imminent self-harm can irrevocably damage the therapeutic alliance. Connect with Laura Jacobs, LCSW: 🔹 Website: https://inspiredmentalwellness.com/ 🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredmentalwellnessllc/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: 🔹 Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ 🔹 Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ 🔹 Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 🔹 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about 🔹 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeenTherapy #LCSW #MentalHealthPodcast #TeensUncharted #AdolescentTherapy #NSSIAwareness #PopCultureInTherapy

Have you ever had a brilliant, articulate teen in your office who can explain exactly why they do what they do, but absolutely cannot stop doing it? In Episode 68 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, Charity sits down with Emily Yi, LCSW, owner of Jacksonville Creative Therapy, to discuss the nuances of working with bright, neurodivergent, and emotionally intense adolescents. Emily shares why traditional therapeutic approaches can sometimes increase resistance or lead to misdiagnoses like ODD or bipolar disorder in gifted youth. We explore the crucial difference between a teen's intellectual insight and their nervous-system capacity, and how therapists can creatively adapt to build flexibility rather than forcing compliance. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 Why highly insightful teens still can't "just do the thing" and the gap between intellectual understanding and capacity. 🔹 How giftedness, ADHD, autism, and asynchronous development shape a teen's behavior. 🔹 Why traditional therapy might misinterpret intense teen presentations as defiance or personality disorders. 🔹 Using the therapeutic relationship as an assessment—including pacing, humor, and Emily's "octopus arms" approach to tuning into a teen's emotions. 🔹 Working collaboratively with parents to navigate pervasive demand for autonomy (PDA), adjust rigid expectations, and focus on harm reduction over strict control. 🔹 An inside look at Emily’s new clinical training designed specifically for therapists working with bright and intense teens. Connect with Emily Yi: Website: https://jacksonvillecreativetherapy.com/ Instagram: @jacksonvillecreativetherapy Free Resource: 3 Bright & Intense Teen Therapy Plans: https://emily-yi-coaching.kit.com/3849f0d6c8 Course: Working with Bright & Intense Teens: https://emily-yi-coaching.kit.com/c28fa9b6aa Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #GiftedTeens #NeurodivergentTeens #EmilyYi #TwiceExceptional #TeenMentalHealth #TherapistResources #PDA #ParentingTeens #LCSW #MentalHealthPodcast

If you work with or raise a neurodivergent teen, you know that finding the right support can be challenging. In Episode 67 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Dr. Diane Hudson. Dr. Hudson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and former school psychologist who specializes in helping older autistic kids, teens, and their people. Dr. Hudson breaks down why so many autistic girls fly under the radar. These girls often receive anxiety or depression diagnoses before autism is ever considered. We also tackle the controversial history of applied behavior analysis (ABA). We explore how modern, neurodiversity-affirming approaches focus on building new behaviors rather than just extinguishing old ones to force teens into neurotypical expectations. In this episode, we cover: ✨ The Diagnostic Delay: Autistic girls frequently go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed until their teen years. They are often given mental health diagnoses before autism is even considered. ✨ Masking vs. Tools: There is a critical difference between forcing a teen to mask and teaching them actionable social skills. Teens can choose to use these social tools to confidently find their community and feel accepted. ✨ A Modern Approach: Older teens can benefit from a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and behavioral science. This approach helps them connect with their own values without feeling managed or forced to change. ✨ Parenting Shifts: Parenting a neurodivergent teen requires a completely different approach from raising a neurotypical one. Parents can support their teens' therapy by practicing the skill of simply being available without putting pressure on them. ✨ Social Connections: Tailored social groups and parallel activities create low-pressure environments for girls. These spaces allow neurodivergent teens to unmask, feel understood by their peers, and realize they are not alone. Connect with Dr. Diane Hudson: Website: https://abc-pathways.com/ Instagram: @drdianehudson Free Resource (ND Friendships for Parents): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66cf3fcdd13fbb5648e1eb64/t/6a55a03e76b945282f0d2578/1783996478296/ND+friendships+for+parents.pdf Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #AutismInGirls #Neurodiversity #TeenTherapy #AutismAcceptance #BCBA #TeensUncharted #ParentingTeens #SocialSkills #NeurodivergentTeens

What if the very things that make a teenager feel "weird" are the exact traits we should be protecting? In episode 66 of Teens Uncharted: The Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with author Cynthia Baseman to discuss her new young adult novel, Weirdos Welcome. Drawing from her personal experiences raising neurodiverse sons and witnessing her niece's journey with a late diagnosis, Cynthia explores the complex realities of high school for teens navigating autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. This conversation challenges the traditional parenting goal of helping kids "fit in" and instead advocates for helping them become so comfortable with themselves that fitting in no longer matters. 🎧 The Inspiration Behind Weirdos Welcome: Cynthia's neurodiverse family inspired a seven-year writing and research journey to center teenagers who are usually treated as sidekicks. 🎧 The Gender Gap in Diagnosis: Girls often fly under the radar for autism and ADHD diagnoses, which is mirrored in the book's protagonist, Ray, who starts an "Audi Freak" blog to find others like her and harness their collective superpowers. 🎧 The Heavy Toll of Masking: The book explores the internal struggles of Braden, a character who appears to be the "cool kid" but secretly battles severe anxiety and OCD while terrified of people seeing "the me beneath the me". 🎧 Parental Guilt and Forgiveness: Cynthia offers vital perspective for parents of neurodiverse teens, emphasizing the importance of letting go of hindsight guilt and forgiving yourself for making the best decisions you could with the information you had at the time. 🎧 The Value of Curiosity: Replacing snap judgments with a curious lens helps us appreciate the highly valuable, unique ways neurodiverse minds approach and solve big problems. Follow and Support Cynthia Baseman: Grab your copy of Weirdos Welcome by Cynthia Baseman today! [https://cynthiabaseman.com/product/weirdos-welcome-a-novel/] Website: https://cynthiabaseman.com/ IG: @cynthia_d_baseman TikTok: @cynthiabasemanbooks Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #CynthiaBaseman #WeirdosWelcome #Neurodiversity #TeenMentalHealth #AutismAwareness #ADHD #OCD #ParentingTeens #YALiterature #LateDiagnosis

Raising teenage girls can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, especially when you are simultaneously navigating your own hormonal changes like perimenopause. In Episode 65 of Teens Uncharted, host Charity Chaffee sits down with pediatric nurse, seasoned dance mom, and author Amy Young to discuss the reality of the mother-daughter relationship. Drawing from 18 years in a pediatric office and her personal experiences raising two girls, Amy shares actionable advice for parents trying to hold it all together. She introduces her nursing-inspired "ABC framework" (Acknowledge, Boundaries, Care Plan) to help diffuse conflict and explains why the absolute best place to get your teenager to open up and spill the tea is in the backseat of a car. In this episode, we cover: 📌 The Hormone Clash: How to survive a household where your teen's puberty and your perimenopause collide. 📌 Perfectionism & Body Image: Why a young girl's anxiety and perfectionism are often mirrored directly from her mother. 📌 The Dance Mom Dynamic: Navigating competitive sports culture and why building a secure, supportive village over competition is crucial for both you and your kids. 📌 The Binder Generation: How moms carry the pressure of holding the family together while supporting growing teens and aging parents. 📌 Letting Them Fail: Knowing when to step in, when to let your teenager struggle, and why it is perfectly okay to let them quit a sport if they no longer love it. Be sure to check out Amy’s upcoming book, Hormones and Hair Ties: Raising Teen Girls Without Losing Your Mind, releasing on January 12th in both print and audiobook formats. [https://little-flower-43595.myflodesk.com/p7yajoaklj] Follow her at Instagram: @amyyoungadvice [https://www.instagram.com/amyyoungadvice/] Website: https://www.amyyoungadvice.com/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #ParentingTeens #TeenGirls #MotherDaughter #TeensUncharted #AmyYoung #DanceMoms #Perimenopause #Puberty #PediatricNurse #MentalHealth #RaisingTeens #ParentingTips

If you've ever sat across from a teen who is completely checked out on the therapy couch, you know that just talking about trauma doesn't always cut it. In Episode 64 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Nick Bremer, a pre-licensed therapist based in Michigan who is completely flipping the script on somatic work. Nick is certified in trauma-informed weightlifting and uses physical resilience—literally picking up heavy things—to help teens process anxiety and trauma when words just aren't enough. Whether working with student-athletes navigating performance anxiety, teens managing ADHD, or LGBTQ+ youth building bodily autonomy, Nick seamlessly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and somatic skills right on the gym floor. We dive into the neuroscience of the window of tolerance, why framing exercise as "intentional movement" is crucial for emotional regulation, and how to authentically connect with teens outside the confines of traditional talk therapy. Connect with Nick Bremer: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/nick-william-bremer-jenison-mi/1392742 Instagram: @_therapy.with.nick_ https://www.instagram.com/_therapy.with.nick_?stkn=Y254bTUzODgwd2xk Tahoma Counseling: https://tahomacounseling.com/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #TraumaInformedWeightlifting #SomaticTherapy #NickBremer #TeenMentalHealth #CBT #TraumaRecovery #StudentAthleteMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens

If you work with teens, you know that therapy does not happen in a vacuum, and eventually, school will enter the chat. In Episode 63 of Teens Uncharted, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee dives into the complexities of school collaboration during the back-to-school season. As requested by our listeners, this episode explores how therapists, parents, and school professionals can communicate effectively. The goal is to work together in a way that protects teens, supports caregivers, and keeps everyone on the same team. Key Takeaways in This Episode: 💜 The Annual Cycle of Teen Stress: There is a predictable pattern of teen struggle throughout the school year. This cycle often begins with the anxiety of heading back to school. It is followed by increased boredom and academic pressure during the mid-October and November grind. Finally, teens often experience prolonged challenges during the long, grueling month of March. 💜 Effective Communication Strategies: Outside therapists should proactively schedule short, 10-15 minute chats with school psychologists or social workers at the beginning of the academic year. This allows professionals to share relevant information and discuss client needs without violating confidentiality. 💜 Proactive Safety Planning: It is highly recommended to establish safety plans early in the school year. Therapists and parents must understand a school district's specific crisis management and screening protocols. Getting ahead of these policies prevents care teams from scrambling reactively during an active crisis. 💜 Defining Healthy Roles: Parents are advised against acting as the primary enforcers of educational tasks and homework. Instead, schools must be the ones to enforce academic rules and deliver natural consequences. 💜 Navigating Professional Disagreements: Outside therapists must maintain collaborative, civil relationships with school staff. It is crucial not to speak poorly about the school to the teen, as this breaks down therapeutic rapport. Furthermore, private therapists should avoid attempting to direct the work or enforce the lanes of school professionals. Whether you are a private practice therapist, a school counselor, or a parent navigating the teenage years, this episode provides actionable guidance to better support the adolescents in your life. Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Website: https://www.teensuncharted.com/ Facebook Group for Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Facebook Group for Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #SchoolCollaboration #MentalHealthCounseling #ParentingTeens #BackToSchool #TherapistTips #CharityChafee

In Episode 62 of Teens Uncharted, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chafee tackles an unspoken reality in the field: getting abruptly fired by your teen clients. Rather than letting a sudden termination trigger imposter syndrome or financial panic, this episode explores how to process the experience and use it to become a better clinician. In this episode, we cover: 🎧 Why being fired is an inevitable milestone in a therapist's career and a valuable opportunity for professional growth. 🎧 The difference between an emotional, knee-jerk firing and a standard discharge after goals are met. 🎧 How to preload termination protocols during the initial intake to help teens and parents practice healthy transitions and conflict resolution. 🎧 Why a therapist's goal during a termination discussion should be understanding the client's choice, not convincing them to stay. 🎧 How to objectively analyze a failed case to recognize your accountability and process your own guilt or shame. Resources & Links: Download the free "You're Fired" processing workbook at https://www.teensuncharted.com/clinical-resources-teens-uncharted to help you critically analyze and move through abrupt terminations. Join a community of 6,000+ professionals in our new Facebook group: "Therapists Who Work with Teens". https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #TherapistLife #MentalHealthCounselor #ClinicalPractice #ClientTermination #TherapistTips

Welcome back to the very first episode of our newly rebranded podcast, Teens Uncharted the Pod! Whether you have been here since the beginning or are just tuning in, we are so happy to have you for the Season 2 premiere. This podcast is dedicated to discussing teens through the lens of the professionals who work with them, including therapists, social workers, doctors, and coaches. In this episode, Charity tackles the common pushback that working with teenagers carries too high of a liability. Here is what we are unpacking today: ✨ The Liability Myth: Charity explains why she believes teens actually carry less liability than adults. She highlights how teenagers have a built-in web of collaborative support, including school social workers, pediatricians, and guardians. ✨ Systemic Reflections: The devastating Lindsay Clancy trial is an opportunity to take a critical look at the mental health system. Charity discusses how even in a state with top-tier care like Massachusetts, a lack of collaboration between providers can leave dangerous gaps. ✨ Insurance Hurdles: Insurance companies often dictate care and prioritize their wallets over clients. Charity points out how the current system discourages essential collaborative consultation by treating it as unpaid labor for therapists. ✨ Exciting Updates: Charity shares her nervous excitement about being accepted to speak at an upcoming summit in March 2027, where she will present on harm reduction frameworks for teens. ✨ Season 2 Preview: Get ready for a packed season featuring interviews with psychiatrists, DBT specialists, and individuals sharing their lived experiences receiving mental health care as teens. "I think we can learn a lot from tragedy if we can lean into it and really take a critical look at what happened and why." Connect with the Community: Website: Check out https://www.teensuncharted.com/ and sign up for the mailing list to get all the upcoming goodies. Facebook Group: Join the conversation in the "Therapists Who Work with Teens" Facebook group, which has grown to almost 6,000 members! https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistLife #MentalHealthSystem #TherapyLiability #SocialWork #Season2Premiere

Welcome to Episode 60 of the Teens: No Cap Podcast! I can't believe we've made it to 60 episodes, and to celebrate, we have some massive announcements. This episode marks the official finale of our "No Cap" era, as we are shifting gears and rebranding to Teens Uncharted the Pod starting next season. Thank you to all the wonderful guests who have shared their expertise and helped this community grow! In This Episode, We Cover: 🌟 Exciting updates on our Facebook community, "Therapists Who Work with Teens," which is now almost 6,000 members strong. 🌟 My reflections on the successful beta launch of the Parent Integration Training. 🌟 A sneak peek at a new deep-dive clinical training on teens launching in late September or early October. 🌟 A fun and insightful game of "Cap or No Cap" where we tackle common misconceptions and myths about teen mental health. Myths We Bust in the "Cap or No Cap" Game: 🌟 If a teen gets straight A's and plays sports, their mental health is perfectly fine. 🌟 Sleeping all weekend and isolating is just normal teenage hormones. 🌟 Self-harm and dark social media posts are simply attention-seeking behaviors. 🌟 Asking a struggling teen directly about suicidal thoughts will put the idea in their head. 🌟 Therapy is only necessary if you have hit rock bottom or have a severe mental health diagnosis. 🌟 Social media is the 100% sole reason for the current teen mental health crisis. 🌟 Teens today are softer and lack the resilience of older generations. 🌟 Putting a teenager on antidepressants or anxiety medication will definitively change their personality. Get Involved & Join the Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenMentalHealth #TherapistsWhoWorkWithTeens #TeenTherapy #PodcastFinale #CapOrNoCap #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentIntegration

In Episode 59 of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee sits down with mental health professionals Justyna Wolek and Reagan Webb to explore the realities of the juvenile justice system. Drawing from their clinical experience at youth correctional facilities—including the McLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Oregon—Justyna and Reagan shed light on the systemic challenges and chronic dysregulation that incarcerated youth face daily. This powerful conversation dives deep into the complex intersection of trauma and our punitive justice system. Together, they question how society can better support vulnerable teens who are too often punished for systemic failures out of their control. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: 🌟 Life Inside the System: The day-to-day realities and high-crisis environments of juvenile detention facilities. 🌟 The Cycle of Trauma: How adverse childhood experiences and systemic failures directly correlate with youth incarceration. 🌟 Treatment vs. Punishment: The intense challenges of providing strength-based, person-centered mental health treatment in a mandated, highly restrictive environment. 🌟 Brain Development & The Law: A look into Oregon’s Measure 1008, brain development up to age 25, and how legislation impacts youth sentencing and rehabilitation. 🌟 The Power of Connection: Why showing up as a consistent, stable adult is the most crucial intervention for teens in the justice system. If you're a mental health professional, parent, or just someone passionate about youth advocacy, this episode will completely shift your perspective on how we view "resistant" teens. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and keep an eye out for Part 2! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensNoCap #JuvenileJustice #TeenMentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #YouthJustice #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialWork #TherapyForTeens #AtRiskYouth #TherapistLife

Welcome to episode 58 of Teens: No Cap, hosted by licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee! In this episode, Charity is joined by Dr. Terry Rousseau, publisher Alexia Melocchi, and editor Heidi Stangeland to discuss the creation and powerful message behind their new children's novel, Jenna Finds a Dog. Originally written as a screenplay by Terry during the COVID-19 lockdown, the story was adapted into a novel with the help of Little Studio Films to reach a younger audience. The group dives deep into the realities of teen mental health, the risks of relying too heavily on medication as a quick fix, and the profound therapeutic benefits of connecting with animals and nature. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode: 🗣️ The inspiration behind Jenna Finds a Dog and its connection to impulsive and explosive behavioral challenges in kids. 🗣️ Why society and the medical field often overmedicate children instead of exploring alternative interventions. 🗣️ The healing power of animal and equine therapy in regulating the nervous system. 🗣️ The importance of getting kids off their screens, out into nature, and giving them a sense of purpose. 🗣️ How storytelling and publishing can be utilized to serve a social purpose and support mental wellness. 🗣️ Tips for therapists and writers looking to publish purpose-driven stories. Where to Find the Book: Jenna Finds a Dog is available online at major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Finds-Dog-Terence-Rousseau/dp/B0GW5Q3542 https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Jenna_Finds_a_Dog.html?id=8Wvt0QEACAAJ&redir_esc=y https://health.usnews.com/doctors/terence-rousseau-615626 https://www.alexia-melocchi.com/ https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CPYLXFS6/about Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensNoCap #TeenMentalHealth #JennaFindsADog #AnimalTherapy #EquineTherapy #YouthMentalHealth #ParentingTips #LittleStudioFilms #PodcastEpisode58

Welcome back to episode 57 of Teens: No Cap! Today, host Charity Chaffee, LMHC, sits down with Sarah Haugh, an LMHC based in Topsfield, MA who specializes in anxiety and trauma. In this episode, Charity and Sarah dive deep into the complexities of "school avoidance"—a term Sarah prefers over the pathologizing labels of "school refusal" or "truancy." In this episode, we cover: 🎙️ Why terms like "truancy" and "refusal" feel like accusations to teens. These labels can damage a teen's self-esteem and provoke a defensive response. 🎙️ The real roots of school avoidance. Sarah explains how it is often a symptom of underlying struggles like generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or perfectionism. 🎙️ How the anxiety cycle works. Avoiding a stressful situation brings temporary relief, but it ultimately amplifies the anxiety for the next time. 🎙️ The accidental enabling by parents and schools. Allowing teens to take excessive mental health days or sit in the counselor's office all day can inadvertently reinforce the avoidance cycle. 🎙️ Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) strategies. The goal isn't to remove the anxiety entirely, but to help teens build the tolerance to feel their anxiety and still go to school. 🎙️ The importance of systemic collaboration. Therapists, parents, and school personnel must work together with flexibility and warmth to support a titrated exposure plan. Connect with Sarah Haugh: Website: https://northshoreprofessionaltherapy.com/ Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sarah-haugh-anxiety-trauma-licensed-therapist-topsfield-ma/1364597 Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensNoCap #SchoolAvoidance #TeenMentalHealth #AnxietyRelief #TherapyPodcast #ParentingTeens #ERP #ChildPsychology

Welcome back to another episode of Teens: No Cap! In episode 56, host Charity Chaffee, a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts, sits down with the amazing Yasmin Miranda. Yasmin is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida, Maryland, and Pennsylvania who specializes in working with teenagers and young adults. In this episode, they dive deep into the incredible value of bringing a teen's favorite fandoms—from anime and superheroes to shows like Ginny & Georgia and Harry Potter—directly into the therapy room. Whether you are a clinician looking to connect better with your younger clients or a parent trying to understand your teen's obsession with a certain character, this conversation is packed with insight and practical takeaways! In This Episode, We Cover: 🎧 Yasmin discusses her diverse background working in community mental health, youth facilities, juvenile drug court, and prisons. She also shares her recent transition into running her own virtual private practice. 🎧 Both therapists reflect on how graduate school programs often gloss over adolescent development. They also note that these programs frequently fail to prepare students for the business side of private practice. 🎧 Yasmin explains her unique therapeutic niche of using fiction, comic books, and TV shows to build trust with teens. She shares a specific success story of using My Hero Academia to help shy twin clients open up. 🎧 The conversation highlights how externalizing conversations through fictional characters creates a safe space for teens. This method allows them to explore difficult, heavy topics like eating disorders, self-harm, and peer pressure without feeling judged. 🎧 Yasmin and Charity discuss how analyzing complex or polarizing characters, like Severus Snape or Daryl Dixon, can help teens process their own struggles. These character arcs help teens see that they are still capable of growth and bravery despite their flaws or past mistakes. 🎧 Yasmin encourages therapists to embrace the "beautiful chaos" of adolescence and not fear bringing media into sessions. She emphasizes that you do not need to be an expert in a fandom to let your client teach you and use it effectively in therapy. About Our Guest: 👤 Yasmin Miranda is an LMHC licensed in FL, MD, and PA, offering virtual counseling primarily for teens and young adults in their 20s and 30s. Be sure to check out her TikTok series where she breaks down mental health diagnoses through relatable pop culture lenses! 👤 https://care.headway.co/providers/yasmin-miranda 👤 https://www.mind-diagnostics.org/listing/234783-Yasmin-Miranda Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensNoCap #TeenTherapy #GeekTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistLife #PopCultureTherapy #AdolescentMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens #ParentingTeens #FandomsInTherapy