Cynthia Coufal’s Background
31 years in education: Special education teacher for 6 years and school counselor for 25 years.
Transitioned to teen coaching to work directly with teens and college students facing anxiety.
College Ready Program Overview
Founded by Shellee Howard after her son received seven full-ride offers from prestigious schools, including Harvard.
Focuses on helping families navigate the college admissions process, with an emphasis on financial planning and academic preparation.
Difference Between Coaching and Therapy
Coaching helps teens identify future goals and creates a plan to overcome current challenges.
Therapy tends to focus on past issues and underlying problems; coaching is about moving forward.
Identifying Anxiety in Teens
Everyone experiences anxiety, especially during life transitions (e.g., starting college).
Indicators of significant anxiety include avoidance of activities and disruptions in daily functioning.
Addressing Test Anxiety
Normalizing anxiety is essential; preparing through practice tests and visualization can help reduce fear.
Techniques such as grounding and deep breathing are effective in managing anxiety during tests.
Impact of Technology on Youth Anxiety
Rise of smartphones has correlated with increased anxiety in teens; boundaries around technology are crucial.
Encourages parents to model positive behavior regarding technology use.
Unique Aspects of Cynthia’s Coaching Program
Utilizes the UMAP assessment to identify teens’ strengths, values, and interests.
Focus on aligning personal values with life goals to manage anxiety effectively.
Future Planning and College Preparation
Strong emphasis on core values and developing a passion project to direct focus away from anxiety.
Early planning is recommended, starting in middle school, to prepare for high school and college readiness.
Financial Navigation for College
Discusses financial planning and the importance of understanding FAFSA requirements.
Shares that strategic financial negotiation can lead to significant scholarships and debt-free college options.
Encouragement for Parents
Trust in their child’s ability to navigate challenges; most kids eventually find their path.
Emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community around students.
Connecting with Teens
Offers a free initial consultation to help establish rapport with teens resistant to seeking help.
Stresses the importance of having a neutral voice for teens to discuss their concerns outside of parental influence.
Connect with Cythnia:
Connect with Shellee Howard:
Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com
