Is It Normal Anxiety—or More? A Guide for Parents with Zack Schafer Artwork

College and Career Clarity

If you are overwhelmed with the college-bound journey, confused by how much things have changed, or frustrated by having more questions than answers, then College and Career Clarity is the compass you need, when you need it most. Weekly episodes with Lisa Marker-Robbins and her guests provide families with strategic guidance to resource your student to make informed choices that align with their passions, purpose, and potential future. You’ll be informed to be able to have intentional & productive family conversations grounded in guidance and broken into actionable steps to move from overwhelmed and confused to motivated, clear, and confident about your teen’s future.

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College and Career Clarity

Is It Normal Anxiety—or More? A Guide for Parents with Zack Schafer

August 26, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 189

In this episode, Lisa and Zack discuss:

Understanding the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder
The role of technology and social media in contributing to Gen Z anxiety
Evidence-based treatment approaches, including exposure therapy
Parenting strategies to support anxious teens without reinforcing fear

Key Takeaways:

Anxiety can be defined as an overestimation of threat and an underestimation of one’s ability to cope, and it becomes a disorder when it causes significant dysfunction in daily life.
Technology use often serves as a “medication” for uncertainty, providing short-term relief but contributing to worsening anxiety, with research suggesting decreased youth alcohol use but no mental health improvement.
Accommodations, such as parents completing tasks for anxious teens, can unintentionally reinforce fears; asking guiding questions helps youth build coping skills.
Exposure therapy works by gradually confronting fears until they become manageable or are disproven, reducing avoidance and increasing confidence.

“Fear and anxiety have an incredibly important role to play in our lives. It’s not all bad. It’s not a negative emotion, but it is an emotion that requires some understanding and some skill to address.” – Zack Schafer

Episode References:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036
Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke: https://www.amazon.com/Dopamine-Nation-Finding-Balance-Indulgence/dp/152474672X
SPACE Treatment by Dr. Eli Lebowitz: https://www.spacetreatment.net/
BePresent App: https://www.bepresentapp.com/

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Zack:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainvalleytreatmentcenter/
Website: https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-schafer-a6026b108/
Fear Less Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/
Email: zschafer@mountainvalleytreatment.org

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

Lisa Marker Robbins

Host