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 610: Lisa Katona Smith Talks Teen Substance Use [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this powerful episode of the Joyful Courage Podcast, I sit down with certified peer recovery specialist, family consultant, TEDx, speaker and author Lisa Katona Smith to talk about how parents can stay calm, connected…
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Duration: 31:44
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Eps 608: Calming teenage anxiety with  Sophia Vale Galano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:34
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Eps 607: Dr. Jean Twenge and the 10 Rules for Tech with Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
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Eps 606: Middle School Series Part Two - Essential Conversations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:59
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Eps 605: Middle School Series Part One - Growth, Change and Belonging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:29
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Eps 604: Alyssa Blask Campbell on Parenting Big Feeling Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:28
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Eps 603: Building structure and connection with older teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
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Eps 601: Revisiting Validation, Mutual Respect and Back to School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
Back-to-school season stirs up ALL the emotions for our teens—and for us too. In this replay episode, I’m diving deep into how validation and mutual respect can shift everything at home. Your teen’s emotional world is re…