Teens: No Cap
Teens: No Cap is a podcast that offers an unfiltered look at the realities of being a teenager today. Hosted by Charity, the show covers topics like mental health, school struggles, and high-risk behaviors with honesty and without judgment. It aims to bridge the gap between teens and parents, providing a space for real conversation. Video episodes are available on Spotify and YouTube, while audio can be found on all major podcast platforms.
Episodes
Navigating Family Dynamics, Therapist Burnout, & Post-Pandemic Youth | Teens: No Cap Ep. 54
Welcome to another episode of Teens: No Cap! In this episode, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Dr. Rachel Hughes, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), child mental health specialist, and certified autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist based in Washington state.Dr. Hughes brings an incredibly refreshing and honest perspective to the realities of treating neurodivergent teens,
Treating Trauma in Neurodivergent Teens with EMDR | Teens: No Cap Ep. 53
In Episode 53 of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee sits down with therapist Alyssa Desroches to explore the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma, and EMDR therapy in teenagers. They dive deep into why "high-performing" and high-masking neurodivergent teens are often missed, the vital difference between oppositional behavior and nervous system overwhelm, and how compounded "small t" traumas im
Understanding BFRBs (Skin Picking & Hair Pulling) in Teens with Laura Chackes | Teens: No Cap Ep. 51
Welcome back to another episode of the Teens: No Cap! In Episode 51, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Laura Chackes, a psychologist and owner of the Center for Mindfulness and CBT in St. Louis, Missouri. Laura specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs).In this important conversation, we explore the heavily stigmatized and under-recognized world of BFRBs.
Breaking Generational Trauma: Why Your Teen Won't Talk To You | Teens: No Cap Ep. 50
Are you struggling to connect with your teenager, or wondering why they seem totally shut down? In Episode 50 of Teens: No Cap, we dive deep into the unfiltered reality of teen mental health and how families can break cycles of generational trauma.Episode Summary:In this episode, we sit down with licensed social worker Tatyana White to explore what really goes on in therapy sessions with kids ages
The Wild World of Teen Therapy: Mustangs, Playlists & Harm Reduction | Teens: No Cap Ep. 49
Welcome back to another episode of Teens: No Cap! In Episode 49, host Charity Chaffee, LMHC, sits down with Sarah Evert, LICSW, a clinical social worker and private practice owner based in Minnetonka, MN. Both Charity and Sarah are fiercely passionate about specializing exclusively in adolescents, and they break down exactly why teens require a completely different therapeutic approach than adults
Using Art & Play in Therapy with High-Risk Teens | Teens: No Cap Ep. 48
In this episode of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, LMHC, sits down with board-certified art therapist and licensed counselor Lindsey Jonin to break down the transformative power of creativity in therapy.Many parents and even clinicians wonder: What is the actual difference between a certified art therapist and someone who just uses art activities in a session? Lindsey unpacks this hot topic,
Do Coping Skills Actually Work? Harm Reduction & Self-Harm in Teens | Teens: No Cap Ep. 47
In episode 47 of Teens: No Cap, host and licensed Massachusetts mental health counselor Charity Chaffee tackles some of the most complex questions surrounding teen mental health. When dealing with high-risk behaviors, do coping skills actually work?Designed as a resource for both clinicians and parents, this episode dives deep into effective strategies for supporting treatment-resistant teenagers
Deployment, Reintegration, & Masking: Inside the Minds of Military Kids | Teens: No Cap Ep. 46
Welcome back to another episode of Teens No Cap with your host, Charity Chaffee! In this episode, we sit down with Jason Kelley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to discuss the unique experiences and mental health challenges faced by teenagers in military families.Jason brings an incredible blend of lived and professional experience to our coffee chat. After serving in the military for 17 years
Guides Not Guards, Rethinking Consequences & Reframing Teen Rebellion | Teens: No Cap Ep.45
Welcome back to Teens: No Cap! In episode 45, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee shares her top insights from day two of a specialized teen therapy conference.In this episode, we cover:🎙️Rethinking Tech Use: Why it is more important to understand the how and why of a teen's screen usage rather than simply tracking their time limit.🎙️Guides, Not Guards: Exploring presenter Chris Conle
Inside the Teen Therapy Conference: Trauma, Resistance & Sports Culture | Teens No Cap Ep. 44
Hey everybody, welcome back to episode 44 of Teens: No Cap! I’m your host, Charity Chaffee, a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts who specializes exclusively in treating teenagers. In this episode, I’m coming to you straight from Pennsylvania after an exciting Day 1 at the Teen Therapy Conference run by Katie Kates May. It's been a long day and I am tired, but I couldn't wait to shar
Neurodiversity in Teen Girls: ADHD, Autism & Harm Reduction w/ Jamie Roberts | Teens No Cap Ep 43
Welcome back to Teens No Cap! I'm your host, Charity Chafee, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in teens and their families. Today, I am absolutely jazzed to welcome Jamie Roberts to the show! Jamie is a California-based LMFT who specializes in working with neurodivergent teens and young adults (ADHD, autism, learning differences, and anxiety). She joins us to discuss her incredible n
Stop Treating Teens Like Adults: The Ultimate Guide to Teen Therapy Standards | Teens: No Cap Ep.40
Working with teenagers isn't the same as working with children or adults. Because of their unique brain development, teenagers are their own distinct clinical subspecialty.In Episode #40 of Teens: No Cap, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee breaks down the critical standards of care required for working effectively with adolescents. If you want to offer better scaffolding and support
Self-Harm is a Coping Skill: How to Actually Help High-Risk Teens | Teens No Cap Ep. 39
Welcome back to Teens No Cap! In episode 39, we are tackling a heavy but crucial topic for March, which is Self-Harm Awareness Month. Self-harm is still a very taboo subject today, and there are many misconceptions about what it actually is. As a licensed mental health counselor specializing in high-risk teens, I want to share a different perspective on how we approach and treat self-injury.Here i
Parents on GLP-1s: How to Talk to Your Teen About Weight Loss & Body Image | Teens: No Cap Ep 38
Is your health journey impacting your teen’s body image? In Part 2 of our deep dive into GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy), Charity Chaffee, LMHC, and Dr. Emily Gordon, Psy.D., explore the complex "spiderweb" of parenting while on a weight-loss journey. As GLP-1s become a cultural movement, many parents are left wondering: Should I tell my teenager?.In this episode, we discuss the "Great
Why "Just Say No" Doesn't Work with Teens: A Harm Reduction Crash Course | Teens: No Cap Ep. 37
Happy Friday! In this episode of Teens No Cap, host and licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee dives deep into the "lens" she uses in her specific practice: Harm Reduction. Many parents and providers struggle with the shift between childhood and teenhood, often defaulting to a demand for compliance. Charity explains why a "hard no" often backfires and how shifting the locus of control fr
Stop Faking It: Why Your Teen’s Physical Symptoms Deserve Validation | Ep. 36
Is it "all in their head," or is something else going on? In this episode of Teens: No Cap, Charity Chaffee sits down with Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC, a specialist in counseling people with physical and mental disabilities. Together, they dive deep into the pervasive issue of chronic illness in teenagers—an often invisible struggle that is frequently misidentified as "just anxiety." In this episode,
Valentine’s Day Special: The Myth of the High School Sweetheart | Teens: No Cap Ep.35
Welcome to our Valentine's Day chat on all things teen relationships! Whether you are a parent supporting your teen's first relationship or navigating the preteen dating years, this episode is for you.It can be tempting for parents to say, "No dating until college!". However, if teens don't date now, they often end up navigating their first serious relationships in college without the supervision,
Disability Neutrality & How to Advocate for Your Autistic Teen w/ Haley Moss | Teens: No Cap Ep.34
In this powerful episode, Haley Moss—autistic attorney, author, and neurodiversity advocate—joins Teens Uncharted for a deep conversation about autism, neurodivergence, and supporting teens through self-discovery and advocacy.We explore:🔹 The pressure to constantly achieve and how to enjoy the journey🔹 Navigating autism and neurodiversity in school, work, and relationships🔹 Parenting teens with em
Supporting Teens Who Don't Want to Go to College | Non-College Blueprint with Cathy Tallone Ep. 33
What do you do when your teen says they don't want to go to college? In this episode, host Charity Chaffee talks with Cathy Tallone, founder of The Non-College Blueprint: Finding Futures That Fit. They discuss how to navigate this pivotal decision without shame, build a practical and fulfilling alternative path, and support your teen's confidence, values, and network.Cathy shares her personal jour
GLP-1 Medications: Risks for Teens & Families | Part 1 w/ Dr. Emily Gordon | Teens No Cap Episode 32
In this important first installment of a two-part series, Dr. Emily Gordon returns to Teens: No Cap to discuss the rise of GLP-1 medications and their impact on teen mental health, body image, and eating behaviors. We dive into the history of these drugs, their shift from diabetes treatment to widespread weight loss use, and the serious risks they pose for adolescent development.🔍 In this episode,
Is Your Teen’s IEP Helping or Enabling? (Honest Talk with an Expert) | Teens: No Cap E31
🤔 It's the tough question every parent and educator wrestles with: Is your teen's IEP setting them up for success, or is it holding them back?In Episode 31 of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Monica Trost—a school psychologist, educational psychologist, and parent advocate—for a raw, honest conversation about the fine line between support and enabling in special education.We get
Stop the IEP Battles: Building Trust Between Parents & Schools w/ Gaby Diller | Teens: No Cap Ep 30
Welcome back to Teens: No Cap! In this episode, your host Charity Chaffee sits down with Gaby Diller, founder of Lotus Advocacy, to dive deep into the world of IEPs, student-led meetings, and effective collaboration between families, schools, and providers.We explore practical strategies for empowering students to take ownership of their education, how to foster productive partnerships with school
Navigating the Teenage Winter Slump: New Year's Mental Health Strategies | Teens: No Cap Ep.29
Welcome back to Teens Uncharted! 🎙️ I'm your host, Charity Chafee, LMHC, a teen specialist and licensed mental health counselor.In this solo New Year's special, recorded on January 1st, 2026, we dive deep into why January through March is one of the most challenging times for teenagers. We discuss the perfect storm of post-holiday letdown, academic pressure, seasonal affective disorder, and few br
Is My Teen Lazy or In Pain? Navigating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) | Teens: No Cap Ep.28
Is your teen constantly exhausted, struggling with joint pain, or labeled as "lazy"? In this episode of Teens Uncharted, host Charity Chaffee sits down with therapist and mom, Becky Shaulis, to discuss the complex reality of raising a teenager with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).Becky shares her personal journey of fighting for a diagnosis after realizing her daughter’s extreme flexibility and pain
Autism in Teen Girls: Why They’re Misdiagnosed, Missed & Misunderstood | Teens No Cap Ep. 27
In this powerful episode of Teens No Cap, host Charity Chafee sits down with Dr. Tabitha Hapeman, a neurodiversity-affirming psychiatric nurse practitioner, to explore how autism presents differently in teen girls—and why so many go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.We discuss:🔍 Key differences between autism in boys vs. girls🔍 The internalized shame and impact of late diagnosis🔍 Why “masking”
Building a Coping Skills System That Actually Works | Teens No Cap Ep. 26
Why do some teens master coping skills while others continue to struggle? The secret isn't the skill itself—it's the system around it. In this follow-up episode of Teens No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a teen mental health specialist, provides a step-by-step clinical framework for building effective, lasting coping skills with high-risk teens.Moving beyond the "try this" approach, this episode dives
Coping Skills Aren't Magic: What Parents & Providers Need to Know | Teens No Cap Ep. 25
Struggling to get through to a teenager about coping skills? You're not alone. In this episode of Teens No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a teen mental health specialist, dives deep into why the common advice to "just use your coping skills" often fails and can even damage trust and connection.We'll unpack what coping skills truly are (and what they are NOT), how to match the right skill to the real n
Harm Reduction for High-Risk Teens: A Therapist's Approach | Teens: No Cap Ep. 24
In this episode of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee—a teen mental health specialist—dives deep into the philosophy of harm reduction and why it's a game-changer for engaging high-risk teens in therapy. Learn why traditional methods like strict "no-harm contracts" can often backfire, and how meeting teens where they are with curiosity and neutrality can build trust and save lives.Charity breaks
Therapy with Resistant Teens, Pride Flags in Session & Letting Teens Make Mistakes | Ep.23
Welcome back to Teens No Cap! I'm your host, Charity Chaffee, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in high-risk teens and young adults. In this episode, I'm switching it up and diving into your questions from Reddit!We're tackling three big topics that every teen therapist and parent needs to hear:➡️ What to do when your teen client is quiet, resistant, or just "unimpressed" with therap
Teens in Crisis: A Therapist Analyzes 4 Desperate Parent Stories | Teens: No Cap Ep.22
In this powerful episode of Teens No Cap, host and teen mental health specialist Charity Chaffee dives into four raw and emotional Reddit posts from parents at their wits' end. We explore the real, complex challenges of raising teenagers today, including:🔍 A teen who acts completely different with her mom than with her dad—is it manipulation or a cry for help?🚨 A daughter trapped in a toxic home e
Breaking the Hospitalization Cycle: Supporting High-Risk Teens | Teen: No Cap Ep.21
What do you do when a teen is stuck in a cycle of repeated hospitalizations, self-harm, and suicidal ideation? In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Katie K. May, LCSW, a renowned expert in working with high-risk teens and their families. We dive deep into why the "revolving door" of inpatient stays often fails to create lasting healing and can even increase a teen's vulnerability.Katie shares h
Are Teens "Reliable Reporters"? | Navigating Family Narratives&Toxic Positivity | Ep.20
Is your teen's version of events always different from yours? In this episode of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a licensed mental health counselor, dives into the concept of the "reliable reporter" in family systems. We explore why it's less about who is "right" or "wrong" and more about creating a "shared narrative" that validates every family member's experience.Charity discusses:➡️Why dis
Prioritizing Teen Mental Health Over Everything: Teens: No Cap Ep. 19
In this powerful episode for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, host Charity Chaffee delivers a crucial message every parent needs to hear. We tackle the hard truth: prioritizing a teen's grades, sports, and activities over their mental health can have devastating consequences.Charity, a teen mental health specialist, explains why we must stop waiting for teens to hit "rock bottom" before getting
No Friends, Sex, and Running Away | Reddit Chaos | Teens: No Cap Ep.18
Struggling with your teenager? In this episode of Teens: No Cap, licensed mental health counselor and teen specialist Charity Chaffee tackles your toughest Reddit parenting questions! From social struggles and secret relationships to defiance at home, we're diving deep into the chaos of raising teens.We cover:- What to do when your teen has no close friends (00:01)- How to handle your teen's reque
Teen Therapy Standoff: How to Connect with a "Resistant" Teen Who Won't Talk | Teens: No Cap Ep.17
Struggling with a teen client who refuses to talk? You're not alone. In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges for teen therapists and parents: what to do when a teen shuts down.I'm sharing the top 5 practical, validating strategies you probably never learned in grad school to de-escalate tension, build trust, and create a safe space for even the most resistant teens. Learn how
Replying to Your Reddit Threads on Teens & Parenting | Teens: No Cap Ep 16
Chaos before coffee! Join teen therapist and specialist Charity Chaffee as she answers your Reddit questions with her signature no-nonsense, expert advice. In this episode, she tackles three big parenting dilemmas:Piercings & Permission: What to do when one parent says "yes" to a 14-year-old's belly button piercing and the other isn't so sure. Charity breaks down the real questions to ask beyo
Collaborative Parenting vs. Gentle Parenting for Teens & Tweens | Teens: No Cap Ep.15
In this solo episode of Teens: No Cap, Charity Chaffee, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor and teen/tween specialist), breaks down why collaborative parenting is the game-changer for raising tweens, teens, and young adults. If you’ve been using gentle parenting (great for little kids!) but need a more effective approach as your child grows, this episode is for you!🔹 Why collaborative parenting
Parenting Teens with Love & Boundaries: Expert Tips for Connection & Growth | Teens: No Cap Ep. 14
In this heartfelt conversation, we dive deep into parenting teens with empathy, setting boundaries, and fostering genuine connection. Learn how to model healthy behaviors, handle tough conversations, and create a safe space for your teen to thrive—even when emotions run high.🔹 Key Takeaways:✔️ How to role-model accountability & emotional regulation for your teens✔️ The power of listening vs. f
Parenting Teens: Adoption, Trauma & Trust | Teens: No Cap Ep. 13 w/ Liz Garcia
🎙️ Episode 13 of Teens: No Cap features Liz Garcia from The Simplified Struggle diving deep into parenting teens—especially adopted teens—with trauma, emotional regulation, and building trust. From navigating independence to understanding behavior as communication, Liz shares her experience as a mom of four (two adopted, two biological).🔹 Key Topics:✔️ Differences between parenting adopted vs. bio
Therapist Reacts: Teen Dating Drama, ADHD & Parenting Advice | Teens: No Cap Ep. 42
Welcome back to Teens No Cap! In this episode, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee reacts to real Reddit threads to share professional insights on parenting and working with teenagers.In this episode, we cover:Lying About Dating: We review a story about a 14-year-old boy who lied about hanging out with a girl instead of a buddy. Learn why responding with clear boundaries and expectati
What to Do (And NOT Do) When a Teenager is in Crisis | Teens: No Cap Ep.41
Are you a parent or therapist feeling overwhelmed when a teenager goes into crisis? In Episode 41 of Teens: No Cap, host Charity Chaffee, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in high-risk adolescents, breaks down the reality of teen crises and how to safely manage them.Charity explains that teens are not just "little adults" and require specialized understanding and scaffolding. A crisi
IEP Secrets Every Parent Needs to Know (With Special Ed Attorney Frances Shefter) | Episode 12
⚖️ "70% of IEPs fail to deliver promised services—here’s how to change that."In this must-latch episode, teen therapy expert Charity Chaffee (LMHC) sits down with Frances Shefter (Special Education Attorney, Host of Stress-Free IEP podcast) to reveal:💡 You’ll learn:✅ The #1 mistake parents make in IEP meetings (hint: it’s not being "too pushy").✅ How to decode "edu-speak" and spot when schools are
Teen Sexuality & Relationships: What Parents & Therapists Get Wrong | Teens: No Cap Ep.11
🔴 "63% of teens learn about sex from friends or porn - here's how to change that."In this must-latch episode, teen therapy expert Charity Chafee (LMHC) sits down with Brittney Slater (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist & Sex Therapy Specialist) to break down:💡 You'll learn:✅ Why the "one big talk" about sex fails teens (and what to do instead)✅ How early sexual experiences rewire the bra
Why Teens Self-Harm (And How to Actually Help) | Teens: No Cap Ep.10
🔴 "If your teen is self-harming, they’re telling you something—but are you listening?"In this raw, unfiltered episode, teen therapy expert Charity Chafee, LMHC sits down with Cally Sullivan, LMHC (specialist in adolescent suicidality and self-harm) to dismantle the myths, fears, and systemic failures in treating high-risk teens.💡 You’ll learn:✅ The shocking difference between adult vs. teen suicid
Teen Independence vs. Connection: How to Be Their ‘Safe Harbor’ (Before They Sail Away) | Ep. 9
🎆 This July 4th, celebrate true teen independence—by becoming their safe harbor. In this solo episode, Charity Chafee (LMHC & founder of Teens Uncharted) shares why connection is the foundation of every healthy parent-teen relationship—even when they act like they’d rather "declare independence."🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ The "Declaration of Dependence" paradox: Why teens need connectio
How to Raise Emotionally Strong Sons: The Missing Rites of Passage | Pt. 2
🎙️ TEENS UNCHARTED | PART 2: "The Modern Rites of Passage Every Boy Needs"(Missed Part 1? Watch here: https://youtu.be/QZnjPS1q_AM?si=QQD0kKtG0hi0-SJ-)In this critical conclusion, trauma coach Gregory Meadows reveals:✅ The 3 non-negotiable rites of passage for today’s boys (and how to implement them)✅ Why fathers must lead this charge—and what happens if they don’t✅ How to rebuild trust with resis
Raising Resilient Teens: Parenting, Trauma & Rites of Passage | Ep.7 Part 1
🎙️ Welcome to the Teens Uncharted Podcast! In this episode, host Charity Chaffee (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) and guest Gregory Meadows (Trauma & Family Coach) dive deep into:✅ Consistency in parenting – Why tracking behavior beats assumptions✅ Repairing strained parent-teen relationships – Prioritizing connection over control✅ Rites of passage for boys – Why modern teens lack transition
Understanding Teen Mental Health, Manipulation & Courage | Ep 6
In this moving episode of Teens Uncharted, host Charity Chaffee, LMHC, sits down with Dr. Angela Parente, a clinical psychologist, to unpack the truth behind teen behavior — and why it takes tremendous courage for adolescents to say:"I don’t want to go to school because my brain shuts down from anxiety."Together, they talk about how:No one wakes up choosing depression."Manipulative" behavior is of
How to Support Your Teen Through Transitions | Parenting & Family Reflection Workshop | Ep.4
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we’re joined by Marissa Dungan, LICSW-CST, to talk about the often-overlooked emotional and developmental transitions that teens—and their families—experience.Together, we explore what it means to parent through change, how to reflect as a family system, and the unique challenges of watching your “little human” grow up. This episode offers a sneak peek int
Eating Disorders & When Exercise Becomes Self-Harm w/ Jessica Jamison Ep.3
In this raw and insightful episode, we’re joined by Jessica Jamison—licensed therapist, fitness coach, and the heart behind the Dumbbells and Donuts community. Together, we unpack how disordered eating and compulsive exercise can go hand in hand for teens—and how what looks like "discipline" or "health" can actually be a cry for help.This conversation is a must-listen for therapists, parents, and
Effective OCD Treatment: Insights from Dr. Misti J. Norton | Teens Uncharted Podcast Ep. 2
In this episode of Teens Uncharted: The Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Misti J. Norton, a licensed psychologist specializing in OCD treatment for teens and families. Dr. Norton shares her expertise on how parents can best support their teens in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the crucial role therapy plays in the process.Dr. Norton talks about the importance of setting boundaries,
Teen Therapy Uncovered: High-Risk Behaviors, Parent Connection & Clinical Insights (Pilot)
🎉 Welcome to the very first episode of Teens Uncharted: The Podcast! 🎉In this pilot episode, host Charity Chaffee is joined by Dr. Emily Gordon for a candid and compassionate conversation about teen therapy — especially when working with high-risk adolescents. Together, they explore how clinicians and parents can better understand teen behavior, improve communication, and strengthen relationships
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