Frequently Asked Questions

When does the GLOW course start?

As soon as you register! When you join, you’ll receive an email welcoming you to the monthly membership and your login details. 

Your teen should start viewing the Welcome and Begin sections to gain a basic foundation which will be helpful throughout the course.

When are the live sessions?

The live sessions are currently scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 7-7:45pm (Eastern Standard Time) of each month.

How often should my teen do the modules?

Ideally, they should watch one session a week and do the accompanying worksheets and practice the skills. The videos are brief (5-10 minutes, except one video which is 20 minutes). They should join the group sessions as often as possible to go more in depth on the skills.

What are the ages of the teens in this group?

Right now, the group is designed for ages 13-17 (middle and high school).

How long do I have access to the course?

As long as you remain a member, you will have access to the course. All worksheets are downloadable and yours to keep.

How does this "membership" work?

GLOW is a membership-based program similar to streaming services Netflix or Disney+, where you pay a fee to have access to the site and enjoy all the benefits no one else has. When you feel you no longer need the program, it’s easy to cancel directly on the site. 

What technology is needed?

A computer or device that your teen can access the online platform

High speed internet connection

Headphones/earbuds with a microphone

A device with a camera

Zoom video platform (We use “telehealth” which is fully encrypted end to end and meets privacy requirements to keep your teen’s privacy protected)

Optional: access YouTube to watch suggested videos

A journal or notebook dedicated to this class may also be helpful. This is in addition to the guided practices and extra activities I provide in the online portal.

My child has general anxiety. Can she still benefit?

Of course! The concepts taught in this course can be used to manage all types of symptoms of anxiety (General, Social, Specific Phobias, Separation). There are times in the course when I provide examples pertaining to a specific type of anxiety (like social anxiety), but the basic principles can be used across the anxiety spectrum.

Is this the same as group therapy?

While this program is being facilitated by a licensed therapist, it does not function like group therapy.

This program focuses on educating and supporting teens, as opposed to the processing model that is found in more traditional group therapy programs. 

If it's not like group therapy, then what is it?

It functions more like a virtual class. The sessions serve as a question and answer session, where members can get support for current struggles. We will also discuss the skills presented more in depth.

Is this like school? Will there be homework?

While there aren’t tests or grades, there are tasks that will help reinforce the skills being taught. The homework usually involves practicing the skills in your real life to see what works and what doesn't.

How long before I see results?

Here's the hard part: managing anxiety is a commitment and takes time. Often we want an easy fix to our problems. Just like it took time (maybe several years) for your teen to get where she is, it will take time to get her to a better place in life. But the secret is doing the work. This means attending as many classes as possible AND practicing the skills. The more she learns and practices these skills, the easier it will be to handle her fears better.

Does my teen need to have a therapist to participate?

We accept teens who are in therapy, waiting to begin therapy, or who have mild symptoms of worry/anxiety. However, we highly recommend your teen be in therapy as GLOW is an adjunct educational program designed to teach skills only. We also do not diagnose or treat anxiety. If your teen has severe anxiety, we recommend she see a mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

The GLOW Program is not recommended for Selective Mutism or Obsessive-Compulsive behaviors.  

What if my teen does not want to be on camera?

The main fear of teens with anxiety participating in support or coaching groups is the potential of feeling embarrassed in front of others.

While the goal throughout the program is to work on skills to reduce fears, we understand the challenges of getting started. Our classes allow teens to attend the sessions without the pressure of having the cameras on. They can also ask questions or make comments via the chat if they prefer. However, at the beginning of each session, I do ask the the teens to show their face on camera. This is for safety and privacy reasons to ensure that the student that signed up for the course is present.

Can my teen just watch the videos and do the worksheets and not attend the groups?

Yes. However, the videos only provide foundational information and does not include the magic of what the live class provides. The live skills building classes dives deeper into each topic. In addition, the live groups allow for questions and additional support and encouragement from the leader and peers.

How long is the program?

This is an ongoing, open program, which means there are no set number of sessions required to complete the program. We recommend a minimum commitment of 6 months as this is the approximate length of time to complete the curriculum, if lessons are done weekly. This gives time and space for your teen to become comfortable using the skills being taught. Your teen is welcome to continue in the program as long as she wants if she is benefiting from it and wishes to continue.

Can parents join?

Yes. You are the key to helping your teen manage her fears and worries. There is a parent section where you will have access to monthly videos and resources to help you support your teen. You will be given the login info with your teen's membership, so you will have access to the program. We prefer to keep the classes and community feeling like parent-free zones, so the teens feel more comfortable having open and honest conversations. 

Can I cancel anytime?

For the monthly membership, you are not locked in and and cancel at any time. If you have opted for the 3 month membership and you want to cancel, the membership ends at the end of the 3 months and you will not be billed further.

Please note: once you cancel your membership, you will no longer have access to the recorded lessons and live sessions (the downloadable worksheets are yours to keep). In addition, if you cancel and decide to join again at a later time, you will have to pay whatever the current rate is.