Parenting Anxious Teens: How to Build Confidence Instead of Fear | Dana Colthart

Does your teen avoid challenges, shut down under pressure, or constantly seek reassurance? It can be hard to know whether they’re simply nervous or struggling with anxiety—and many of the ways parents naturally try to help can actually make anxiety worse.

In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with licensed clinical social worker Dana Colthart, who specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, panic disorders, and eating disorders, to discuss practical strategies for supporting anxious teens. Together, they explain why avoidance strengthens anxiety, how parents can validate their teen’s fears without reinforcing them, and what it really takes to build resilience and confidence. If you’re tired of watching your teen struggle and wondering how to help without making things worse, this episode offers expert guidance and actionable tools.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

How to recognize when your teen’s anxiety has become avoidance—and why that matters

Why reassurance and accommodation often make teen anxiety worse instead of better

How to validate your teen’s fears while helping them build confidence through discomfort

Simple parenting strategies that support resilience without increasing anxiety

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Cognitive Diffusion

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dana Colthart

Website: https://www.danacolthart.com

Practice: Clear Light Therapy New Jersey

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell

Website: askdrcam.com

Instagram: @DrCamCaswell

TikTok: @the.teen.translator

YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

Facebook: @DrCamCaswell

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Teen Anxiety and Avoidance

02:54 The Role of Diagnosis in Treatment

05:42 Identifying and Addressing Avoidance Behaviors

08:36 Mistakes Parents Make in Supporting Anxious Teens

11:20 The Importance of Communication and Support

14:18 Navigating Self-Defeating Thoughts

17:02 The Power of Diffusion Techniques

20:02 Building Patience and Understanding

22:46 Managing Urgency and Expectations

25:32 Creating a Safe Space for Recovery

28:30 The Role of Parental Support in Treatment

31:23 Final Thoughts and Resources

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional Growth.

Whether you’re struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together.

#theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenAnxiety #MentalHealth

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Cameron Caswell The Teen Translator

Cameron (Dr. Cam) Caswell, PhD, the “teen translator,” is an adolescent psychologist, family success coach, and co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve student, staff, and parent well-being.

For over two decades, she has been helping parents build strong, positive relationships with their teens through improved communication, connection, and understanding. Dr. Cam is a TEDx speaker, host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast, co-creator of the “I Am Enough” teen 12-week workshop, author of Power Phrases for Parents: Teen Edition, and co-author of Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution.

Dr. Cam is the mom of a teen too, so she not only talks the talk, she walks the walk!