Teens: No Cap

Do Coping Skills Actually Work? Harm Reduction & Self-Harm in Teens | Teens: No Cap Ep. 47

Teens Uncharted — Sat, 09 May 2026 00:45:00 GMT

In episode 47 of Teens: No Cap, host and licensed Massachusetts mental health counselor Charity Chaffee tackles some of the most complex questions surrounding teen mental health. When dealing with high-risk behaviors, do coping skills actually work?

Designed as a resource for both clinicians and parents, this episode dives deep into effective strategies for supporting treatment-resistant teenagers who have already been through various treatment facilities. Charity challenges the traditional approach of simply handing out a list of coping skills to "fix" a problem. Instead, she introduces her "negative 10 to positive 10" scale—where a negative 10 represents death—to help contextualize and understand the full range of teen coping mechanisms.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
🚨Why stripping away a teen's existing coping mechanisms without understanding the root cause can be detrimental.
🚨How adults and professionals should react with curiosity instead of panic or shame when a teenager discloses self-harm.
🚨Applying a harm reduction philosophy to high-risk behaviors by focusing on making a situation just 1% better.
🚨Why natural hobbies, such as playing an instrument or joining a sports team, are fundamentally powerful coping skills.
🚨The importance of reframing relapse as a vital learning opportunity rather than a personal failure.

Join the Teens Uncharted Community:
🔗Website & Mailing List: Visit https://www.teensuncharted.com/ to stay updated on new recordings and announcements.
🔗For Parents: Join our free Facebook group [ https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ ] to access parent get-togethers, support, and trainings.
🔗For Therapists: Connect with our specialized Facebook community [ https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ ] for clinicians working with teenagers.
🔗Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757
🔗Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about

Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more insights into navigating the teen years!

#teenmentalhealth #SelfHarmAwareness #HarmReduction #ParentingTeens #TherapistTips #CopingSkills #TeensNoCap #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #TreatmentResistantTeens

Deployment, Reintegration, & Masking: Inside the Minds of Military Kids | Teens: No Cap Ep. 46

Teens Uncharted — Sun, 03 May 2026 04:25:16 GMT

Welcome back to another episode of Teens No Cap with your host, Charity Chaffee! In this episode, we sit down with Jason Kelley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to discuss the unique experiences and mental health challenges faced by teenagers in military families.

Jason brings an incredible blend of lived and professional experience to our coffee chat. After serving in the military for 17 years and working in mental health for the latter half of his career, Jason opened his own practice, Your Way Therapy, where he focuses on military members, veterans, and their families. Today, we unpack the realities behind the "resilient military brat" stereotype, the hurdles of deployment and reintegration, and how to best support military families.

In this episode, we discuss:
✨The Cost of Resiliency: While military children are known for being resilient, they often mask their true emotions or act as overachievers to keep their family stable during difficult times.
✨The Complexities of Deployment: Beyond just deployments, military kids face the stress of constant relocations, long hours, and temporary duty assignments (TDYs) that frequently disrupt their lives and friendships.
✨The "Reintegration" Phase: Jason explains that a deployed parent returning home is often harder on the family than the deployment itself, as everyone must adjust to shifted routines and changing family dynamics.
✨Parental Shame: The stay-at-home caregivers often struggle with feelings of shame or inadequacy when they can't manage their child's severe mental health issues on their own.
✨Advice for Therapists: Providers must take the time to understand military culture and avoid putting the service member on a pedestal, ensuring they equally recognize the profound sacrifices made by the family at home.

Jason Kelley's Practice: https://ywtherapy.clientsecure.me/#home

Join the Teens Uncharted Community:
Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/
Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/
Like our Facebok 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/

#MilitaryTeens #TeenMentalHealth #MilitaryFamilies #TeensNoCap #DeploymentSupport #MilitarySpouse #TherapistTips #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryBrat #ChildPsychology

Guides Not Guards, Rethinking Consequences & Reframing Teen Rebellion | Teens: No Cap Ep.45

Teens Uncharted — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:45:00 GMT

Welcome back to Teens: No Cap! In episode 45, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee shares her top insights from day two of a specialized teen therapy conference.

In this episode, we cover:
🎙️Rethinking Tech Use: Why it is more important to understand the how and why of a teen's screen usage rather than simply tracking their time limit.
🎙️Guides, Not Guards: Exploring presenter Chris Conley's concept of transitioning from managing your child to mentoring them as they grow into teens.
🎙️The Reality of Consequences: Why consequences should focus on steering teens in the right direction as a learning opportunity, rather than validating an adult's feelings about the behavior.
🎙️Reframing Rebellion: Understanding that what looks like rebellion is often just a teen's attempt to gain autonomy, build independence, and trust their own intuition.
🎙️The Power of Community: Why teen therapists need dedicated consultation spaces and how we are only as strong as our weakest link.

Whether you are a clinician looking to evolve your skill set or a parent navigating high-risk behaviors, you deserve a community that understands this unique population.

Join the Community:
Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/
Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/
Like our Facebok 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 #ParentingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #TherapistCommunity #GuidesNotGuards #TeensUncharted

Inside the Teen Therapy Conference: Trauma, Resistance & Sports Culture | Teens No Cap Ep. 44

Teens Uncharted — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:45:00 GMT

Hey everybody, welcome back to episode 44 of Teens: No Cap! I’m your host, Charity Chaffee, a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts who specializes exclusively in treating teenagers. In this episode, I’m coming to you straight from Pennsylvania after an exciting Day 1 at the Teen Therapy Conference run by Katie Kates May. It's been a long day and I am tired, but I couldn't wait to share my raw, bullet-point notes and biggest takeaways from today's incredible presentations!

Here are some of the game-changing "nuggets of information" from today's experts:

Regulation & Safety: Regulation isn't always calm, and ensuring safety is the actual treatment. Before you can get regulation within a teenager, you have to establish regulation with them.
Reframing Trauma: Trauma is what happens in the nervous system, not just the incident itself.
The Truth About Resistance: Teen resistance is really just a data point, and it is actually a powerful developmental milestone for building autonomy.
Student Athletes: A massive 90% of athletes identify their coach as their biggest role model. Unfortunately, sports culture frequently normalizes emotion suppression.
High-Conflict Divorce & Policies: When managing high-conflict cases, providers must be brave, because being too risk-averse creates a barrier to competent care. Practice policies are the structure for your practice and are different from consents for treatment.
Self-Harm vs. Repetitive Behaviors: Body-focused repetitive behavior should absolutely be assessed, but it is not actually self-harm.
Shame & Secrecy: Shame is a relational wound, and secrecy functions as a supportive behavior. If a parent or therapist's response increases a teen's shame, it almost guarantees that their behavior will become more secretive.

We have to remember that teens deserve their own specialized treatment category because they aren't just little adults, and they shouldn't be lumped in with children!

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week after Day 2 of the conference!

#TeenTherapy #MentalHealthCounseling #ParentingTeens #StudentAthletes #TraumaInformed #TeensNoCap #JerriChafee #TherapistTips #MentalHealthAwareness #TeenMentalHealth

Neurodiversity in Teen Girls: ADHD, Autism & Harm Reduction w/ Jamie Roberts | Teens No Cap Ep 43

Teens Uncharted — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:45:00 GMT

Welcome back to Teens No Cap! I'm your host, Charity Chafee, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in teens and their families.

Today, I am absolutely jazzed to welcome Jamie Roberts to the show! Jamie is a California-based LMFT who specializes in working with neurodivergent teens and young adults (ADHD, autism, learning differences, and anxiety). She joins us to discuss her incredible new book, Neurodiversity for Teen Girls, and share her own journey of receiving a late diagnosis of AuDHD in her thirties.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
✅The Diagnostic Gap: Exploring why 80% of autistic girls do not receive a diagnosis by age 18.
✅The Phone Battery Analogy: A highly relatable update to the traditional "spoon theory" that helps teens effectively communicate their daily energy levels.
✅Redefining Self-Harm: Why we need to start viewing self-harm as a form of "pain regulation" for dopamine-deprived brains.
✅Harm Reduction Strategies: How to implement "distract and delay" techniques to keep teens safe, rather than relying on abstinence-only approaches that don't work.
✅Finding Yourself in Fiction: A look at the six crystal-named archetypes in Jamie's book (like Citrine, Onyx, and Emerald) that help neurodivergent teens feel seen and understood.

Resources & Links Mentioned:
✨Jamie's New Book: Neurodiversity for Teen Girls [https://a.co/d/04DEEBbR]
✨Jamie's First Book: Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1638783829]
✨Neuroaffirming Clinical Trainings: Check out Neuropebble! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/neuropebble-corp/posts/]
✨Follow Jamie Everywhere: @NeuroDivergentTherapist [https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergenttherapist/]
✨ Visit Teens Uncharted Website: https://www.teensuncharted.com/
✨ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/

#Neurodiversity #AutismInGirls #ADHD #HarmReduction #TeenMentalHealth #TeensNoCap #ParentingTeens #JamieRobertsLMFT

Stop Treating Teens Like Adults: The Ultimate Guide to Teen Therapy Standards | Teens: No Cap Ep.40

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:10:47 GMT

Working with teenagers isn't the same as working with children or adults. Because of their unique brain development, teenagers are their own distinct clinical subspecialty.

In Episode #40 of Teens: No Cap, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee breaks down the critical standards of care required for working effectively with adolescents. If you want to offer better scaffolding and support to your teen clients and navigate family dynamics with confidence, these are the practices you need to implement.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✨Parent Involvement: Why treating a teen in a vacuum doesn't work and how to include regulated parents at regular intervals.
✨The Intake Process: The importance of holding completely separate intake sessions for teens and parents.
✨Customized Paperwork: Why teens need their own tailored intake packets and policies written in language they can understand.
✨Wraparound Support: How attending school meetings (like IEPs and 504s) gives you a greater sense of the landscape your clients face.
✨Clear Boundaries: Setting firm, written policies for texting, outside contact, and mandated reporting.
✨Tracking Progress: Using quarterly check-in forms to give teens a safe, alternative way to disclose difficult behaviors like self-harm.

Connect & Learn More:
Website: https://www.teensuncharted.com/
Provider Community: Join our free Skool community for professionals who love working with teens
https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about
Upcoming Training: Join the Harm Reduction Training on April 10th

#teentherapy #MentalHealthCounselor #TeensNoCap #StandardsOfCare #TherapistTips #AdolescentMentalHealth #ClinicalPractice #PrivatePractice #TherapistCommunity #ParentingTeens

Self-Harm is a Coping Skill: How to Actually Help High-Risk Teens | Teens No Cap Ep. 39

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:05:57 GMT

Welcome back to Teens No Cap! In episode 39, we are tackling a heavy but crucial topic for March, which is Self-Harm Awareness Month. Self-harm is still a very taboo subject today, and there are many misconceptions about what it actually is. As a licensed mental health counselor specializing in high-risk teens, I want to share a different perspective on how we approach and treat self-injury.

Here is what we cover in tonight's episode:
💡We expand the definition of self-harm beyond traditional cutting or burning to include disordered eating, substance abuse, and high-risk sex practices.
💡We discuss how self-harm is often an attempt to manage an internal state and self-preserve through means the person has control over.
💡I explain why asking a teen "why" they self-harm is unhelpful because it puts them in a state of defense and forces them to justify their coping skills.
💡We explore the alternative of asking "what is that like for you?" to foster collaboration and curiosity.
💡I break down why telling someone to "just stop" ignores the reality that the behavior has become a predictable, comforting friend to them.
💡We look at recovery through the lens of micro-steps, focusing on building behavioral scaffolding rather than expecting overnight healing.
💡We discuss how relapse is a normal part of the process and a learning opportunity, not a failure.

If you are a clinician treating teens, don't forget to join the free school community for monthly case consultations and private practice building sessions.

Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe!

#TeensNoCap #SelfHarmAwarenessMonth #HarmReduction #TeenMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens #MentalHealthCounseling #ParentingTeens #HighRiskTeens #TherapistLife

Parents on GLP-1s: How to Talk to Your Teen About Weight Loss & Body Image | Teens: No Cap Ep 38

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:03:28 GMT

Is your health journey impacting your teen’s body image?

In Part 2 of our deep dive into GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy), Charity Chaffee, LMHC, and Dr. Emily Gordon, Psy.D., explore the complex "spiderweb" of parenting while on a weight-loss journey. As GLP-1s become a cultural movement, many parents are left wondering: Should I tell my teenager?.

In this episode, we discuss the "Great Untangling"—the process of separating your health decisions from your teen’s developing identity. We cover how to handle accusations of hypocrisy, why "do as I say, not as I do" fails with observant teens, and how to maintain family rituals when your eating habits change.

In this episode, we discuss:
✨The Narrative Shift: Why it’s safer for your teen to get the story from you than from an AI or Google.
✨Developmental Risks: Why GLP-1s are a different conversation for a developing teen brain versus an adult.
✨Family Rituals: How to keep the "connection" at the dinner table even if your appetite has changed.
✨Body Positivity vs. Acceptance: Helping teens navigate a culture preoccupied with thinness while making your own health choices.
✨Authentic Parenting: Being "messy and grey" instead of perfect to deepen your relationship.

About Our Guest:
Dr. Emily Gordon is a licensed psychologist (MA, VT, CT, FL) specializing in adolescents, young adults, and eating disorder prevention.

#GLP1 #ParentingTeens #BodyImage #Ozempic #Wegovy #EatingDisorderPrevention #TeensNoCap #DrEmilyGordon #MentalHealth #BodyAcceptance #WeightLossJourney

Why "Just Say No" Doesn't Work with Teens: A Harm Reduction Crash Course | Teens: No Cap Ep. 37

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:55:26 GMT

Happy Friday! In this episode of Teens No Cap, host and licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee dives deep into the "lens" she uses in her specific practice: Harm Reduction.

Many parents and providers struggle with the shift between childhood and teenhood, often defaulting to a demand for compliance. Charity explains why a "hard no" often backfires and how shifting the locus of control from compliance to support can actually keep your teen safer.

In this episode, we cover:
📌What Harm Reduction Is (and Isn't): It’s not about condoning high-risk behavior; it’s about safety, problem-solving, and keeping the conversation open.
📌The Power of 1%: How micro-changes and "analytical improvements" lead to long-term growth and success.
📌Autonomy vs. Secrecy: Why providing "scaffolding" prevents teens from "claming up" or engaging in dangerous behaviors in secret.
📌Radical Acceptance: Facing the reality of consequences (like STIs, pregnancy, or substance use) without living in a world of denial.
📌The Change Process: Understanding the cycles of collapse, learning, and growth.

"Your kid is going to fuck up. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when." Learn how to be the source of support they need when it happens.

Connect with Charity:
If you’re a parent or provider interested in learning how to apply harm reduction to your work or home life, reach out!
https://www.teensuncharted.com/
https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/

Subscribe for more episodes on navigating the uncharted waters of teenhood.

#TeensNoCap #HarmReduction #ParentingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #AdolescentTherapy #CollaborativeParenting #MentalHealthCounselor #TeensUncharted #ParentingTips #Scaffolding

Stop Faking It: Why Your Teen’s Physical Symptoms Deserve Validation | Ep. 36

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:52:07 GMT

Is it "all in their head," or is something else going on?

In this episode of Teens: No Cap, Charity Chaffee sits down with Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC, a specialist in counseling people with physical and mental disabilities. Together, they dive deep into the pervasive issue of chronic illness in teenagers—an often invisible struggle that is frequently misidentified as "just anxiety."

In this episode, we discuss:
✨The Diagnosis Gap: Why it takes an average of 7 to 10 years for many (especially females) to receive a proper diagnosis.
✨The Power of Validation: Why believing your teen’s symptoms (like chronic stomach pain) is the first step to preventing further trauma.
✨Parenting with Distress Tolerance: Learning how to manage your own fears so you can better advocate for your child in school and medical settings.
✨ACT for Chronic Illness: How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps teens separate their identity from their symptoms and live a value-driven life.
✨Medical Gaslighting: Destiny shares her personal story of growing up with a parent dismissed by the medical system and how that shaped her career.

About Our Guest:
Destiny Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor based in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in working with individuals navigating the intersection of mental health and chronic physical conditions.
Website: https://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.chronicillnesstherapists/

Follow and Visit Us:
Website: https://www.teensuncharted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/

#ChronicIllness #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #InvisibleIllness #MedicalGaslighting #TherapyForTeens #ACTTherapy #DisabilityAwareness #MentalHealthMatters

Valentine’s Day Special: The Myth of the High School Sweetheart | Teens: No Cap Ep.35

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:36:24 GMT

Welcome to our Valentine's Day chat on all things teen relationships! Whether you are a parent supporting your teen's first relationship or navigating the preteen dating years, this episode is for you.

It can be tempting for parents to say, "No dating until college!". However, if teens don't date now, they often end up navigating their first serious relationships in college without the supervision, guidance, or feedback of a parent. In this episode, we discuss why teen relationships shouldn't be dismissed, but rather viewed as the groundwork and foundation for future adult relationships.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✨The Danger of Abstinence-Only Dating: Why forbidding teens from dating means they miss out on learning healthy dynamics while they still have a safety net.
✨The "Fall in Love and Be Done" Myth: How media like The Summer I Turned Pretty and My Life with the Walter Boys sets unrealistic expectations that love is simply found, rather than actively maintained.
✨Defining the Code Words: How to help teens break down vague words like "trust" into actionable concepts like consistency, transparency, and communication.
✨The Power of Neutrality: Why parents must remain neutral and curious, avoiding the trap of either demonizing a teen's partner or glorifying them as "perfect".
✨Teen Couples Counseling?: Why addressing conflict resolution, needs, and attachment in teen relationships could prevent them from routinely needing to heal trauma in their 20s and 30s.

Connect with Us:
Instagram: @teens.uncharted
Website: www.teensuncharted.com
www.raisingvibrance.com

#TeenRelationships #ParentingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #TeensNoCap #ValentinesDay #DatingAdvice #TeenTherapy #HealthyRelationships #TrustAndCommunication #ParentingTips

Disability Neutrality & How to Advocate for Your Autistic Teen w/ Haley Moss | Teens: No Cap Ep.34

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:31:11 GMT

In this powerful episode, Haley Moss—autistic attorney, author, and neurodiversity advocate—joins Teens Uncharted for a deep conversation about autism, neurodivergence, and supporting teens through self-discovery and advocacy.

We explore:
🔹 The pressure to constantly achieve and how to enjoy the journey
🔹 Navigating autism and neurodiversity in school, work, and relationships
🔹 Parenting teens with empathy, flexibility, and acceptance
🔹 Disability neutrality vs. the “superpower” narrative
🔹 How to advocate for yourself and your teen in IEP meetings and beyond
🔹 The importance of community, communication, and self-acceptance

Whether you’re a teen exploring your own neurodivergence, a parent learning how to support your child, or an educator wanting to create more inclusive spaces—this episode is packed with insight, validation, and hope.

Connect with Haley Moss:
https://haleymoss.com/

Teens Uncharted Platform:
www.teensuncharted.com

📢 Subscribe for more honest conversations about teens, mental health, and growing up in today’s world.

#TeensNoCap #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #TeenMentalHealth #NeurodivergentTeens #ParentingTeens #IEP #DisabilityAdvocacy #AutismAwareness #HaleyMoss #TeensUncharted #InclusiveParenting #SelfAdvocacy #TeenTherapy #ActuallyAutistic #DisabilityNeutrality

Supporting Teens Who Don't Want to Go to College | Non-College Blueprint with Cathy Tallone Ep. 33

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:10:41 GMT

What do you do when your teen says they don't want to go to college? In this episode, host Charity Chaffee talks with Cathy Tallone, founder of The Non-College Blueprint: Finding Futures That Fit. They discuss how to navigate this pivotal decision without shame, build a practical and fulfilling alternative path, and support your teen's confidence, values, and network.

Cathy shares her personal journey, the "stackable skills" approach, and actionable steps for parents feeling lost or anxious about their teen's future beyond traditional education.

In this episode, we cover:
🔹Why the "college or bust" mindset is outdated
🔹How to respond when your teen rejects the college path
🔹The 3 key pillars for building a non-college future: Values, Confidence, and Networking
🔹Real-world examples of alternative paths and "stackable skills"
🔹Reducing parent anxiety and rebuilding the parent-teen relationship around this choice

Connect with Cathy Tallone:
Email: cathytallone@gmail.com
Free Facebook Group: Non-College Teens
Book a complimentary call or explore coaching packages

Follow Teens Uncharted:
@teens.uncharted
www.teensuncharted.com

Timestamps:
00:00 Preview & Intro
01:05 Cathy’s Intro & The Non-College Blueprint
06:23 The Problem with the "College Blueprint"
11:10 Building a Bridge Instead of Shame
18:21 How Parents Should Respond
23:37 The 3 Pillars: Values, Confidence, Networking
34:50 Expanding Options Beyond Trades
44:27 A World of Opportunities Without a Degree
51:55 Purpose Building & The Boy Mom Perspective
55:50 How to Work with Cathy & Closing

#TeensUncharted #NonCollege #ParentingTeens #AlternativeCareer #TeenMentalHealth #FuturePlanning #Homeschool #Worldschool #ParentingAdvice #LifeCoach #EducationAlternatives #TeenSupport #CollegeAlternatives #SkillsOverDegree #GenZ #Parenting

GLP-1 Medications: Risks for Teens & Families | Part 1 w/ Dr. Emily Gordon | Teens No Cap Episode 32

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:56:25 GMT

In this important first installment of a two-part series, Dr. Emily Gordon returns to Teens: No Cap to discuss the rise of GLP-1 medications and their impact on teen mental health, body image, and eating behaviors. We dive into the history of these drugs, their shift from diabetes treatment to widespread weight loss use, and the serious risks they pose for adolescent development.

🔍 In this episode, we cover:
➡️The origins of GLP-1 medications and how they work
➡️Why they are becoming so popular—and what’s being overlooked
➡️The dangers of malnutrition, emotional disconnection, and long-term health effects
➡️How teens and parents can navigate conversations about weight, medication, and self-worth
➡️The importance of slowing down and making informed decisions—not quick fixes

This conversation is essential for parents, caregivers, and anyone concerned about the mental and physical well-being of teens in today’s “quick-fix” culture. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive deeper into how to talk about food, body image, and self-acceptance.

👥 Guest: Dr. Emily Gordon
🎙 Host: Charity Chaffee, LMHC
📌 Episode: 32 | Teens No Cap

💬 Join the conversation in the comments below:
Have you or your teen been affected by the rise of GLP-1 medications? What questions do you have about their use and impact?

📢 Subscribe and hit the bell 🔔 so you don’t miss Part 2 of this critical discussion!

#GLP1 #TeenMentalHealth #EatingDisorderAwareness #BodyImage #ParentingTeens #MentalHealthPodcast #TeensNoCap #DrEmilyGordon #WeightLossMedication #TeenHealth #InformedConsent #EatingDisorderRecovery #Psychology #AdolescentDevelopment #HealthyTeens

Is Your Teen’s IEP Helping or Enabling? (Honest Talk with an Expert) | Teens: No Cap E31

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:50:57 GMT

🤔 It's the tough question every parent and educator wrestles with: Is your teen's IEP setting them up for success, or is it holding them back?

In Episode 31 of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Monica Trost—a school psychologist, educational psychologist, and parent advocate—for a raw, honest conversation about the fine line between support and enabling in special education.

We get real about:
✅ The purpose of an IEP & when it’s truly necessary
✅ How to tell if accommodations are helping vs. creating learned helplessness
✅ Empowering your teen to self-advocate in IEP meetings
✅ Navigating school avoidance with empathy & high expectations
✅ The emotional journey for parents—addressing grief, fear, and hope
✅ What doesn't belong in an IEP (and how to change it)
✅ Preparing your teen’s IEP for the transition to college

Monica shares her dual perspective as a professional in the system AND a mom of two children with disabilities, offering practical strategies and heartfelt clarity.

👥 Connect with Monica Trost:
https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/

🔔 Subscribe + hit the bell for new episodes every week!

💬 We want to hear from you! Have you faced this "helping vs. enabling" dilemma? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

#TeensNoCap #IEP #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocate #SchoolPsychologist #TeenMentalHealth #IEPMeeting #Neurodiversity #SchoolAvoidance #ParentingTeens #EducationAdvocacy #HonestTalk

Stop the IEP Battles: Building Trust Between Parents & Schools w/ Gaby Diller | Teens: No Cap Ep 30

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:28:13 GMT

Welcome back to Teens: No Cap! In this episode, your host Charity Chaffee sits down with Gaby Diller, founder of Lotus Advocacy, to dive deep into the world of IEPs, student-led meetings, and effective collaboration between families, schools, and providers.

We explore practical strategies for empowering students to take ownership of their education, how to foster productive partnerships with schools, and why including outside providers in IEP meetings can be a game-changer. Gaby also shares insights from her experience as a special educator, administrator, and advocate—and how she’s working to bridge gaps in the special education system.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or advocate, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and a hopeful vision for creating supportive, transparent, and effective IEP teams.

🔗 Connect with Gaby Diller:
Visit www.lotusadvocacy.com

📞 Interested in working with Charity?
Visit www.teensuncharted.com
Or email us: info@teensuncharted.com

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

#IEP #specialeducation #StudentAdvocacy #ParentAdvocate #EducationRights #TeensNoCap #MentalHealth #SchoolCollaboration #TransitionPlanning #SelfAdvocacy #LD #ADHD #IEPMeeting #SpecialNeedsParenting #EducationPodcast

Navigating the Teenage Winter Slump: New Year's Mental Health Strategies | Teens: No Cap Ep.29

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:10:03 GMT

Welcome back to Teens Uncharted! 🎙️ I'm your host, Charity Chafee, LMHC, a teen specialist and licensed mental health counselor.

In this solo New Year's special, recorded on January 1st, 2026, we dive deep into why January through March is one of the most challenging times for teenagers. We discuss the perfect storm of post-holiday letdown, academic pressure, seasonal affective disorder, and few breaks.

In this episode, you'll learn:
➡️Why referrals for teen mental health services spike in January/February.
➡️How to reframe "New Year, New Me" goals into realistic, manageable plans for teens.
➡️The importance of letting teens lead the conversation about their struggles (and how to do it without invalidating them).
➡️A practical guide to implementing "Mental Health Days"—why they're crucial and how to structure them effectively with your teen.
➡️Preventative crisis planning: Why every teen and family should have a plan before a crisis hits.
➡️Creative, out-of-the-box coping skills for beating the winter blues.

Whether you're a parent, therapist, school counselor, social worker, or educator, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to support the teens in your life through the toughest stretch of the year.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to get notified about our weekly episodes focused on teen mental health, parenting strategies, and professional insights!

📞 Need more support?
Follow for more teen-focused mental health content.
Professionals: Join our teen-focused case consultation groups.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
01:43 - Why Jan-Feb-Mar is So Hard for Teens
06:06 - Rethinking New Year's Resolutions with Teens
10:28 - Letting Teens Lead the Conversation
14:36 - The Power of Mental Health Days
19:17 - School Support (IEPs/504s) & Seasonal Coping Skills
22:05 - MUST-HAVE: Preventative Crisis Planning
27:52 - Final Thoughts & Encouragement

💬 Connect with Teens Uncharted:
Let us know what topics YOU want us to cover! Comment below.

#teenmentalhealth #parentingteens #schoolcounselor #mentalhealthpodcast #newyearnewme #seasonalaffectivedisorder #crisisplanning #mentalhealthdays #therapistadvice #raisingteens #teenstruggles #backtoschoolblues #januaryslump #psychology #licensedtherapist

Is My Teen Lazy or In Pain? Navigating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) | Teens: No Cap Ep.28

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:06:32 GMT

Is your teen constantly exhausted, struggling with joint pain, or labeled as "lazy"? In this episode of Teens Uncharted, host Charity Chaffee sits down with therapist and mom, Becky Shaulis, to discuss the complex reality of raising a teenager with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

Becky shares her personal journey of fighting for a diagnosis after realizing her daughter’s extreme flexibility and pain were not "normal". We dive deep into the intersection of chronic illness, medical gaslighting, and the mental health toll invisible illnesses take on teens.

In this episode, we cover:
🎧The Early Signs: How hyper-flexibility and "party tricks" can actually be symptoms of EDS.
🎧Lazy vs. Chronic Fatigue: Understanding that a teen sleeping after school might be physical survival, not a behavioral issue.
🎧Medical Gaslighting: The struggle to get doctors to listen when a teenager's pain is invisible.
🎧The Neurodivergent Link: The high correlation between EDS, ADHD, and Autism.
🎧Parenting Strategies: Why modeling rest and apologizing to your teen are crucial skills for parents of chronically ill kids.

Guest Information: Becky Shaulis is a licensed therapist in Texas and a mother navigating the world of EDS and neurodivergence. She specializes in trauma, ADHD, and supporting families through chronic pain journeys.

#EhlersDanlosSyndrome #ParentingTeens #ChronicPain #EDS #MedicalGaslighting #Neurodivergence #TeenMentalHealth #InvisibleIllness #TeensUncharted #HyperMobility

Autism in Teen Girls: Why They’re Misdiagnosed, Missed & Misunderstood | Teens No Cap Ep. 27

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:45:53 GMT

In this powerful episode of Teens No Cap, host Charity Chafee sits down with Dr. Tabitha Hapeman, a neurodiversity-affirming psychiatric nurse practitioner, to explore how autism presents differently in teen girls—and why so many go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

We discuss:
🔍 Key differences between autism in boys vs. girls
🔍 The internalized shame and impact of late diagnosis
🔍 Why “masking” makes identification harder
🔍 How parents and providers can spot the signs earlier
🔍 Navigating new diagnoses with compassion and clarity
🔍 The importance of family scaffolding and neurodiversity-affirming care

If you’re a parent, provider, or teen wondering about autism, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or ARFID—this episode is for you.

📞 Connect with Tabitha:
Website: onwardgrowthpsychiatry.com
Email: hello@onwardgrowthpsychiatry.com

🎧 Listen to Teens No Cap for more honest conversations about teen mental health, parenting, and therapy.

#AutismInGirls #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #TeenMentalHealth #AutismDiagnosis #Masking #SensoryProcessing #ARFID #NeurodivergentTeens #ParentingAutism #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #TeensNoCap #LateDiagnosis #ActuallyAutistic

Building a Coping Skills System That Actually Works | Teens No Cap Ep. 26

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:20:10 GMT

Why do some teens master coping skills while others continue to struggle? The secret isn't the skill itself—it's the system around it. In this follow-up episode of Teens No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a teen mental health specialist, provides a step-by-step clinical framework for building effective, lasting coping skills with high-risk teens.

Moving beyond the "try this" approach, this episode dives into the crucial groundwork that must happen before a skill is ever introduced. Learn how to assess readiness, align skills with a teen's unique sensory needs, and create a process that builds buy-in and self-awareness instead of resistance.

This episode is an essential guide for therapists, counselors, and dedicated parents who want to move from simply suggesting skills to collaboratively building a sustainable coping toolkit.

In this episode, you'll learn:
👉The critical first step (hint: it's NOT teaching a skill) based on the "Stages of Change."
👉How to assess a teen's sensory profile to find skills that actually feel helpful.
👉A harm-reduction approach to brainstorming all coping options—without demonizing current behaviors.
👉How to implement a "feedback loop" to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t.
👉Why neutrality and curiosity are your most powerful tools when a teen discloses self-harm or other risky behaviors.
👉An 8-step framework to transform coping skills from a random suggestion into an integrated system.

If you're ready to stop throwing coping skills at the wall and start building a web of support that truly holds, this episode is for you.

Want to connect or have questions?
Reach out to Charity Chaffee, LMHC - Teen Mental Health Specialist, Therapist, Coach, Consultant, and Speaker.
www.teensuncharted.com
www.raisingvibrance.com
@teens.uncharted

Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on navigating the world of teen mental health.

#TeensNoCap #CopingSkills #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistTools #StagesOfChange #HarmReduction #ParentingTeens

Coping Skills Aren't Magic: What Parents & Providers Need to Know | Teens No Cap Ep. 25

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:01:40 GMT

Struggling to get through to a teenager about coping skills? You're not alone. In this episode of Teens No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a teen mental health specialist, dives deep into why the common advice to "just use your coping skills" often fails and can even damage trust and connection.

We'll unpack what coping skills truly are (and what they are NOT), how to match the right skill to the real need, and why co-regulation with a calm adult is far more powerful than sending a dysregulated teen away to "fix" themselves. This episode is a must-listen for parents, therapists, and anyone supporting a high-risk teen who feels burned out by traditional skills-based approaches.

In this episode, you'll learn:
➡️The real goal of coping skills (it's not what you think).
➡️Why high-risk teens are often resistant to coping skills.
➡️How to avoid "coping skill burnout" and rebuild a positive association.
➡️What to say INSTEAD of "Go use your skills."
➡️The crucial role of connection and co-regulation.
➡️How to build a "coping menu" that actually works.

If you've ever felt like you're just throwing coping skills at a problem with no results, this episode will give you a new framework and practical strategies to help the teen in your life effectively manage big emotions.

Want to connect or have questions?
Reach out to Charity Chaffee, LMHC - Teen Mental Health Specialist, Therapist, Coach, Consultant, and Speaker.
www.teensuncharted.com
www.raisingvibrance.com

Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on navigating the world of teen mental health.

#TeensNoCap #CopingSkills #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #TherapistAdvice #DBT #MentalHealthPodcast #WhatsTheProblem

Harm Reduction for High-Risk Teens: A Therapist's Approach | Teens: No Cap Ep. 24

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:53:06 GMT

In this episode of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee—a teen mental health specialist—dives deep into the philosophy of harm reduction and why it's a game-changer for engaging high-risk teens in therapy. Learn why traditional methods like strict "no-harm contracts" can often backfire, and how meeting teens where they are with curiosity and neutrality can build trust and save lives.

Charity breaks down:
🤔 Why "resistance" is just data, not defiance
🧩 How harm reduction lowers barriers to treatment
🚫 The difference between harm reduction and enabling
🧠 Practical strategies to center a teen's voice and build buy-in
🎬 Even a Disney analogy (hello, Ariel!) to illustrate her points

If you're a parent, therapist, or anyone working with teenagers, this episode is packed with insights to transform your approach.

Want more? Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!

👉 Follow Teens Uncharted for more raw and real conversations about teen mental health.

Connect with Charity:
www.teensuncharted.com
www.raisingvibrance.com
info@teensuncharted.com
@teens.uncharted

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & What is Harm Reduction?
02:52 The Problem with "They Just Need DBT"
08:38 Harm Reduction as Long-Term Protection
12:49 The Power of Curiosity Over Demonization
17:55 Resistance is Data, Not a Bad Thing
19:13 Harm Reduction vs. Enabling
25:34 A Real-World Story from Community Mental Health
30:08 Wrap-Up & How to Learn More

#TeensNoCap #HarmReduction #TeenMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens #MentalHealthPodcast #TeensNoCap #DBT #HighRiskTeens #ParentingTeens #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthProvider #ChildTherapist #SelfHarmRecovery #SubstanceUse #MentalHealthAwareness

Therapy with Resistant Teens, Pride Flags in Session & Letting Teens Make Mistakes | Ep.23

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:39:56 GMT

Welcome back to Teens No Cap! I'm your host, Charity Chaffee, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in high-risk teens and young adults. In this episode, I'm switching it up and diving into your questions from Reddit!

We're tackling three big topics that every teen therapist and parent needs to hear:
➡️ What to do when your teen client is quiet, resistant, or just "unimpressed" with therapy.
➡️ How to respond when a client says your Pride flag is a "symbol of hate."
➡️ My top advice for parents and providers: Why you need to let teens make mistakes and "pick the hills you want to die on."

If you're a mental health provider working with teens or a parent of a teenager, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and heartfelt insights to help you build better connections.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
👉 Want to join the Teens Uncharted membership for providers? DM me on Instagram or email me!
👉 Follow me on Instagram: @teens.uncharted
👉 Visit my website: www.teensuncharted.com

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:13 Reddit Post #1: Tips for Working with Quiet Teens
08:08 Reddit Post #2: Pride Flag in the Therapy Room
15:09 Reddit Post #3: Help with an Unwilling Teen Client
23:08 What's On My Mind: Letting Teens Make Mistakes
38:20 Wrap-Up & How to Join Our Community

#TeensNoCap #TeenTherapy #TherapyWithTeens #MentalHealthPodcast #ParentingTeens #TherapistLife #LGBTQTherapy #PrideFlag #TeenMentalHealth #LetTeensMakeMistakes #ParentingAdvice #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #CBT #TeenCounselor #MentalHealthCounselor

Teens in Crisis: A Therapist Analyzes 4 Desperate Parent Stories | Teens: No Cap Ep.22

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:28:40 GMT

In this powerful episode of Teens No Cap, host and teen mental health specialist Charity Chaffee dives into four raw and emotional Reddit posts from parents at their wits' end. We explore the real, complex challenges of raising teenagers today, including:

🔍 A teen who acts completely different with her mom than with her dad—is it manipulation or a cry for help?
🚨 A daughter trapped in a toxic home environment with her father, leading to police involvement and juvenile detention.
💬 A tense mother-daughter conversation about homelessness and financial anxiety that may have gone too far.
🏥 A desperate mother seeking advice after her daughter's suicide attempt and a new diagnosis of CPTSD and ADHD.

Charity breaks down each situation with empathy and expertise, emphasizing that "behavior is communication" and offering actionable advice on:
➡️Collaborating with your teen's therapist
➡️The importance of emotional safety
➡️Considering intensive treatment and residential programs
➡️How to navigate tough conversations without triggering your teen

If you're a parent, guardian, or professional working with teens, this episode offers invaluable insights, hope, and a reminder that you are not alone.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Happy Friday!
01:10 Story 1: "My daughter is manipulating me."
05:20 Behavior is Communication
07:43 Story 2: "Advice on removing teen from father's house."
12:51 The Importance of Safety & Intensive Treatment
17:08 Story 3: "Did I take a conversation too far?"
19:40 Navigating Tough Topics with Teens
23:35 Story 4: "I'm so desperate to help my daughter."
28:47 Advocacy, Treatment Options, and Hope
33:30 Wrap-up & Self-Care Reminder

Connect with Me:
www.teensuncharted.com
@teens.uncharted

Subscribe for more honest conversations about teen mental health, parenting, and support

#TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #TherapyForTeens #MentalHealthAwareness #CPTSD #ADHD #DivorceAndKids #BehaviorIsCommunication #SuicidePrevention #TeenTherapist #ParentingSupport #TeensNoCap #EmotionalDysregulation #ResidentialTreatment #IEP

Breaking the Hospitalization Cycle: Supporting High-Risk Teens | Teen: No Cap Ep.21

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:22:28 GMT

What do you do when a teen is stuck in a cycle of repeated hospitalizations, self-harm, and suicidal ideation? In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Katie K. May, LCSW, a renowned expert in working with high-risk teens and their families. We dive deep into why the "revolving door" of inpatient stays often fails to create lasting healing and can even increase a teen's vulnerability.

Katie shares her transformative approach that focuses on building safety, trust, and real-world coping skills outside of a hospital setting. We discuss:
🔹 Why behavior (even self-harm) is communication and how to respond to it as data, not a crisis.
🔹 The critical role parents play and how to support them without triggering shame.
🔹 Moving beyond "safety contracts" to effective harm reduction and distress tolerance.
🔹 How to manage clinician and parent anxiety to break the hospitalization cycle.
🔹 The importance of a "no secrets" policy to build trust with both teens and parents.

If you're a therapist looking for confidence in supporting high-risk teens, or a parent feeling lost and hopeless after multiple treatment attempts, this episode is packed with practical strategies and a renewed sense of hope.

Connect with Katie K. May:
Website & Book Info: https://www.katiekmay.com/
Clinician Book & Training: https://www.teendbtbook.com/
Get her parenting book, "You're On Fire, It's Fine" on Amazon!

Connect with Charity:
Website: https://www.raisingvibrance.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/

#TeensNoCap #HighRiskTeens #TeenTherapy #MentalHealth #DBT #SelfHarmRecovery #SuicidePrevention #ParentingTeens #TherapistTools #KatieKMay

Are Teens "Reliable Reporters"? | Navigating Family Narratives&Toxic Positivity | Ep.20

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:15:16 GMT

Is your teen's version of events always different from yours? In this episode of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a licensed mental health counselor, dives into the concept of the "reliable reporter" in family systems. We explore why it's less about who is "right" or "wrong" and more about creating a "shared narrative" that validates every family member's experience.

Charity discusses:
➡️Why dismissing a teen's perspective can be damaging.
➡️How to move from conflict to collaboration by embracing the "gray area."
➡️The difference between supportive cheerleading and "toxic positivity."
➡️Practical steps for therapists and parents to help teens feel seen, heard, and understood.

If you're navigating the challenges of parenting a teenager or supporting them in a therapeutic setting, this episode offers a fresh, compassionate framework for building connection and understanding.

Let's Connect!
Have thoughts or questions? Drop a comment below!

Subscribe for more insights on supporting teens!

#TeensNoCap #TeenMentalHealth #FamilyTherapy #ParentingTeens #ReliableReporter #SharedNarrative #ToxicPositivity #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthCounselor #ParentingTips #FamilyCommunication #Teenagers

Prioritizing Teen Mental Health Over Everything: Teens: No Cap Ep. 19

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:07:11 GMT

In this powerful episode for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, host Charity Chaffee delivers a crucial message every parent needs to hear. We tackle the hard truth: prioritizing a teen's grades, sports, and activities over their mental health can have devastating consequences.

Charity, a teen mental health specialist, explains why we must stop waiting for teens to hit "rock bottom" before getting help, how to talk openly about suicide without fear, and why therapy should be a preventative tool for every family. She also provides actionable advice for parents on finding the right therapist, implementing mental health days, and advocating for your child's well-being above all else.

This is more than a podcast episode; it's a wake-up call and a guide to saving lives.

Key Discussion Points:
*Why we must normalize conversations about teen suicide
*The dangers of dismissing mental health concerns as "not that bad."
*How to choose a therapist skilled in handling high-risk teens.
*Implementing structured "mental health days" effectively.
*Shifting the family priority from achievement to wellness.

Teens Uncharted Resources:
👉 Free Membership & Resources: Might Networks [https://teensuncharted.mn.co/share/4FTSRucXeDPhOhE5?utm_source=manual]
👉 Website: [www.teensuncharted.com]
👉 Follow on Instagram: [@teens.uncharted]

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another parent who needs to hear it. Your support helps us spread this life-saving information.

#TeensNoCap #PodcastEpisode19 #TeenMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #ParentingTeens #MentalHealthAwareness #TherapyForTeens #TeenSuicide #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTips #TeensUncharted #SchoolMentalHealth #DBT #HarmReduction #SuicideAwarenessMonth

Timestamp Guide:
00:01 - Introduction & Topic Overview
02:20 - The Danger of "Is It Really That Bad?"
04:43 - Suicide as a Leading Cause of Death
07:30 - Prioritizing Mental Health Over Activities
10:29 - A Message to Therapists Working with Teens
15:08 - A Parent's Guide to a Suicidal Teen
17:57 - The Infection Analogy: Treat Early
20:15 - How to Implement Mental Health Days
25:01 - Treatment Modalities & Finding the Right Therapist
27:30 - Closing Thoughts & Resources

Subscribe to Teens: No Cap for more honest conversations about supporting teenagers.

No Friends, Sex, and Running Away | Reddit Chaos | Teens: No Cap Ep.18

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:01:13 GMT

Struggling with your teenager? In this episode of Teens: No Cap, licensed mental health counselor and teen specialist Charity Chaffee tackles your toughest Reddit parenting questions! From social struggles and secret relationships to defiance at home, we're diving deep into the chaos of raising teens.

We cover:
- What to do when your teen has no close friends (00:01)
- How to handle your teen's request for NO photos on social media (08:52)
- How to approach your teen about sex & safety (without shaming them) (12:53)
- Setting boundaries with an 18-year-old who refuses to help around the house (26:58)
- What it means when your teen says they want to move far away (33:31)
- How to get a defiant child to take responsibility for their actions (37:56)

Charity provides actionable advice, therapeutic insights, and compassionate strategies to help you connect with your teen and navigate these challenging years.

Find the full Reddit discussions from this episode:
👉 [My Daughter Has No Friends](https://www.reddit.com/r/parentingteenagers/comments/1n1hp75/my_daughter_has_no_friends/)
👉 [Respecting Teen's Photo Wishes](https://www.reddit.com/r/parentingteenagers/comments/1n1fs33/respecting_teens_photo_wishes/)
👉 [15 Yr Old Son Having Sex](https://www.reddit.com/r/parentingteenagers/comments/1n0v7qv/15_yr_son_having_sex/)
👉 [Caught My Teen Having Sex: To Tell?](https://www.reddit.com/r/parentingteenagers/comments/1mwi211/teen_sex/)
👉 [Teen Won't Chip In at Home](https://www.reddit.com/r/parentingteenagers/comments/1mulfsz/how_to_deal_with_a_teen_who_does_not_want_to_chip/)
👉 ["I Can't Wait to Move Far Away"](https://www.reddit.com/r/parentingteenagers/comments/1my68wu/kids_said_they_want_to_move_far_away/)
👉 [Teen Won't Take Responsibility](https://www.reddit.com/r/parentingteenagers/comments/1mxoroq/inability_to_take_responsibility_for_actions/)

Have a question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below!

👉 Subscribe for more real talk and expert advice on parenting teens.

Follow Teens Uncharted:
Instagram: @teens.uncharted
Website: www.teensuncharted.com

#ParentingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #Teenagers #ParentingAdvice #MentalHealthCounselor #TeenTherapy #FamilyTherapy #ParentingTips #TeenIssues

Teen Therapy Standoff: How to Connect with a "Resistant" Teen Who Won't Talk | Teens: No Cap Ep.17

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:53:08 GMT

Struggling with a teen client who refuses to talk? You're not alone. In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges for teen therapists and parents: what to do when a teen shuts down.

I'm sharing the top 5 practical, validating strategies you probably never learned in grad school to de-escalate tension, build trust, and create a safe space for even the most resistant teens. Learn how to move beyond the pressure to "just get them to talk" and instead, foster a genuine connection that leads to real progress.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What to NEVER say to a shut-down teen (and why it backfires).
✅ 5 actionable techniques to use in the moment: validation, reassurance, acknowledgment, and more.
✅ How to navigate parent pressure and teen confidentiality without breaking trust.
✅ Why forcing therapy often does more harm than good and what to do instead.
✅ How to address a teen's deep-seated fears about therapy (from confidentiality to real-world consequences).

This is essential viewing for any mental health professional working with adolescents, parents of teens, or anyone looking to better support the young people in their life.

👉 Want more support? Join our FREE community for clinicians dedicated to mastering teen therapy! Connect with like-minded professionals and get ongoing support. https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted

Timestamps:
0:00 - The 5 Things Grad School Never Taught You
1:16 - The #1 Question in Therapist Groups
1:40 - What NOT To Do
2:15 - Strategy 1: Validate
2:37 - Strategy 2: Provide Reassurance
3:09 - Strategy 3: Acknowledge the Silence
3:35 - Strategy 4: Change the Subject
4:25 - Strategy 5: Offer a Game or Activity
5:09 - The Power of Perspective
6:20 - What to Do When a Teen Doesn't Want Therapy
12:23 - The Importance of Consultation & Community

Subscribe for more real-world strategies on teen therapy, business tips for your practice, and insights you won't find in a textbook.

#TeenTherapy #TherapistTools #MentalHealthProfessional #TeenMentalHealth #TherapyTips #ChildTherapist #TeenCounseling #TherapyConsultation #LPC #LCSW #LMFT #GradSchoolDidntTeachThis #TherapistLife #BuildingRapport #ResistantClient #Psychotherapy #MentalHealthTips #ParentingTeens #TherapistCommunity #ClinicalConsultation

Replying to Your Reddit Threads on Teens & Parenting | Teens: No Cap Ep 16

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:38:53 GMT

Chaos before coffee! Join teen therapist and specialist Charity Chaffee as she answers your Reddit questions with her signature no-nonsense, expert advice. In this episode, she tackles three big parenting dilemmas:

Piercings & Permission: What to do when one parent says "yes" to a 14-year-old's belly button piercing and the other isn't so sure. Charity breaks down the real questions to ask beyond just age.

Family vs. Freedom: A 13-year-old doesn't want to spend a whole week at grandma's house over summer. Is a week too long? Should you force it? Charity offers a controversial take on respecting a teen's voice and time.

The "Lazy" Teen Eater: A 15-year-old stepson won't make his own breakfast or lunch during summer break. Is it laziness, anxiety, or something else? Learn why jumping to conclusions is a mistake and how to start a productive conversation.

Get practical strategies focused on curiosity, communication, and collaboration instead of control. It's all about understanding the why behind teen behavior.

#TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #TeenTherapist #ParentingAdvice #TeenDevelopment #PositiveParenting #Teenagers #ParentingPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #TeensNoCap

Collaborative Parenting vs. Gentle Parenting for Teens & Tweens | Teens: No Cap Ep.15

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:36:41 GMT

In this solo episode of Teens: No Cap, Charity Chaffee, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor and teen/tween specialist), breaks down why collaborative parenting is the game-changer for raising tweens, teens, and young adults. If you’ve been using gentle parenting (great for little kids!) but need a more effective approach as your child grows, this episode is for you!

🔹 Why collaborative parenting works better for ages 10+
🔹 How to build trust & problem-solving skills with your teen
🔹 Real-life examples (including a Little Mermaid analogy!)
🔹 What to do when your teen shuts down or makes mistakes
🔹 How to strengthen your relationship long-term

Struggling with power struggles, communication, or just want a healthier dynamic with your teen? Charity’s therapist-approved strategies will help!

💬 Got questions? Drop them below—we’d love to hear from you!

👇 Subscribe for more teen parenting tips from a licensed mental health professional.

🔗 Connect with Charity:
@teens.uncharted on Instagram & Tiktok
www.teensuncharted.com

#CollaborativeParenting #TeenParenting #GentleParenting #ParentingTeens #LMHC #TeenMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens #RaisingTeens #PositiveParenting #Teenagers

Parenting Teens with Love & Boundaries: Expert Tips for Connection & Growth | Teens: No Cap Ep. 14

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:22:52 GMT

In this heartfelt conversation, we dive deep into parenting teens with empathy, setting boundaries, and fostering genuine connection. Learn how to model healthy behaviors, handle tough conversations, and create a safe space for your teen to thrive—even when emotions run high.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
✔️ How to role-model accountability & emotional regulation for your teens
✔️ The power of listening vs. fixing—why presence matters more than pressure
✔️ Why healing your own inner teen helps you parent with more compassion
✔️ How family mealtime strengthens bonds & creates a safe space for tough talks

💬 "We are all just grown-up children—healing ourselves helps us lead with love."

👉 Connect with Monica: https://www.homeandharmonyparenting.com/linktree

#ParentingTeens #EmotionalIntelligence #MindfulParenting #TeenMentalHealth #ConnectedParenting #HealingGenerationalPatterns

Parenting Teens: Adoption, Trauma & Trust | Teens: No Cap Ep. 13 w/ Liz Garcia

Teens Uncharted — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:17:24 GMT

🎙️ Episode 13 of Teens: No Cap features Liz Garcia from The Simplified Struggle diving deep into parenting teens—especially adopted teens—with trauma, emotional regulation, and building trust. From navigating independence to understanding behavior as communication, Liz shares her experience as a mom of four (two adopted, two biological).

🔹 Key Topics:
✔️ Differences between parenting adopted vs. bio teens
✔️ Why natural consequences work better than rewards/punishment
✔️ How to decode teen behavior & emotional triggers
✔️ Rebuilding trust & repairing parent-teen relationships
✔️ The role of humor & consistency in parenting

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for parents, foster/adoptive families, and teen mental health advocates!

📌 Subscribe for more raw, real talks on teens & mental health!
#ParentingTeens #Adoption #TeenMentalHealth #TraumaInformed #TrustBuilding #TeensNoCap

Therapist Reacts: Teen Dating Drama, ADHD & Parenting Advice | Teens: No Cap Ep. 42

Teens Uncharted — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:45:00 GMT

Welcome back to Teens No Cap! In this episode, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee reacts to real Reddit threads to share professional insights on parenting and working with teenagers.

In this episode, we cover:

Lying About Dating: We review a story about a 14-year-old boy who lied about hanging out with a girl instead of a buddy. Learn why responding with clear boundaries and expectations—rather than shame, guilt, or grounding—builds trust and supports your teen's development.
Dating the "Wrong" Person: What should you do when your 15-year-old with ADHD dates a teen struggling with substance use and mental health issues? We discuss why restricting access usually backfires and how to lean into home structure, routines, and collaborative processing instead.
ADHD & Stealing: We unpack a question about a youth who steals money exclusively from family members at home. Discover why this behavior might be driven by attachment needs or a desire for connection, rather than just an ADHD symptom.

Join the Community!

Are you a parent or clinician navigating the teen years? Find us on Facebook under "Teens Uncharted" to join one of our two dedicated support groups:

Parents: Join the "Parenting of High-Risk Teens" group.
Clinicians: Join the "Therapists Who Work With Teens" group.

Be a Guest! If you work with teens or want to share your own experiences growing up, we'd love to have you on the show to reflect on your journey. Fill out the form below!

Hashtags:

#ParentingTeens #TeenTherapy #TeensUncharted #ADHD #TeenMentalHealth #TeenRelationships #ParentingAdvice #ChildPsychology

What to Do (And NOT Do) When a Teenager is in Crisis | Teens: No Cap Ep.41

Teens Uncharted — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:45:00 GMT

Are you a parent or therapist feeling overwhelmed when a teenager goes into crisis? In Episode 41 of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in high-risk adolescents, breaks down the reality of teen crises and how to safely manage them.

Charity explains that teens are not just "little adults" and require specialized understanding and scaffolding. A crisis isn't simply attention-seeking behavior; it is a state of nervous system overwhelm where coping capacities are completely maxed out.

In this episode, we cover:
✨The Three Types of Teen Crisis: Learn to identify internal collapse , external explosions , and hidden crises like autistic burnout or perfectionism.
✨What Makes a Crisis Worse: Discover why control battles , immediate punishments , and simply telling a teen to "use coping skills" often backfire and invalidate their experience.
✨The 3-Step Framework for De-escalation: Master the process of stabilizing the nervous system first , building relational connection , and gaining understanding before attempting to problem-solve.
✨The Adult's Role: Understand why a parent or therapist's job is to steady the ground and regulate their own fear , rather than immediately fixing the problem.
✨The Truth About Hospitalization: Explore the nuances of inpatient care and why using hospitalization as a quick fix can sometimes traumatize teens and fail to build long-term coping skills.
✨The Importance of Repair: Learn why post-crisis processing and reparative conversations are crucial for turning a crisis into an opportunity for hope and growth.

If you treat teens or parent a high-risk youth, you don't have to navigate this alone. Join Charity's growing community on Facebook and Skool to get the support and consultation you need.

Follow & Connect:
🔗 Facebook Group for Parents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1481585440152686/
🔗 Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about'
🔗 Website: https://www.teensuncharted.com/
🔗 Incoming Workshop: https://www.teensuncharted.com/harm-reduction-workshop-april-10
🔗 Follow Teens Uncharted for more content!

#TeenMentalHealth #TeenTherapy #ParentingTeens #HighRiskTeens #CrisisManagement #TeensUncharted #MentalHealthCounseling #TherapistTips #AdolescentTherapy

IEP Secrets Every Parent Needs to Know (With Special Ed Attorney Frances Shefter) | Episode 12

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:19:53 GMT

⚖️ "70% of IEPs fail to deliver promised services—here’s how to change that."

In this must-latch episode, teen therapy expert Charity Chaffee (LMHC) sits down with Frances Shefter (Special Education Attorney, Host of Stress-Free IEP podcast) to reveal:

💡 You’ll learn:
✅ The #1 mistake parents make in IEP meetings (hint: it’s not being "too pushy").
✅ How to decode "edu-speak" and spot when schools are dodging responsibilities.
✅ "The 5-Seat Perspective": What it’s like to advocate as a parent and attorney.
✅ Proven scripts to get accommodations for neurodiverse teens (ADHD, autism, PDA, etc.).
✅ When to bring a lawyer vs. when to negotiate solo—plus free/low-cost resources.

💬 Question for you: What’s your biggest IEP struggle? Comment below! 👇

📌 RESOURCES FROM FRANCES:
Free IEP Guide: https://shefterlaw.com/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QBPnprS2MLQATVckfpG8g?si=0NVmY4XDTOSguZJb3One2A
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shefterlawpa

🔔 Subscribe + Hit the Bell for more teen advocacy strategies every week!

#IEPHelp #SpecialEducation #NeurodiverseTeens #ParentRights #TeensUncharted

Teen Sexuality & Relationships: What Parents & Therapists Get Wrong | Teens: No Cap Ep.11

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:30:07 GMT

🔴 "63% of teens learn about sex from friends or porn - here's how to change that."

In this must-latch episode, teen therapy expert Charity Chafee (LMHC) sits down with Brittney Slater (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & Sex Therapy Specialist) to break down:

💡 You'll learn:
✅ Why the "one big talk" about sex fails teens (and what to do instead)
✅ How early sexual experiences rewire the brain for future relationships
✅ The #1 mistake parents make when discussing boundaries (that increases risk)
✅ When teens are truly ready for intimacy (hint: it's not about age)
✅ How to spot sexual coercion in teen relationships before it escalates

💬 Question for you: What's one thing you WISH you'd known about sex as a teen? Comment below! 👇

📌 RESOURCES FROM BRITTNEY:
Sex & Intimacy Seminar: SpeakTeasy.com
Follow Brittney: @speakteasyma on Instagram | @SpeakTeasy on TikTok

🔔 Subscribe + Hit the Bell for more unfiltered teen mental health strategies every week!

#TeenMentalHealth #SexTherapy #ParentingTeens #RelationshipAdvice #TherapistApproved

Why Teens Self-Harm (And How to Actually Help) | Teens: No Cap Ep.10

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:27:51 GMT

🔴 "If your teen is self-harming, they’re telling you something—but are you listening?"

In this raw, unfiltered episode, teen therapy expert Charity Chafee, LMHC sits down with Cally Sullivan, LMHC (specialist in adolescent suicidality and self-harm) to dismantle the myths, fears, and systemic failures in treating high-risk teens.

💡 You’ll learn:
✅ The shocking difference between adult vs. teen suicidality (hint: it’s not what you think).
✅Why connection is the antidote to self-destruction.
✅ The #1 mistake therapists/parents make with self-harm (and how to avoid shaming teens).
✅How involuntary hospitalizations can increase risk—and what to do instead.
✅ Callie’s framework: Practical steps to build trust with a struggling teen.

💬 Question for you: What’s one myth about teen mental health you believed before listening? Drop a comment below! 👇

📌 RESOURCES:
Join Our Summer Workshop: www.teensuncharted.com/summer-workshop
Follow Callie’s Work: https://inverted-dawn-counseling.ce-go.com/stabilization-of-adolescent-suicidality-and-self-harm

🔔 Subscribe + Hit the Bell for uncensored teen mental health strategies every week.

#TeenMentalHealth #SelfHarmRecovery #SuicidePrevention #TherapistTruth #TeensUncharted

Teen Independence vs. Connection: How to Be Their ‘Safe Harbor’ (Before They Sail Away) | Ep. 9

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:55:59 GMT

🎆 This July 4th, celebrate true teen independence—by becoming their safe harbor. In this solo episode, Charity Chafee (LMHC & founder of Teens Uncharted) shares why connection is the foundation of every healthy parent-teen relationship—even when they act like they’d rather "declare independence."

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The "Declaration of Dependence" paradox: Why teens need connection to thrive in independence (You can’t light fireworks without a stable base!).
✅ "Freedom within borders": How to give autonomy while staying emotionally present (no more power struggles!).
✅ Repairing "burned bridges": What to do when your teen shuts you out (and how to rebuild trust).
✅ Therapist’s secret: Tiny daily habits that build safety (so they choose to confide in you).

🔗 Key Links:
Website: www.teensuncharted.com
Join Our Summer Family Workshop: www.teensuncharted.com/summer-workshop
Follow: @‌teens.uncharted on Instagram

💬 Challenge for you: What’s one "spark" of connection you’ll try this week? Comment below! 👇

📌 Subscribe + Hit the Bell for weekly teen mental health tips!

#ParentingTeens #TeenTherapy #TeenMentalHealth #July4th #IndependenceDay #TeensUncharted #TherapistApproved

How to Raise Emotionally Strong Sons: The Missing Rites of Passage | Pt. 2

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:51:20 GMT

🎙️ TEENS UNCHARTED | PART 2: "The Modern Rites of Passage Every Boy Needs"
(Missed Part 1? Watch here: https://youtu.be/QZnjPS1q_AM?si=QQD0kKtG0hi0-SJ-)

In this critical conclusion, trauma coach Gregory Meadows reveals:
✅ The 3 non-negotiable rites of passage for today’s boys (and how to implement them)
✅ Why fathers must lead this charge—and what happens if they don’t
✅ How to rebuild trust with resistant teens (without power struggles)
✅ Gregory’s "Fatherhood Reset" framework for raising accountable, resilient men

🔗 Resources mentioned: WalkingMeadowsCoaching.com

👇 COMMENT PROMPT:
"Which rite of passage resonated most with you? Let us know below!"

#RaisingMen #Fatherhood #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTeens #ModernRitesOfPassage

Raising Resilient Teens: Parenting, Trauma & Rites of Passage | Ep.7 Part 1

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:48:14 GMT

🎙️ Welcome to the Teens Uncharted Podcast!

In this episode, host Charity Chaffee (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) and guest Gregory Meadows (Trauma & Family Coach) dive deep into:
✅ Consistency in parenting – Why tracking behavior beats assumptions
✅ Repairing strained parent-teen relationships – Prioritizing connection over control
✅ Rites of passage for boys – Why modern teens lack transition to adulthood
✅ Navigating trauma & emotional resilience – Tools for families in crisis

🔹 Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
05:32 - Why parents struggle with consistency
12:45 - How to "data-track" behavior (not emotions)
20:18 - Repairing broken trust with teens
28:50 - The crisis of missing rites of passage for boys
35:10 - Gregory’s nomadic coaching journey

💡 In this episode:
The invisible crisis in boys’ mental health
Why "be a man" parenting backfires
Gregory’s personal journey as a nomadic mentor

⚠️ This is PART 1! Stay tuned for PART 2 (next Friday)

👇 Comment below: What’s your biggest struggle with your son?

📌 Connect with Gregory: Walking Meadows Life Coaching
📌 Follow Charity: Teens Uncharted

#ParentingTeens #MentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #TeenMentalHealth #ParentingTips #TraumaInformed #RaisingTeens #EmotionalResilience #FamilyTherapy #TeenDevelopment #MentalHealthPodcast #ParentingStruggles #LifeCoaching

Understanding Teen Mental Health, Manipulation & Courage | Ep 6

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:41:53 GMT

In this moving episode of Teens Uncharted, host Charity Chaffee, LMHC, sits down with Dr. Angela Parente, a clinical psychologist, to unpack the truth behind teen behavior — and why it takes tremendous courage for adolescents to say:
"I don’t want to go to school because my brain shuts down from anxiety."

Together, they talk about how:
No one wakes up choosing depression.
"Manipulative" behavior is often a cry for help, not defiance.
Parents are doing the best they can, even when stuck between tough love and real concern.
Teens need support systems that listen rather than punish.

💬 Dr. Parente explains how therapists can help teens translate their behavior into language that parents and schools can understand — and how parents can respond with curiosity instead of judgment.

🧠 Key moments include:
Why avoidance, shutdowns, or even lying might be signs of unmet emotional needs
How to reframe “manipulation” as a strategy teens use when they lack better tools
The role of compassion, patience, and curiosity in working through school refusal and mental health struggles
How to validate pain while still creating structure and accountability

Whether you're a parent wondering, "Is my teen just trying to get out of school?", or a therapist trying to advocate for a student caught between systems — this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Angela Parente
Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/angela-parente-boston-ma/391188

#TeensUncharted #TeenMentalHealth #DrAngelaParente #CharityChaffee #SchoolRefusal #504Plans #ManipulationOrNeed #AdolescentTherapy #ParentingTeens #TeenAnxiety #HighRiskYouth #CompassionOverJudgment #MentalHealthAwareness #TherapyWorks #TeenSupportPodcast

How to Support Your Teen Through Transitions | Parenting & Family Reflection Workshop | Ep.4

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:24:37 GMT

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we’re joined by Marissa Dungan, LICSW-CST, to talk about the often-overlooked emotional and developmental transitions that teens—and their families—experience.

Together, we explore what it means to parent through change, how to reflect as a family system, and the unique challenges of watching your “little human” grow up. This episode offers a sneak peek into our upcoming Parenting & Family Reflection Workshop: The Side Quest designed to support caregivers through the ups, downs, and in-betweens of raising adolescents.

✨ Whether you’re currently in therapy with your teen or simply want to be more intentional in your parenting, this one’s for you.

🔗 Stay tuned for more details on the workshop, and don’t forget to subscribe!

👉 Subscribe for more expert-led discussions on teen mental health, parenting, and clinician support.

📌 Follow us on Instagram: @teens.uncharted
🌐 Learn more at: teensuncharted.com

#TeensUncharted #ParentingTeens #FamilyTransitions #MarissaDungan #LICSW #CST #TeenTherapy #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastForParents #AdolescentTherapy #SupportForFamilies

Eating Disorders & When Exercise Becomes Self-Harm w/ Jessica Jamison Ep.3

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:02:10 GMT

In this raw and insightful episode, we’re joined by Jessica Jamison—licensed therapist, fitness coach, and the heart behind the Dumbbells and Donuts community. Together, we unpack how disordered eating and compulsive exercise can go hand in hand for teens—and how what looks like "discipline" or "health" can actually be a cry for help.

This conversation is a must-listen for therapists, parents, and anyone working with adolescents in the mental health space. We explore red flags to watch for, how to talk to teens about their relationship with food and movement, and the path toward recovery and redefining "healthy."

🔍 In This Episode:
What eating disorders really look like in today’s teens
How exercise can turn into a form of self-harm
Fitness culture and body image pressure
Tips for clinicians & parents navigating these issues
Healing, compassion, and redefining health beyond aesthetics

👤 Connect with Jessica Jamison:
Website: https://revolutionhc.com
Instagram: @jessbjamison
Join the Dumbbells & Donuts Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dumbbellsanddonuts

🌐 Follow Teens Uncharted:
Instagram: @teens.uncharted
Website: https://teensuncharted.com

💬 Leave a comment, share with a fellow therapist or parent, and subscribe for more honest convos around teen mental health and wellness.

#EatingDisorderAwareness #TeenMentalHealth #SelfHarmRecovery
#ExerciseAddiction #TherapistPodcast #TeensUncharted #JessicaJamison
#DumbbellsAndDonuts #BodyImageTeens #MentalHealthPodcast

Effective OCD Treatment: Insights from Dr. Misti J. Norton | Teens Uncharted Podcast Ep. 2

Teens Uncharted — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:57:30 GMT

In this episode of Teens Uncharted: The Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Misti J. Norton, a licensed psychologist specializing in OCD treatment for teens and families. Dr. Norton shares her expertise on how parents can best support their teens in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the crucial role therapy plays in the process.

Dr. Norton talks about the importance of setting boundaries, empowering teens to take charge of their treatment, and providing insight into family dynamics that can either help or hinder the healing process. She also shares real-life strategies, including the use of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), that can make a big difference in the lives of those living with OCD.

Key Takeaways:

The impact of OCD on teens and families
How family accommodation can influence treatment
The role of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in OCD therapy
Tips for supporting teens through life transitions like going to college
Understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to OCD

About Dr. Misti J. Norton:
Dr. Misti J. Norton is a licensed psychologist at Upward Behavioral Health in Hoover, Alabama, where she specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, and trauma in teens and young adults. With advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dr. Norton works with her clients to create lasting, positive change. She also offers telehealth services for individuals across the country.

Connect with Dr. Misti J. Norton:
🌐 Upward Behavioral Health - Dr. Misti J. Norton
📞 Phone: (659) 218-6860

Listen to More Episodes:
Subscribe to Teens Uncharted on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform to get expert advice on teen mental health, therapy, and parenting.

#OCD #TeensUncharted #TeenMentalHealth #FamilySupport #ExposureAndResponsePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #DrMistiJNorton #UpwardBehavioralHealth #ParentingTips #Anxiety #Therapy

Teen Therapy Uncovered: High-Risk Behaviors, Parent Connection & Clinical Insights (Pilot)

Teens Uncharted — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:45:48 GMT

🎉 Welcome to the very first episode of Teens Uncharted: The Podcast! 🎉

In this pilot episode, host Charity Chaffee is joined by Dr. Emily Gordon for a candid and compassionate conversation about teen therapy — especially when working with high-risk adolescents. Together, they explore how clinicians and parents can better understand teen behavior, improve communication, and strengthen relationships during some of the most difficult years.

Whether you're a therapist or a parent, this episode offers real-world insights, therapeutic strategies, and a whole lot of heart.

🌐 More from Dr. Emily Gordon:
🔗 Website & Newsletter: www.dremilygordon.com
📬 Podcast-specific signup: dr-emily-gordon.kit.com/podcast
📸 Instagram: @dremilygordon
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dremilygordon

🎧 Follow Teens Uncharted:
🌍 Website: www.teensuncharted.com
📸 Instagram: @teens.uncharted

💬 Let us know in the comments: What do you want to hear more about in future episodes?

#TeenTherapy #TeensUncharted #ParentingTeens #TherapistTalk #MentalHealthForTeens #PodcastPilot