Stay ConnectedEver wish you had a zen friend? Someone who could help you ease your tween or tween’s anxiety, while also supporting you, so parenting was more peaceful?
Well good news, host Lauren Wolfe, a therapist and mom who’s made it through those anxious teen years is here to offer parents some zen!
A full-length episode comes out every Tuesday. And “A Drop of Zen,” a short guided meditation or a “Zen Bonus Boost,” a mini episode, come out every Friday.
Copyright: © 2022 Your Zen Friend
In this episode, we’re getting real about healing. Whether you or your tween or teen are dealing with anxiety, chronic pain, or just about anything else, I’ve got you covered. I’ll talk about some common misconceptions I see in my work with counseling clients, and share my favorite way to look at the healing journey - imagining a game board of life. This simple analogy can help you, your tween or teen to stay motivated and focused, even when setbacks happen.
What You’ll Hear:
And stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you, What’s Bringing Me More Zen. I’ll share something that’s been helping me stay cool and comfortable, sleep better all year long.
Mentioned on this episode: https://a.co/d/fqtr2Bv
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In this final part of our series on Anxiety, Physical Symptoms, and Chronic Pain, I’m sharing my own journey with chronic pain—what I’ve learned, how I’m doing now, and what I’m still working on. Stay tuned for "What’s Bringing Me More Zen" this week—believe it or not, it’s social media-related!
Highlights:
And stay tuned for What’s Bringing Me More Zen with my friend Cassie and a beaver named Nibi!
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In today's episode, we're talking all about chronic pain, what it is, why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can find hope and healing!
I'll start this episode by telling you how anxiety and pain act like alarm bells, signaling danger even though it is sometimes a false alarm. I'll tell you why the brain can incorrectly send out danger signals and explain the differences between neuroplastic pain and structural pain. I'll also provide you with questions to ask yourself to determine which type of pain you are experiencing. This will help you to take the necessary steps towards feeling better.
Stay tuned till the end of the episode when you’ll learn some practical ways to prevent pain and hear about Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a powerful approach for rewiring the brain to reduce (and even eliminate) pain.
This is the 2nd episode in a 3 part series on anxiety and chronic pain. Missed last week's episode? No worries! In it I told you about the connection between anxiety, pain, and physical symptoms. I will recap some of that info in this episode. If you also want to listen to this episode check it out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast/episode/7f785e8b/the-mind-body-connection-understanding-anxiety-pain-and-physical-symptoms-in-tweens-teens-and-adults
Resources and Support for Your Healing Journey:
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Find me on my website: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care.
This mediation is perfect to do anytime you (or your tween or teen) are experiencing pain, anxiety or uncomfortable physical sensations. Ideally you want your symptoms to be at a 6 or less when rating your symptoms from 0-10.
This exercise is a technique used in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, also known as PRT. It is helpful to do to help your brain and nervous system to know you are safe and with practice will decrease anxiety, pain or uncomfortable physical sensations.
For more information on what anxiety, pain and physical symptoms have in common and how to manage them check out this episode #104, The Mind Body Connection: Understanding Anxiety, Pain and Physical Symptoms in Tweens, Teens and Adults
https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast/episode/7f785e8b/the-mind-body-connection-understanding-anxiety-pain-and-physical-symptoms-in-tweens-teens-and-adults
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In this episode, I tell you what anxiety and has in common with pain and physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches and back pain —not just in kids, but adults too. I’ll break down the concept of neuroplastic pain, which happens when the brain misinterprets safe signals as dangerous, causing physical discomfort. I'll also provide practical tips on how to help yourself, your tweens, or teens manage these symptoms and feel better.
And stay tuned till the end when I tell you, What's Bringing Me More Zen. Here's a hint, this is something that had me going to bed earlier and staying up later and gave me some good laughs along the way.
This is part of a series on anxiety, physical symptoms and chronic pain. Make sure to follow or subscribe so you get all of the episodes delivered to your favorite podcast app.
And if you know someone that would find this episode helpful, please share it with them!
Mentioned on this episode:
Nicole Sachs' Podcast, The Cure for Chronic Pain: https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147796867/feed
Your Truly by Abby Jimenez
https://a.co/d/85rmsef
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you what I wish more parents would for their tween or teen to help them decrease their anxiety. This strategy is easy and free but many parents resist it.
If you are looking for support for your tween or teen and live in Connecticut, check out my private practice, Firefly Counseling and Wellness: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I'll tell you how the language you use with your tweens and teens and the things you say to them everyday could be increasing their anxiety. And have no fear because I'll tell you what you can say instead!
Parenting an anxious tween or teen is challenging! This podcast is dedicated to helping parents support their anxious tween or teen while also offering support to parents!
And stay tuned till the end when I tell you What's Bringing Me More Zen. I'll give you a hint, if you were Goldilocks or a bear you would be pretty excited about this!
Mentioned on this episode: https://www.target.com/p/better-oats-steel-cut-original-11-6oz/-/A-53246704
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why being less positive with your tween or teen can actually help them when they are stuck in a bad mood.
If you are looking for support for your tween or teen and live in Connecticut, check out my private practice, Firefly Counseling and Wellness: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
If you live outside of Connecticut you can find a qualified provider by searching here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjNS3BhChARIsAOxBM6rVNH9Qw5yngEKVNrSF95jfob6MruxcZPXPd4nZAk1Xjk9Svl1jsh0aArwgEALw_wcB
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode, licensed clinical social worker, Mary Kate Robb is here to talk about the connection between autism and anxiety. She will tell us what recent research says that could explain why it is common for individuals with autism to also have anxiety. Mary Kate will also talk about whether or not it is in a teen's best interest to be told about their autism diagnosis.
All human beings are unique individuals and this is certainly true for people with autism. Mary Kate and I recorded this episode in the hopes of spreading autism awareness and acceptance. We did our best to approach this conversation with sensitivity and compassion. Whether or not you have a child with an autism diagnosis, we think you will find this interview helpful and appreciate you listening in!
About Mary Kate Robb: Mary Kate Robb is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with children and with parent on parenting issues.Mary Kate went to Fairfield University and received a bachelor's degree in communications in 2004. She then went to Fordham University and received a Master's in Social Work in 2009. Mary Kate is also a yoga teacher, reiki healer, mindfulness meditation instructor, and is trained in EFT tapping. She is The Center's founder and is dedicated to helping children and parents find their path towards healing and happiness.
https://www.parentchildwellnesscenter.com/services
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care.
This mediation is perfect to do anytime you are feeling overwhelmed with all the efforting of life.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Have you ever been given a hot potato by your tween or teen? I bet you have! Especially if you have a tween or teen with anxiety. On this episode I'll tell you why kids give hot potatoes to their parents and what you should do if you if you get one.
And stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you What's Bringing Me More Zen. This includes some singing so you've been warned!
Mentioned on this episode:
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why it can be helpful to lose it with your kids from time to time. And I'll give you an example of how to repair after you've lost it.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode my daughter Leena joins me to talk about the benefits of making healthy choices for managing anxiety. We talk about how challenging it can be for tweens and teens to do things like limit phone use and get enough sleep. Leena shares how she has learned to care for herself in ways that keeps her anxiety low. She tells us what she currently does for regular self care and what she is working towards improving.
And stay tuned to the end of the episode when Leena tells us what's bringing her more zen! Here's a hint.......it involves Trader Joes and is a wonderful treat any time of year.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is challenging! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care.
This mediation is perfect to do anytime you would like to connect with your inner strength.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parenting a tween or teen is challenging. Especially when your child has anxiety! So on this episode I will tell you what you MUST DO in order to have more enjoyment during these often difficult years.
And stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you What's Bringing Me More Zen. It has to do with boundary setting and I have a funny story to share with you about how the universe keeps testing me lately. I giggle every time I think about it!
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why it's important to set healthy boundaries with your anxious tween or teen.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
*****REPLAY EPISODE
Anxiety symptoms in children often look different from what we imagine. Parents are sometimes surprised at how some of their children’s behavior, especially their misbehavior, comes from their anxiety.
On today's episode I will tell you about some symptoms I commonly see in kids and teens who are experiencing anxiety. The symptoms I'll tell you about are not always recognized as anxiety. I’ll also give you some strategies for helping your children to reduce their anxiety symptoms and feel more calm.
It's been awhile since I've told you what's bringing me some zen. I'll start out this episode by telling you about a few ways I'm feeling more zen lately. One of them has to do with the transitions from summer to fall, which always makes me sad. I'll also tell you about a television show I'm enjoying with my husband and a treat I sometimes indulge in from Starbucks.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why it's ok for you to show emotions as a parent. And I'll talk about the importance of letting your kids feel uncomfortable too.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
I am excited to share this episode of the Good Enough-ish podcast where I had the honor of being a guest co-host with Brooke Forry. Brooke and I dive into some good enough-ish parenting methods and talk about how we can feel amidst information overload as well as societal pressures as parents.
Brooke then shares an unexpected joy-sparker that has removed so much friction in the kitchen, and Lauren recommends doing your future self a favor that your dry hands will thank you for.
Listen to the Good Enough-ish Podcast wherever you are listening to this podcast. You can also find it here: https://www.goodenoughish.com/episodes
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is stressful! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care.
This mediation is perfect to do anytime that you would like to check in and connect with yourself. It's also a great meditation for difficult days.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
It's that time of year once again that kids are returning to school! This can be a challenging time for kids with anxiety. Tweens and teens have lots of worries when it comes to returning to school. Will they have friends in their classes, what if they get a mean teacher, will they get to classes on time (these are just a few common worries).
It's understandable that kids feel anxious before starting a new school year. On this episode I'll give you tips and strategies to help make this transition less worrisome. From easing back into a regular sleep schedule to talking through specific worries and getting familiar with new schools, I've got you covered!
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why your anxious tween or teen is even more emotionally dysregulated than other tweens and teens. And I'll give you a tip to help you stay calm and not join your child in being dysregulated when they are having a big reaction.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Teens often struggle with emotional regulation. They can have big reactions to small problems and sometimes act irrationally. This is hard on parents and they can feel disrespected when their teen is being reactive. On this episode Ann Coleman, parent educator and host of the podcast, Speaking of Teens is here to help! Ann will tell us what goes on in the brain of a teen that causes them to be emotionally dysregulated. Ann will also give tips and strategies for how parents can help their kids learn to ride big waves of emotions with less explosiveness.
Find Ann's Podcast, Speaking of Teens, wherever you find your podcasts or here:
HTTPS://speakingofteens.com/podcast
Join Ann's upcoming membership for parents, Parent Camp, here:
HTTPS://speakingofteens.net/parent-camp
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is stressful! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care.
This mediation can be done anytime you are able to get comfortable and close your eyes. It is designed to help you get to know an emotion or a part of you that is currently present. It is based on the therapy technique Internal Family Systems, also known as Parts Work.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Have you seen the movie Inside Out or the sequel Inside out Two? In these movies feelings are shown as parts. When the feeling anxiety gets introduced to the main character, teenage Riley, chaos ensues! The way anxiety is portrayed is very relatable. And using the idea of feelings being just parts is a great way to take some of the fear and intensity out of anxiety.
On this episode I will tell you about the benefits of using lightness and humor with your child to help decrease their anxiety. I'll tell you how you can do this using the idea of anxiety as just a part. I'll tell you why this is beneficial and give you some tips and strategies for you to use lightness and humor with your anxious tween or teen (these tips work with younger children too).
Stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you what's brining me more zen. I'll give you a hint......... it's helpful when you are in a sticky situation, is all natural and smells good too!
Mentioned in this episode: https://www.revive-eo.com/products/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw2Je1BhAgEiwAp3KY73rjcfnX0NgWC82xHd4zlklU5udBXN8lJVBBHEf14RLNuU6fBtfBcBoCEfUQAvD_BwE
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parenting a tween or teen with anxiety is stressful! This Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation, is designed to offer parents some needed support and self care.
This mediation is perfect to do when you want to relax deeply, take a nap or prepare for bed and a restful night of sleep.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode Power to the Pleasers host, Vicki Smith interviews me about Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as Tapping or EFT.
I share how I was first introduced to EFT as a self care practice during a workshop for therapists who were helping community members following the 2012 Sandy Hook tragedy after 20 children and 6 staff were murdered in an elementary school. Needless to say this was a difficult time for our town and a challenging time for me as both a parent of young children and a therapist for local children and families.
I will share how EFT profoundly helped me in my own healing and management of anxiety. I will also share how it continues to help me in supporting my clients in counseling sessions and provides clients with an effective therapeutic tool they can use on their own.
Check out Vicki Smith's fantastic podcast, Power to the Pleasers. Listen wherever you find your podcasts or here: https://powertothepleasers.com/podcast/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why it's important for your child to find something that motivates them to do the thing they are afraid to do. I'll also give you some tips for how you can help your child to find feel motivated by celebrating their efforts as well as their success.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will tell you how to take the fear out of your tween or teen's anxiety. As parents, when we feel afraid of our children experiencing anxiety, it only increases their anxiety symptoms.
The tips in this episode will help you to be more calm and confident with your child when they are feeling anxious. And good news is………that doing this will help your child to feel less anxious and worried!
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you feel less worried about your anxious child and more lovingly connected to them.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode my daughter Leena joins me to talk about her experience as a teen using social media and how it effected her. We will talk about how social media is proven to increase anxiety and the other negative effects that social media has. And Leena spills the tea on whether or not some common fears of parents are warranted about social media.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Join our private Facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/YourZenFriend
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you how I made a parenting snafu that has given my husband, kids and I a laugh any time we bring it up! I'll tell you why I'm glad I made this mistake and how it's helpful to our kids when we model being imperfect. Especially when we acknowledge our mistake with loving kindness for ourselves.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Get ready for a treat! This episode is from the podcast, Speaking of Teens, with host Ann Coleman. Ann interviewed me for her podcast and has kindly let me share it with all my zen friends. The following is an episode description:
Teenagers are experiencing anxiety today more than ever before. Yet, as a parent, you may have no idea what teen anxiety looks like or how to help your kid if you suspect they may have it. Teen anxiety doesn’t look like adult anxiety, and often teens and tweens don’t have enough self-awareness to even understand what they’re feeling. So, it falls on you to figure it out, give them the support they need and find the right kind of help for them.
On the show today is Lauren Wolfe, licensed professional counselor, and host of the Your Zen Friend podcast. She works with kids, teens, and their families when anxiety makes life difficult. She explains what teen anxiety looks like and what should do (and shouldn’t do) to help your teen if they’re living with anxiety.
Speaking of Teens is a fantastic podcast that focuses on delivering up to date, science-based information, news and advice to help you better understand, relate to, and parent your teen…without the conflict. So when you’re done with this episode go listen to Speaking of Teens! You can find it on Apple, Spotify, wherever you listen to podcasts or here: https://speakingofteens.com/podcast/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming episode. Here's how to connect with me:
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why it's common to feel annoyed with your anxious child. I'll also tell you what you can do to feel less annoyed and more calm. These strategies can also help to decrease your child's anxiety.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I'll tell you what tweens and teens with anxiety often experience during the summer months. I'll tell you why some kids feel less anxious in the summer while others actually feel more anxious.
Whether your child is experiencing more or less anxiety during the summer months I'll tell you how you can support your child now to make their return to school easier in the fall.
And stay tuned till the end of the episode when I tell you what's bringing me more zen. Here's a hint, it has to do with connecting with friends.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Welcome to your Zen Bonus Boost! This is a short (and hopefully sweet) episode designed to offer support, strategies and tips for parents of anxious tweens and teens.
On this episode I'll tell you why kids with anxiety often have a difficult time traveling. I'll also give you some suggestions for how to make going away with your kids easier and more enjoyable.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
I've changed things up a little on this episode with the help of Sonia Casique from the College and Career Ready Podcast! Tune in to hear Sonia interviewing me on the difference between stress and anxiety, how you can recognize symptoms of anxiety in your kids and teens and what to do if you have a child dealing with anxiety.
But first I'll share with you what my go to recipe has been when one of my kids needs a baked good for an event. And I'll tell you how I recently attended my very last high school event..... ever! As my son nears his high school graduation.
Sonia's Bio:
Sonia is the host and producer of the College and Career Ready Podcast and the founder of DiscoverU.
Sonia is actively bridging the gap between education, college and the careers of today. Sonia helps high school and college students make college and career connections early in their education journey. She helps students with character development, identity, self-advocacy, career connections and real life skills.
She has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation as a passionate school counselor, career coach, and education leader. With unwavering determination, she strives to supply parents and students with the confidence and resourcefulness they need to navigate the complexities of planning for college and building successful careers.
Her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of the next generation is evident in every interaction she has and every resource she seeks.
Connect with Sonia:
Podcast: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/PODCAST
Website: https://collegecareerready.org/join
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-cacique-8ab31b253/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services, including her upcoming group counseling for children and teens check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you feel more calm and relaxed.
This is a great meditation to do anytime you would like to feel calmer whether that's taking a short break from your day or at night as you prepare to go to sleep.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
***Heads up that this episode contains some fears that I had as a child that could be frightening to young children. Please consider listening to this episode away from young, listening ears.
On this episode I share my experience as a child growing up with anxiety. From the fears I had to some of the negative ways having constant anxiety affected me, I'll get candid. I'll also share what it's been like raising a child with anxiety. I'll talk about how this brought back my own anxiety and how I learned to be present to support my child, even when it was difficult to do.
I also share an announcement on this podcast. I will tell you what to expect in the future from Your Zen Friend and how the podcast is and isn't changing.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you let go of your thoughts and to dos and relax deeply in this moment.
This is a great meditation to do anytime you would like to relax or need to take a short and nourishing break in your day.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
This episode is a short and hopefully sweet one! I'm here to let you know what's been going on in my life lately and what I'm currently doing to create a little calm amidst the chaos.
And............I'll announce that a change is coming for the podcast!
I'll be back with a full length podcast episode on Tuesday, June 11th. Be sure to check in then to hear all about my upcoming podcast changes!
***Get the FREE handout, "How to Get Your Teen (or Tween) Talking to You:" yourzenfriend/tips
I'd love to hear from YOU! Send me a question and I might answer it in an upcoming solo episode. Here's how to connect with me:
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you check in with yourself. This meditation will help you to connect with how you are feeling and identify what it is you need right now.
This is a great meditation to do as a midday break.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
If you have more than one child then you are probably familiar with sibling rivalry. Many brothers and sisters regularly argue and even physically fight. When is it healthy and when is it a problem? When does sibling rivalry become something more significant and when and how should a parent take action? Dr. Amy Meyers is here to answer these questions and more!
On this episode Dr. Amy Meyers will tell us what sibling rivalry looks like, how it is beneficial and when it crosses the line and becomes sibling abuse. Never heard of the term sibling abuse? You are not alone! While this a term you might not be familiar with (I wasn't) Dr. Meyer's tells us how it is the most common form of abuse. She will also tell us some signs to look for if you think your children's sibling rivalry might be sibling abuse and how you can intervene to help your children, whether they are the one being harmed or doing the harm.
Dr. Amy Meyer's Bio:
Dr. Amy Meyers, PhD, LCSW is a psychotherapist trained in psychoanalysis at The National Psychotherapy Association for Psychoanalysis. She is also a professor at Molloy University and received her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in social work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and CUNY Graduate Center at Hunter College. Dr. Meyers has 30 years of practice experience and has taught in higher education for 18 years. She is an expert on sibling abuse and has published and presented nationally on the topic. She maintains a private practice in NYC . She is the host of the podcast “What Would Dr. Meyers Do?” which focuses on clinical issues and countertransference.
Listen to Dr. Meyer's Podcast, What Would Dr. Meyers Do, wherever you find your podcasts or here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/what-would-dr-meyers-do/id1653652017
Also connect with Dr. Meyers on her website: https://www.amymeyersphd.org/
***Get the FREE handout, "How to Get Your Teen (or Tween) Talking to You:" yourzenfriend/tips
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you give yourself a nourishing break. This meditation will help you to tune into yourself, relax deeply and identify what you need from yourself as you return to your day.
This is a great meditation to do in the morning or as a midday break.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
If you have noticed more push back, less cooperation, more snarkiness and disrespect from your kids lately, you are not alone! On this episode I'll tell you why kids experience an increase in symptoms of anxiety in the months of May and June. I'll tell you how those anxiety symptoms often show up and I'll tell you how you can take some simple steps to support your kid while they are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
As a parent you might also be feeling anxious or overwhelmed during this time of year. I'll tell you how offering the same support to yourself as you offer your kids can help you to feel more calm and grounded too.
At the end of the episode I'll tell you what's bringing me more zen. Here's a hint, it's something my dogs are a big fan of!
***Get the FREE handout, "How to Get Your Teen (or Tween) Talking to You:" yourzenfriend/tips
Mentioned on this episode, The Holderness Family/Maycember video. It’s super funny and relatable! Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8_IszUUAkw
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you connect to yourself.
We all get caught up in our to dos. It's easy to become disconnected from ourselves. Taking a few minutes to connect with our bodies and our hearts and emotions is a great way to tend to ourselves throughout the day and can help us to have more self awareness and feel calm.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
I am SO EXCITED to have an interview with author Lian Dolan to discuss her latest novel, The Marriage Sabbatical. Lian is the author of 5 novels, and the creator and host of the award winning podcast, Satellite Sisters.
The Marriage Sabbatical is a fun and insightful read about an x generation couple who has been married for over twenty years and decide to take a one year sabbatical from their marriage.
After twenty three years of building careers and raising children together both Jason and Nicole are ready for a break from their daily life. While Jason bikes his way across a continent Nicole rediscovers herself in Santa Fe as she confronts temptations and gains a new perspective on her partnership.
Spoilers will abound! Lian and I talk about the plot of this book, the characters and the outcome, which I found to be a satisfying conclusion.
Lian's Bio: Lian Dolan is a writer and talker. She is the author of Lost and Found in Paris, The Sweeney Sisters, Helen of Pasadena, and Elizabeth the First Wife, and is a regular columnist for Pasadena Magazine. She's written regular columns for O, The Oprah Magazine, Working Mother Magazine and Pasadena Magazine. She is also the co-creator and producer of Satellite Sisters, an award-winning podcast and online community for women, which she hosts with her four sisters. She graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California with a degree in Classics and now lives in Pasadena with her husband and grown sons.
***Get the FREE handout, "How to Get Your Teen (or Tween) Talking to You:" yourzenfriend/tips
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you offer yourself some self-compassion.
We all have a critical part of us that is often saying not very nice things to us in our heads. This meditation is a lovely way to offer yourself some gentle, loving kindness to help decrease the critical voice.
You deserve this time for yourself and these encouraging words. Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will tell you how to recognize your critical part and how you can use self compassion to make it smaller.
You might be surprised to find out that your critical part isn't always easy to recognize. But have no fear, I will help you to get better at noticing it and combatting it.
In the segment, Connection Over Correction, I'll tell you how I had some fun while connecting with my 18 year old son recently. And I'll tell you how you can do the same with your tweens and teens.
Finally, in the segment, What's Bringing Me More Zen, I have an app to tel you about. You can get a totally free version or pay $2.99 for a version you can customize. I'll tell you how I am using it and how you can use it to bring you more zen.
Mentioned on this episode:
Richard Schwartz and Internal Family Systems: https://ifs-institute.com/about-us/richard-c-schwartz-phd
Lotus Bud App:
https://lotusbudapp.com/
***Get the FREE handout, "How to Get Your Teen (or Tween) Talking to You:" yourzenfriend/tips
Join me in reading Lian Dolan's book, "The Marriage Sabbatical," and send in your questions or comments to me. They could be read during my interview with Lian which will air on May 14, 2024.
https://a.co/d/dpuCcw0
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you tune in and identify what you need.
This meditation is a lovely way to start your morning or take a mid day break.
It's important to listen to ourselves and tend to ourselves throughout the day. I hope this mediation helps you to do that.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
It's that time of year when many college aged kids are returning home to live with their families for the duration of the summer. This is often a time of excitement for many parents and also a time of transition for both parents and college aged kids.
On this episode I will have my twenty one year old daughter, Leena here withe me. She will tell us what she is looking forward to as well as what is tricky for her as she prepares to move back in with me, her dad and younger brother for the summer.
Some of the topics covered in this episode include:
Leena is a great sport doing this interview with me! As you will see we have differing opinions on some of the above topics. But we start some discussions on how we can find harmony over the summer. And we make a plan for what we can discuss more when Leena returns home.
I hope this conversation will help you to have a more harmonious summer with your college aged child too!
If you would like to follow Leena's new instagram page dedicated to delicious food: @lunchinwleena
Join me in reading Lian Dolan's book, "The Marriage Sabbatical," and send in your questions or comments to me. They could be read during my interview with Lian which will air on May 14, 2024.
https://a.co/d/dpuCcw0
***Get the FREE handout, "How to Get Your Teen (or Tween) Talking to You:" yourzenfriend/tips
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a three part breath often used in the yoga tradition.
This three part breath work will help you to feel more calm, grounded and peaceful.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Have you ever gotten up at the crack of dawn to get your child to a sport's game on time? Have you stood outside in the burning heat or the freezing cold to cheer them on? Have you taken vacation time in order to attend games or tournaments and used porta pottys that have given you nightmares? If you have answered yes to any of these questions then this episode is for you!
There are many valuable benefits to tweens and teens participating in sports. Whether your child is the MVP of their team or the underdog they will learn valuable life lessons while playing a team sport.
This episode is broken into a short segments that contain content on the benefits that kids get from participating in sports as well as tips for you and your child to have more zen during a hectic sport season.
From how you can support and encourage your child when they are in a slump to what you can stash in your car to make outdoor games more comfortable for yourself, I've got your covered!
Join me in reading Lian Dolan's book, "The Marriage Sabbatical," and send in your questions or comments to me. They could be read during my interview with Lian which will air in early May. Get your questions to me by April 20, 2024!
https://a.co/d/dpuCcw0
***Get the FREE handout, "How to Get Your Teen (or Tween) Talking to You:" yourzenfriend/tips
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you offer yourself compassion and gentleness on difficult days.
We all have moments or days when we feel emotions that are umpleasant. I hope this mediation will help you to be kind and nurturing to yourself when you are feeling low.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Whether you feel stylish and trendy or have no idea where to start when it comes to putting outfits together, you are in for a big treat! I am super excited to have an interview with Jennifer Mackey-Mary. Jennifer has been styling women for over twenty years and is here to share her wisdom on:
And of course stay tuned to the end of the episode when Jennifer tells us what's bringing her more zen!
Check out this special offer from Jennifer as well as how to connect with her:
Website- https://youreverydaystyle.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/everydaystylewithjen
Special Offer for Zen Friends: Style Circle- https://youreverydaystyle.com/zen/
Podcast- listen wherever you find your podcasts or here: https://youreverydaystyle.com/podcast-01/
Jennifer Mackey-Mary's Bio:
Jennifer Mackey-Mary helps women have easier mornings and better days. Her business, Everyday Style, is on a mission to inspire women to love the way they look, and give them the tools to make style easy. She’s the host of the Top 10 podcast, The Everyday Style School, that teaches you everything your mom never did about getting dressed.
After styling women for over two decades, there isn’t a body shape she hasn’t seen, or a style struggle she hasn’t heard–and she knows the solution is easier than you think!
Jennifer is passionate about raising confident daughters, female entrepreneurship, and getting every woman in a better bra.
Join me in reading Lian Dolan's book, "The Marriage Sabbatical," and send in your questions or comments to me. They could be read during my interview with Lian which will air in early May. Get your questions to me by April 21, 2024!
https://a.co/d/dpuCcw0
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you feel more calm, relaxed and peaceful.
This is a great mediation to do anytime but especially nice to do during a hectic or busy day.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I'll tell you about the benefits of tweens and teens engaging in activities such as participating in sports or clubs. I'll also tell you about the downside of tweens and teens being overscheduled. From kids who have no time to get their homework done to kids who experience constant stress or even have their mental health impacted negatively by doing too much.
Not sure if your child is overscheduled? I'll give you three signs to look for to help you determine if your teen could benefit from some regular free time.
Mentioned on this episode:
To join Amanda Jefferson's, "Get it Done Club:" https://indigoorganizing.thrivecart.com/the-get-it-done-club/
Remember to enter code GETITDONE for $5 off your first month
Kindle Paperwhite:
https://a.co/d/cVYsqAh
Join me in reading Lian Dolan's book, "The Marriage Sabbatical," and send in your questions or comments to me. They could be read during my interview with Lian which will air in early May. Get your questions to me by April 20, 2024!
https://a.co/d/dpuCcw0
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you feel safe and grounded.
This is a great mediation to do anytime but especially if you are feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed.
Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode fan favorite, interior designer Don Richards is back once again! Zen Friends have written in with their home decorating dilemmas and Don has answers. Don will answer three different listener questions including, grandparents who needs a solution to a room in a home that they will sell in the next two years, a newly single mom who has a brand new rental home and a mom with a large family room that she would like to make more visually appealing as well as cozy and functional.
Don is on a mission to make home decor affordable for everyone. And in this episode Don will talk about how to get a bargain on Facebook Market Place, how to find designer deals at Target, the least amount of money you should spend for a well made couch as well as what to look for on Amazon.
To see photos of some of Don's recommendations, join our private Facebook group by searching for Your Zen Friend, in groups on Facebook.
Don's Bio: Consumed by architecture, design, and home since childhood, Don graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia with a degree in Historic Preservation. For the last thirty years, his obsession with home has seen him in the worlds of interior design, visual merchandising, and real estate. A Litchfield County native, Don has designed spaces in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Florida, while vowing never again to work in NYC because of elevator constraints. Can a sofa be disassembled and put back together? The answer is yes. Should it be? LOL, the answer is no. He believes the key to a space being home is personality and quirk. Try and think outside the box with vintage and unique. Look toward the architectural style of the property and let that guide you. If you love it, it will usually work. Just no 75'' flat screens, please. Don is passionate about BLTs, turtlenecks, and his orange tabby, Ernest. Not necessarily in that order.
Connect with Don:
email: don@theshoppes.net
Find him at Middle Furniture and Home Design in Middlebury, CT: https://www.middleburyfurniture.com/
instagram: @dwrhomedesign
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
To join Amanda Jefferson's, "Get it Done Club:" https://indigoorganizing.thrivecart.com/the-get-it-done-club/
Remember to enter code GETITDONE for $5 off your first month
For information on Lauren's counseling services, including her upcoming group counseling for children and teens check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you understand why your anxiety is present right now and allow you to be with it in a way that will help to decrease it.
This guided meditation will help you to connect with the sensations of anxiety and help you to check in to better understand why your anxiety is present for you right now. Whether you are having a stressful time at work, are worried about your health or out of balance in how you usually care for yourself, this meditation will help you to identify what is going on.
This meditation will also help you to be with your anxiety. And when we can sit with our anxious part and allow it to be present and seen it often gets smaller. With practice, being with our anxiety in a curious way is helpful in decreasing anxiety symptoms and experiencing less anxiety in your life.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
This episode is the 2nd in a two part series on anxiety. If you haven't listened to Ep# 75, "How to Prevent Anxiety Symptoms," it might be helpful to listen to Ep#75 first.
On this episode I'll tell you how my anxiety symptoms show up for me. Think racing heart, loss of appetite and some other not so fun symptoms that I'll share with you. I'll also tell you how I think of anxiety as an alarm bell that can be helpful to understand what is worrying us or what is out of balance in our lives. I'll tell you the exact steps I take when my anxiety shows up and how those steps help me get back to feeling calm and grounded. These steps include:
Whether you experience anxiety symptoms or have a child or family member that experiences anxiety symptoms, this episode will help you to better understand anxiety and how to decrease it.
On the segment, "Listener Questions," I'll tell you about how I was on two reality television shows and what that experience was like. Spoiler alert, it's not quite as realistic as it might seem.
And stay tuned to the end of the episode where I'll tell you, "What's Bringing Me More Zen Lately." If you have a spring break trip planed this will be a great item to have with you at the airport, beach or pool side.
To join Amanda Jefferson's, "Get it Done Club:" https://indigoorganizing.thrivecart.com/the-get-it-done-club/
Remember to enter code GETITDONE for $5 off your first month
****Preorder Lian Dolan's book, "The Marriage Sabbatical," and send in your questions or comments which could be read when Lian is interviewed for the podcast in April: https://a.co/d/dpuCcw0
Credit to author Nicole Sachs and her podcast, "The Cure for Chronic Pain," for her journaling/meditating technique called, "Journal Speaks."
Credit to Richard Schwartz for the concept of Parts Work and his Internal Family Systems Therapy
Also mentioned on this podcast, the book: "The Sweet Spot," by Amy Poeppel https://a.co/d/2DbXNbO
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you feel less anxious.
The guided meditation will help you to connect with the sensations of anxiety and help you to be less afraid of feeling anxious. When we can sit with our anxious part and allow it to be present and seen it often gets smaller. Doing this meditation on a regular basis is a good way to experience less anxiety symptoms in your life.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
As a a mental health therapist I specialize in helping individuals to heal from anxiety disorders. And one reason why I have a good understanding of anxiety is that I too experience anxiety at times. And while anxiety is zero fun deal with there is some good news. There is a lot you can do proactively to help prevent anxiety symptoms.
On this episode I'll share what I do on a regular basis that helps me to prevent anxiety. And all of these strategies are things that you can do as well.
I'll tell you what my daily habits are for preventing anxiety, how they help me and what I do to make sure that I practice these helpful strategies on a regular basis.
This is part one of a two part series. On next week's episode I'll tell you what I do if I do experience anxiety symptoms. I'll share the techniques that work for me to get back to feeling calm and grounded quickly.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a mediation designed to help you rest in wellbeing. This meditation is perfect for when you would like to feel deeply relaxed and let go of stress or tension.
This meditation was loosely taken from the book, Resilience; Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back from Disappointment, Difficulty and Even Disaster by Linda Graham, MFT - You can purchase it here: https://a.co/d/7hob5UC
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode naturopathic physician, Dr. Shawn Carney is here to talk about ADHD, (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and other challenges with focus and how he treats this symptom in children and adults.
We will talk about how Dr. Carney searches like a detective to get to the root cause of focus issues, how Dr. Carney's approach differs from traditional western medicine and the various ways Dr. Carney treats individuals to improve their ability to focus. We talk about neurotransmitters, genetic mutations, the role nutrition plays in focus issues and more!
And stay tuned till the end of the episode when Dr. Carney tells us what's bringing him more zen lately.
If you enjoy this episode, check out episode number 29, "Using Naturopathic Medicine to Decrease Anxiety with Dr. Shawn Carney."
Dr. Shawn Carney's Bio: Dr. Shawn M. Carney is a naturopathic physician with a long history of helping patients of all ages with many different health concerns. After graduating with honors as a double major in environmental science and philosophy from Purchase College in New York, Dr. Carney continued to pursue a fusion of these interests by undertaking a career in integrative medicine. He received a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the University of Bridgeport after having worked for several engineering and environmental science firms and serving as a full-time
emergency medical technician. Dr. Carney has studied in a wide array of settings including physicians from the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS) and treats patients with a wide variety of concerns including ADD/ADHD, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and thyroid disorders. He practices at Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC in Newtown, CT.
Here's how to contact Dr. Carney:
website: https://www.nenaturalmedicine.com/
phone number: 1-800-723-2962
email: info@nenaturalmedicine.com
instagram: @dr.shawncarney
facebook: drshawncarney
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through setting an intention for your day. Whether it's the beginning of your day or smack, dab in the middle, this is a great mediation for being more mindful and intentional.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
If you are a parent of a tween or teen you have probably been on the receiving end of eye rolls and attitude. You know, where you say something to your kid and in return they roll their eyes at you or give a snarky response like, ''whatever." On this episode we will talk about ways to respond to eye rolls and attitude that are helpful and the ways we often respond and why those responses are not so helpful.
This episode also includes the segment, "Connection Over Correction," where I'll tell you how my son and I recently had an interaction that included attitude but ended with connection and cooperation.
And stay tuned till the end of the episode for, "What's Bringing Me More Zen Lately," where I'll tell you about something that is brining me more joy, peace or calm. And here's a hint, it has to do with a cartoon character from my childhood and how he is bringing me joy throughout my day.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation based on author Kristen Neff's steps on taking a, "Self Compassion Break."
This meditation is perfect for days that are difficult. Whether you are dealing with stress at work, worry about a loved one or physically feel unwell, this mediation will help you to care for yourself in a loving way that is sure to have you feeling a little bit better.
For more information on Kristen Neff and her work on self compassion: https://self-compassion.org/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode, Zen Friend and fan favorite, Don Richards is back to talk interior design on a budget. We will talk about some common problem areas that can be challenging to make beautiful in homes. We will also talk about how to make your home work for you now instead of decorating for a fantasy self.
Ever wondered what your options are for an easy fix for a popcorn ceiling or mirrored closet doors? Is it ever a smart choice to refinish or DYI kitchen cabinets? Should you follow the Pinterest trend of using lots of matching baskets? Don answers all these questions and more!
And stay tuned till the end of the episode when Don makes an exciting announcement!
Don's Bio: Consumed by architecture, design, and home since childhood, Don graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia with a degree in Historic Preservation. For the last thirty years, his obsession with home has seen him in the worlds of interior design, visual merchandising, and real estate. A Litchfield County native, Don has designed spaces in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Florida, while vowing never again to work in NYC because of elevator constraints. Can a sofa be disassembled and put back together? The answer is yes. Should it be? LOL, the answer is no. He believes the key to a space being home is personality and quirk. Try and think outside the box with vintage and unique. Look toward the architectural style of the property and let that guide you. If you love it, it will usually work. Just no 75'' flat screens, please. Don is passionate about BLTs, turtlenecks, and his orange tabby, Ernest. Not necessarily in that order.
Connect with Don:
email: don@theshoppes.net
Find him at Middle Furniture and Home Design in Middlebury, CT: https://www.middleburyfurniture.com/
instagram: @dwrhomedesign
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services, including her upcoming group counseling for children and teens check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation for when you are feeling worried about your child. It can be helpful to sit with difficult emotions. I hope this meditation brings you some peace and calm.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
It is super challenging to parent a tween or teen who is experiencing symptoms of anxiety. On this episode I will break down common symptoms of kids who are experiencing anxiety and I'll let you know what behaviors kids often exhibit when they are feeling anxious.
I'll especially focus on one particular way that kids demonstrate that they are feeling anxious or worried. I'll tell you why this behavior is really difficult for parents and what you can do to help your child decrease it. And bonus..... decreasing this anxiety symptom will help you to feel less stressed and worried as a parent.
Segments included in this episode:
From My Therapist's Tool Box: Where I give a strategy that often helps my clients who I work with in my counseling private practice. On this episode I have a strategy that helps individuals dealing with worry or anxiety.
What's Bringing Me More Zen: Where I tell you what's bringing me more calm, peace or joy lately. On this episode I will tell you about an inexpensive treat that I asked for for Valentine's Day this year. It's really delicious and you're going to want to run out and Treat Yo' Self!
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to you invite in stillness and silence.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Using humor with your tweens and teens is a fun and effective way to connect! On this episode I'll give you suggestions for ways to use humor with your kids to make and keep connections. I'll also give you some examples for how you can use humor to reconnect after you and your child have had an argument or just feel disconnected.
For the second half of the episode, my daughter Leena will join me as we quiz each other on our knowledge of current day slang as well as slang from the 80's and 90's. We have a lot of fun as we give an example of how lighten the mood and use humor with your kids.
And stay tuned till the very end for our mic check blooper where Leena gets a little snarky with me. It was nice of her to demonstrate the ups and downs of parent and teen relationships, LOL!
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services, including her upcoming group counseling for children and teens check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a mediation designed to help you to release some stress and tension and feel more calm and grounded. Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
As a parent of a tween or teen your patience is tested on a regular basis! Gone are the days when your kids thought you were the most beautiful, amazing person in the world. Instead you get eye rolls and snarky comments and can often end your day feeling defeated.
On this episode I will tell you what you can do in order to help you stay calm, cool and collected with your kids. The strategies I share involves caring for yourself in a way that will give you more patience and allow you to feel more in control during this often difficult parenting stage. And stay tuned till the end when I give you a less conventional self care strategy in our segment, Self Care Suggestion, that you are sure to have fun with!
You can listen to this podcast wherever you listen to podcasts or here: https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast
This episode mentions:
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short and very sweet mediation designed to help you to connect with yourself and feel more calm and grounded. This meditation is perfect to help you take a quick break during a hectic or stressful day. Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
If you, a friend or family member is expecting a baby or has given birth in the past twelve months, then this episode is sure to be a helpful one! Listen in for a candid and informative interview with licensed professional counselor, Carol Ann Murphy. Carol Ann shares important information about how prevalent postpartum mental health challenges are, what symptoms new moms should watch for and how to access help and support if needed. Carol Ann and host Lauren Wolfe also share about their own mental health challenges following the birth of their children and how they overcame them.
This episode contains helpful resources for new moms as well as practical suggestions for how partners, family members and friends can support new mothers. One of the resources mentioned is the program Carol Ann created called, “Spilled Milk.” This is an online resource (that will be available soon) and will be accessible for new moms from anywhere in the world. Spilled Milk, was designed by Carol Ann to offer needed support to mothers in order to boost their mental wellness in the first year of parenthood. This is a resource I wish I had when my kids were born in the early 2000's!
Listen in to find out how you can be proactive in caring for your own mental health as a new mom or support someone you care about. And if you find this episode helpful, please share it with a friend!
On this episode Carol Ann mentions the following resources:
PSI or Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=ad_grant&utm_campaign=cbc_ggrant_CBCGrant|BrandedMXC&gclid=CjwKCAiAk9itBhASEiwA1my_6xcEpjHrizv6RADBgLaqqF2rXBDesDLo38xRn2jAHwj394tL4TwJERoCDrEQAvD_BwE
Contact Carol Ann or find out more about her online resources and support for moms of newborns (get on the waitlist here): https://www.spilledmilk.info/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram @YourZenFriendPod
For information on Lauren's counseling services, including her upcoming group counseling for children and teens check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
If you want to embrace a little Hygge on a difficult day, then this meditation is for you! On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you get super comfy and cozy and feel more calm and relaxed.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
As a parent, you're likely feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis. On this episode I will tell you all about the Danish practice of Hygge. I'll tell you what it is and how you can use it to create less chaos and more calm for you and your family.
Using the book "The Little Book of Hygge" by Meik Wiking, I'll tell you how you can easily invite in more comfort, calmness and relaxation into your household. And good news, creating a Hygge practice does not need to be expensive. You can easily use items you already have at home to increase your coziness and decrease your stress.
I'll also tell you how your children will benefit from the practice of Hygge. And I'll tell you how you can use Hygge to create a healthy practice of self care that also sets loving limits for your kids.
So go get your comfy socks, your softest blanket and a hot cup something delicious! It's time to get you Hygge on!
Mentioned on this episode: The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking https://amzn.to/3vLcDrn
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For information on Lauren's counseling services for kids, teens and families check out: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this week's Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation for when you are having trouble connecting with your tween or teen. This meditation will help you to offer yourself love and compassion. It will remind you that parenting is hard and and it's common to have times of disconnect with tweens and teens. This meditation will also help to take a one step this week toward's fostering a better connection.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Parents often ask me how they can get their tweens and teens to talk to them more. So on this episode I have my 20 year old daughter, Leena, (AKA Queen Leens), here with me to tell us what gets kids talking to their parents. Leena will tell us what I did right to get her talking and keep her talking throughout her tween and teen years.
I am lucky that Leena has always shared a lot about what was going on in her life. But there were times when we struggled with communication. Leena and I will talk about some of those challenges, including a fashion choice I disagreed with. I refer to this as "Tube Top Gate," and we have some laughs as we remember our past disagreements. I also have some insight in real time as to what I could have done differently to lesson the arguments about wearing a tube top to school.
Some of the strategies that we discuss in this episode include parents doing the following: deeply listening, validating, putting themselves in their tween or teen's shoes, remaining neutral (at least on the outside), being non judgmental and talking about difficult topics when they are not in the middle of a heated disagreement.
It's 100% normal for tweens and teens to keep some things to themselves. But if if you want to get your kids to talk to you when it matters then listen in for some helpful strategies to get your tweens and teens talking and keep them talking to YOU!
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
FFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you identify a goal that can help you to enhance or improve your life in some way.
This meditation is perfect to do at the start of a new year or anytime you would like to set and keep a new goal.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I'll review the goals I set for myself at the start of last year, including whether or not I finally organized my Tupperware. I'll tell what lead to being successful with some of my goals. I'll also tell you why I was not successful with other goals.
Whether you have created a New Year's resolution or are setting goals at another time of the year, I'll give you three strategies that will achieve success. And I'll tell you how I'm applying these strategies for the goals I have set for myself in 2024. I am definitely feeling confident this time around!
On this episode I mention:
"Your Zen Friend," Episode #11 - Reflecting on the Past and Setting Intentions for the Future
https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/reflecting-on-the-past-and-setting-intentions/id1646833026?i=1000591979211
Author and podcast host Gretchen Rubin and her podcast, "Happier with Gretchen Rubin." Check it out for lots of great tips on forming habits.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/happier-with-gretchen-rubin/id969519520
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will guide you through a short meditation to invite in a sense of peace. I will talk you through seeing a beautiful, warm, white light and ask you to envision it slowly shining over you.
This is a great meditation to do when you can lie down and invite yourself to relax deeply. Perfect to do at the end of a day or when you need a short but relaxing break.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Have you ever felt the pressure of being the perfect parent during the holiday season? I know I have. In this lively chat with my dear friend Lori Simon, we share laughs, struggles, and strategies for navigating the holiday season without losing our sanity. From tackling the tricky topic of Santa's existence to the dilemmas around gift-giving and wrapping, we explore it all. We even recommend a fantastic little book called "Santa's Secret Society" to keep the magic alive for your young ones.
The festive season brings joy, but it can also bring stress, especially for us parents. We share our personal experiences and learnings on how embracing experiences over material gifts can create lasting memories. We even talk about the pressure of being the traditional mother at Christmas and the mental drain it can be. This conversation is all about finding joy in the small moments and the big ones, letting go of perfection, and focusing on what really matters - spending time with our loved ones.
As we wrap up the episode (and our gifts!), we want to remind you to check in with yourselves this holiday season. Are you doing what truly matters to you? Are you finding joy amidst the hustle and bustle? Are you letting yourself change and let go of certain things? It's helpful to keep asking ourselves these questions. We're wishing you a happy holiday season and a fantastic new year! XO
In this episode we mention:
Your Zen Friend Episode #11: Holiday Fantasy vs Holiday Reality with Lori Simon: #https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast/episode/79f1acf7/holiday-fantasy-vs-holiday-reality-with-lori-simon
Book - Ssshh... Santa's Secret Society Where Secrets are Unlocked and the Magic of Santa Lives on Forever:https://www.amazon.com/Ssshh-Santas-Secret-Society-Unlocked/dp/0615558143
Wrapping Paper Cutter: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Little-ELF-Holiday-Wrapping/dp/B07V738J4Y
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will guide you through a short breathing exercise designed to help you feel more calm and grounded. This breathing exercise is perfect to practice during hectic times (like the holiday season) but can be done at any time. Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Feeling overwhelmed with all the holiday to do's? Guest and friend of the pod, Vicki Smith will help us to clear our schedules of the stuff that doesn't serve us so that we have more time to do the things we enjoy. Self care isn't just about lighting candles and wearing cozy socks. One terrific way to care for yourself, especially during the holidays is to set healthy boundaries. Vicki is here to help us do that!
It's not always easy to distinguish between a 'hell yes' and a 'no' when it comes to invitations or requests. Vicki tells us how we can feel into our body to better guide decisions. Vicki talks about how we often make decisions from a place of fear, obligation and guilt. She helps us identify when we are acting from these emotions and how we can make choices that we don't later regret.
For any of us with people pleasing tendencies, saying no can be super uncomfortable. Vicki helps us to decrease and manage our uncomfortable feelings. This starts with knowing how to politely decline an invitation. Vicki will give us a strategy for this that she calls, "a boundary sandwich." We'll also explore how having more time for yourself to do what you enjoy, will improve your overall holiday experience. This is your chance to create a holiday season that is truly merrier, without some of the unnecessary stress and pressure.
Also check out my previous episode with Vicki Smith: Ep#41 - People Pleasing and Perfectionism with Vicki Smith
https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/people-pleasing-and-perfectionism-with-vicki-smith/id1646833026?i=1000619209880
Here's where you can connect with Vicki:
Viki's Bio:
Vicki Smith is a licensed psychotherapist and a coach who specializes in people pleasing and perfectionism. She enjoys working with these issues because she loves seeing people discover their true nature and then share it with the world. Vicki brings both her personal and professional experience into her work with clients. Blending her experience as a mindfulness meditation teacher with her background in body-centered yoga therapy to help clients get to know the whole of their being. Her mission is to help folks not just TALK ABOUT the life they’ve always wanted, but to actually start LIVING IT OUT! When she isn’t working, she is hiking in the woods with her husband and two dogs or traveling to National Parks to explore outside her hometown of Atlanta Ga.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you feel safe and grounded. This is a great meditation to do when you want to calm your central nervous system.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Many kids struggle with making and keeping friends. As a parent it can be challenging to support your children when they have difficulties with social skills. On this episode I will talk about some developmental milestones to watch for that will let you know if your child is on target with their social skills. I'll also tell you how I assess if a child is having difficulties with social skills. And most importantly, I'll tell you how to determine where your child is struggling and give you some concrete strategies for how you can help them.
It's challenging for parents to see their child struggle with friendships and making healthy connections with peers. If your child is having difficulties getting along with others than this episode is for you!
And if your child is good at making and keeping friends it could still be helpful for you to understand the common social mistakes kids make.
Mentioned in this episode: author Michelle Garcia Winner and her website: https://www.socialthinking.com/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you connect with your yourself, feel into your body and identify what you need.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Get ready to be inspired by guest and fitness entrepreneur, Lauren George! Lauren is a superstar in the barre and fitness industry. As a successful entrepreneur, social media influencer, college professor, coach and mom, Lauren knows what it’s like to juggle many different roles. She’ll share how she keeps so many balls in the air and how she accomplishes so much each day! She’ll also share how she manages when faced with big life challenges and how she embraces change.
We’ll talk about Lauren’s virtual fitness program, LG Fitness Virtual Studio and how it was born out of the quarantine of Covid back in 2020. I ask Lauren if creating a virtual fitness studio was something she always dreamed of and I was surprised by her answer.
For those of you who are interested in creating a successful exercise routine at home, Lauren provides tips to help you meet your fitness goals. One of the tips Lauren discusses has to do with the benefits of having community. Lauren shares how her virtual program has created the online community, the LGF Studio Tribe. Lauren shares how her tribe motivates her members to workout consistently and also motivates her to make fun workout videos that her tribe enjoys!
Whether or not you are already a fan of Lauren's, you are sure to enjoy our rapid question and answer segment! Want to know if Lauren prefers sweet or savory food, where she would go if she could go anywhere and what Christmas song annoys her the most? Stay tuned for answers to those questions and more!
Lauren George mentions in this episode:
https://www.twodiamondfit.com/
https://shoplovelyapparel.com/
Lauren George's Bio:
With over 16 years in the fitness industry, Lauren George has created multiple fitness formats, trained thousands of instructors, and launched several successful businesses, including Clemson Fitness Company, The Fit Biz Club, Pulse Pointe Barre, and LG Fitness Virtual Studio and app. She's the program creator of Pumped Up Strength & The Musicality Method, Co-Creator of Barre Above, adjunct faculty for Kinesiology at Mississippi State University, and consults on numerous fitness projects for other companies.
Connect with Lauren George:
Website: www.laurengfitness.com
Link to 7 day free trial of virtual studio: https://laurengfitness.myflodesk.com/7daysfree
Instagram:
@laurengeorgefitness
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will provide you with a short guided mediation to help you connect with gratitude or appreciation.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
You might be surprised by the many life changing benefits that come from having a regular gratitude practice. It's free, only takes a few minutes a day and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's the perfect time to start your own gratitude practice. I'll tell you how you can practice gratitude and share what research says it can do for you. If you would like to live a happier, healthier life than this episode is for you.
Drawing from my personal experiences as well as research from UCLA Health, we delve into the benefits of a regular gratitude practice. Find out how it lessens symptoms of depression and anxiety, promotes heart health, and even improves sleep quality.
I will share my experience of having a gratitude practice since the late 1990's and how it has positively impacted my life. We will also explore practical ways to cultivate gratitude daily.
Cozy up with a hot beverage, as we kick off the holiday season with a heartwarming conversation on gratitude.
For more information on the research study mentioned on this episode: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/health-benefits-gratitude
Also mentioned in this episode, Brene Brown's book The Power of Vulnerability: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Power-of-Vulnerability-Audiobook/B00CYKDYBQ?source_code=GPAGBSH0508140001&ipRedirectOverride=true&gclid=Cj0KCQiApOyqBhDlARIsAGfnyMp8rzwJJ0jlWLE4vC5NAWnTyxaC9r6b9vClUPXhx4y587Qy8ut9hJ4aAkXUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
** Please note Brene Brown is a Social Worker and not a Sociologist as mentioned on this episode.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Drop of Zen ~ On this episode I will provide you with a short guided mediation to help you inhale peace and relax deeply. This meditation is perfect to use before bed, a nap, or anytime you wish to feel more ease and relaxation.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Are prestigious colleges the only surefire path to a successful career? What if there was a different, less stressful approach to guiding your teen through their college and career choices? Join us as I sit down with Sonia Cacique, a college and career counselor with more than 17 years of experience. Sonia will tell us what parents and teens should consider when choosing a college or university. She'll also tell us what defines success after college, and spoiler alert, it's not the prestige of the university that is attended.
Sonia doesn't believe that there is one path for everyone! She will give us some ideas how kids and teens can start to identify what career paths could be right for them. And for parents of kids who want an alternative to traditional college, Sonia will talk about certifications as well as the benefits of community college.
Helping your teen figure out what college or career path is right for them can be daunting! Sonia offers sound advice and helpful insight that makes this process easier and less stressful.
Sonia's Bio:
Sonia is the host of the College & Career Ready Podcast and the founder of DiscoverU College and Career Coaching. Sonia has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation as a passionate school counselor, career coach, and education leader. With unwavering determination, she strives to equip parents and students with the confidence and resourcefulness they need to navigate the complexities of planning for college and building successful careers.
Sonia's profound commitment to inclusivity drives her mission. Regardless of race, color, or background, she fervently believes that every student deserves access to boundless opportunities for achievement. She fearlessly seeks out resources and avenues to ensure that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have equal access to the tools they need to thrive.
Connect with Sonia:
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/college-career-ready-parent-resources-college-readiness/id1640305533
Website: https://collegecareerready.org/
Instagram: @sonia.cacique
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through connecting with your anxiety and observing it with neutrality and curiosity. Although we don't try to make anxiety smaller in this exercise, it will often decrease as a result of this meditation. Shhhhh....... don't let your anxiety know that.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Ever wondered how you can best support your children to be successful learners in school? On this episode I will share what I've learned as a mom and therapist working with kids and families. This includes how parents can start fostering the skills that kids will need for a successful future starting in elementary school.
I'll use some examples of how I supported my own kids when they were in grade school including the time one of my kids cranked out a school project in about 10 minutes. I'll also tell you about a middle school child I worked with and the plan we came up with to help her increase her motivation for completing school work. And finally, I'll tell you about a high schooler who wasn't as ambitious about his school work as his mother hoped he would be and how he went on to find success on his own terms.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation designed to help you when you are having difficulty falling asleep.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Ever wondered what the difference is between a therapy dog, emotional support dog and service dog? Abby Hill, Executive Director of Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs, is here to not only tell us the difference but also explain how these extraordinary four-legged friends play vital roles in their owners’ lives.
Abby's shares how her experience as a Newtown community member following the Sandy Hook tragedy led her to creating The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs. She also shares the role that puppy raisers play in raising these dogs and the incredible gifts the puppy raisers give to the humans who will depend on these life changing dogs.
Abby tells us some ways that her service dogs have profoundly impacted the lives of the individuals they serve. Whether an individual is living with PTST, anxiety, depression or another disability, Abby tells us how service dogs help their humans to live more fulfilling lives.
If you've ever been curious how service dogs serve their owners, Abby gives some specific examples of tasks these animals can perform. And if you think that a service dog might be helpful for you or someone you care about, Abby gives some resources for where you can find a reputable organization to get more information from.
Abby's Bio: Abby was one of the first people in CT to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Abby is owner of The Exceptional Pet, the Founder and Director of The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs, as well as being an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a Member of the National Association of Canine Scent Work.
Abby regularly attends conferences and classes to try to learn new, exciting techniques and loves to learn from the thousands of dogs that she has trained over the years. She lives with her 3 kids, 3 dogs, 7 chickens, 1 tortoise, 1 hamster, a constant rotation of Service Dogs in Training, and a very patient husband.
If you would like more information on who to acquire a service dog:
For individuals local to Fairfield County CT:
https://exceptionalsidekick.org/
https://theexceptionalpet.com/
For a reputable organization that helps place individuals with service dogs:
https://exceptionalsidekick.org/
https://assistancedogsinternational.org/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Feeling overwhelmed with the busyness of life? Take just a few minutes to connect with your breath in this guided Drop of Zen, a short guided mediation designed to help you feel more calm and grounded.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Would you like some more zen in your life? If the answer is yes, then this episode is for you! While I've been talking a lot about decluttering on some recent Your Zen Friend episodes, this episode is all about the items I would never think of parting with.
Some of the things I will be talking about include: my favorite clothing item, a beverage I enjoy daily, my go to face moisturizer, a free app, my favorite podcasts, a membership that brings great value and more. And stay tuned to the end of the episode when I share a SUPER exciting announcement!
Want to check out the items I mention on today's show? Here are the links:
Alba Botanica Hand and Body Lotion: https://a.co/d/7F1UIAS
Starbucks London Fog Tea: https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/477/hot
LL Bean Wool Slipper Clogs: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/112639?page=womens-llbean-wool-slipper-clog&bc=511913&feat=511913-GN2&csp=a&pos=13
Newman's Own Organic Coffee: https://a.co/d/80D0eBL
Bambu Earth Petigrain Moisturizer: https://bambuearth.com/products/petitgrain-moisturizer
Bambu Earth Intense Hydration Cactus Concentrate:
https://bambuearth.com/products/intense-hydration-cactus-concentrate
Heated Mattress Pad: https://www.costco.com/true-north-heated-mattress-pad.product.4000095292.html?langId=-1&krypto=cWOKJOyIAv2gdAfRzromGZLy3TXZbzE9uZfhvvmqWfKKRC4DHlk3wAGPfu7ZaSUerixktM13VfVHGbazjsf8AQ7Y6Fk0bsLAjEbfMAI0PCd96SGI0MPegvikcqutveqwMCi%2F8MlqF4JqWI7cxg60kGbxrPNh%2BV6OSiWlPjhQm9WdAjveEfpcM2y%2FcErvcBZSkPaEO8dWn%2FRMvF1GZwuJ3s3twgA2g2kc0nYCdOmm5oebuQ3eFQOHYQBh82g%2FWV2R
Meditation App: https://insighttimer.com/
Lauren George Virtual Fitness Membership: https://laurengfitness.com/
My favorite podcasts:
Good Enoughish: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-enough-ish/id1618600313
Happier with Gretchen Rubin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-with-gretchen-rubin/id969519520
Happier in Hollywood: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-in-hollywood/id1236845161
Satellite Sisters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satellite-sisters/id443780324
Preorder Lian Dolan's New Book - The Marriage Sabbatical:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-marriage-sabbatical-lian-dolan/1143703607
Find out more about Lian Dolan and her other fabulous books here: https://www.liandolan.com/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation designed to help you feel less overwhelmed and feel more peace and calm.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Ever wondered how to strike a balance between minimalism and maximalism in your home? Well, you're not alone. Join me as I catch up with my best friend, Lori Simon, in a fun and insightful chat about these contrasting styles and how they shape our living spaces. Lori shares her love of collectibles and blow up holiday decorations and I share how I fantasize about a more simplistic approach to decorating in the autumn months. What's more - we both open up about our emotional battles with letting go of sentimental items even when we know they no longer serve us.
As we get into our approaches for decorating our homes I'll talk about the lengths some minimalists go to in order to have only what is essential in their homes. And I'll tell you about a woman I found on Youtube who embraces collecting including collecting vintage items and vintage clothing and describes her style as, "chaotic hobbit."
Lori and I will talk about what our perfect, imaginary home space would look like for each of us and find common ground with both wanting less clutter. I'll share some questions you can ask yourself when you are in the process of decluttering to help determine if an item stays or goes.
Lastly we will discuss getting ready for the holiday season and find out if Lori will do things differently this year or if she will continue to embrace maximalism when it comes to all things Hanukkah and Christmas related.
Things mentioned on this episode:
Author's Gretchen Rubin and Kim John Payne
https://gretchenrubin.com/
https://www.simplicityparenting.com/podcast
Youtubers on minimalism and maximalism:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheMinimalMom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfnPNUZwp4o&t=387s
Previous Your Zen Friend Episodes Mentioned:
Ep#51 Affordable Home Design to Boost Your Wellbeing with Don Richards
Ep#11 Holiday Fantasy vs Holiday Reality
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation designed to help cultivate peace within yourself while sending thoughts of peace and wellness to others. This mediation is especially helpful when you have a heavy heart for others in the world who are suffering.
This meditation was inspired by one that I found here: https://mindworks.org/blog/lovingkindness-meditation-a-daily-script/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Are you a flexible thinker? Are the children in your life flexible thinkers? What does it even mean to BE a flexible thinker? On this week's episode we will explore what it looks like to have brain flexibility and how you can support your children in improving their flexible thinking.
Before we get into brain flexibility I'll tell you how I'm struggling with some changes in my life, how I can be a rigid thinker and how I need to practice what I preach to be more in the present moment.
Things mentioned on this episode:
Your Zen Friend episode # 17 Feeling All the Feelings
Book: What To Do When You Grumble Too Much by Dawn Huebner: https://a.co/d/eH15Mr6
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation to help you to let go of some of the stress in your life as well as some of the tension in your body.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Does the clutter in your home weigh you down or make you feel overwhelmed? Are your digital spaces a chaotic mess with overflowing inboxes? Our guest for this episode, Amanda Jefferson, a seasoned organizational expert, will tell us about the benefits of clutter clearing and give some tips for how you can begin this process.
We will venture into the world of daily routines and talk about the steps of the KonMari Method. We'll discuss how this unique organization technique can be helpful for those feeling overwhelmed with the clutter in their lives. Amanda emphasizes the power of building daily habits and routines, sharing tips such as OHIO, or Only Handle it Once. And Amanda shares her nightly routine which helps her to conclude her day and prepare for the day ahead.
For the final segment, we'll delve deeper into the realm of digital decluttering. Amanda shares insightful tips on how to clean your digital clutter and speaks about overcoming perfectionism and embracing all things good-enoughish!
Here's How to Connect with Amanda:
Find Amanda and her co-host Brook Forry on the podcast, Good Enough-ish: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-enough-ish/id1618600313
Check out the Good Enough-ish website: https://www.goodenoughish.com/
Save 10% on Amanda's Digital Decluttering Course with this code:
https://courses.indigoorganizing.com/offers/FAEM6PmF?coupon_code=ZEN
Connect with Amanda on Instagram: @Hey.AmandaJ
Amanda's Bio: After 20 years of trying to keep up with the “shoulds,” Amanda left it all behind to help others learn how to listen to themselves. She's the owner of Indigo Organizing, the creator of the Organized Every Day online course, and one of the world's first KonMari consultants. A TEDx speaker and co-host of the Good Enough-Ish podcast, Amanda has been featured in Real Simple, Harpers Bazaar UK and Better Homes & Garden, among others.
Things we mentioned on the episode:
Lori Gottleib's book, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
https://a.co/d/iq4LtqT
Author Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/
And listen to her podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happier-with-gretchen-rubin/id969519520
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation to help you identify where you are currently meeting your own needs and where you could use some more self care.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
As we celebrate the one year anniversary of the Your Zen Friend podcast, I will take you behind the scenes and share what I have learned about the world of podcasting. I'll tell you how podcasts are recorded and sent out into the world and what helps podcasts to grow and become more discoverable. I'll also give you an idea of what you need to know if you have ever thought about creating your own podcast.
But this episode isn't just about podcasting. As a licensed professional counselor with more than two decades of experience, I will also share what I believe is the most important thing parents can do to boost their children's mental wellness. It's also what I hope listeners are taking away from this podcast.
I hope you'll be part of the journey for what the next year of Your Zen Friend will bring. I hope you will enjoy this podcast and find it helpful to you and your family. Let's celebrate this milestone together, and here's to many more years of Your Zen Friend!
On this podcast I mention:
The essential oil by Revive Oil - Pumpkin Pie (I mistakenly called it pumpkin spice). https://www.revive-eo.com/product/pumpkin-pie-essential-oil-blend/
I've hired a clinician at my counseling practice in Connecticut. I'm excited to have Kayla Defeo working along side me to support children, adolescents and families. Learn more about how you or your child can work with Kayla by going to my website and contacting me: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation to help you connect with gratitude for your home. Whether you are living in your dream home or not, this meditation will help you to appreciate the home you have.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On a mission to make your home both functional and aesthetically pleasing without breaking the bank? Join the conversation with my dear friend and interior designer, Don Richards.
In this episode Don offers insights on some of the best places to shop for a deal and shares what to hunt for and what to steer clear of in stores like Home Goods. Whether it's brightening your home with fresh flowers, music, and lighting or hunting for unique pieces in local thrift stores, Don's tips make beautiful homes accessible for all.
Don and I have fun with a quiz I designed where Don has to guess the paint color names that are real and the one I made up. These are all crazy names! See if you can guess the real paint colors. It's not that easy!
We wrap up our chat by touching some great design accounts and bloggers to follow for inspiration, and highlight some helpful design resources like Emily Henderson's book, The New Design Rules, and the website Copycatchic.
Some resources that are mentioned:
The Dollar Tree - https://www.dollartree.com
Thrift Store in Bantam CT - https://www.clothestreect.com/
Chintz and Prints in Newtown CT - https://www.chintznprints.com/
https://www.younghouselove.com/
https://www.younghouselove.com/podcast-introduction/
https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/
Book: The New Design Rules by Emily Henderson - https://a.co/d/5ktAo5D
Shay McGee for Target - https://www.target.com/b/threshold-designed-w-studio-mcgee/-/N-q643le65vqv
https://www.copycatchic.com/
Pottery Barn - https://www.potterybarn.com
Don's Bio: Consumed by architecture, design, and home since childhood, Don graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia with a degree in Historic Preservation. For the last thirty years, his obsession with home has seen him in the worlds of interior design, visual merchandising, and real estate. A Litchfield County native, Don has designed spaces in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Florida, while vowing never again to work in NYC because of elevator constraints. Can a sofa be disassembled and put back together? The answer is yes. Should it be? LOL, the answer is no. He believes the key to a space being home is personality and quirk. Try and think outside the box with vintage and unique. Look toward the architectural style of the property and let that guide you. If you love it, it will usually work. Just no 75'' flat screens, please. Don is passionate about BLTs, turtlenecks, and his orange tabby, Ernest. Not necessarily in that order.
Connect with Don:
email: don@theshoppes.net
Find him at Middle Furniture in Middlebury, CT: https://www.middleburyfurniture.com/
instagram: @dwrhomedesign
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a meditation for parents or caretakers of children who are experiencing anxiety.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Anxiety symptoms in children often look different from what we imagine. Parents are sometimes surprised at how some of their children’s behavior, especially their misbehavior, comes from their anxiety.
On today's episode I will tell you about some symptoms I commonly see in kids and teens who are experiencing anxiety. The symptoms I'll tell you about are not always recognized as anxiety. I’ll also give you some strategies for helping your children to reduce their anxiety symptoms and feel more calm.
It's been awhile since I've told you what's bringing me some zen. I'll start out this episode by telling you about a few ways I'm feeling more zen lately. One of them has to do with the transitions from summer to fall, which always makes me sad. I'll also tell you about a television show I'm enjoying with my husband and a treat I sometime indulge in from Starbucks.
In order to demonstrate some ways that anxiety shows up for kids and teens, I’m going to break down kids with anxiety into 3 different catagories. It's not always the case that kids neatly fit into these catagories. My hope is that with my descriptions you will be better able to identify if a child in your life is experiencing anxiety.
After I've described some anxiety symptoms that kids and teens experience. I'll give you some suggestions for how you can help support the kids in your life in decreasing their anxiety. This is in no way a complete list! But instead, some simple strategies that you can start implementing today.
I'd love to hear from YOU! Here's how to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today's short guided meditation, I will walk you through a breathing exercise that is combined with applying light pressure with the finger tips on the meridian points used in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).
In this week's podcast episode, episode #49, Dr. Lori Leyden talks about the benefits of taking just two minutes throughout the day to tap and breathe. This guided mediation will walk you through how to do this.
If you would like a free printout of the different meridian points used in EFT, send me an email at yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Lori Leyden, internationally renowned trauma healing pioneer and spiritual mentor. I'll tell you about how I met Lori one year after the Sandy Hook tragedy and how she profoundly changed my life for the better. I'll also tell you about my experience living through the Sandy Hook tragedy as a community member, therapist for children and families and a mom of young children.
Lori shares how her search for healing her own childhood trauma brought her to the field of psychology and to helping individuals heal from some of the most horrific recent tragedies including: the Rwanda orphan genocide and the school shootings in Sandy Hook and Parkland.
Although the topics we discuss are heavy, this episode is full of light, love and hope. Lori shares how she stays positive and in a place of connection and love, even when working with individuals who are experiencing tremendous suffering. Lori talks about how connecting with gratitude is always possible, even in the most difficult of times and talks about the beautiful healing that she sees as a result of her work.
Lori shares some simple strategies that will help listeners to feel safe and connected to themselves and to their loved ones. We will also talk about Lori's new book titled Embodying Grace; Trusting Yourself, Your Light and Your Divinity. In this book Lori walks readers through The Grace Process, which helps individuals to open to gratitude, love, joy and wonder on a regular basis.
Buy Lori's book, Embodying Grace for just $1.99 on your kindle on September 14, 2023! Here's where you can get it:
https://www.drlorileyden.com/embodying-grace-book
On this episode I mention a previous episode of this podcast: Ep#45 Magic Moments and Opening Up to the Magic Around Us
Lori's Bio:
Lori Leyden, PhD, MBA is intimately acquainted with trauma and has dedicated her life to healing her own traumas and developing the most elegant healing methods possible. As an internationally hailed trauma-healing pioneer, transformational leader and visionary spiritual mentor, Dr. Leyden has been called in to work with traumatized communities who have experienced genocide, war and school shootings—with remarkable results. She is a member of the Evolutionary Leaders Circle and Association of Transformational Leaders as well as an Evidence Based EFT Master Trainer.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today's short guided meditation, I will walk you through identifying where in your life it feels like you are not getting the validation you are craving. And I will help you to give yourself the gold start you deserve.
You are doing a great job! Really! You have shown up to listen to a self help podcast and are making time to meditate. I am sending many gold stars your way!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
Are you ready for more harmony at home with your tweens and teens? This episode provides strategies to help you get more cooperation from your kids while fostering connectedness between the two of you. I'll share my tried-and-tested parenting technique that has not only worked wonders with my clients, but also with my own children.
We'll dive deep into effective communication strategies that balance validation of your child's feelings with meeting your expectations. From the challenge of kids locking themselves in their room all day to issue of getting up late each morning for school, we'll examine concrete examples and discuss how to apply these techniques in real-life scenarios. The goal is to cultivate a cooperation while also maintaining health limits and boundaries - a balance that’s often challenging to achieve.
We'll also touch on the issue of punishment and its impacts on our children. We'll explore alternatives that can help avoid resentment and retaliation. By encouraging constructive problem-solving discussions with our kids, we'll find that sweet spot between our needs as parents and their development needs as growing individuals. Don’t miss out on this dialogue – join our Facebook group and share your own parenting experiences in this supportive community. Let's embark on this enriching parenting journey together!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you sit with difficult feelings and validate yourself with love and compassion.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am beyond thrilled to have and interview with Ann Coleman from the Podcast, Speaking of Teens! Ann tells us about her journey as a mom of a son who struggled with ADHD, multiple mental health disorders and behavioral issues during his teen years. She shares some of the mistakes she made with her son, including what she wishes she had done differently.
As a result of the challenges her son experienced, Ann left her job as a lawyer to become a parent educator. She now uses her own experience and education to support parents who are currently raising teens. Ann knows first hand how parents can make conflict worse when they are desperately trying to make it better. Ann shares what parents can do to effectively reduce conflict and improve connection with their teen.
Ann gives some great concrete strategies for improving connection with teens and why it is important to maintain a strong connection. This includes teens being more likely to make good decisions when it comes to risky behavior.
We have many mic drop moments in this episode! Ann's suggestions for parents are simple strategies that you can begin implementing with your teen today. I am confident these tips will make a positive difference for you both.
Ann's Bio: Ann Coleman spent the better part of two years trying to help her teenage son who was struggling with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, which had led to drug misuse, trouble at school and with law enforcement. She later figured out that it was her reaction to his behavior that had exacerbated the situation. In the 4 years since figuring out how to help him and repair their relationship, she’s used her skills as an attorney to study adolescence from every angle and teach other parents how to avoid the mistakes she made, through her podcast, Speaking of Teens, parenting guides, and online courses.
Where to Find Ann:
Speaking of Teens podcast (https://speakingofteens.com)
Website (https://neurogility.com)
Instagram (@neurogility)
Facebook Group (https://urlgeni.us/facebook/teen)
Free Parenting Guides (https://neurogility.com/herewego)
I'd love to hear from YOU!! Here's where to connect with me:
For more information on Lauren's group counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you connect with what you have been enjoying about the summer and identify what you want to do to fill your cup before the summer ends.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this week's episode I will talk about what I am experiencing as the days of summer come to an end. This includes a mix of emotions as my kids get ready to return to school. I'll also share what I hear as a Licensed Professional Counselor at this time of year, which includes siblings arguing and fighting after spending a lot of time together. Kids are also having more meltdowns and acting out in irritability because of the anxiety they feel as they get ready to transition into a brand new school year.
I'll also talk about the importance of making time for ourselves to do the things we love. I'll tell you how I plan to savor these last dog days of summer. And I'll tell you why you should take time for yourself even if it feels like it's impossible to do. I'll give you some ideas for how you can do this, even if you're a parent of young children.
On this episode I mention the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach https://a.co/d/ee0rYcr
I love to connect with listeners! Here's how you can reach me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you feel safe and loved. This is a great mediation to do throughout the day.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
I get personal on this episode, and tell you about some magic moments from my life. Moments when things happened that feel like they had deeper meaning than what was on the surface. Maybe you believe in signs or believe that some relationships or events in your life were meant to be. This episode celebrates those moments. I will tell you about two significant events from my life and how they have guided me.
I'll also talk about what I do to open myself up to connecting with the wonder that I believe is all around us. And good news, they are things you can easily do too!
Have you had magic moments in your life? I'd love to hear about them! Here's how you can connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short breathing meditation designed to help you calm your nervous system and feel more peaceful and grounded. This is a great mediation to do anytime, including right before bed.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode, I will give tips and strategies for how to enjoy your next vacation more. And this includes vacationing with children. Maybe you’ve had a disappointing vacation in the past or even worse.. a vacation disaster. Or maybe you’re about to go on a vacation you’ve been looking forward to for a long time and want it to be a positive experience. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how to focus in on what you can control on vacations, how to let go of what you can’t control and how to manage your expectations so that you have more fun and return home feeling more satisfied.
Going on vacation is a luxury that unfortunately not everyone can afford. And if you are able to afford a vacation and take time off, expectations are often high. Sadly, expectations are OFTEN not fully met with anything, vacationing included. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how to focus in on what you can control on vacations, how to let go of what you can’t and how to manage your expectations so that you have more fun and return home feeling more satisfied.
I'd love to connect with you! Here's where you can find me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I have a super fun interview with Vinnie Stergin! Vinnie is a musician, teacher and creator of the Mindful Ukulele Method. Vinnie talks about growing up with the influence of music and what lead to creating the Mindful Ukulele Method. We also talk about the benefits of having a regular creativity practice and how you can start one of your own.
Here's a free course on THE MINDFUL UKULELE METHOD that Vinnie is offering to Your Zen Friend listeners:
LINK to free course (especially for your listeners):
https://yzf.mindfulukulelemethod.com
How to connect with Vinnie:
WEB: www.stergin.com
INSTA: @sterginmusic
FACEBOOK: @vinzenzstergin
TIKTOK: @stergin
And check out Vinnie's music video with his band, "Shiny Brain Crayons:" https://youtu.be/RoFhHznaULA
Vinnie's Bio: Vinnie Stergin is a musician, artist & educator. He grew up in the Austrian mountains, where his parents kicked him down a ski slope when he was just 3 years old - that’s when he had to learn to stay on track.
He won some prestigious awards, wrote many compositions for eg. Tokyo Olympia 2020, was signed to indie and major labels, has been supported by corporate world giants such as Red Bull & Polaroid & his work has also been recognised by the Arts Council UK & Help Musicians UK (Do It Differently Award). His recent project ‘12 Photos 12 Tracks’ saw him sending a camera around the world, then turning the returning photos into a music album, live show & exhibition. Currently he writes and tours with his band Shiny Brain Crayons.
He studied music education at the world famous Mozarteum Salzburg, worked for human rights organisations in Amsterdam and Los Angeles before moving to London where he resides now.
Over the past 20 years he taught, coached & inspired hundreds of students from all walks of life to explore their creativity and experience the transformative power of music. He also worked in a prison in SE London teaching music to young offenders.
Through his own mental health journey and discovering mindfulness & meditation he developed a very unique way of teaching which ultimately formed ‘The Mindful Ukulele Method’.
“I’ve always been very curious about people, nature and life and love to experiment, explore. I’m a constant work in progress, and love that.”
I'd love to hear from YOU!! Here's where to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you to relax deeply and feel less stressed. This meditation is ideal to do anytime you wish to feel more relaxed.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will share some of the many benefits of group counseling. I'll also talk about why I love running therapeutic groups, how I structure them and why group counseling is especially helpful for kids and teens.
But first I'll tell you what's keeping me from peacefully meditating in my back yard. And it involves two dogs, some birds and a bunny! 🙃
Some of the many benefits of group counseling include:
~ It's more affordable than individual counseling
~ It normalizes that others have similar feelings and challenges
~ It creates connection with others
~It often has a start and end date
Listen to this week's podcast wherever you find podcasts or here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/podcast 🎤
I'd love to hear from YOU!! Here's where you can connect with me: 😊
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you to identify where you are people pleasing in your life. And I will help you to set an intention to start caring for yourself and people pleasing a little less.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview with Psychotherapist and Coach, Vicki Smith! Vicki specializes in people pleasing and perfectionism. She also is the host and creator of a fantastic podcast called, Power to the Pleasers.
In this interview, Vicki will help us to understand the differences of people pleasing vs just being a nice person in a quiz I give her called, "People Pleasing or Just Being a Nice Person." We have lots of laughs with this quiz! And I quickly identify how I am still people pleasing in my life. Yelp!
Vicki will also tell us how we can work through our people pleasing tendencies in a way that feels good and safe for us. And if you need support with this, good news! Vicki has resources for you on her website OR you can schedule a one on one session with her.
Here's where you can connect with Vicki:
Viki's Bio:
Vicki Smith is a licensed psychotherapist and a coach who specializes in people pleasing and perfectionism. She enjoys working with these issues because she loves seeing people discover their true nature and then share it with the world. Vicki brings both her personal and professional experience into her work with clients. Blending her experience as a mindfulness meditation teacher with her background in body-centered yoga therapy to help clients get to know the whole of their being. Her mission is to help folks not just TALK ABOUT the life they’ve always wanted, but to actually start LIVING IT OUT! When she isn’t working, she is hiking in the woods with her husband and two dogs or traveling to National Parks to explore outside her hometown of Atlanta Ga.
I'd love to hear from YOU!! Here's where to connect with me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you to identify what you can do to create a summer you'll love.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will tell you what I LOVE about summers in New England. I'll include how I embrace summer to create more ease in my life, with my work schedule, the way I dress, meal preparation and more. I'll also tell you how I like to have fun in the summer with family and friends.
As I talk about my love of summer, I'll encourage you to identify what it is you like about summer and find ways you can slow down and enjoy the season more.
Before I get into that I'll give you an update on how I've been doing with the intentions that I set for the new year. I'll tell you what goals I'm throwing out the window, what goals I've been doing decently with and the goals I'm failing at BIG TIME. I'll also tell you how my failure is helping me to identify what I need help with and how I'm exploring getting the help I need.
I'd love to connect with you! Here's where you can find me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you tune into your breath and feel more calm and grounded.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview Dorina Leslie! Besides being a super warm and lovely person, Dorina is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Multidimensional Holistic Healer. Dorina will tell us about the different types of holistic healing she is trained in and talk about some of their many benefits.
Here are the local providers (Fairfield County, Connecticut) that Dorina mentions:
Dorina's upcoming events:
Element 50 Crystal Shop - Monday Pop Ups!
14 Sanford Street -Fairfield, CT 06824
Other ways to connect with Dorina:
Dorina's Bio:
Dorina Leslie is a multi-dimensional holistic healer from Brookfield, CT. In addition to being a therapeutic massage therapist for ten years, she is trained in reflexology and sound therapy. She's passionate about helping people move into the very best version of themselves - body, mind and spirit. She loves teaching self-empowerment and has learned that she must fill her own cup first, in order to stay strong and healthy. Dorina loves being a mom to her three adult kids and her four legged kiddo, Scooter. She is here to be a vessel of healing for anyone in need of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual transformation. A perfectly imperfect human, Dorina is doing her best to follow her soul's plan and to help raise the vibration of humanity, helping individuals and small groups to heal.
I would love to hear from you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you identify what activities are fun for you and how you can have more fun on a regular basis.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will talk about the F word.....FUN! I'll tell you why it's important to have fun, how I put fun into two different categories and how you can identify what's fun for you.
I'll start out by sharing a story about a time in my life when I was not having much fun and how something unexpected changed that for me. It involves Zen Friend to the pod, Tennette Correia from episodes #3 and #20 and #25. It also involves a popular 90's band, dancing in the rain and awkward band encounters.
If you are enjoying this podcast please share it with a friend! It also helps the podcast to grow and reach new listeners when you rate and review it on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
I would love to hear from you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you identify where you would like help in your life. I will also help you to determine who you can ask for help and how to decrease the uncomfortable feelings that might come with asking for help.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I’ll tell you why it’s so hard to find a therapist with availability right now. I’ll also share the challenges I see kids, teens and families facing in these post pandemic times.
I’ll also give you a little insight into what it has been like for me as a therapist since the pandemic began in March of 2020.
And stay tuned till the end of the episode where I give tips to help you find a qualified therapist for you or your child.
On this podcast I mention the therapist directory, Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/counsellors?domain=www&cc=US&cl=en
If you are enjoying this podcast please share it with a friend! It also helps the podcast to grow and reach new listeners when you rate and review it on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
I would love to hear from you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation that helps you to connect with the lessons you have learned from a challenging event or difficult person in your life.
Whether you connect with a past or present challenge, this episode will help you to feel more peaceful and calm.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview with Justin Noppe, a leadership overwhelm coach. Justin will be talking about, "Kinstugi," the Japanese tradition of mending broken pottery. He will share how you can use this concept to heal and grow from the difficult times in your life.
But first, have I told you I'm a recovering perfectionist? Well, I am. I'll tell you how my desire to do things perfectly has been showing up in my life lately.
Justin Noppe's Bio: Justin helps leaders, founders and managers of small yet successful companies navigate their way from overwhelm and a life out of harmony, to a perspective of excitement and capability to deal with strain.
Here's how to contact Justin:
website: https://www.justinnoppe.com/
email: thetaoofyun@gmail.com
instagram: @justinnoppe
I would love to hear from you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will share the lessons I learned from working in the restaurant business and how I apply them to my life now.
I was not a very good waitress. From falling down stairs to cutting myself constantly in the kitchen and never being able to properly cash out at the end of the night. But somehow I always felt valued by the restaurant owners.
In this episode I will share four things I learned working as a waitress at Two Steps Downtown Grille in the 1990's:
On this episode I mention this video: https://youtu.be/K5ceQJLRp6w
If you are enjoying this podcast please share it with a friend! It also helps the podcast to grow and reach new listeners when you rate and review it on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
I would love to hear from you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation that helps you to release muscle tension while you visualize lying in the sun on the beach.
This is a wonderful meditation for when you are looking for deep relaxation. Enjoy!
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will share how I view anxiety and one way to begin to decrease anxiety symptoms. My deep dive on anxiety will include:
Products I mention on this episode:
https://www.heartmath.com/
https://www.revive-eo.com/products/?gclid=CjwKCAjw6vyiBhB_EiwAQJRopmMMhEsj27gTs01TweEPj_GmcO0jeGRQYETPwKVbInOZGjGRFNGX-xoC1JIQAvD_BwE
I would love to hear from you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation to help you honor the caretaker in you.
This meditation is in honor of Mother's Day. This can be a difficult day for many. I hope that you will find peace and love all around you.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am super excited to have an interview with Brooke Forry! Brooke is the co-host to the Podcast Good Enough-ish, Creative Director of Curious & Co. Creative and the creator of the Balance Bound Planner.
Brooke and I talk about juggling roles as caretakers and business women. Brooke shares what inspired her to create the Balance Bound Planner and how it can be used to create a life that has more balance. Brooke also shares what she does to fill her own cup and I vow to to try this self care practice ASAP!
If you'd like to connect with me here's how to reach me:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
My website: https://www.laurencounseling.com/
Brooke's Bio: Brooke Forry is Creative Director of Curious & Co. Creative, an award-winning boutique design firm she co-founded in 2010, where she creates polished visual brands that make a lasting first impression. In 2019, combining her design-centric problem-solving expertise with her love of paper products, Brooke launched the Balance Bound Planner and line of stationery products that help busy people create order from the chaos of their to-do lists.
Brooke is also co-host of the Good Enough-ish Podcast, where she and her professional organizer bestie, Amanda Jefferson, share tips, banter, and real-life tales (and fails) of trying to get their “ish” together and manage the tired, busy, hilarious juggle of life.
In her spare time you can find Brooke baking, reading, taking in a musical theatre performance, or dining in her suburban Philadelphia hometown with her husband and two children.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode of a Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you check in to see how you are feeling about your day. I will invite you to accept that things are the way they are and ask yourself what you need to care for yourself as the day wraps up.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this week's episode I will share what it is that my anxiety tells me NOT TO DO! I'll also share what steps I take to do it anyway. Here's a hint.... it has to do with an upcoming trip to Hawaii!
If you have a fear or anxiety that you would like to overcome, this episode will help you take the first steps to move through it. From creating an outcome picture to navigating through corrective experiences and set backs, I'll explain what these terms mean and how they can help you.
On this podcast I mention a technique for overcoming anxiety created by Aureen Wagner. Find out more about Aureen and her trainings here: https://www.anxietywellness.com/pages/workshops-for-professionals
Would you like to enter a contest to win a $50 gift card to Balance Bound?!!
Balance Bound is home to the Balance Bound Planner (Dated and Undated planners). This planner contains sections for: Work, Self, Others and Home to help you create more balance in your life. Balance Bound also has beautiful stationary, journals daily planning sheets and more!Here's how to enter:
Here's where to send your screen shot:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you fall asleep with more ease.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview with Paul Bright, a certified sleep science coach and creator and host of, "The Why Behind the Z's," podcast.
Before we get to our interview I will share some exciting news about an upcoming interview!
Then Paul and I will talk about: the current sleep recommendations for children and teens, why it's so important for young people to get enough sleep and ways you can support your children and teens in getting the sleep their minds and bodies need.
Would you like to enter a contest to win a $50 gift card to Balance Bound?!!
Balance Bound is home to the Balance Bound Planner (Dated and Undated planners). This planner contains sections for: Work, Self, Others and Home to help you create more balance in your life. Balance Bound also has beautiful stationary, journals, daily planning sheets and more! Here's how to enter:
Here's where to send your screen shot:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
Paul Bright's Bio: Paul, the host of The Why Behind Your Z’s podcast, battled sleep paralysis, insomnia, and sleep anxiety during military service. He spent years researching peer-reviewed scientific journals for solutions to his sleep problems and developed a system that helped bring his sleep to consistency. Now he's become a certified sleep science coach and wants to turn his victories into inspiration for others. Paul is the creator of Sleep You Deserve, A sleep solution resource for those who want to overcome insomnia and other sleep disturbances.
Here's how to contact Paul Bright:
website: https://www.sleepyoudeserve.com/
email:sleepcoachpaul@sleepyoudeserve.com
instagram: @sleepcoachpaul
Podcast: "The Why Behind Your Z's"- https://sleepyoudeserve.com/feed/podcast/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short meditation to help you identify how you can meet your own needs at this time.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will tell you how creating a red tent has been one of the best things I've done to make my 21 year marriage healthier. I will discuss where the metaphor of a red tent comes from and what it looks like to create a modern day red tent. I'll also share what research says about the benefits of having supporting and nurturing friendships in your life.
Books mentioned in this podcast:
"The Red Tent," by Anita Diamont
https://a.co/d/bdy7rci
"The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires," by Grady Hendrix
https://a.co/d/9XiRHd7
Would you like to enter a contest to win a $50 gift card to Balance Bound?!!
Balance Bound is home to the Balance Bound Planner (Dated and Undated planners). This planner contains sections for: Work, Self, Others and Home to help you create more balance in your life. Balance Bound also has beautiful stationary, journals daily planning sheets and more!Here's how to enter:
Here's where to send your screen shot:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In this Drop of Zen I will guide you through an IFS (Internal Family Systems) exercise to get to know your anxiety. This exercise is designed to help you feel less anxious.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview with Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Shawn Carney here today to talk about how he successfully treats anxiety with alternatives to traditional medication.
Before we get to our interview I will share how I view anxiety and the role that calming our central nervous system plays in decreasing anxiety symptoms.
Would you like to enter a contest to win a $50 gift card to Balance Bound?!!
Balance Bound is home to the Balance Bound Planner (Dated and Undated planners). This planner contains sections for: Work, Self, Others and Home to help you create more balance in your life. Balance Bound also has beautiful stationary, journals daily planning sheets and more!Here's how to enter:
Here's where to send your screen shot:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
Dr. Shawn Carney's Bio: Dr. Shawn M. Carney is a naturopathic physician with a long history of helping patients of all ages with many different health concerns. After graduating with honors as a double major in environmental science and philosophy from Purchase College in New York, Dr. Carney continued to pursue a fusion of these interests by undertaking a career in integrative medicine. He received a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the University of Bridgeport after having worked for several engineering and environmental science firms and serving as a full-time
emergency medical technician. Dr. Carney has studied in a wide array of settings including physicians from the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS) and treats patients with a wide variety of concerns including ADD/ADHD, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and thyroid disorders. He practices at Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC in Newtown, CT.
Here's how to contact Dr. Carney:
website: https://www.nenaturalmedicine.com/
phone number: 1-800-723-2962
email: info@nenaturalmedicine.com
instagram: @dr.shawncarney
facebook: drshawncarney
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation to help you identify one self care action that you would benefit from.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this week's episode I will share my #1 strategy for decreasing your stress and increasing your happiness during the often difficult time of parenting tweens and teens. Spoiler alert.... It involves caring for yourself!
Would you like to enter a contest to win a $50 gift card to Balance Bound?!!
Balance Bound is home to the Balance Bound Planner (Dated and Undated planners). This planner contains sections for: Work, Self, Others and Home to help you create more balance in your life. Balance Bound also has beautiful stationary, journals daily planning sheets and more!Here's how to enter:
Here's where to send your screen shot:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
In this Drop of Zen I will guide you through a short mediation designed to help you cultivate gratitude for your body and all it does for you.
Please make sure you do not listen to this or any mediation while driving.
For maximum benefit listen to this meditation at a time when you won't be interrupted and can comfortably sit or lie down.
I hope you enjoy this short guided meditation! And I hope you'll take some time today and every day to do something kind for yourself.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview with my friend, Amy Mann. Amy received a heart transplant four and a half years ago after living with a heart condition known as HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Amy shares her experience as an immunocompromised individual living through Covid. Amy also shares the exciting advocacy work she is currently involved in. If you haven't already listened to Part 1 of this interview, check that out first!
Before we get to our interview I will share what's bringing me more zen lately. I've talked in the past about how I love to read. There are times in my life, however, where focusing on complicated novels is just not in my wheel house. During these times I turn to middle grade books. Here are some I've enjoyed lately:
If you like this episode and would like to help this podcast to grow and reach more listeners here's what you can do to help:
I'd love to connect with you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
Amy's Bio:
Amy is the mother of four wonderful humans and married to a fantastic man named David. She has lived, worked and received an education in both England and the USA . Amy is a former midwife, who worked at a bustling hospital in London, England. In August 2021, Amy moved with her family from Connecticut to Southern California.
Amy has extensive experience working for and volunteering for cardiac nonprofits in strategy, project management, and project coordination. Amy is currently volunteering and working on projects relating to cardiac and organ transplant patient advocacy and awareness. Amy is also on a clinical trial steering committee for a biopharmaceutical company that has developed a drug to treat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
When not volunteering or working on advocacy related to HCM and organ transplants, Amy enjoys swimming, hiking, biking, and yoga. Amy is a qualified Yoga Alliance 200 hrs. yoga teacher. Amy also loves traveling and spending time with her family.
Find Amy on TikTok: AmyMann99
Find Amy on Instagram: AmyMann999
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview with my friend, Amy Mann. Amy received a heart transplant four and a half years ago after living with a heart condition known as HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Amy shares her story of growing up with HCM after being diagnosed at the age of 5, experiencing heart failure as a mother of four and the conflicting feelings that go with receiving a donor heart. I think you'll find Amy's story as inspiring as I do.
Before we get to our interview I will share some podcast news. The short guided meditation known as a Drop of Zen, will now come out as a separate stand alone episode. A Drop of Zen will be released every Friday. If you're already subscribed to Your Zen Friend, all podcast episodes, including A Drop of Zen will be delivered weekly to your podcast app!
If you like this episode and would like to help this podcast to grow and reach more listeners here's what you can do to help:
I'd love to connect with you!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
Amy's Bio:
Amy is the mother of four wonderful humans and married to a fantastic man named David. She has lived, worked and received an education in both England and the USA . Amy is a former midwife, who worked at a bustling hospital in London, England. In August 2021, Amy moved with her family from Connecticut to Southern California.
Amy has extensive experience working for and volunteering for cardiac nonprofits in strategy, project management, and project coordination. Amy is currently volunteering and working on projects relating to cardiac and organ transplant patient advocacy and awareness. Amy is also on a clinical trial steering committee for a biopharmaceutical company that has developed a drug to treat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
When not volunteering or working on advocacy related to HCM and organ transplants, Amy enjoys swimming, hiking, biking, and yoga. Amy is a qualified Yoga Alliance 200 hrs. yoga teacher. Amy also loves traveling and spending time with her family.
Find Amy on TikTok: AmyMann99
Find Amy on Instagram: AmyMann999
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have friend of the pod, Tennette Correia with me to discuss our first Book Club pic! We will talk about, "Finding Me," the memoir by Viola Davis. We will share our thoughts on the extreme poverty Viola grew up in, the racism she has faced throughout her life, the challenges of growing up in addiction and the theme of forgiveness.
If you would like to read Viola Davis' book, find it here: https://a.co/d/coFq8sg
We will end our episode with a Drop of Zen and I will guide you through a meditation on forgiveness.
If you like this episode and would like to help this podcast grow and reach more listeners here's what you can do to help:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today's episode I have some fun updates including how I'm currently working on a project with a former Your Zen Friend guest. I will also tell you about an upcoming interview I'm excited to bring you. Then I will talk about cultivating self compassion and share with you a short exercise I like to practice when I am having a difficult day.
We will end our episode with a Drop of Zen and I will guide you through a loving kindness meditation.
If you like this episode and would like to help this podcast grow and reach more listeners here's what you can do to help:
I hope you'll join us for our Book Club Read: "Finding Me," by Viola Davis.
https://a.co/d/coFq8sg
Read "Finding Me," and then submit your questions or comments and I might read yours on the air on our Book Club discussion that will be released on Tuesday, March 21st. You can message me by sending me an instagram direct message, email me or message me on our private facebook group. All of those links are below.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
On this podcast I mention:
Young House Love
Instagram: @younghouselove
Blog: https://www.younghouselove.com/
Game: "What Do You Meme?" https://a.co/d/fHMhvRE
Middlebury Furniture https://www.middleburyfurniture.com/
The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristen Neff, PH.D.
Kristen Neff's Self Compassion Quiz: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-test/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I am excited to have an interview with my friend, fitness instructor and studio owner, Jeanine Parsons. We talk about how she came to work in the fitness industry, what led her to open her own fitness studio and how joining a fitness studio can help you reach your fitness goals and have fun working out.
Before we get to our interview I will share how I keep myself moving and grooving and working out on a regular basis.
We will end our episode with a Drop of Zen (a short guided meditation). I will guide you through a mediation on cultivating self compassion.
If you like this episode and would like to help this podcast to grow and reach more listeners here's what you can do to help:
I hope you'll join us for our Book Club Read: "Finding Me," by Viola Davis.
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Me-Memoir-Viola-Davis-ebook/dp/B099WXTZGM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=finding+me&qid=1676247515&sr=8-1
Read "Finding Me," and then submit your questions or comments and I might read yours on the air on our Book Club discussion that will be released on Tuesday, March 21st. You can message me by sending me an instagram direct message, email me or message me on our private facebook group. All of those links are below.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
Jeanine's Bio: Jeanine Parsons lives in Newtown, CT with her husband Jim and their four children. Jeanine was a former professional dancer who trained as a fitness instructor after starting her family.
Some of the fitness classes Jeanine has taught include: Body Pump, P90X, Insanity, Pilates, TRX and Boot Camp. After taking her first Barre class Jeanine was hooked and knew this was what she was looking for -- a way to incorporate dance, Pilates, and yoga into a fitness program that helps others build long, lean, beautiful muscles.
After receiving her certification in Barre, Jeanine began pursuing her dream: To open the very best Barre studio in Newtown, CT! Barre Boutique, is centrally located on Route 25 (Main Street) and is a warm, inviting, and welcoming space.
Find Jeanine on Instagram: @barre.boutique
Or check out her fitness studio's website: https://www.barreboutiquect.com/
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today’s podcast I will share some relationship makers and breakers when it comes to adults relating to tweens and teens. And I mange to talk about Gunther Gebel-Williams. He is one of the most famous wild animal trainers of all time. Think of a blond man in an opened sequined shirt with some tigers and that's him! Listen in to find out how I compare Gunther and his lion taming to parenting tweens and teens.
Gunther Gebel-Williams: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunther_Gebel-Williams
Relationship breakers I discuss are:
Relationship makers I discuss are:
I hope you'll join us for our Book Club Read: "Finding Me," by Viola Davis.
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Me-Memoir-Viola-Davis-ebook/dp/B099WXTZGM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=finding+me&qid=1676247515&sr=8-1
Read "Finding Me," and then submit your questions or comments and I might read yours on the air on our Book Club discussion that will be released on Tuesday, March 21st. You can message me by sending me an instagram direct message, email me or message me on our private facebook group. All of those links are below.
In our Drop of Zen today (our short guided meditation) I will lead you through a short guided meditation.
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today’s podcast I will get honest and vulnerable as I share how I have been struggling to find balance in my life lately. I'll talk about how I decided to make a big change in my work life and what I'm doing to move through some difficult feelings. I'll also talk about some ways I am caring for myself in effort to become more balanced.
I hope this episode will be helpful to you! I look forward to hearing how you find balance in your life.
On this podcast I mention:
I hope you'll join us for our Book Club Read: "Finding Me," by Viola Davis.
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Me-Memoir-Viola-Davis-ebook/dp/B099WXTZGM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=finding+me&qid=1676247515&sr=8-1
Read "Finding Me," and then submit your questions or comments and I might read yours on the air on our Book Club discussion that will be released on Tuesday, March 21st. You can message me by sending me an instagram direct message, email me or message me on our private facebook group. All of those links are below.
In our Drop of Zen today (our short guided meditation) I will lead you through a short breathing exercise where we tap on meridian points on the finger tips.
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today’s podcast I will have an interview with Friend to the Pod Tennette Correia. I will be asking Tennette to tell us about 3 books she has loved, 1 book she has hated and what she has been reading lately. Does this sound familiar to you? I borrowed this format from one of my favorite podcasts, "What Should I Read Next." Listen to "What Should I Read Next," wherever you find podcasts. You can also listen and learn more about this podcast and host Anne Bogel here: https://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/
On this podcast we mention the following books:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Pillars of the Earth by Earth by Ken Follett
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
I hope you'll join us for our Book Club Read: "Finding Me," by Viola Davis
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Me-Memoir-Viola-Davis-ebook/dp/B099WXTZGM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=finding+me&qid=1676247515&sr=8-1
Read "Finding Me," and then submit your questions or comments and Tennette and I may read yours on the air on our Book Club discussion that be released on Tuesday, March 21st. You can message me by sending me an instagram direct message, emailing me or message me on our private facebook group. All of those links are below.
In our Drop of Zen today (our short guided meditation) I will lead you through a short breathing mediation.
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
And be sure to join our private facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today’s podcast I will be talking to you about a parenting technique called Gentle Parenting - what it is, what it isn't, the pros and cons and how you can use techniques from Gentle Parenting with the children in your life. But first I'll talk about what's bringing me a little more zen right now as I try to stay warm and cozy during these cold winter months.
I have been hearing and seeing the term Gentle Parenting a lot lately. And I was like, WHAT is this? So I did some research and read up on the term and thought…… this sounds A LOT like Authoritative Parenting, which I learned about while getting my masters degree in counseling. I learned that Authoritative Parenting is backed by research and many experts agree that it is THE most effective type of parenting. There are a lot of proven benefits to this type of parenting. And guess what... Gentle Parenting is actually the very same technique as Authoritative Parenting. I'll tell you why I think the name change is beneficial. I'll also tell you what the four elements of Gentle Parenting are and give you some examples of how you can use these elements in your own parenting or caring for children and teens.
In this episode I mention the book "Make the Bread, Buy the Butter," by Jennifer Reese. https://a.co/d/apDmiqn
I also share a quote from this website: https://parentingscience.com/authoritative-parenting-style/#:~:text=Kids%20raised%20by%20authoritative%20parents,like%20delinquency%20and%20drug%20use.
In our Drop of Zen today (our short guided meditation) I will ask you to identify something you would like to offer yourself forgiveness for.
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
And be sure to join our private facebook group where we keep the conversation going in between episodes: www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I am excited to have an interview with friend of the pod, Cassie Keeley! We talk about her life living on a rural farm in Massachusetts and her job in Animal Control. Cassie has some fun stories to share including one where she was called in to assist with a bear who had broken into someone's home and was ransacking their kitchen. Don't worry, it has a happy ending for all, including the mischievous bear.
We will also discuss some misconceptions about black bears, what it's like to care for a menagerie of animals that includes two local celebrity pigs and how Cassie believes Animal Control should be renamed Animal Protection.
Before we get to Cassie's interview I will tell you about how I'm using Alba Botinica Hawaiian Hand and Body Lotion to bring me a little more zen this winter. Here's a link to the product on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alba-Cocoa-Butter-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B001E0SE58/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4%3Aamzn1.sym.eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&cv_ct_cx=alba+hawaiian+hand+and+body+lotion&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz9ieBhCIARIsACB0oGL2maNRvBzcac_tdYgeQMH7nRrowNnWou-k_jGLxr7D9sJee3YLh-UaAh-TEALw_wcB&hvadid=580967791873&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003349&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17936968762121235690&hvtargid=kwd-7029880391&hydadcr=28975_14571552&keywords=alba+hawaiian+hand+and+body+lotion&pd_rd_i=B001E0SE58&pd_rd_r=c703a7fd-4fac-4e5c-a135-b73fb6dfdf61&pd_rd_w=iaEHp&pd_rd_wg=2lyRL&pf_rd_p=eff26b9b-e255-411b-a40d-eccb21f93fe4&pf_rd_r=Z0AC42ED8D24D58PR4W0&qid=1675039217&sr=1-1-5985efba-8948-4f09-9122-d605505c9d1e
We will end our episode with a Drop of Zen (a short guided meditation). I will guide you through an exercise designed to help you drop in and identify one thing you can do for yourself to help fill your own cup.
If you like this episode and would like to help this podcast to grow and reach more listeners here's what you can do to help:
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
Cassie's Bio: Cassie is a mom of three humans, and a life long animal adorer. She currently works as an animal control officer in a small town in rural Massachusetts. Cassie previously worked as a veterinary technician, a manager of a pet store, and a certified personal trainer. She owns a hobby farm with her husband, taking care of approximately thirty five different animals they consider pets and life long friends. Cassie likes to think of herself as a wild animal protector and is passionate about helping to educate the public on the benefits and importance of wild animals. She is also known give rides to animals in need and is always happy to get them to the amazing humans who work hard to rehabilitate them.
https://www.sheffieldma.gov/animal-control
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk about Feeling our Feelings, the importance of doing this, and how we can support our children through feeling difficult emotions. I will share tips on how to make time and space for our emotions and why that's helpful. I will also provide tips on how to support your children in having a healthy emotional life.
One of the strategies I share in this podcast is How to Ride The Wave. Here's how you do this:
I also share a strategy from Nicole Sachs, LCSW who is an author and has a podcast called “Cure for Chronic Pain." Nicole's technique called Journal Speak is a wonderful way to take time to feel your feelings. Here's how you do it:
I mention the books Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times and the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling.
In our Drop of Zen today (our short guided meditation) I will guide you through an exercise designed to help you get in touch with your emotions.
If you like this episode please subscribe! And it helps others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will be interviewing Bridgett Burrick Brown on Redefining Beauty for Ourselves and Our Children. Bridgett is the founder of the Beyond Beauty Project, a movement to help improve self-esteem and confidence around body image and mental health. See below for Bridgett's bio and contact information.
It was such a pleasure interviewing Bridgett! Bridgett opens up about her experience in the modeling industry in the past and present. She also shares about the tremendous loss she experienced within a two year period as a young mom. I am so inspired by the work Bridgett is doing and how she shares what she has learned from the obstacles she has overcome.
In our Drop of Zen (our short guided meditation) I'll talk you through a meditation to help you connect with feeling more positive about your body.
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
Bridgett's Bio:
Bridgett Burrick Brown is the founder of Beyond Beauty Project, a movement and multimedia platform that focuses on inspiring confidence and acceptance surrounding beauty, body image, and mental health. Using her two decades of experience in the modeling industry as a model, Brown strives to change the narrative of beauty by redefining its meaning from the inside out, providing education and awareness around feeling our best mentally, physically, and spiritually. By breaking down the barriers to true beauty and self-worth, Bridgett empowers people to ditch the patriarchal standards and shape their own beauty, free from judgment and others’ expectations. She is a dedicated advocate and activist for women, mental health, body diversity and disordered eating recovery, as well as a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from NYC’s Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a W.I.T.S Certified Personal Trainer, and is Certified in Ayurveda from Lotus Flow University. She is also a mother, wife, former dancer and host of Beyond Beauty Project: The Podcast.
Find Bridgett at:
https://www.beyondbeautyproject.com/contact
or on Instagram:
@beyond.beauty.project
or check out her podcast:
Beyond Beauty Project The Podcast (find it wherever you find your podcasts)
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk about Surviving and Thriving While Raising Tweens and Teens. Lately, I have been asking you, the listener, what you would like to hear about on this podcast. And I have had numerous requests for talking about topics on raising teens. So I decided I would bring to you a series called Surviving and Thriving While Parenting Teens and Tweens. Throughout the year I will be talking to you on different topics related to raising teens. And I’m going to throw in tweens as well because kids don’t really become a teen the day they turn 13 years old. Most parents see glimpses of traits in their children that are associated with being a teenager in those tween years which is actually classified as ages 8-12.
Ages 8-19 is a huge age range. For this podcast I’m going to focus more on the older tween and up so I’ll really focus more on about age 11 or 12 and up. But if you have children younger than age 11 I think this will still be helpful to listen to because you are really building a foundation now that will be helpful to raising teens down the road. And if you don’t have children you can just feel all sorts of smug that you don’t have to deal with any of this. I’m kidding but listening to the podcasts in this series could help you to improve your connection with nieces or nephews or the teens that you work with.
I am curious, who out there made resolutions or set intentions for the new year? I'll share with you how I'm doing on the New Year's intentions that I set recently. Did any of you set an intention while listening to the Drop of Zen meditation in last week's episode (episode #14 Reflecting on the Past and Setting Intentions for the Future)? I will be checking in on our facebook group to see how listeners are doing with the intentions they've set. On this episode I'll share with you how I'm doing so far with mine. If you haven't joined our Facbebook group please join us! You can find it by going to Facebook Groups and searching, "Your Zen Friend." There's also a link below.
Parenting any age group of children can be challenging. But parenting tweens and teens is an especially challenging time. Why, you may wonder, is this so? Because tweens and teens are "individuating." I'll talk about what this means and what this looks like. And I'll give you some concrete strategies to help make this difficult time a little easier for you. Maybe even a lot easier! Go big or go home, right? :) And (spoiler alert) some of these strategies are about caring for yourself. Other strategies are about knowing how your buttons get pushed and how to respond in a way that doesn't send you into a shame spiral when they are pushed.
In our Drop of Zen (our short guided meditation) I'll talk you through a breathing technique that is super calming and can be used anywhere and at anytime.
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk about Reflecting on the Past and Setting Intentions for the Future. Identifying what is not working in our lives and creating goals to make changes can be really helpful. I will provide tips and strategies to help you be successful in keeping and attaining the goals you set for yourself.
I'll talk about a tool that can help you to assess where your life is out of balance. That's the The Balance Bound Planner. This planner has sections for: work, home, others and self. I will tell you what I discovered about myself in just a few days of using this planner. If you would like to get a Balance Bound Planner, find one at https://www.balancebound.co/shop/stationery-gifts
The Balance Bound planner has a spot where you can come up with a word for the year. I’ll share what mine is and how I built my intention for the year around it.
One of the strategies I will talk about comes from understanding how you best meet inner and outer expectations in your life. To better understand this you can read Gretchin Rubin’s book, “The Four Tendencies,” or take the quiz to find out what tendency you are: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/
https://www.amazon.com/The-Four-Tendencies-audiobook/dp/B071L426J6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=229PGX3X808O8&keywords=the+four+tendencies+by+gretchen+rubin&qid=1672626012&sprefix=the+four+ten%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1
No matter what goals you set for yourself, I will invite you to to aim for progress, not perfection. Remember to have compassion for yourself if it’s harder to achieve the goals you set than you had hoped. This is a journey and we are most likely not going to hit the destination of having everything perfectly perfect (bummer!) We are often moving towards balance but so rarely do we stay there for long.
In our Drop of Zen today (our short guided meditation) we will do a little reflecting on the past year and intention setting for the new year. Feel free to have a piece of paper and a writing utensil nearby to jot down what comes up for you.
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If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
***This podcast talks about holiday magic. Please listen away from little ears.
On this podcast I will talk about Finding the Joy in Holiday Mishaps. Don’t we all have those? The things that go wrong during the holiday season can add stress but also sometimes lead to laughs and memories that connect us to the people who lived the experiences with us. But first I’ll update you on how I had A LOT of fun at a local musical with my friend Vanessa David (to hear an episode with Vanessa, see episode #5 How We Connect Through Food; Food for Fuel and Food for Love). Vanessa and I managed to have a holiday mishap along the way! I'll tell you all about it. Then I’ll share about that time I had to send Holiday Cards overseas when I worked as an Admin. Or more accurately, an Admin to the Admin. Well, let’s just say it didn’t go perfectly but it makes me laugh every time I think about it. I’ll also tell you about that time my dad dressed as Santa for my daughter Leena and her friend and how that involved a number of holiday mishaps. The picture for this week's show is actually a pic of my dad, Leena and our dog Jeter. As you can see Jeter was pretty happy about sitting on Santa's lap but Leena was not. You'll never guess the audio book I selected a few years ago to listen to while wrapping gifts. It was not a good choice! I'll tell you about that also. And finally, I'll talk about some snafus involving The Elf on the Shelf and how I got into some hot water with some kid counseling clients.
On today’s episode I mention:
Author and Podcaster Gretchen Rubin. You can find her podcast by searching “Happier with Gretchen Rubin,” wherever you listen to podcasts.
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will share 5 Ways to Create More Zen for the Holidays and provide you with a Last Minute Gift Guide.
Here is a list of all the products and websites mentioned in this episode:
Balanced Bound Planner: https://www.balancebound.co/shop/stationery-gifts
Also check out the "Good Enough-ish," Podcast wherever you find your podcasts
Revive Essential Oils:
Essential Oil Diffuser:
Natural Body Lotions, Soaps and Candles:
Local CT Book Store and online ordering:
https://www.turningthepagebooks.com/
Local CT coffee shop:
https://www.lastdropcoffeeshop.com/
Bic mechanical pencil:
https://www.amazon.com/BIC-Mechanical-2-Pencil-60ct/dp/B07JM8HF56/ref=sr_1_4?crid=LI5R9VDGCDFF&keywords=bic+mechanical+pencil&qid=1670809236&sprefix=bic+m%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-4
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk with Lori Simon about Holiday Fantasy vs. Holiday Reality.
Do you ever find that the way your holiday preparation and holiday celebrations turn out are quite different from the way you picture it in your head? Then this episode is for you!
Lori and I will talk about holiday decorating, gift wrapping, baking, celebrating and managing our own expectations as well as those of our children. We will also each commit to taking something off our already full plates this holiday season. Or, well, we will think about taking something off, LOL!
On this episode Lori mentions her tradition of making these sugar cookies: https://www.bettycrocker.com/products/cookiemix/sugar
And Lauren mentions her tradition of making this Gingerbread Recipe (I’ll also post it in our Facebook group:
Ginger Snaps (Gingerbread Men)
2 cups flour (sifted)¾ cup shortening
2 tsp baking soda1 cup sugar
1 tsp ground ginger4 Tbsp molasses
1 tsp ground cloves1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon
Sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Set aside. Cream shortening. Add sugar, egg and molasses. Beat well. Add flour mixture and beat until smooth. Mixture will be very stiff.
For snaps: Take a teaspoon of mixture, roll into a ball, and then roll ball in sugar. Bake on greased cookie sheet for 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees.
For Gingerbread Men: Chill dough for one hour. Lightly flour rolling surface and rolling pin. Roll and cut dough with cookie cutters. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees. Length of time will vary according to how big or how thick the cookies are. For small gingerbread men, (approximately 3 inches long) they baked for me in 10 – 12 min.
A Little About Lori:
Lori Simon graduated with a Bachelors in Science in Medical Technology from Western Connecticut State University. She is a wife and mom to 6 kids. She is currently home schooling 3 children (at what she likes to refer to as Simon School) while the other 3 attend college. Lori loves all things Disney and frequents Disney World, which is about two hours from her home in Florida. When Lori is not at Disney World you can find her using her creativity to make every day fun including minor holidays (think groundhog meatloaf) or of course, talking to Lauren on the phone. Lori believes in the go big or go home approach to most things, especially when it comes to decorating for Halloween and Christmas. Side note……… Lori was busy teaching children how to dissect cow eyeballs so Lauren had to write this bio. EW! LOL or as Lori likes to say, LOL, LOL, LOL!!!
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk about: Making Your Home Your Sanctuary with interior designer and friend Don Richards.
Don will share his expertise on home do’s and don’t, decorating for the holidays and how to make your home reflect who you are.
A little about Don: Consumed by architecture, design, and home since childhood, Don graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia with a degree in Historic Preservation. For the last thirty years, his obsession with home has seen him in the worlds of interior design, visual merchandising, and real estate. A Litchfield County native, Don has designed spaces in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Florida, while vowing never again to work in NYC because of elevator constraints. Can a sofa be disassembled and put back together? The answer is yes. Should it be? LOL, the answer is no. He believes the key to a space being home is personality and quirk. Try and think outside the box with vintage and unique. Look toward the architectural style of the property and let that guide you. If you love it, it will usually work. Just no 75'' flat screens, please. Don is passionate about BLTs, turtlenecks, and his orange tabby, Ernest. Not necessarily in that order.
He can be reached at:
Middlebury Furniture and Home Design
1101 Southford Road
Middlebury, CT 06762
860-996-8690
don@theshoppes.net
donrichardsIII on Instagram
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk about supporting your children with healthy friendships and nurturing your own friendships.
I am excited to have an interview with my friend of over 40 years Tara Brophy! Make sure you listen to the very end for our "blooper," sound check. Tara and I have been laughing together since the 4th grade and man was it hard for us to record this podcast and be serious. But we did it! Mostly, LOL.
Tara brings a unique perspective to children's friendships since she is a 3rd grade teacher. Listen in as a grade school teacher and children's therapist talk about how parents can support their children in having healthy friendships. They'll also discuss the importance of making time to nurture your own friendships as well.
A Little About Tara:
Raised by her minister mom, Tara’s first gig was as a singing Sunday school teacher who uncovered the joy of storytelling at potluck suppers. Later bringing down the house at Connecticut libraries, camps and schools, Tara became a superheroine for the Earth, strumming a green guitar and dancing for the planet, but has since retired her cape. Now an eternal eight year old, she is a puppet-waving, songwriting, pogo-sticking third grade teacher of twenty-five years who learns the most from kids who draw their own lines. Constructive play is the hallmark of her teaching style where imagination and positivity win the day as the most powerful tools for constructing a loving community in a diverse classroom. She’s been known to jam out with her school-librarian husband while their two teenagers sigh, but secretly love it. Tara’s eighteen pound orange tabby Chester often snores in a backyard hammock while enduring obsessive photo sessions. Her other passions (hiking, kayaking, and collecting vintage Fisher Price people) all inspire more and more ideas.
Her FaceBook Page of Songs: https://www.facebook.com/songsbytara
If you like this episode please subscribe! It also will help others to find this podcast when you leave a 5 star rating and review.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk about how opposites attract and how we can have rich and rewarding friendships when we respect and celebrate each other and our differences.
I am excited to have an interview with my friend of over 35 years Lori Simon!
A Little About Lori:
Lori Simon graduated with a Bachelors in Science in Medical Technology from Western Connecticut State University. She is a wife and mom to 6 kids. She is currently home schooling 3 children (at what she likes to refer to as Simon School) while the other 3 attend college. Lori loves all things Disney and frequents Disney World, which is about two hours from her home in Florida. When Lori is not at Disney World you can find her using her creativity to make every day fun including minor holidays (think groundhog meatloaf) or of course, talking to Lauren on the phone. Lori believes in the go big or go home approach to most things, especially when it comes to decorating for Halloween and Christmas. Side note……… Lori was busy teaching children how to dissect cow eyeballs so Lauren had to write this bio. EW! LOL or as Lori likes to say, LOL, LOL, LOL!!!
On this podcast I mention author Brene Brown. Check out Brene's famous talk on vulnerability here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o&t=492s
Here are Lori's hot holiday toys recommendations for 2022:
https://www.target.com/p/magic-mixies-blue-magical-crystal-ball/-/A-84797840?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000100919980&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2Ba064R0000138jTxQAI-TargetToys_HKC_GoogleSearch_Holiday_2022-719030&adgroup=PLA_TargetToys&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9003431&gclid=CjwKCAiA68ebBhB-EiwALVC-Nl7qxDh_2jKpCbbFARiu_t02VKbh8acOrq3i93Pg6m9nGlmknnyRzBoC5OMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.thetoyinsider.com/toys/little-live-pets-mama-surprise/
If you like this episode please subscribe! And help me out by leaving a review below. If you leave a 5 star review I may read it on a future episode. By rating and reviewing this podcast you will help others to find it who could benefit from the content.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast I will talk about communication and how to communicate more effectively with the people in our lives including children. I will teach you how to use reflective listening and I messages to help you make deeper connections with those you care about and have discussions that end with everyone feeling heard. I’ll also share some real life examples of how I’ve improved my communication with the children in my life.
If you like this episode please subscribe! And help me out by leaving a review below. A 5 star review will help others who could benefit from this podcast find it.
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will be talking to you about ways to effort less and find ease in your everyday life. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, stressed or all of these things, this episode will help you to find ease amidst the chaos.
If you are enjoying this podcast please make sure you subscribe so that new episodes will be delivered to you each Tuesday. It also helps me when you rate and review the podcast on your podcast app. If you leave a 5 star review I may read it on a future episode.
Share this episode with a friend who could use more ease in their life!
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
Thanks for listening! I hope you take some time today and everyday to do something kind for yourself.
For more information on Lauren or her counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On today's episode we will talk about the connections we make through food. I'll talk about some of the foods that remind me of my own childhood. Anyone else remember Sanka or Coke Milk? I’ll also talk about my evolution as a cook (I now know the difference between a clove and a bulb of garlic). And I'm VERY excited to have my friend Vanessa David here for an interview! Vanessa and I will talk about "food for nourishment and food for love ," (a phrase Vanessa has coined). Vanessa will share how growing up with immigrant parents from different countries shaped her eating and how she has worked with children to help them expand their pallets.
Here's a little information on Vanessa David: Vanessa spent over twenty years pursuing a theatre career, which meant she also had a food service career whether she liked it or not. As an actress she worked in Connecticut, New York and Kentucky. Also a playwright, her plays have been published and performed across the country. She worked behind the counter at TCBY and Subway, made cakes at Baskin Robbins and a local bakery, and eventually typecast herself as a server at California Pizza Kitchen. She spent seven years with the Darien School Lunch Program in Connecticut, working her way up from cashier to elementary manager. When that came to an end she wrote her memoir The Lunch Teacher. She is currently searching for an agent and/or publisher. Follow @thelunchteacher on Instagram for updates.
If you like this episode please subscribe! And help me out by leaving a review below. A 5 star review could be read on the next episode!
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will be talking to you about the myth that any of us can be and SHOULD be a perfect parent. If you have ever felt like others are doing a better parenting job than you, this episode is guaranteed to make you feel better about yourself and your parenting.
If you like this episode please subscribe! And help me out by leaving a review below. 5 star reviews always make me smile :)
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren or her counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will be talking about the importance of embracing embarrassing and awkward situations. And man oh man I have those on the regular. Why on earth would you want to embrace embarrassment you might be asking? Because it helps us to lead happier, more fulfilled lives. I'll talk more about that in this episode. I’ll also give you tips on how you can help your children to move through embarrassment and take healthy risks.
This episode would not be complete without some laugh inducing real life embarrassing moments. I’ll share some of my own AND my special guest, Tennette Correia will share some of her own giggle worthy embarrassing stories.
A little about Tennette Correia:
Tennette is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a Communications degree. She began her career in marketing and ended up working in the world of relocation where she is today. Tennette is a mother of two adult children. She considers herself a work in progress and still doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up. Her super power is attracting people. Strangers tend to share personal information. It used to freak her out but now she embraces it.
If you like this episode please subscribe and share it with a friend. I would also appreciate it if you take a moment to rate and review it. A 5 Star Review would really make my day! :)
If you would like to share an embarrassing story, add a comment or ask a question, you can reach me at...
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren or her counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will share, “secrets from a therapist.” Are these deep dark secrets? Definitely not. Instead they are truths I have discovered in my work as a therapist supporting children and parents.
The first, “secret,” I will share with you will help you in meeting the needs of the children and teens in your life whether they are your own kids or kids you work with. There are also tips to help you when kids are pushing your buttons.
The second, “secret,” is one that we can implement ourselves as adults for a calmer, more balanced life. And kids will definitely benefit from this as well. Warning that you may disagree with this one! While this is a judgment free zone you are always invited to disagree.
If you like this episode please subscribe! And help me out by leaving a review below. 5 Star Reviews are my favorite :)
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this episode I will talk about how parents can make and keep healthy connections with their kids, whether they're sweet little peanuts or teenagers giving you the side eye. I'll provide 5 tips that have helped me with my own two children and have also helped many of the families I have worked with in counseling.
I'm super excited to interview my very first guest, Leena Abdulrahman! Leena is a 19 year old, sophomore in college and also... my very own daughter. Leena gives honest answers on what I have done right to keep our connection strong and what I could have done differently (aka how I blew it) during her middle school years. Leena also offers insight for parents on the things they do that create distance between them and their teens.
In this episode I reference the book Untangled; Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour.
If you like this episode please subscribe! And help me out by leaving a review. 5 Star Reviews are my favorite :)
If you have a question, comment or an idea for a future episode please reach out.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend
Email me at: YourZenFriendPod@gmail.com
Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/
For more information on Lauren's counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
On this podcast, host Lauren Wolfe shares wisdom from working as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist for more than 20 years with children, adolescents and families. This podcast contains topics on parenting, mental health, self care, personal growth and more!
Using humor and vulnerability, Lauren keeps it real as she tells stories from her own experience as a therapist, mom and perfectly imperfect human who's just doing her best.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Connect to leave comments or ask questions at: yourzenfriendpod@gmail.com or @yourzenfriendpod on instagram.
Learn more about Lauren Wolfe and her counseling services @ LaurenCounseling.com.
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.
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