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Parents, do you worry about your teen’s emotional well-being and how anxiety may be affecting their daily life? Have you felt helpless or unsure about how to support your teen through their struggles? Are you concerned about the long-term impact of anxiety on your teen’s mental health? Are you looking for guidance and support from experts who understand what you’re going through and can provide practical advice to your teen for navigating this journey? Hi, I’m Monica Crnogorac and I’m so excited that you’re here on Parenting Anxious Teens. Things may seem smooth and easy for me now, but they weren’t always this way. I remember what it felt like to be a teen and feel overwhelmed, alone, confused, and frustrated. Even though I had the awareness of how I was feeling, I still struggled to overcome the heavy emotions because I was afraid of letting anyone in. I was hoping I would be able to ignore it and shove it under the rug without really needing to address it. What happened? My feelings of anxiety and overwhelm intensified and that freaked me out. I needed to find a way to free myself from the hole I dug, so I finally decided to work with someone who helped me let go of the burdens of anxiety I was carrying for years. It wasn’t easy and it made me shed a few tears, but I was able to release the pain and move forward to living a life where anxiety doesn’t have the driver seat. Let me tell you, the time, energy, and money I put towards my own transformation is what inspired me to help teens today. Resolving my own anxiety allowed me to uncover the secret to overcoming big emotions in an easy, manageable, and adaptive way. After falling in love with the self-growth journey, I went to school to get educated and certified so I can empower you and tell you everything I know. Inside this podcast, we explore the nature of non-clinical anxiety, uncovering its triggers, signs and symptoms, and the profound impact it has on a teen’s life. Parents, you will learn how to understand, support, and empower your teens through their struggles with anxiety. You’ll learn actionable steps you can take to create a supportive environment at home and help your teen manage their anxiety effectively. But we don’t stop there. I bring on expert guests, share anxiety hacks, and equip both teens and parents with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with stress, and navigating those turbulent waters with grace and strength. We are going to simplify teenage anxiety for you because I want you see your teen happy, confident, and thriving. I want you to be able to have a strong and supportive relationship with them where everyone feels understood and supported. Most importantly, I want to help them reach their full potential despite what they’re going through. So, grab your favourite drink, get in some comfy clothes and let’s dig in. You can find me here: Instagram: @__consciouscoach Work with me: www.consciouscoach.biz Connect: monica@consciouscoach.biz
Parents, do you worry about your teen’s emotional well-being and how anxiety may be affecting their daily life? Have you felt helpless or unsure about how to support your teen through their struggles? Are you concerned about the long-term impact of anxiety on your teen’s mental health? Are you looking for guidance and support from experts who understand what you’re going through and can provide practical advice to your teen for navigating this journey? Hi, I’m Monica Crnogorac and I’m so excited that you’re here on Parenting Anxious Teens. Things may seem smooth and easy for me now, but they weren’t always this way. I remember what it felt like to be a teen and feel overwhelmed, alone, confused, and frustrated. Even though I had the awareness of how I was feeling, I still struggled to overcome the heavy emotions because I was afraid of letting anyone in. I was hoping I would be able to ignore it and shove it under the rug without really needing to address it. What happened? My feelings of anxiety and overwhelm intensified and that freaked me out. I needed to find a way to free myself from the hole I dug, so I finally decided to work with someone who helped me let go of the burdens of anxiety I was carrying for years. It wasn’t easy and it made me shed a few tears, but I was able to release the pain and move forward to living a life where anxiety doesn’t have the driver seat. Let me tell you, the time, energy, and money I put towards my own transformation is what inspired me to help teens today. Resolving my own anxiety allowed me to uncover the secret to overcoming big emotions in an easy, manageable, and adaptive way. After falling in love with the self-growth journey, I went to school to get educated and certified so I can empower you and tell you everything I know. Inside this podcast, we explore the nature of non-clinical anxiety, uncovering its triggers, signs and symptoms, and the profound impact it has on a teen’s life. Parents, you will learn how to understand, support, and empower your teens through their struggles with anxiety. You’ll learn actionable steps you can take to create a supportive environment at home and help your teen manage their anxiety effectively. But we don’t stop there. I bring on expert guests, share anxiety hacks, and equip both teens and parents with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with stress, and navigating those turbulent waters with grace and strength. We are going to simplify teenage anxiety for you because I want you see your teen happy, confident, and thriving. I want you to be able to have a strong and supportive relationship with them where everyone feels understood and supported. Most importantly, I want to help them reach their full potential despite what they’re going through. So, grab your favourite drink, get in some comfy clothes and let’s dig in. You can find me here: Instagram: @__consciouscoach Work with me: www.consciouscoach.biz Connect: monica@consciouscoach.biz
Episodes

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Hi Parents!
This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a highly respected psychologist, speaker, and expert in teen anxiety and resilience. Her approach to helping parents navigate anxiety while empowering their teens is truly transformative.
More about Dr. Caroline Buzanko:
Dr. Caroline is a psychologist, professor, international speaker, and proud mother. Known as the Yoda of Anxiety, ADHD Superhero, and a true Changer of Lives, she brings nearly three decades of experience to the table. She’s a leading expert in building resilience and supporting the social, emotional, and behavioural well-being of children and teens. In 2024, she was recognized as Alberta’s Psychologist of the Year for her remarkable contributions to the field.
She also hosts the podcast Overpowering Emotions, where she shares expert insights on anxiety, ADHD, and emotional well-being to help parents and teens thrive.
In our conversation, Dr. Caroline shares practical strategies to support your teen in managing anxiety, avoid common parenting pitfalls, and build emotional resilience. She offers valuable insights into how you can foster confidence in your teen and create a supportive environment at home.
This episode is filled with practical advice and powerful strategies to help you confidently support your teen through anxiety. I know her insights will inspire and empower you!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Hi Parents!
This week I’m joined by Nancy Smith, an expert in high-functioning anxiety, to continue the conversation I recently started in a solo episode about how high-functioning anxiety differs from a Type A personality. While I introduced the topic in my solo episode, Nancy brings her deep expertise to provide an even clearer understanding of how parents can better support their teens who may appear to be thriving on the outside while struggling internally. Nancy shares her story; sheds light on the subtle signs of high-functioning anxiety and offers practical approaches for distinguishing it from general anxiety or Type A behaviours. We dive into strategies for building trust, fostering open conversations, and helping teens find balance and resilience.
More about Nancy:
Nancy Jane Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor, trainer, and author. She trained in Gestalt Therapy at the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio and is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, inspired by Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and resilience. Nancy has authored three books, including The Happier Approach: Be Kind to Yourself, Feel Happier, and Still Accomplish Your Goals, which offers tools for reducing anxiety. She is currently working on a fiction book about the inner critic voices in our heads.
Tune in to discover tools that will help your teen manage their anxiety while embracing their unique strengths!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Hi Parents!
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katie K. May, a renowned teen therapist and an expert in DBT. Her work is transforming how teens manage their emotions and how parents can better support them.
In our conversation, Katie shares practical strategies to help your teen manage emotional overwhelm and break free from rigid thinking patterns. She also provides expert guidance on building emotional resilience, understanding DBT, and fostering a supportive home environment.
More about Katie:
Katie K. May is a licensed therapist, national speaker, and trainer dedicated to helping parents and professionals transform teen emotions and behaviours. She’s the founder of Creative Healing Teen Support Centres and a board-certified self-harm specialist. Known for her expertise in DBT, the gold-standard treatment for life-threatening behaviours, Katie is passionate about empowering teens to feel accepted for who they are while equipping them with the skills to create a life they love. She’s also the author of You’re on Fire, It’s Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors.
This episode is packed with actionable insights and tools that you won’t want to miss. I’m so excited for you to hear Katie’s great advice!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
26 | A Special Message for Your Teen: Helping Them Understand and Manage Anxiety
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Hi Parents!
This episode is a special one - it's a message directly for your teen to help them understand what anxiety is and how to manage those overwhelming moments. I know it can be challenging to connect sometimes, but this conversation can be a great starting point for building that bridge.
In this episode, I share practical strategies teens can use to calm their minds, build resilience, and face their fears with confidence. By breaking down how anxiety works, your teen will gain tools to recognize their triggers and take charge of their emotional responses.
Whether they’re navigating racing thoughts, avoiding challenges, or just looking for more control in their lives, this message is designed to inspire and empower them. Share it with your teen to give them the support they need to thrive!
And to all the teens tuning in, thank you for taking this step to learn and grow. As promised, you’ll find links to some guided meditations below - give them a try, and let me know which one works best for you!
Beginner Introductory Guided Breathing Meditation
10 Minute Guided Meditation for Anxiety and Overthinking
Guided Meditation: Relieving Anxiety
10 Minute Anxiety Relief Meditation
Healing Anxiety, Stress & Panic Attacks
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps

Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
25 | How to Get Unstuck and Move Forward with Your Life with Author Jason Hopcus
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Hi Parents!
In this episode, I’m excited to welcome Jason Hopcus, a passionate advocate for creating meaningful change and fostering resilience. I first connected with Jason as a guest on his podcast, and now he’s joining me to share his powerful insights with all of you.
Our conversation dives into practical strategies for parents to support their teens through life’s challenges. Jason shares his expertise on setting healthy boundaries, building trust, and approaching anxiety with empathy. We also discuss how to nurture resilience and a growth mindset at home, equipping your teen with the tools they need to thrive.
More about Jason:
Jason's mission to foster human connection through honest conversations began in 2011, after a mental health crisis took his mind, money, and direction. With support from loved ones, he rebuilt emotional resilience and found deeper purpose. Driven by his passion for servant leadership, Jason founded Connection Project, LTD, a for-profit focused on creating tools & resources for vulnerable populations to accelerate healing.
As host of the podcasts Get Unstuck. Move Forward with Your Life and Nobody's Perfect, Jason opens up space for honest discussions on overcoming setbacks and finding purpose. His latest endeavour is publishing the best-selling book, Get Unstuck and Move Forward with Your Life.
Join us for an inspiring conversation packed with actionable insights to help you and your teen move forward with clarity and confidence.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
24 | Balancing Wellness & Parenting: Insights from Monica & Autumn Carter
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
In this collaborative episode, I sit down with Autumn Carter, a wellness advocate, to explore insights on parenting and self-care. Autumn and I discuss the importance of finding balance amidst chaos and share practical strategies for families to thrive together. We also open up about our personal lives, giving you a glimpse of who we are beyond our coaching practices. Our conversation highlights how reconnecting with our true selves can empower both parents and teens to navigate life's challenges while pursuing their dreams.
More about Autumn Carter:
Autumn is a wellness advocate who specializes in helping individuals reconnect with their true selves, find balance in life’s busy moments, and pursue their dreams. With a background in applied health and a wealth of personal experience, she brings a compassionate and practical approach to promoting well-being and personal growth. Autumn is also a passionate parenting advocate, supporting families in thriving together. Her mission is to guide others on a journey toward holistic wellness and self-discovery.
To make this journey easier, Autumn's offering a free resource designed to help you communicate more effectively with your child based on their unique personality type. Join us to learn how a collaborative approach to wellness and parenting can transform your family’s path toward growth and fulfillment — and grab your freebie to start connecting on a deeper level with your teen!
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps

Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
23 | Understanding the Overlap: How OCD and Anxiety Coexist in Teens
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Hi Parents!
In this episode, we're unpacking the realities of OCD and the overlap it has with anxiety, especially how intrusive thoughts can impact your teen's daily life. While everyone experiences intrusive thoughts from time to time, for those with OCD, these thoughts can feel overwhelming and distressing, often leading to compulsive behaviors. I’ll be discussing how to recognize the signs of OCD, its connection to anxiety, and the importance of normalizing these experiences.
Tune in to discover effective strategies to support your teen in managing their thoughts and emotions. We’ll explore how you can help them understand that thoughts are just thoughts — neurons firing in the brain — and that they don't define who they are. By fostering this awareness, you can empower your teen to navigate their experiences with confidence and resilience.
Whether you’re trying to differentiate between typical thoughts and those indicative of OCD or seeking ways to provide support, this episode will equip you with valuable insights and tools.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
In this insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Froyen, a renowned expert in conscious parenting, to discuss practical strategies for supporting anxious teens. Dr. Laura guides us through the key steps to breaking the reassurance cycle and helping teens build emotional resilience and self-trust. We explore ways to foster open communication, encourage self-awareness, and model healthy coping techniques that empower teens to face their anxieties head-on.
More about Dr. Laura Froyen:
Laura has her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy. She combines trauma-informed practices with the latest in child development research to help families find more peace, calm, & connection. She teaches conscious parenting & communication with heaping doses of grace and compassion through her podcast, The Balanced Parent, & her courses and programs.
Join us to learn how conscious parenting can transform your approach and strengthen your relationship with your teen.
Big hugs,
Monica Crnogorac
Next Steps