Ep. 41 - Helping Teens Thrive: Emotional Regulation, Social Media Pressures, and Parenting Strategies with Ara Mascarenas, LMHC

The Holistic Counselor

Welcome, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Humans! Join Diana from Through the Valley Therapy and Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching for an insightful conversation with Ara Mascarenas, LMHC, a bilingual therapist and president of the Mental Health Counselors Association of Palm Beach County. In this episode, Ara shares her expertise in working with children, teens, and families.

What We Discussed

• Ara’s journey into therapy, inspired by her own family experiences.
• Tools and techniques to help kids regulate emotions, such as grounding, breathing, and building emotional awareness.
• The impact of social media and technology on teens' mental health.
• How parents can better support their children through emotion regulation and attachment.
• Encouragement for teens to seek help and the importance of stepping out of comfort zones.

Key Resources Mentioned

1. Emotion Wheel

   • A free tool to help identify and expand emotional vocabulary.
   • Download a Free Emotion Wheel

2. Books and Podcasts for Parents

   • Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy Podcast: Good Inside
   • The Conscious Parent by Dr. Shefali Tsabary
   • Circle of Security Parenting – Learn More Here

3. Resources for Teens

   • 211 Helpline (Available Nationwide)
   • The Trevor Project – www.thetrevorproject.org

4. Therapy Modalities Mentioned

   • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
   • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
   • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Connect with Ara Mascarenas, LMHC

• Website: Rising Stronger Counseling
• Instagram: @risingstrongercounseling
• Phone: [phone]

Encouragement for Listeners

“You are not alone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself—it’s worth talking about. You have a purpose and are always worthy of love and belonging.”

Thank you for tuning in to The Holistic Counselor Podcast! Remember to trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind. See you next time!