Teens Uncharted: the Pod

Teens Uncharted
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Parenting

Teens Uncharted: the Pod Being a teenager today is messy, and we aren’t going to lie about it. Welcome to Teens Uncharted: the Pod where we drop the filters and talk about what’s actually going on. Hosted by Charity, this show bridges the gap between teens, parents, and the professionals who support them. From mental health and school struggles (yes, even IEPs) to high-risk behaviors and finding real connection, we tackle the hard stuff with zero judgment, total honesty, and real clinical insight. Whether you’re a teen trying to figure it out, a parent trying to understand, or a therapist doing the work, you're in the right place. Watch the video episodes on Spotify and YouTube, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

  1. 1d ago

    Pop Culture, Private Schools, and the NSSI Disclosure Debate with Laura Jacobs, LCSW | Ep. 69

    In Episode 69 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Oklahoma City-based licensed clinical social worker Laura Jacobs to discuss the nuances of doing authentic therapy with adolescents. Laura shares her personal journey through teen mental health struggles and how it inspired her 21-year career in the field. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 Using Pop Culture in Session: How leveraging memes, TikToks, movies, and favorite music artists builds rapport and offers a safe window into a teen's inner world without triggering defensiveness. 🔹 High-Pressure Private Schools: Navigating the unique stress of "legacy families" in rigorous academic environments and utilizing radical acceptance when a teen's school situation cannot be changed. 🔹 Controversy Corner: A candid discussion on the debate around disclosing Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) to parents, and why breaching confidentiality for non-imminent self-harm can irrevocably damage the therapeutic alliance. Connect with Laura Jacobs, LCSW: 🔹 Website: https://inspiredmentalwellness.com/ 🔹 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredmentalwellnessllc/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: 🔹 Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ 🔹 Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ 🔹 Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 🔹 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about 🔹 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeenTherapy #LCSW #MentalHealthPodcast #TeensUncharted #AdolescentTherapy #NSSIAwareness #PopCultureInTherapy

  2. Oct 10

    Why Insight Doesn't Equal Capacity in Gifted Teens with Emily Yi, LCSW | Teens Uncharted Ep. 68

    Have you ever had a brilliant, articulate teen in your office who can explain exactly why they do what they do, but absolutely cannot stop doing it? In Episode 68 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, Charity sits down with Emily Yi, LCSW, owner of Jacksonville Creative Therapy, to discuss the nuances of working with bright, neurodivergent, and emotionally intense adolescents. Emily shares why traditional therapeutic approaches can sometimes increase resistance or lead to misdiagnoses like ODD or bipolar disorder in gifted youth. We explore the crucial difference between a teen's intellectual insight and their nervous-system capacity, and how therapists can creatively adapt to build flexibility rather than forcing compliance. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 Why highly insightful teens still can't "just do the thing" and the gap between intellectual understanding and capacity. 🔹 How giftedness, ADHD, autism, and asynchronous development shape a teen's behavior. 🔹 Why traditional therapy might misinterpret intense teen presentations as defiance or personality disorders. 🔹 Using the therapeutic relationship as an assessment—including pacing, humor, and Emily's "octopus arms" approach to tuning into a teen's emotions. 🔹 Working collaboratively with parents to navigate pervasive demand for autonomy (PDA), adjust rigid expectations, and focus on harm reduction over strict control. 🔹 An inside look at Emily’s new clinical training designed specifically for therapists working with bright and intense teens. Connect with Emily Yi: Website: https://jacksonvillecreativetherapy.com/ Instagram: @jacksonvillecreativetherapy Free Resource: 3 Bright & Intense Teen Therapy Plans: https://emily-yi-coaching.kit.com/3849f0d6c8 Course: Working with Bright & Intense Teens: https://emily-yi-coaching.kit.com/c28fa9b6aa Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #GiftedTeens #NeurodivergentTeens #EmilyYi #TwiceExceptional #TeenMentalHealth #TherapistResources #PDA #ParentingTeens #LCSW #MentalHealthPodcast

  3. Oct 3

    Why Autistic Girls Fly Under the Radar & Redefining Teen Social Skills | Teens Uncharted Ep. 67

    If you work with or raise a neurodivergent teen, you know that finding the right support can be challenging. In Episode 67 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Dr. Diane Hudson. Dr. Hudson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and former school psychologist who specializes in helping older autistic kids, teens, and their people. Dr. Hudson breaks down why so many autistic girls fly under the radar. These girls often receive anxiety or depression diagnoses before autism is ever considered. We also tackle the controversial history of applied behavior analysis (ABA). We explore how modern, neurodiversity-affirming approaches focus on building new behaviors rather than just extinguishing old ones to force teens into neurotypical expectations. In this episode, we cover: ✨ The Diagnostic Delay: Autistic girls frequently go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed until their teen years. They are often given mental health diagnoses before autism is even considered. ✨ Masking vs. Tools: There is a critical difference between forcing a teen to mask and teaching them actionable social skills. Teens can choose to use these social tools to confidently find their community and feel accepted. ✨ A Modern Approach: Older teens can benefit from a blend of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and behavioral science. This approach helps them connect with their own values without feeling managed or forced to change. ✨ Parenting Shifts: Parenting a neurodivergent teen requires a completely different approach from raising a neurotypical one. Parents can support their teens' therapy by practicing the skill of simply being available without putting pressure on them. ✨ Social Connections: Tailored social groups and parallel activities create low-pressure environments for girls. These spaces allow neurodivergent teens to unmask, feel understood by their peers, and realize they are not alone. Connect with Dr. Diane Hudson: Website: https://abc-pathways.com/ Instagram: @drdianehudson Free Resource (ND Friendships for Parents): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66cf3fcdd13fbb5648e1eb64/t/6a55a03e76b945282f0d2578/1783996478296/ND+friendships+for+parents.pdf Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #AutismInGirls #Neurodiversity #TeenTherapy #AutismAcceptance #BCBA #TeensUncharted #ParentingTeens #SocialSkills #NeurodivergentTeens

  4. Sep 26

    Why "Weird" is a Superpower: Neurodiversity & Teen Mental Health with Cynthia Baseman | Ep. 66

    What if the very things that make a teenager feel "weird" are the exact traits we should be protecting? In episode 66 of Teens Uncharted: The Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with author Cynthia Baseman to discuss her new young adult novel, Weirdos Welcome. Drawing from her personal experiences raising neurodiverse sons and witnessing her niece's journey with a late diagnosis, Cynthia explores the complex realities of high school for teens navigating autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. This conversation challenges the traditional parenting goal of helping kids "fit in" and instead advocates for helping them become so comfortable with themselves that fitting in no longer matters. 🎧 The Inspiration Behind Weirdos Welcome: Cynthia's neurodiverse family inspired a seven-year writing and research journey to center teenagers who are usually treated as sidekicks. 🎧 The Gender Gap in Diagnosis: Girls often fly under the radar for autism and ADHD diagnoses, which is mirrored in the book's protagonist, Ray, who starts an "Audi Freak" blog to find others like her and harness their collective superpowers. 🎧 The Heavy Toll of Masking: The book explores the internal struggles of Braden, a character who appears to be the "cool kid" but secretly battles severe anxiety and OCD while terrified of people seeing "the me beneath the me". 🎧 Parental Guilt and Forgiveness: Cynthia offers vital perspective for parents of neurodiverse teens, emphasizing the importance of letting go of hindsight guilt and forgiving yourself for making the best decisions you could with the information you had at the time. 🎧 The Value of Curiosity: Replacing snap judgments with a curious lens helps us appreciate the highly valuable, unique ways neurodiverse minds approach and solve big problems. Follow and Support Cynthia Baseman: Grab your copy of Weirdos Welcome by Cynthia Baseman today! [https://cynthiabaseman.com/product/weirdos-welcome-a-novel/] Website: https://cynthiabaseman.com/ IG: @cynthia_d_baseman TikTok: @cynthiabasemanbooks Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #CynthiaBaseman #WeirdosWelcome #Neurodiversity #TeenMentalHealth #AutismAwareness #ADHD #OCD #ParentingTeens #YALiterature #LateDiagnosis

  5. Sep 19

    Raising Teen Girls Without Losing Your Mind with Pediatric Nurse Amy Young | Teens Uncharted Ep. 65

    Raising teenage girls can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, especially when you are simultaneously navigating your own hormonal changes like perimenopause. In Episode 65 of Teens Uncharted, host Charity Chaffee sits down with pediatric nurse, seasoned dance mom, and author Amy Young to discuss the reality of the mother-daughter relationship. Drawing from 18 years in a pediatric office and her personal experiences raising two girls, Amy shares actionable advice for parents trying to hold it all together. She introduces her nursing-inspired "ABC framework" (Acknowledge, Boundaries, Care Plan) to help diffuse conflict and explains why the absolute best place to get your teenager to open up and spill the tea is in the backseat of a car. In this episode, we cover: 📌 The Hormone Clash: How to survive a household where your teen's puberty and your perimenopause collide. 📌 Perfectionism & Body Image: Why a young girl's anxiety and perfectionism are often mirrored directly from her mother. 📌 The Dance Mom Dynamic: Navigating competitive sports culture and why building a secure, supportive village over competition is crucial for both you and your kids. 📌 The Binder Generation: How moms carry the pressure of holding the family together while supporting growing teens and aging parents. 📌 Letting Them Fail: Knowing when to step in, when to let your teenager struggle, and why it is perfectly okay to let them quit a sport if they no longer love it. Be sure to check out Amy’s upcoming book, Hormones and Hair Ties: Raising Teen Girls Without Losing Your Mind, releasing on January 12th in both print and audiobook formats. [https://little-flower-43595.myflodesk.com/p7yajoaklj] Follow her at Instagram: @amyyoungadvice [https://www.instagram.com/amyyoungadvice/] Website: https://www.amyyoungadvice.com/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #ParentingTeens #TeenGirls #MotherDaughter #TeensUncharted #AmyYoung #DanceMoms #Perimenopause #Puberty #PediatricNurse #MentalHealth #RaisingTeens #ParentingTips

  6. Sep 12

    Trauma-Informed Weightlifting: Flipping the Script on Teen Therapy with Nick Bremer | Ep. 64

    If you've ever sat across from a teen who is completely checked out on the therapy couch, you know that just talking about trauma doesn't always cut it. In Episode 64 of Teens Uncharted: the Pod, host Charity Chaffee sits down with Nick Bremer, a pre-licensed therapist based in Michigan who is completely flipping the script on somatic work. Nick is certified in trauma-informed weightlifting and uses physical resilience—literally picking up heavy things—to help teens process anxiety and trauma when words just aren't enough. Whether working with student-athletes navigating performance anxiety, teens managing ADHD, or LGBTQ+ youth building bodily autonomy, Nick seamlessly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and somatic skills right on the gym floor. We dive into the neuroscience of the window of tolerance, why framing exercise as "intentional movement" is crucial for emotional regulation, and how to authentically connect with teens outside the confines of traditional talk therapy. Connect with Nick Bremer: Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/nick-william-bremer-jenison-mi/1392742 Instagram: @_therapy.with.nick_ https://www.instagram.com/_therapy.with.nick_?stkn=Y254bTUzODgwd2xk Tahoma Counseling: https://tahomacounseling.com/ Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #TraumaInformedWeightlifting #SomaticTherapy #NickBremer #TeenMentalHealth #CBT #TraumaRecovery #StudentAthleteMentalHealth #TherapyForTeens

  7. Sep 5

    How Therapists & Schools Can Actually Work Together | Teens Uncharted Ep. 63

    If you work with teens, you know that therapy does not happen in a vacuum, and eventually, school will enter the chat. In Episode 63 of Teens Uncharted, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chaffee dives into the complexities of school collaboration during the back-to-school season. As requested by our listeners, this episode explores how therapists, parents, and school professionals can communicate effectively. The goal is to work together in a way that protects teens, supports caregivers, and keeps everyone on the same team. Key Takeaways in This Episode: 💜 The Annual Cycle of Teen Stress: There is a predictable pattern of teen struggle throughout the school year. This cycle often begins with the anxiety of heading back to school. It is followed by increased boredom and academic pressure during the mid-October and November grind. Finally, teens often experience prolonged challenges during the long, grueling month of March. 💜 Effective Communication Strategies: Outside therapists should proactively schedule short, 10-15 minute chats with school psychologists or social workers at the beginning of the academic year. This allows professionals to share relevant information and discuss client needs without violating confidentiality. 💜 Proactive Safety Planning: It is highly recommended to establish safety plans early in the school year. Therapists and parents must understand a school district's specific crisis management and screening protocols. Getting ahead of these policies prevents care teams from scrambling reactively during an active crisis. 💜 Defining Healthy Roles: Parents are advised against acting as the primary enforcers of educational tasks and homework. Instead, schools must be the ones to enforce academic rules and deliver natural consequences. 💜 Navigating Professional Disagreements: Outside therapists must maintain collaborative, civil relationships with school staff. It is crucial not to speak poorly about the school to the teen, as this breaks down therapeutic rapport. Furthermore, private therapists should avoid attempting to direct the work or enforce the lanes of school professionals. Whether you are a private practice therapist, a school counselor, or a parent navigating the teenage years, this episode provides actionable guidance to better support the adolescents in your life. Join the Teens Uncharted Community: Website: https://www.teensuncharted.com/ Facebook Group for Clinicians: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Facebook Group for Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #SchoolCollaboration #MentalHealthCounseling #ParentingTeens #BackToSchool #TherapistTips #CharityChafee

  8. Aug 29

    You’re Fired: What to Do When a Teen Client Drops You | Teens Uncharted Ep. 62

    In Episode 62 of Teens Uncharted, licensed mental health counselor Charity Chafee tackles an unspoken reality in the field: getting abruptly fired by your teen clients. Rather than letting a sudden termination trigger imposter syndrome or financial panic, this episode explores how to process the experience and use it to become a better clinician. In this episode, we cover: 🎧 Why being fired is an inevitable milestone in a therapist's career and a valuable opportunity for professional growth. 🎧 The difference between an emotional, knee-jerk firing and a standard discharge after goals are met. 🎧 How to preload termination protocols during the initial intake to help teens and parents practice healthy transitions and conflict resolution. 🎧 Why a therapist's goal during a termination discussion should be understanding the client's choice, not convincing them to stay. 🎧 How to objectively analyze a failed case to recognize your accountability and process your own guilt or shame. Resources & Links: Download the free "You're Fired" processing workbook at https://www.teensuncharted.com/clinical-resources-teens-uncharted to help you critically analyze and move through abrupt terminations. Join a community of 6,000+ professionals in our new Facebook group: "Therapists Who Work with Teens". https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BHi1bkcXZ/ Parents: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CLjk1359K/ Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575657270757 Join us in Skool: https://www.skool.com/teens-uncharted/about Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teens.uncharted/ #TeensUncharted #TeenTherapy #TherapistLife #MentalHealthCounselor #ClinicalPractice #ClientTermination #TherapistTips

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Teens Uncharted: the Pod Being a teenager today is messy, and we aren’t going to lie about it. Welcome to Teens Uncharted: the Pod where we drop the filters and talk about what’s actually going on. Hosted by Charity, this show bridges the gap between teens, parents, and the professionals who support them. From mental health and school struggles (yes, even IEPs) to high-risk behaviors and finding real connection, we tackle the hard stuff with zero judgment, total honesty, and real clinical insight. Whether you’re a teen trying to figure it out, a parent trying to understand, or a therapist doing the work, you're in the right place. Watch the video episodes on Spotify and YouTube, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Teens Uncharted
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Teens Uncharted

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