• The Anxiety Maze Archives: Questions to Ask Yourself
    Nov 18 2025

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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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    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
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    11 min
  • E 270 I Dropped Out Mid-Semester Here’s What I Wish I’d Known
    Nov 11 2025

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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: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

    Find my podcast
    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
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    31 min
  • E 269 Why "Being Normal" is Making You Anxious (and What To Do Instead)
    Nov 4 2025

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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: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

    Find my podcast
    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
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    35 min
  • E 268 The Real Reason Teens Hate Homework
    Oct 28 2025

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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: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

    Find my podcast
    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
    More information

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    28 min
  • E 266 How to Help Your Teen Use Social Media in Healthy Ways
    Oct 14 2025

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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: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

    Find my podcast
    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
    More information

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    25 min
  • How Social Media Algorithms Control Your Mind (And How to Take Back Control)
    Oct 7 2025

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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.

    Find my podcast
    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
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    20 min
  • E 264 How to Strengthen Trust and Communication with our Teens
    Sep 30 2025

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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: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

    Find my podcast
    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
    More information

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    35 min
  • Celebrating 5 Years: The Message That Started It All – You Are Worthy
    Sep 23 2025

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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: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

    Find my podcast
    Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
    Text me: 785-380-2064
    More information

    Voir plus Voir moins
    27 min