Parenting Shrink Wrapped
Parenting Shrink Wrapped is your all-access pass to the wild and wonderful journey of raising kids! Hosted by Dr. Melissa Wellner, a double board-certified psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Samantha Straub, a licensed therapist, educator, and parenting coach, this dynamic duo brings a perfect mix of professional expertise and mom humor. With five kids between them—and thousands more they’ve supported in their professional roles—they’re here to share practical strategies and real-life stories that will help you navigate everything from tantrums to teen drama. Whether you're handling sleepless nights or the chaos of carpool, you'll find relatable advice and a good laugh along the way. Strap in, because parenting is a ride, and we're here to make it a little smoother!
Parenting Shrink Wrapped
How to Help an Anxious Teen: When Worry Is Normal—and When It’s Not
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In this episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, Sam and Melissa are joined by therapist and author Sophia Vale Galano for a practical, compassionate conversation about supporting teens with anxiety. Sophia shares key insights from her book Calming Teenage Anxiety, including how parents can shift from fixing to curiosity, recognize when anxiety becomes more than everyday stress, and avoid unintentionally rescuing or reinforcing anxious patterns. This episode offers clear guidance, realistic reassurance, and actionable takeaways for parents navigating teen anxiety with greater confidence and connection.
About Sophia
Sophia Vale Galano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private therapy practice in Los Angeles, California. She has worked with teens and their families for over a decade and is the author of Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry.
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This podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.