Teens: No Cap – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, LMHC, sits down with board-certified art therapist and licensed counselor Lindsey Jonin to break down the transformative power of creativity in therapy.

Many parents and even clinicians wonder: What is the actual difference between a certified art therapist and someone who just uses art activities in a session? Lindsey unpacks this hot topic, explains why there are no "universal meanings" for colors, and shares how to avoid assumption traps when looking at a teen's creative work.

We also dive into:
✅Process over Product: Why your teen doesn't need to be a "fine artist" to benefit from art therapy.
✅Handling Pushback: How to talk to parents who think doing art in session isn't "real therapy".
✅Therapeutic Materials: Why fluid mediums like watercolor can actually cause dysregulation, and what to use instead.
✅Altered Books & Blackout Poetry: Cheap, accessible ways to introduce tactile creativity to teens.
✅Lindsey’s Journey: From struggling academically in high school to owning a successful private practice.

Whether you are a provider looking to expand your toolkit, a parent trying to connect with your teenager, or a student interested in the field of art therapy, this conversation is packed with authentic, actionable insights.

🔗 Connect with Lindsey Jonin:
🙌Workshops & Consultation: http://abstractandaligned.com/
🙌Clinical Practice & Supervision: Lilly Counseling and Art Therapy (Bordentown, NJ)
🙌Email: abstractandaligned@gmail.com

Join the Community:
🔗Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/
🔗Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/
🔗Like our Facebok Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757
🔗Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about
🔗Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/

#arttherapy #TeenMentalHealth #TherapistPodcast #ParentingTeens #CreativeHealing #MentalHealthMatters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teens Uncharted Platform:
www.teensuncharted.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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