The Free to Be Mindful Podcast invites you along on a journey to learn of mindful living, grow in mental health and inspire through personal growth. In a world where we can often feel much stress and overwhelm, this podcast provides bite-sized tips and real-talk conversations, empowering you to embrace mindfulness and nurture your full potential. Welcome to the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where busy working moms like you can find solace, clarity, and practical tips to live a mindful and inte ...
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More Than a Podcast: 20 Guests, One Powerful Season
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13:04This season was filled with powerful stories, inspiring guests, and real-life moments that reminded us: this is more than a podcast... it’s a movement. In this heartfelt finale of Season 6, Vanessa reflects on the highs and the lessons, shares fun behind-the-scenes moments, and gives you a sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 7. With 20 incredible…
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Discovering Your Life's Mission with Malaysia Harrell
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43:00
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43:00What if you didn’t have to wait for a breakdown or life crisis to start living with purpose? In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Malaysia Harrell, a spiritual transformation coach, licensed psychotherapist, veteran, and speaker. Malaysia shares how a near-death experience became the turning point that led her to surrender, heal, and fully step in…
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Why Slowing Down Feels So Hard (and why you need to do it anyway!)
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13:10In this heartfelt winddown of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa invites us to explore the very thing so many of us struggle with: rest. Through personal stories, cultural reflections, and gentle guidance, she helps us unpack why slowing down feels uncomfortable — and how to finally find peace in the pause. Drawing from her upbringing in a tra…
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Keeping it Simple: Skin Care & Mom Life with Dr. Mary Alice Mina
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37:06In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa is joined by dermatologist and mom Dr. Mary Alice Mina to talk about how our skin changes over time—and why taking care of it doesn’t have to be complicated. They break down what really affects our skin, including hormones, stress, and lifestyle habits. Dr. Mina shares practical advice that…
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In this thoughtful episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa invites you to explore what it really means to be rich, beyond bank accounts and material success. Through reflections on celebrity insights and everyday experiences, she shares how true wealth is often rooted in presence, purpose, and a deep sense of gratitude. EPISODE DESCRIPTI…
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Journey to the Self with Dr. Nichelle Bowes
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40:47In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman talks with Dr. Nichelle Bowes, a leadership coach, mental fitness expert, and speaker. After a life-changing bike accident, Dr. Bowes began helping high-achieving women, especially Black and Brown women, live with more purpose and joy. They explore the pressure many women fe…
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A Dream to a Movement: Celebrating 6 Years of Free to Be Mindful
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21:35
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21:35In 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 na…
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Ditching “Busy” to Raise Confident Girls with Traci Peterson
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40:47In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Traci Peterson—nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and founder of Woman Lessons, a movement designed to help mothers and daughters build confidence and connection. They explore how busyness can become a woman’s identity, why so many high performers struggle with self-worth, and how those patterns can unintentiona…
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Expectation vs. Reality: What No One Tells You About Becoming a Mom
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12:30EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Before becoming a mom, many of us carry a picture in our minds—a version of motherhood built from childhood dreams, cultural narratives, and curated social media posts. But what happens when real life doesn’t match the picture? In this episode, Vanessa gets honest about the gap between expectations and reality, not in parenting…
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Self-Prioritization is the New Balance with Lacey Newman
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38:08In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa had such a meaningful conversation with Lacey Newman—a powerhouse speaker, coach, and top real estate team leader based out of Nashville. Lacey is a high-performing entrepreneur who’s led a top 1.5% real estate team and a mom of two who knows what it’s like to juggle a million things w…
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Resting or Resisting: The Fine Line Between Boundaries & Avoidance
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16:02In 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 bounda…
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Running a Business while Raising a Family with Angel Hepp
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43:30In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Angel Hepp—fellow mom of two, golden doodle lover, and co-founder of Meet Salt Collective, a creative marketing agency that helps businesses connect through powerful storytelling. We talked all about how motherhood and entrepreneurship overlap in the most unexpected (and sometimes messy) ways, an…
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Life has a funny way of making us feel like we’re always racing against some invisible clock — like if we don’t meet certain milestones by a certain age, we’ve somehow failed. But what if we’ve been measuring progress all wrong? In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, we explore the pressure of timelines — the kind we create in our minds…
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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…
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Balancing Career and Motherhood with Rebekah Taylor
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42:46In Episode 262 of Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman welcomes Rebekah Taylor, a real estate investor who transitioned from tech after a near-death experience in childbirth. Rebekah shares insights on mindful living, balancing career and family, and building multiple income streams for financial freedom—all while prioritizing self-c…
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When You Feel Like You’re Failing as a Parent
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5:09Welcome 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 …
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My Child Needs Therapy - But What Will My Family Think?
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6:47Welcome 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 …
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Stepping Into Your Confidence: No More Playing Small
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15:43Confidence... it’s something we all want to feel, yet sometimes, it feels just out of reach. Whether it’s second-guessing ourselves, shrinking in spaces that don’t support our growth, or letting self-doubt take the wheel, so many of us struggle to fully own our power. In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, we’re breaking down why confid…
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Finding Yourself (Again) Through the Waggle Dance
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33:51
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33:51In this episode, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman chats with Courtney Youngs, author of The Waggle Dance, about life's unexpected twists and turns. Courtney shares her personal story—from career shifts to personal challenges—and how she discovered the power of the Waggle Dance: learning from life’s experiences and sharing those lessons with others, muc…
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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: "How do I handle the guilt of missing import…
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Saying no shouldn’t come with guilt... but for many of us, it does. From childhood expectations to cultural influences, we’ve been conditioned to prioritize others’ needs over our own. But constantly saying yes can leave us feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from what truly matters. In this episode we explore why people-pleasing feels…
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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: "How do I protect my child from online dange…
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Unlock Your Full Potential with Becca Powers
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38:24Welcome to another insightful episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Becca Powers—Fortune 500 sales executive, mindset expert, bestselling author, and speaker—who shares her incredible journey from working at a dollar store to thriving in a 20-year career in technology. In this episode, we dive into Becca’s latest book, A…
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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: "How can I handle my child constantly whini…
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Ever feel like you’re running on fumes, but somehow, you just keep going? Like a phone with 1% battery, no charger in sight—yet you’re still pushing through? Eventually, that phone dies, and if we’re not careful, so do our energy levels, our peace, and our joy. In this episode, Vanessa gets real about the mental detox high-achieving women and perfe…
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Big Feelings, Big Strategies: Helping Kids Manage Emotions
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6:16Welcome 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…
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Redefining Success While Prioritizing Self-Care with Dr. Nikia Smith
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36:58This week on the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with Dr. Nikia Smith, an anesthesiologist with a powerful story about moving from burnout to balance and fulfillment. Dr. Smith opens up about the pressures of her demanding medical career, how it affected her well-being, and the brave steps she took to put her heal…
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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, 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 …
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Breaking Down Walls: Overcoming Emotional Guarding
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14:46
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14:46In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, we’re diving into the topic of emotional guarding—the walls we build to protect ourselves from pain but that often keep us from experiencing connection, trust, and joy. Whether it's fear of rejection, past trauma, or societal pressures, emotional guarding can hold us back in many areas of life. Van…
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First Time Listening: From Repeating to Results
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5:23
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5:23Welcome 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 QU…
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Grace Yourself and Know Your Worth with Chris Janssen
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29:04In this inspiring episode of Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with life coach and author Chris Jensen to discuss her powerful journey to sobriety and her upcoming book, Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want. Chris opens up about her personal experiences, including the challenges of navigating s…
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From Anger to Awareness: Teaching Kids to Identify Emotions
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6:29
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6:29In 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…
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Strategies for Adapting to New Leadership
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12:19
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12:19Navigating change can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to leadership transitions. Whether it’s a new boss at work, leadership shifts in an organization, or changes in personal dynamics, the uncertainty can leave us feeling unsettled. In this episode, Vanessa explores why change feels so challenging, how to embrace the unknown, and strate…
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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, and live life intentionally so you don't lose your... well, you know. TODAY'S QUESTION: "How can I best support…
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Moms Working Overtime with Alanna Hellman
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36:27
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36:27In 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…
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In 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 stru…
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Flex Your Flexibility: Tips to Adapt When Plans Change
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13:35
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13:35Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. Whether it’s a big move, a change in family dynamics, or even a canceled event, curveballs can leave us feeling frustrated or stuck. But what if we looked at these moments differently? In this episode, Vanessa dives into the power of flexibility, exploring how we can embrace change and adapt when life takes an …
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Benefits to Kids Having their own Email Address
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3:57
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3:57Welcome 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 QU…
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Reflect Back with a Year in Review & Plan Forward with a Word of the Year
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14:52Happy 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 focu…
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EPISODE 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 m…
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In this episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with Kristi Kandel, a visionary real estate developer, to explore the power of purpose-driven living and the transformation of neglected communities. Kristi takes us on a journey from her humble beginnings in a small Ohio town to becoming a successful entrepreneur and passionate advocate for revita…
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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 …
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Welcome to the Free to Be Mindful Podcast - your space to reduce overwhelm, find joy, and live life intentionally. In today’s episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift: the idea that less can actually give us more. Let’s talk about how letting go - whether it’s habits, expectations, or distractions - can create space for clarity, peace, and purp…
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Tips to Teach Your Middle Schooler About Holiday Budgeting
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7:07Welcome 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 …
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Managing Weight Mindfully with Dr. Sasha De Jesus
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45:01In 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 Jesu…
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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 …
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In this heartfelt episode, Vanessa reflects on the power of gratitude for the everyday moments in life. As the year winds down and we transition from Thanksgiving gratitude to the hustle of the holiday season, Vanessa shares personal experiences, including the surprising and miraculous journey of becoming a mother again in her 40s. She explores how…
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Consult a Counselor: Helping Kids Socialize with Family
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6:26EPISODE 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 …
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Executive Coaching and Work-Life Balance with Whitney Faires
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34:22In this episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman chats with Whitney Faires - an executive coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert who helps people push past obstacles to reach new levels of success. With years of experience as a corporate executive, Whitney has developed proven strategies to help her clients shift their mindsets, build resilience, an…
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Consult a Counselor: How to Help Your Child Become More Grateful
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5:25Welcome 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 …
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