This week on More Than a Therapy Couch, we’re talking about something that doesn’t always get enough attention—parental anxiety. When caregivers carry persistent worry or fear, it doesn’t just impact them—it can quietly shape their child’s emotional world, too. Tianna sits down with Ben Shutman, LPC, to explore how anxiety can show up in parenting, what it teaches kids (even unintentionally), and how you can begin shifting those patterns. From attachment styles to letting go of perfectionism, this episode is a compassionate guide for parents trying their best—and a reminder that it’s okay to ask for support. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone healing from your own childhood experience, this conversation is a powerful step toward breaking the cycle.
Guest: Ben Shutman, LPC
Episode Topic: Anxious Parenting, Emotional Awareness, and Family Dynamics
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✔️ What parental anxiety really looks like—and how it differs from everyday parenting worries
✔️ Common signs of anxious parenting:
Struggles with letting go as kids grow
✔️ How children internalize these patterns—especially when it comes to self-confidence and independence
✔️ A breakdown of the 4 main attachment styles and how they develop
✔️ Why your own upbringing might be fueling current fears
✔️ Practical steps to start shifting the cycle (with lots of self-compassion)
✔️ When to reach out to a therapist for extra support
Need Support?
📍 Tree of Life Counseling Center – Princeton & Freehold, NJ
🌐 treeoflifecc.org/start-today
📞 732-393-8391