Shows
Free to Be Mindful PodcastA Dream to a Movement: Celebrating 6 Years of Free to Be MindfulIn this special anniversary episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman — licensed therapist, speaker, and host of the Free to Be Mindful podcast — reflects on six years of growth, resilience, and purpose.What began as a part-time dream has evolved into a full-time mission: supporting others through mindful living, mental health, and personal growth. From navigating licensing setbacks to launching a private practice, from building a national speaking presence to embracing new motherhood again after a decade — Vanessa shares the real story behind the milestones, and the values that keep her grounded through every season of change.2025-05-1921 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastResting or Resisting: The Fine Line Between Boundaries & AvoidanceIn this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, therapist, mom, and speaker, dives into a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and reflection: the blurry line between rest and avoidance.With humor, honesty, and a few unpopular opinions, Vanessa explores what it really means to honor your limits—without using boundaries as an excuse to check out.Whether you’re feeling burnt out, stuck in a lazy season, or caught in a cycle of “I just don’t feel like it,” this episode offers a compassionate push forward.2025-04-2116 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastMy Teen is Smoking Weed. Now What?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 answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"My daughter is 16 and is definitely smoking weed. What should I do?"Finding out your teen is using weed can bring on a wave of panic, anger, confusion—and guilt. Do you confront her? P...2025-04-0307 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastWhen You Feel Like You’re Failing as a ParentWelcome 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 answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"What can I do when I feel like I’m failing as a parent?"The guilt, the overwhelm, the mental checklist of all the things that didn’t get done—and the ones you wish y...2025-03-2705 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastMy Child Needs Therapy - But What Will My Family Think?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 answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"I really think my kid needs therapy, but I don't want to put up with family members thinking or saying he's crazy if I take him. Advice?"You know your child could benefit from...2025-03-2006 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastHandling Mom Guilt Without Losing YourselfWelcome 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 answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"How do I handle the guilt of missing important moments because of work and the feeling of overwhelm from being a working mom?"As a working mom, it’s easy to fee...2025-03-1307 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastBalancing Online Safety with IndependenceWelcome 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 answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"How do I protect my child from online dangers while still giving them independence?"Your child begs for more screen time. They want their own social media account and insist that...2025-03-0608 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastHow to Make the Whining StopWelcome 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 answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting, and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"How can I handle my child constantly whining?"Whining - it’s like nails on a chalkboard for parents. Whether it’s the drawn-out “Moooooommm!” or the never-ending “But I don’t wannaaaa…,” it can be exhausting to deal...2025-02-2704 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastBig Feelings, Big Strategies: Helping Kids Manage EmotionsWelcome 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 answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.TODAY'S QUESTION:"What are some coping strategies I can teach my child for handling big feelings like anger, sadness, or frustration?"Big emotions can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. When frustration, anger, or sadn...2025-02-2006 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastInstilling Confidence in Our GirlsWelcome 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 answers real-life parenting questions, offering practical advice to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting - and not lose your, well, you know…TODAY'S QUESTION:"What can I do to help my daughter be more confident?"In this episode, Vanessa shares practical ways to help your daughter develop unshakable confidence. From modeling self-assurance to encouraging effort over pe...2025-02-1304 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastFirst Time Listening: From Repeating to ResultsWelcome 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:"How can I get my child to listen without having to yell or repeat myself a thousand times?"In this episode, Vanessa shares strategies to help parents get their kids to listen the first...2025-02-0605 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastFrom Anger to Awareness: Teaching Kids to Identify EmotionsIn 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 engaging metaphors, practical strategies, and emotional regulation techniques.EPISODE DESCRIPTIONVanessa reviews Hello, Anger, sharing how it breaks down complex emotions a...2025-01-3106 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastLoving on ALL our kidsWelcome 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 identify with the LGBTQ+ community. With insights rooted in compassion, she...2025-01-2304 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastMoms Working Overtime with Alanna HellmanIn 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 universal challenges of overwhelm, self-doubt, and the importance of community. Whether you’re b...2025-01-2036 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastSEL Book Talk: Anxiety ManagementIn 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 book is ideal for school settings and time-sensitive professionals.How the book covers essential topics like the...2025-01-2004 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastBenefits to Kids Having their own Email AddressWelcome 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 email address and shares strategies to set them...2025-01-0903 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastReflect Back with a Year in Review & Plan Forward with a Word of the YearHappy 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 DESCRIPTIONThe beginning of a new year brings reflection and hope. In this episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman shares her 2024 milestones and challenges, along with heartfelt le...2025-01-0114 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastHow to Set Up iPhone Parental ControlsEPISODE 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 managing your child’s new iPhone responsibly. Fr...2024-12-2608 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastHow Young is Too Young for a Phone?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 relatable anecdotes, she explores factors like maturity, the purpose of the...2024-12-1907 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastTips to Teach Your Middle Schooler About Holiday BudgetingWelcome 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 holiday season. From starting with perspective to involving your child...2024-12-1207 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastManaging Weight Mindfully with Dr. Sasha De JesusIn 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 are all essential for overall wellness.Dr. De Jesus explains that weight management is more than just diet and exercise—it’s about taki...2024-12-0945 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastManaging Tantrums During the Holidays 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 holiday gatherings. From preparation to de-escalation techniques, she shares tips to help parents navigate these tricky moments with c...2024-12-0605 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastConsult a Counselor: Helping Kids Socialize with FamilyEPISODE 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 used to being around extended family. In this episode, Vanessa shar...2024-11-2806 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastConsult a Counselor: How to Help Your Child Become More GratefulWelcome 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 creating daily gratitude routines, she highlights tips that help kids recognize and appreciate the positives...2024-11-2105 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastConsult a Counselor: Forcing Kids to Give HugsEpisode 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 a question that many parents, especially thos...2024-11-1604 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastConsult a Counselor: Kids and Lying 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 dishonesty at different ages, helping parents understand why young kids and teens might lie and h...2024-11-0706 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastStress in Motherhood: Reframing Our Relationship with OverwhelmStruggling 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 Vanessa shares practical tips for managing...2024-11-0412 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastConsult a Counselor: Teens and DrinkingWelcome 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 teen drinking. Reflecting on our own experiences, she emphasizes staying ca...2024-10-3107 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastReal Talk on Mom ShamingIn this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman dives into the topic of mom shaming and the pressure that many parents face in today’s world. Drawing from her experience as a middle school counselor and as a mom, Vanessa highlights how behaviors we often see in children—like teasing and bullying—can carry into adulthood as mom shaming. Whether it’s a casual comment about your parenting choices or unsolicited advice, these judgmental moments can leave moms feeling criticized and overwhelmed.Vanessa provides practical strategies to help moms navigate these un...2024-10-0713 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastA Year in Review REPLAYTo close off our season, we celebrate and replay our top three listened-to episodes of Season 5! Holding the number two spot is: A Year in Review. We think of the new year as new beginnings; but before we can look onward to see where we're going, we must take the time to look back and reflect on where we've been. Our experiences serve as a baseline for tracking our growth for the future. Whether you're tuning in at the end of the year or during any other moment, the insights shared are timeless and relevant.2024-06-1720 minFree to Be Mindful PodcastFrom Adversity to Triumph: Mario B's Journey of ResilienceFounder of SalsaFever on2 Dance Academy and guest resident lecturer at ASU, Mario Gonzalez, better known as Mario B, is a visionary creative with over 25 years of experience in dance. He has appeared on multiple reality shows and films, has performed and taught over 36 countries, hosted several Salsa Congresses, and loves inspiring others and making salsa as inclusive as possible. Mario B shares personal stories and experiences of how he overcame adversity that paved the way for who he is today. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and Mario B in a conversation about culture, growth, and education, a...2024-01-221h 06Free to Be Mindful Podcast2023, A Year in ReviewWhether you're tuning in at the end of the year or during any other moment, the insights shared are timeless and relevant. In this episode we discuss the power of reflection on the past, celebrating current achievements, and planning for the future. Guided questions are provided for each aspect to help the listener reach success for the upcoming year. Join Vanessa De Jesus Guzman in a reflective journey - a deep dive into the wins, challenges, and exciting developments that defined Free to Be Mindful in 2023. A BIG surprise and exciting news for Vanessa is al...2023-12-2820 min