In this inspiring episode of Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with life coach and author Chris Jensen to discuss her powerful journey to sobriety and her upcoming book, Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want . Chris opens up about her personal experiences, including the challenges of navigating sobriety and how it inspired her to help others, particularly high-achieving perfectionists. She shares strategies to overcome performance pressure, b...
Feb 03, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 246
In this episode of SEL Book Talks, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, former educator and licensed therapist, shares her insights on the book Hello, Anger by Jessica Sinarski, illustrated by Mackie Pamintuan. This book is an excellent resource for parents, educators, school counselors, and mental health professionals working with children in upper elementary grades. Vanessa discusses how the book helps kids build self-awareness and manage big feelings like anger, embarrassment, and loneliness through enga...
Jan 31, 2025•6 min•Season 6Ep. 245
Navigating change can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to leadership transitions. Whether it’s a new boss at work, leadership shifts in an organization, or changes in personal dynamics, the uncertainty can leave us feeling unsettled. In this episode, Vanessa explores why change feels so challenging, how to embrace the unknown, and strategies to let go of resistance. Through relatable examples and actionable tips, you’ll learn how to adapt to new leadership with an open heart and an op...
Jan 27, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 244
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you reduce the overwhelm, find joy, and live life intentionally so you don't lose your... well, you know. TODAY'S QUESTION: "How can I best support my child who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community?" In this heartfelt episode, Vanessa addresses how parents can best support their children who id...
Jan 23, 2025•4 min•Season 6Ep. 243
In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman chats with Alanna Hellman, mom of two under two and founder of Moms Working Overtime . Alanna shares her journey from leaving the corporate world to creating a community where moms can rediscover joy and confidence in the chaos of motherhood. This conversation isn’t just for moms—it’s a reminder for anyone navigating life’s many roles that joy, balance, and self-care are within reach. Vanessa and Alanna explore the ...
Jan 20, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 242
In this episode of SEL Book Talks , Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, former educator and licensed therapist, shares her insights on the book 30 Minute Groups on Anxiety Management . This book is a must-have for school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and anyone working with kids under time constraints. Vanessa discusses how the book provides a structured approach to understanding and managing anxiety in children, complete with practical resources for group sessions. TUNE IN TO LEARN: Why this ...
Jan 20, 2025•4 min•Season 6Ep. 241
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. Whether it’s a big move, a change in family dynamics, or even a canceled event, curveballs can leave us feeling frustrated or stuck. But what if we looked at these moments differently? In this episode, Vanessa dives into the power of flexibility, exploring how we can embrace change and adapt when life takes an unexpected turn. EPISODE DESCRIPTION Planning is essential, but life doesn’t always stick to the plan. In this episode, Vanessa shares practical minds...
Jan 13, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 240
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast . Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she dives into real-life parenting questions, offering practical advice to help you raise confident kids, nurture stronger connections, and find your calm in the chaos of parenting. TODAY'S QUESTION: "What are the benefits of kids having their own email address?" In this episode, Vanessa explores the pros and cons of kids having their own...
Jan 09, 2025•4 min•Season 6Ep. 239
Happy New Year! Whether you're tuning in on January 1st or later, this empowering episode offers a fresh start for 2025. Together, we’ll reflect on the past year and set meaningful intentions for the year ahead. Dive into personal and professional milestones, learn how to create your own Year in Review, and choose your Word of the Year to stay focused and grounded throughout 2025. EPISODE DESCRIPTION The beginning of a new year brings reflection and hope. In this episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman...
Jan 01, 2025•15 min•Season 6Ep. 238
EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you reduce the overwhelm, find joy, live life intentionally so you don't lose your... well you know... TODAY'S QUESTION: "My middle schooler got an iPhone for Christmas. What can I do to keep them safe?" In this episode, Vanessa provides a relatable and practical approach to ...
Dec 26, 2024•9 min•Season 6Ep. 237
In this episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with Kristi Kandel, a visionary real estate developer, to explore the power of purpose-driven living and the transformation of neglected communities. Kristi takes us on a journey from her humble beginnings in a small Ohio town to becoming a successful entrepreneur and passionate advocate for revitalizing underserved areas. Kristi opens up about how her experiences growing up in poverty and her unwavering work ethic paved the way for her career i...
Dec 23, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 236
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you reduce the overwhelm, find joy, live life intentionally so you don't lose your... well you know... TODAY'S QUESTION: "Is 7 too young to get my kid a phone?" In this episode, Vanessa dives into the age-old parenting dilemma of when to introduce phones to kids. With practical advice and relatab...
Dec 19, 2024•7 min•Season 6Ep. 235
Welcome to the Free to Be Mindful Podcast - your space to reduce overwhelm, find joy, and live life intentionally. In today’s episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift: the idea that less can actually give us more. Let’s talk about how letting go - whether it’s habits, expectations, or distractions - can create space for clarity, peace, and purpose. EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In a world that tells us “more is better,” we often forget the value of simplicity. Whether it’s clearing space in our homes...
Dec 17, 2024•12 min•Season 6Ep. 234
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, tackles real-life parenting questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children. TODAY'S QUESTION: "How can I get my middle schooler to understand budgeting and the cost of the holidays?" In this episode, Vanessa shares relatable and practical tips for teaching middle schoolers about budgeting during the...
Dec 12, 2024•7 min•Season 6Ep. 233
In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman chats with her cousin, Dr. Sasha De Jesus, a board-certified weight management specialist and preventive cardiologist. They discuss the importance of a holistic approach to weight management, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. Dr. De Jesus highlights the benefits of clean eating, including whole, unprocessed foods, and how factors like stress management, sleep, and physical activity ar...
Dec 09, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 232
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children. TODAY'S QUESTION: "How do I handle my 7-year-old's tantrums or meltdowns at holiday gatherings?" In this episode, Vanessa provides practical strategies for managing the challenges of tantrums and meltdowns during busy holida...
Dec 06, 2024•6 min•Season 6Ep. 231
In this heartfelt episode, Vanessa reflects on the power of gratitude for the everyday moments in life. As the year winds down and we transition from Thanksgiving gratitude to the hustle of the holiday season, Vanessa shares personal experiences, including the surprising and miraculous journey of becoming a mother again in her 40s. She explores how even the smallest, seemingly inconvenient moments can hold extraordinary value when viewed through a lens of gratitude. TUNE IN TO LEARN: How the eve...
Dec 02, 2024•12 min•Season 6Ep. 230
EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children. TODAY'S QUESTION: "How can I help my kid interact with extended family they don’t see often during the holidays?" Holiday gatherings can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for kids who aren’t ...
Nov 28, 2024•6 min•Season 6Ep. 229
In this episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman chats with Whitney Faires - an executive coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert who helps people push past obstacles to reach new levels of success. With years of experience as a corporate executive, Whitney has developed proven strategies to help her clients shift their mindsets, build resilience, and tap into their full potential. In this conversation, Whitney dives into the importance of mindset, self-awareness, and how challenges can actually b...
Nov 25, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 228
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children. TODAY'S QUESTION: "How can you make your kid become more grateful?" In this episode, Vanessa shares practical, thoughtful strategies for teaching children the value of gratitude. From simple ways to introduce the concept to ...
Nov 21, 2024•5 min•Season 6Ep. 227
Have you seen the viral TikTok trend showcasing “What a privilege it is…”? This trend flips the script on life’s everyday inconveniences, helping us reframe challenges as opportunities for gratitude. In this episode, we dive into how this viral trend aligns with the spirit of National Gratitude Month, explore the different ways to practice thankfulness, and discuss how gratitude can positively transform our emotional and physical wellbeing. TUNE IN TO LEARN: - How the TikTok trend helps us view ...
Nov 18, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 226
Episode Description: Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions to help you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children. Today’s Question: "We’re seeing family for Thanksgiving who are very touchy-feely and like to kiss and hug. My child does not like this. Should I force her to say hello?" In this episode, Vanessa tackles ...
Nov 16, 2024•4 min•Season 6Ep. 225
In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with Sara Diaz, also known as the First-Gen Madrina, to share an engaging conversation about the unique journey of being a first-generation college student and professional. Sara dives into the highs and lows of navigating this path, emphasizing the value of representation, the feeling of belonging, and how mindfulness can make a real difference in managing mental health and achieving success. You’ll hear Sara’s...
Nov 11, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 224
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series , a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast , where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, tackles real-life parenting-related questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children. Today’s Question: "How should I address my child’s lying or dishonest behavior?" In this episode, Vanessa explores the tricky topic of lying in children and teens. She breaks down the developmental reasons behind dis...
Nov 07, 2024•7 min•Season 6Ep. 223
Struggling to find balance? It’s time to reframe how we view stress and embrace the chaos! In this episode, we dive into the idea that stress isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, we actually thrive in the busyness of our lives! Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman as she explores how we can navigate our responsibilities with intention and mindfulness. By examining our “have to” lists and asking the tough questions, we can discover what truly matters and let go of the pressure to be perfect. Tune in as V...
Nov 04, 2024•13 min•Season 6Ep. 222
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, tackles real-life parenting-related questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children. Today’s Question: "I caught my kid and his teen friends drinking. What is the best way to handle this?" In this episode, Vanessa shares an honest, compassionate approach to handling the tough situation of finding your ...
Oct 31, 2024•8 min•Season 6Ep. 221
In this uplifting episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman catches up with her college friend and breast cancer survivor, Larissa Morgan. Larissa—a healthcare professional, wife, mother of two, and now an HR manager—opens up about her journey with breast cancer, showing us all what resilience and unwavering faith look like. Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this episode highlights the power of early detection, hope, and supportive conversations. Laris...
Oct 28, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 220
The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions so that you can be present and at ease with your child, and live life mindfully. TODAY’S QUESTION: How can I tell if my teen's moodiness is normal? Or if they’re depressed? Send us a text Send us a text 120 COPING SKILLS https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE https://www.freetobemindf...
Oct 24, 2024•9 min•Season 6Ep. 219
In today’s episode, we dive deep into something every mom can relate to—the chaos of juggling multiple tasks at once. Our modern lives demand so much from us—managing households, kids, work, and everything in between—it's no wonder so many moms feel scattered and unfocused. But here’s the thing: just because you're overwhelmed doesn’t necessarily mean you have ADHD. While many women casually say, “I’m so ADHD,” as a therapist, I’m here to help you understand the difference between feeling scatte...
Oct 21, 2024•17 min•Season 6Ep. 218
The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions so that you can be present and at ease with your child, and live life mindfully. TODAY’S QUESTION: My kid has been diagnosed with ADHD. How can I support him at home? REFERENCED EPISODES: I think my kid may have ADHD, what do I do? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0w6dO5L4dE&list=PL3AqOEMHihXgxWFUtvUxJTCziFjITroXQ&ind...
Oct 17, 2024•8 min•Season 6Ep. 217
