The Teen Anxiety Maze- Parenting Teens, Help for Anxiety, Anxious Teens, Anxiety Relief

Why Your Teen May Need Someone Besides You

22 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m joined by Cristina, a former client who is now out of college, working as a mechanical engineer, living on he...

Routines Over Motivation (Why Freedom Traps Most Freshmen)

15 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a highly structured 35-hour high school week suddenly drops to 12 hours of college class time? You get 150 hours of ...

Graduation Opens the Cage… Now What?

08 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailGraduation can look like freedom, excitement, and a fresh start — but for many teens and young adults, it can also feel confusing, l...

Why Some Students Quit College by October

01 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailAs parents, we spend years helping our teens prepare academically for college.But what if grades aren't the biggest predictor of ...

The Hardest Part of Parenting Nobody Talks About

25 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan Mail Nobody warns you about this part of parenting. The kids are older, more independent, and they don't need you the same way they ...

What If Your Child Doesn’t Need Fixing?

18 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m sharing a powerful collaboration with parent coach and counselor Dawn Friedman from the podcast Tell Me It Will Be ...

You’re Not the Only Parent Who Has Lost It

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailWhat happens after you lose your temper as a parent? Because let’s be honest—every parent has that moment. In this special colla...

How to Stop Taking Your Child's Behavior Personally

04 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailWhy does it feel so personal when your child dysregulates?. Join Lisa Candera as she shares cognitive-based tools to help you manage t...

The Parent Coach Collab: Managing Mental Health Together

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while 1 in 5 people may be diagnosed with a disorder, 5 in 5 of us have mental health to man...

Why Smart Teens and Young Adults Still Get Stuck

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us Fan MailDo you ever look at your teen or young adult and think, “I know you’re smart. I know you’re capable. So why do you seem so stuck...

Creating Your Climate: How to Grow Where You’re Planted

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send a text Can a palm tree grow in the Rocky Mountains? 🌴🏔️In this episode, we dive deep into the world of self-awareness and why it is the ...

The Real Reason College Decisions Feel So Overwhelming

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textChoosing what comes after high school can feel overwhelming—for teens and parents.In this episode, Cynthia Coufal breaks down the most...

An Invitation to Be Part of What Comes Next

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI didn’t disappear—I slowed down on purpose.In this episode, I’m sharing where I’ve been, why I took a step back, and what’s c...

Your Teen’s Story Isn’t Finished Yet — Here’s How to Help Them Rewrite It

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat if one simple question could help your teen break free from anxiety, self-doubt, and the negative stories they’ve been carrying a...

The One Word that Can Change 2026 for You and Your Teen

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text What if a single word could change the entire direction of your year? In this episode, I share one of my favorite year-end rituals: c...

Why You Freeze When You Need to Speak Up

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this new episode, Cynthia unpacks why saying no feels like danger to your brain — and how tiny daily “Boundary Reps™” can com...

The Anxiety Maze Archives: Test Anxiety is NOT about the test. It's about the brain.

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFinals season is here — and so is the test anxiety that so many teens and college students struggle with. In fact, research shows: 25...

The Anxiety Maze Archives: Questions to Ask Yourself

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text 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 findin...

E 270 I Dropped Out Mid-Semester Here’s What I Wish I’d Known

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSo many college freshmen hit a wall mid-semester — feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or unsure if they belong. In this episode, I share my ...

E 269 Why "Being Normal" is Making You Anxious (and What To Do Instead)

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text What if “normal” isn’t real?In this episode, teen anxiety coach Cynthia Coufal reveals why “normal” is a social construct —...

E 268 The Real Reason Teens Hate Homework

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Do homework battles happen daily in your house? You’re not alone.In this episode, I talk with Jessyka Coulter, founder of ACE Cookie...

E 267 The Truth About Why You Can’t Relax on Vacation

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Ever been on vacation and felt anxious — even though everything should be perfect? You’re not alone.In this episode, I share why v...

E 266 How to Help Your Teen Use Social Media in Healthy Ways

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Have you ever looked at your teen scrolling on their phone and thought, “I’ve completely lost control of this?”You’re not alon...

How Social Media Algorithms Control Your Mind (And How to Take Back Control)

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Ever feel worse after scrolling through social media? You're not imagining it. Social media algorithms are designed to keep your...

E 264 How to Strengthen Trust and Communication with our Teens

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text ✨ What if your teen’s biggest challenges could actually become their greatest strengths?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Blyth...

Celebrating 5 Years: The Message That Started It All – You Are Worthy

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text 🎉 I am celebrating 5 YEARS of the podcast! 🎉To mark this milestone, I’m taking you back to where it all began — my very firs...

E 262 The 4 Ways People Handle Anxiety (Find Yours)

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why breathing techniques that work for your friends leave you feeling more anxious? Or why everyone tells you t...

E 261 How Podcasting Changed Me in 5 Years

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text 🎉 I’m celebrating 5 years of podcasting! In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 biggest lessons I’ve learned after showing up beh...

E 260 Are You Modeling Stress Drinking for Your Kids?

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHave you ever joked, “I need a glass of wine after today”—without realizing your kids were listening? Stress and drinking are ofte...

E 259 Simple Science-Backed Stress Relief for Families

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHave you ever wished there was a way to calm stress quickly—whether it’s your teen shutting down, emotions running high, or life jus...

E 258 Cutting Through Parenting Advice Overload

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFeeling overwhelmed by all the parenting advice out there? You’re not alone—and today’s guest, Jessica Shelley, is here to help yo...

E257 The Hygiene Fix for Tween and Teen Mental Health

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIs your teen avoiding showers? Are you tired of the nightly hygiene battles? In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Yavil, founder of ...

E 256 The Secret to Helping Teens Find the Right Career Path

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Is your teen overwhelmed by the question, “What do you want to do with your life?” You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless...

Bonus Talking To Worry: A Strategy That Actually Helps

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text In this episode, we’re diving into why worry is normal — and how you can help your teen manage it in a healthy, empowering way. If...

E 255 Why Teen Athletes Struggle Mentally (and How to Help)

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Are teen athletes under more pressure than we realize? In this episode, I sit down with Licensed Professional Counselor and cheerlead...

E 254 A Mom's Journey from Rejection to Affirming Her Trans Child

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWhat do you do when your child comes out to you?How do you support a transgender or nonbinary child — especially when it feels unfamil...

Helping Anxious Kids Without Overwhelming Them

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text When should I push my anxious child—and when is it too much?In this episode, I share a personal story about my grandson learning to ...

E 253 Helping Your Teen Set Goals That Actually Work

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text What if helping your teen set just one clear, meaningful goal could shift their entire future?In this episode, I’m joined by Phylici...

How to Help Your Teen Challenge Negative Self-Talk

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Is your brain constantly telling you you're not good enough, or that everyone’s judging you? That voice—the inner critic or i...

E 252 What Is PANDAS? The Hidden Cause of Teen Anxiety and Tics

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textSign up for my July Workshop: How to Calm Your Teen's Anxiety Without Triggering YoursCould your child’s anxiety or tics be somet...

Co-Parenting Conflicts: 3 Strategies to Align Your Parenting Styles for Better Family Dynamics

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Parenting differences can create chaos in families, but they don't have to. In this episode, I break down the four main parenting...

E 251 How Traffickers Use Tech to Target Kids

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text What if everything you thought you knew about human trafficking was wrong?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Erin Williamson, a...

Bonus: Sleep Meditation for Anxious Teens & Young Adults | Calm Your Racing Mind 🌙

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed? Mind racing with thoughts about school, friendships, the future, or just... everything? You're not alone. Th...

Bonus: Sleep Meditation for Anxious Parents | Release the Day & Rest Your Weary Mind 🌙

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Exhausted parent, this one's for you. After a day of endless decisions, mental checklists, and carrying the invisible load of fam...

E 250 Understanding Gender vs. Sex

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Wendy Cole: Transitioning at 67 & Living as Your True SelfHave you ever felt like you weren’t living as your real self?In this p...

Pride Month Reflections: Faith, Identity, and Unconditional Love

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text 🌈 You Are Loved. You Belong. 🌈In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, I open up about my journey through faith, spirituality, and...

E 249 How Blood Sugar Spikes Trigger Anxiety

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text What if your anxiety isn't actually anxiety—but your blood sugar crashing?In this episode, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Tra...

E248 How to Have a Good Divorce That Supports Your Kids

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Divorce doesn’t have to damage your kids. In this episode, certified divorce coach and therapist Karen McNenny shares how divorced p...

E 247 How Overachieving Teens Hide Anxiety

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDid you know your anxiety might be lying to you? 🤯In this powerful episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I’m joined by award-winning te...

E 246 Why Your Community Needs Youth Voices At Decision Making Tables

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text What if we celebrated teens the same way we celebrate celebrities? ✨In this inspiring episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I talk with ...

E 245 How To Create Inner Peace Now

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Sid McNairy — bestselling author, spiritual coach, and 2024 World Peace Award recipient — ...

Bonus Graduation Episode

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI gave a Baccalaureate speech this year to my hometown high school, and I wanted you to hear my message as well!Please share it with any...

E 244 Why Your Teen Is Not Listening and What Actually Works

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIs your teen constantly overwhelmed, anxious, or shutting down? In this episode, we explore practical, research-backed ways to help them...

E 243 Top Mistakes Parents Make Before Sending Teens to College

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIs your anxious teen really ready for college? In this episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I’m joined by college success coach Alexandra...

E 242 How to Help Your Child Overcome Math Anxiety and Build Confidence

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Is your child struggling with math anxiety? Avoiding homework, saying “I’m not a math person,” or feeling frustrated by numbers?...

E 241 Why Hope Is the Missing Link in Helping Kids with Anxiety

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Is your teen’s anxiety just normal stress — or something more? In this powerful episode, we unpack the science of hope and how it ...

E 240 Empty Nest Begins in High School

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Jodi Silverman, empty nest coach, reveals how the journey of letting go starts when teens gain independence - not when they leave home...

E 239 Parenting Adopted and Foster Kids While Managing Anxiety and Trauma

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Are you a foster or adoptive parent struggling to support your child through anxiety and trauma? In this episode, I sit down with Bonn...

E 238 Building Teen Confidence with Powerlifting

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text How Strength Training Helps Teens Manage Anxiety and Build ConfidenceAnxiety and stress are on the rise for teens, but what if there w...

E 237 The iPhone 16 Mind Trapped In iPhone 4 Programming

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text In this episode of Teen Anxiety Maze, I welcome the extraordinary Dr. Tara Perry, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Doctor of Chinese Medi...

E 236 The Mindset Shift That Can Break Your Teen’s Negativity Cycle

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThe Mindset Shift That Can Break Your Teen's Negativity CycleStruggling with a teen who's trapped in negativity? In this episo...

E 235 Driving School Secrets for Nervous New Drivers

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text🚗 Driving Anxiety SOLVED: Expert Reveals How Teens Can Become Confident Drivers! 🚦Are you a parent struggling with a teen who&apos...

E 234 The Hidden Danger of Overprotecting Your Anxious Child

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text As parents, our instinct is to shield our kids from discomfort—but what if removing challenges is actually increasing their anxiety?...

E 233 Is Your Child’s Diet Making Their Anxiety Worse? Here’s the Truth

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textStruggling with Teen Anxiety? Discover Detective Ev's Functional Medicine SecretsIs your teen battling anxiety? You're not alo...

Special Bonus-Supporting a Loved One with a Terminal Illness: What to Do (and What Not to Do)

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFinding Purpose in Grief: A Conversation with Amy Shaw | Teen Anxiety Maze PodcastIn this powerful episode of Teen Anxiety Maze, I speak...

E 232 Break Free from Procrastination: Get Moving Today!

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Struggling to Get Started? Here’s How to Finally Take Action! 🎧✨Do you ever sit down to work, stare at your to-do list, and fee...

E 231 Parenting an Anxious Teen? Here’s What Works

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textParenting an Anxious Teen: What You Need to KnowIs your teen struggling with anxiety? Do you feel unsure about how to help them without ...

Bonus Episode: Prepare Your Teen for an AI-Driven World with These Essential Skills

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text🌟 How to Equip Teens with Life Skills for Success 🌟What’s the one life skill you wish you had learned in school but didn’t? Se...

E 230 Leaving the Nest: How to Face the Anxiety of Life After High School

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTransitioning from high school into adulthood—whether it’s college, the workforce, or the military—can be overwhelming for teens a...

E 229 Breaking the Binge: Rewire Your Brain and Overcome Emotional Eating

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDo you find yourself stuck in a cycle of emotional or binge eating? You're not alone. In this episode, we uncover how anxiety, habi...

E 228 Stop Waiting to Succeed: Your 5-Step Future Self Action Plan

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text🎯 Transform Your Teen's School Year: The Future Self Blueprint | Teen Anxiety MazeDiscover how to help your teen become their be...

E 227 Helping Teens Cope with Grief: Practical Strategies and Tips

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFormer School Counselor & Teen Anxiety Expert Cynthia Coufal explores teen grief with author Clarissa Moll, who lost her husband in ...

E 226 Align Your 2025: A Simple Exercise to Start the Year Strong

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHappy New Year! 🎉 In this episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, we’re diving into a powerful way to start your year with purpose and cl...

E 225 The 5 Levels of Parenting: Discover Where You Stand and How to Improve

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with parent coach Mary Kay Garrett, whose mission is to help parents create meaningful, lasting connections ...

E 224 Why Coaching Could Be Your Teen’s Turning Point

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text🎙️ Welcome to The Anxiety Maze Navigator Podcast!In this episode, we dive into the power of coaching for teens and young adults dea...

E223 Cracking the Teen Code: Tools Every Parent Needs Today

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin host Cynthia Coufal and expert Isla Reddin as they dive deep into the science of teen brain development and transform how parents u...

Bonus Episode: Unlock Debt-Free College Strategies Today!

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text🎓 From Anxiety to Ivy League: Empowering Teens for SuccessIn this episode, I team up with Shellee Howard from College Ready for a dyn...

E 222 Stress-Proofing the Holidays: A Teen's Survival Guide

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text🎄 Feeling the Holiday Pressure? Teen Mental Health Survival Guide 🌟The holidays aren't always magical - especially for teens....

Bonus Episode How Teens Really Date: Secrets from a 16-Year-Old Insider

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI just had an eye-opening conversation with Elle Kristine, a 16-year-old TikTok influencer who's on a mission to help teens navigat...

E 221 When Thoughts Attack: Understanding OCD's Real Impact on Daily Life

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI just had an eye-opening conversation with OCD specialist Amanda Petrik-Gardner that I can't wait to share with you.Most of us thi...

E 220 Tackle Test Anxiety: Prepare, Calm Down, and Conquer Your Exams

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWith finals approaching, I know many of you (or your teens) are feeling the weight of test anxiety. Whether it’s high school finals, A...

E 219 The "Soft Skills" Myth: Why Emotional Intelligence is the Key to Success

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Hey everyone,Get ready for an inspiring episode of the podcast! I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my good friend and former...

E 218 Why Your Anxiety Coping Strategy Might Be Inside Out

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI just recorded a fascinating episode about anxiety that I had to share with you. I've been diving into this incredible book called...

Special Episode: Your Daughter's Superpower Years: A Positive Guide to Puberty

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver thought about puberty as something amazing rather than awkward? Well, get ready to have your mind blown!I just had the most fascina...

E 217 Desk-Side Calm: Simple Stress Relief You Can Do Anywhere

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI'm so excited to share this week's episode with you! I had an amazing conversation with Marie Young, who taught me some incre...

E 216 Empower Your Child: Creating an Anxiety Plan

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text Today, we’re wrapping up the book Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents. If this is your first time with me, I recommend checking out the la...

Special Bonus Episode: Trust the Process: How Teen Coaching Helped My Client Find Her Strengths

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a text💥Transform Your Teen's Life: Izzy’s Story & How It Could Be Yours Too 🤩I'm thrilled to share a new podcast episode...

E 215 Surviving the Unthinkable

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week's episode takes a heavy but vital turn as we delve into the aftermath of a school shooting. Brandy Samuell, a seasoned ed...

E 214 The Power of Past Successes

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode of Teen Anxiety Maze, I dive deep into a fascinating phenomenon: how worry can give you amnesia. Discover ho...

E 213 Empowering Teens: The Confident Teen Blueprint

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm joined by Kristi Simons, a transformational coach dedicated to helping teens unlock their true potential. We d...

E 212 Overcoming Avoidance: Choose Your Path to Success

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textYou know that thing on your to-do list that keeps getting pushed to tomorrow? Yeah, that one. We talked about why we do that and how it ...

E 211 "You're on Fire, It's Fine": Decoding Teen Emotions

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Katie May, licensed therapist and author of "You're on Fire, It's Fine." K...

E 210 Taming Anxiety: How to Reset Your Body’s Alarm System

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn this episode, we’re diving deep into practical techniques for managing anxiety when it feels overwhelming. 🌟 Anxiety is somethin...

E 209 Beyond College: Unconventional Paths to Adulthood

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Joanna Lilly, a consultant who specializes in helping young adults (18+) navigate that tr...

E 208 Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Navigating Uncertainty and Anxiety

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI'm diving deep into the concept of embracing uncertainty and discomfort. It's a tough one, I know, but it's a crucial st...

E 207 Navigating Disability Accommodations in Higher Education

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTransitioning from high school to college can be challenging, especially for students with anxiety or disabilities. In this episode, we ...

😴Bonus Sleep Episode 💤

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThanks to my listener, Branson, Missouri, who asked for a bedtime prompt for an anxious teen.Here is a sleep meditation that you can lis...

E 206 Overcoming Anxiety: Conversations with Your Worry

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textRemember a couple weeks back when we talked about expecting worry? Well, this time we're taking it a step further. We're learn...

E 205 Overcoming Parental Rejection: Strategies That Work

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn my latest episode, I dive deep into the complex issue of parent-child rejection, especially in the context of divorce and custody dis...

E 204 Worry: Your Unexpected Ally

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAre you tired of feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? You're not alone. In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the con...