In this rich and grounded conversation, Kathy sits down with Teddy Stripling, a school counselor, therapist, and host of the Talking Emotions podcast, to explore the emotional lives of boys through the lens of Gestalt therapy, fatherhood, and years of experience in both schools and private practice.Teddy brings over a decade of experience working with children and teens, and shares how his journey—from wanting to become a chef to becoming a therapist—was shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep desire to help young people feel seen and understood.

Reflecting on his early work with younger children, Teddy describes how his role was initially framed around “fixing” kids to help them function in the classroom. But with time, he came to realize that real change starts with connection. By slowing down and getting curious about who the student is, he found more meaningful ways to support emotional growth and partner with educators.

The conversation dives into the rising levels of anxiety among adolescents, especially in high-performing school environments, and how shame, peer pressure, and subtle messages around masculinity can shape a boy’s sense of identity.  

Drawing from his Gestalt therapy training, Teddy explains why awareness—especially awareness of body sensations and inner experiences—is the foundation for emotional change. He speaks to the importance of giving kids space to be bored, creative, and independent, and why modeling calm and curiosity as parents is often more powerful than solving every problem.

Teddy also shares the story behind his podcast Talking Emotions—a creative outlet that lets him reach students, parents, and mental health providers alike—and recounts a memorable interview that left him both inspired and a little starstruck.

This conversation is full of grounded insights for parents navigating school life, identity development, and emotional presence with their boys.

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Guest Bio

Teddy Stripling is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and high school counselor based in Chicago, IL. He brings over 14 years of experience working with children and adolescents, both in schools and private practice. Teddy is trained in Gestalt therapy, certified in Shame-Informed Treatment, Anger Management, and Executive Functioning strategies. He presents at conferences in the midwest and nationally,andconsults with schools to help support youth with diverse needs.

He is also the host of the podcast Talking Emotions, which bridges conversations between teens, parents, educators, and mental health providers.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Teddy’s winding path from aspiring chef to therapist and school counselor
• Why emotional awareness is the foundation for change
• The shift from “fixing kids” to connecting with them first
• The growing presence of anxiety in teens
• The impact of school culture on boys’ identity and self-esteem
• Shame as a blocker of connection and confidence
• What Teddy has learned from being a new dad—especially about patience and presence
• The importance of letting kids be bored, curious, and independent
• The origin and vision behind Teddy’s Talking Emotions podcast

Memorable Quotes:

“Awareness is the engine of change. If you can start to notice what’s happening in your body, you’ll start to learn what you actually need.”

— Teddy Stripling

“We get messages—subtle and overt—about what it means to be a boy or man. And often, those messages don’t leave room for vulnerability or honesty.”

— Teddy Stripling

Links

• Talking Emotions Podcast: https://present-mind.org/podcast/
•  West Coast Institute – Gestalt Therapy for Children & Adolescents: westcoastinstitute.us

If you found this episode valuable, please share it, leave a review, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next on Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys.

Why Is Season 3 Different?

Too many boys today feel lost, alone, and misunderstood. And far too often, the same is true for their parents.

Behind the troubling statistics is a generation of boys quietly longing to be seen, heard, and valued — yet the conversation around boys’ emotional lives remains far too quiet.

Season 3 of Unlocking the Parenting Code is here to change that.

In this new season, you’ll hear:

🔹 Real conversations with young men who are ready to share their truth.

🔹 Powerful insights from experts in boys’ mental and emotional health.

🔹 And raw, real wisdom from dads who are walking this road every day

🔹 Solo episodes where I reflect on what I’ve witnessed, wrestled with, and learned

At the heart of this season — and at the heart of Sonhood Coaching — is a mission:

To understand the inner emotional world of boys, to recognize the very real challenges they face, and to name the damaging myths and societal expectations that continue to shape how we see, treat, and raise our sons.

This is not about fixing boys.

It’s about truly seeing them — and learning how to show up differently, with compassion, courage, and connection.

Together, we’re building a world where boys feel safe to be their authentic selves.

Because when we get it right for our boys, we begin to heal something much bigger.

Find out more at Sonhood Coaching