CAYA Conversations

Grief doesn’t follow a script—it moves like a tide, showing up in waves after a funeral, a breakup, a move, or one of those “little deaths” that catch you off guard. We sit down with Jason Scimemi to unpack what the five stages actually look like in real life and why they aren’t steps to climb but places you revisit as triggers surface. From secondary losses—the empty side of the bed, the missing...

Ever feel your temper flip from zero to sixty before you can catch it? We break down what’s really happening in your brain during anger, using an office analogy that makes the science simple: the “security guard” amygdala races to protect you while the “CEO” prefrontal cortex gets sidelined. That’s why small slights can feel like big threats—and why your body heats up, your jaw locks, and your hea...

Teen life comes with pressure: friends, stress, curiosity, and a constant pull to try what everyone else is trying. We dig into the real reasons teens reach for substances and separate short-term “feel chill” effects from the long-term costs to sleep, mood, memory, and reaction time. Along the way, we share simple, proven skills that make it easier to handle pressure, set boundaries, and still kee...

Ever wonder where normal stress ends and overwhelm begins? We dig into the telltale signs and share practical tools you can use anywhere—before class, after practice, or during a late-night study crunch—to calm your body, clear your head, and get back to what matters. With Lizzie joining Max, we map the difference between temporary pressure and persistent stress that strains relationships or shows...

Boundaries aren’t punishments; they’re instructions on how to treat us. We sat down to map the difference between supportive relationships and the kinds of dynamics that drain your energy, cloud your judgment, and put your safety at risk. From the first signs of respect to the subtle creep of control, we share practical ways to protect your peace without losing your voice. We start with a clear pi...

Welcome to a brand new season of CAYA Conversations, Talk It Out for Teens! This season, we’re getting real about the stuff that actually impacts your day-to-day life. Each episode brings honest conversations, relatable stories, and practical tips you can actually use, not just the usual “self-care” talk. We're kicking things off with Episode 1:Why The Feed Hurts, a deep dive into how social...

Unlock the key to understanding when it's time to seek professional help for yourself or your child with therapist Trish Brown on CAYA Conversations. Trish demystifies the process of seeking support and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in recognizing early warning signs. We'll offer you practical advice on how to determine if professional assistance is necessary, including tip...

Unlock the secrets to fostering harmonious sibling relationships with insights from renowned therapist Samantha Hazleton. Discover how to navigate the intricate dynamics of sibling interactions, especially when personalities clash. With Samantha’s expert guidance, you'll learn to identify signs of unhealthy competition and explore effective interventions. From distinguishing between play and...

Unlock the secrets to thriving in a blended family with the expert insights of our guest, therapist Samantha Hazleton. Discover how mastering assertive communication can transform your family dynamics and strengthen bonds with stepchildren. Samantha guides us through the maze of co-parenting challenges, emphasizing the power of tone, word choice, and body language in fostering healthy interactions...

Discover a revolutionary approach to parenting that goes beyond traditional reward systems as we welcome Raeleen Davis, a certified Synergetic Play Therapist, to CAYA Conversations. Are you ready to transform how you connect with your child by emphasizing emotional growth over tangible rewards? Raeleen and Lauren Ruben, a Licensed Professional Counselor, untangle the mysteries of positive reinforc...

Can you imagine a world where family time flows seamlessly without the chaos of clashing schedules? Join us as we uncover practical strategies to transform time management from a source of stress into a family-strengthening practice. By engaging children in the art of scheduling and task management, we explore how verbalizing daily tasks can turn the household into an efficient, collaborative team...

Join us in this episode of Parenting Under Stress as we explore the ups and downs of parenthood—because there’s no perfect manual! We’ll uncover common stressors for parents, share practical stress-relief techniques, and discuss the crucial role of support systems in building confidence. Learn how to balance personal needs with parenting demands, model healthy stress management for your kids, and...