Eps 632: Therapy may not be the answer for discouraged teens with Nicole Runyon

Eps 632: Therapy may not be the answer for discouraged teens with Nicole Runyon

Author: Casey O'Roarty December 9, 2025 Duration: 56:17
In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Runyon, a child psychotherapist with 22 years of experience and author of "Free to Fly." We tackle some uncomfortable truths about modern parenting—how our well-intentioned approaches might actually be contributing to our kids' struggles. Nicole shares why children are "canaries in the coal mine," sending us messages through their behavior about toxic environments (yes, including screens). We discuss the misunderstood concept of gentle parenting, why therapy isn't always the answer, and how natural consequences build resilience. If you're exhausted from hovering and rescuing, this conversation will help you reclaim your authority with love. Nicole offers practical wisdom about allowing discomfort—both yours and theirs—to foster true independence. For more show notes and info, go to: https://www.besproutable.com/podcasts/eps-632-therapy-may-not-be-the-answer-for-discouraged-teens-with-nicole-runyon/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parenting adolescents often feels like navigating a landscape without a reliable map, where the old rules no longer apply and connection can feel just out of reach. Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens, hosted by Casey O'Roarty, meets you right in that uncertainty. This podcast operates from a simple, powerful belief: the challenges of raising tweens and teens, while deeply personal, are also a shared human experience. Instead of offering quick fixes, conversations here focus on the foundational work of building and repairing relationships, fostering essential life skills in our kids, and perhaps most importantly, doing the internal work required of us as parents. You’ll hear honest discussions that blend practical strategies with compassionate insight, all aimed at transforming this demanding season from a battle of wills into an opportunity for mutual growth. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining a thoughtful, experienced friend who reminds you that courage isn't about being fearless, but about finding joy and resilience within the beautiful mess of family life. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to move beyond reaction and toward a more intentional, connected approach with the young adults in their home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Joyful Courage for Parenting Teens
Podcast Episodes
Eps 620: Meditation as a parenting tool with Katie Krimitsos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:02
As a parent coach working with families for over 20 years, I've learned that raising teenagers requires us to pause before reacting. In this episode, I sit down with meditation expert Katie Krimitsos to discuss how mindf…
Eps 619: Life Skills for Launching Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:47
I'm diving deep into teaching life skills to teens—from driving and money management to cooking and getting their first job. If you're stressed about whether your teen is "ready" to launch, this episode is for you. I sha…
Eps 618: Loving the teen you have with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
I sat down with pediatric psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to discuss her groundbreaking new book about transforming teen conflict into connection. We explored rejection sensitivity in teens with ADHD, perfectionism…
Eps 617: Revisiting Having the Courage to Let Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:00
In this replay episode, I'm getting real about having the courage to let go as our teens approach adulthood. I share my own journey parenting two very different kids. I talk about why our teens need space to develop cruc…
Eps 613: How to Be the Parent Your Teen Actually Turns To [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
In this episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I'm breaking down how to build real trust with your teenager—the kind where they believe you when you say "you can tell me anything." It's not about what we say, but how we…
Eps 612: Emily Redondo on Recovery & Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:07
In this episode of Joyful Courage, I sit down with Emily Redondo, a mom, author, and survivor of addiction, to talk about the messy, beautiful reality of parenting. We dive into how shame, regret, and perfectionism can h…
Eps 611: Middle School Series Part Four - Connection and Courage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:08
Part four of my Middle School Mini Series is here! In this episode, I share powerful Positive Discipline tools that build connection and courage with your tween or teen. From family meetings and special time, to curiosit…