04 Apr
Anxiety, Confidence, Counselling, Emotions, For Parents, For Teens, Friendships, parenting teens, Relationships, Self Image & Body Image, Self-Compassion, Teen Joy

Friendships Inside Jokes and Feeling Understood

The Magic of The Happiness Path (THP): Friendships, Inside Jokes, and Feeling Understood

There’s something truly special that happens in THP from the very first day. Most teen girls walk in feeling nervous, quiet, and unsure. But as we jump into lighthearted icebreakers, you start to see smiles forming and hear laughter bubbling up. One girl shares something vulnerable, and another nods, realizing she’s not alone. Over the weeks, inside jokes are born, and the group transforms into a place teens genuinely look forward to—whether they’ve had a rough day or an amazing one. With nourishing snacks, warm smiles, and a space where they’re welcomed just as they are, they begin to feel a sense of belonging.

Beyond the conversations and shared moments, THP helps girls build a deeper connection with themselves. During our movement days, they learn to listen to their bodies—not to judge them, but to appreciate them. Instead of seeing their bodies as something to fix, they start to move in ways that feel empowering. They try new things that push them just beyond their comfort zones, and in doing so, they realize they can handle challenges—and that it’s worth it.

The Happiness Path: Teen Coaching to Build Resiliency Against Anxiety & Social Awkwardness  CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS <<<

But if you ask them what they love most about THP, time and time again, they’ll tell you it’s the friendships, inside jokes, and feeling understood. It’s the pookie wookies (the inside jokes and silly moments that only they understand). It’s knowing they have a group of peers who see them, encourage them, and stand by them. In a world that can feel isolating, THP becomes a space where they can launch from to be real, brave, and deeply connected. And that, more than anything, is why we keep doing this work.

Chantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

04 Apr
Anxiety, Confidence, Counselling, Emotions, For Parents, For Teens, Friendships, parenting teens, Relationships, Self Image & Body Image, Self-Compassion, Teen Joy

From Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery

From self-doubt to self-discovery: the happiness path (THP) transformation for teenage girlsFrom Self-Doubt to Self-Discovery: The Happiness Path (THP) Transformation for Teenage Girls

At first, it felt like nothing would change—constant overthinking, second-guessing every move, feeling stuck in jealousy and self-doubt. Maybe emotions felt too big to handle, or anxiety kept getting in the way of what could be fun. The pressure to fit in, to have it all figured out, to be enough—it was exhausting. But what if things could feel different?

Fast forward to today—more self-awareness, more confidence, and decisions that actually feel good. THP girls learn to challenge their self-talk, breathe through the stress, and take small (and REALLY BIG) powerful steps toward what they really want. “I’ve learned that I’m able to push myself out of my comfort zone,” one girl shared. Trying new things, speaking up, setting boundaries, and showing kindness (to themselves and others) isn’t just an idea—it’s actually happening. They’re encouraged to practice being at the edge of their comfort zone, and the results are clear: “I’ve started taking time to settle and breathe and use positive affirmations”. THP truly took her from self-doubt to self-discovery!

>>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Depression & Anxiety Toolkit for Parents Raising Teen Girls <<<

The biggest shift? They see their own strength. They recognize that they can handle tough emotions, that self-care isn’t selfish, and that growth happens one step at a time. THP isn’t just about feeling better in the moment—it’s about building lifelong roots of confidence and resilience. And for every girl who’s ever doubted herself? This is proof that change is possible.

Chantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

02 Apr
Confidence, Emotions, For Parents, Self Image & Body Image, Self-Compassion, Teen Joy

Helping Your Teen See Her Greatness

helping your teen daughter see her greatnessFrom Self-Criticism to Confidence: Helping Your Teen Daughter See Her Greatness

Most parents we work with see some pretty incredible qualities in their teens— such as their kindness, creativity, talents, and resilience. However, all too often, they tell us how hard it is when their daughters don’t see it in themselves. Between peer pressure, social media, and self-doubt, it’s easy for them to focus on what they lack instead of what makes them amazing. The good news? You can help them build the confidence to recognize their own strengths.

Self-esteem isn’t just about praise (although it’s ok once in a while!). It’s about giving your teen space to explore who they are, what they love, and what makes them them. That’s exactly why we created THP (The Happiness Path)—a space where teen girls can uncover their strengths, build self-worth, and learn to navigate life with confidence.


>>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Depression & Anxiety Toolkit for Parents Raising Teen Girls <<<

If you want to start helping your teen see her greatness, then THP is here to help. With hands-on creative activities, mindset shifts, confidence improving movement days, and a supportive community, we guide teen girls to OWN their strengths and feel good about who they are. Because when they believe in themselves, everything changes.

helping your teen daughter see her greatnessChantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

28 Mar
Anxiety, Confidence, Counselling, Emotions, For Parents, For Teens, Relationships, Uncategorized

From Feeling Alone to Connected

Chantal THP Blog Cover feeling alone Chantal THP Blog Cover From Feeling Alone to Connected: Finding Your Way out of Loneliness

Sam scrolled through her phone for the twelfth time that night. She was watching her friends’ group chat light up with plans she wasn’t invited to. Maybe they don’t actually like me, she thought, her chest tightening. Lately, she’d felt invisible, surrounded by people all the time in the hallways at school and online in chats-  but it was like no one really saw her or cared if she was there. She wanted to reach out, but the fear of being rejected or bothering people kept her silent.

Feeling lonely can be overwhelming. No matter how lonely you feel, please know you’re not alone in this. So many teen girls experience the same thing—wanting deeper friendships but not knowing how to find them. Sometimes, the right people are closer than you think; it just takes the right space to learn how to connect. That’s why THP (The Happiness Path) was created—to bring girls together in a safe, supportive group where real friendships form and teens can start to feel confident to make new friends. After THP, teens can go from feeling alone to connected.

>>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Mental Health Handbook for Teen Girls <<<

In THP, girls like Sam learn how to build confidence in social situations, recognize their worth, and surround themselves with people who truly care. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, THP can help you find the connections and confidence you’ve been looking for. You don’t have to do this alone—your people are out there, and this is your chance to find them.

With gratitude, 


Chantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

28 Mar
Anxiety, Confidence, Counselling, Emotions, For Parents, parenting teens

Looking Beyond Self Doubt

Looking Beyond Self-Doubt: Helping Your Teen Find Her Brave

Watching your teenage daughter struggle with anxiety can be crushing. You want to protect her, to help her skip all the things that make her feel terrible and anxious. The secret is true confidence isn’t built by avoiding fear- it grows when she faces it, little by little. Whether it’s speaking up in class, making a new friend, or trying something new, every small step outside her comfort zone teaches her that she can handle discomfort—and that’s where real resilience begins to start looking beyond self doubt, helping your teen find her brave!

This process, called exposure, helps rewire the brain. The more she leans into challenges instead of avoiding them, the more she tips the scale of confidence in her favour, giving less power to anxiety. It won’t be easy at first, but the reward is worth it: self-trust, confidence, and the belief that she is stronger than her fears. That’s exactly what we do in THP (The Happiness Path)—helping teen girls take those steps in a supportive environment, surrounded by others doing the same.


>>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Depression & Anxiety Toolkit for Parents Raising Teen Girls <<<

If your daughter struggles with self-doubt or fear, THP can help her find her brave, one step at a time. She doesn’t have to do it alone, and neither do you. Resilience isn’t about never feeling anxious—it’s about learning she has the power to move through it. And when she does? That’s when she realizes she’s capable of more than she ever imagined.

Chantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

28 Mar
Anxiety, Confidence, Counselling, Emotions, For Parents, For Teens, parenting teens, Relationships, Uncategorized

How to Help Your Teen Become Brave

How to Help Your Teen Become Brave

Did you know your teen daughter is likely having thoughts that they might fail at the important things in life?—whether it’s school, friendships, or future plans. The pressure to succeed and meet expectations can leave them so stressed, anxious, and stuck in self-doubt. While your instinct might be to encourage them to push through or think about it as a necessary part of getting to the next part of their journey, a powerful yet often overlooked tool is learning to pause and be present in the moment- this can help your teen become brave.

The Happiness Path: Teen Coaching to Build Resiliency Against Anxiety & Social Awkwardness  CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS <<<

 

Your Teen Can Become Resilient

Imagine guiding teen girls to tune into their thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, helping them break free from the cycle of replaying past events or constantly stressing over the future. When they practice mindfulness and self-awareness, they gain clarity and confidence. Instead of being consumed by “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, they can find space between the moment and their response. This grows their power to face challenges with a sense of “I can handle this” and focus. This shift not only eases their anxiety but also empowers them to make choices that align with what matters most to them, rather than just doing what they think they should do.

In our 6-week group program, The Happiness Path (THP), we dedicate week 2 to helping teenagers experience being present and practice in real-time with creative and fun exercises. By strengthening their ability to be present, your daughter can navigate life’s pressures with resilience and intention. They learn that failure isn’t something to fear—it’s part of growth. And more importantly, they begin to see that success isn’t just about meeting expectations but about building a future that feels meaningful and fulfilling to them. And that is how we can help your teen become brave!

Chantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

28 Mar
Anxiety, Confidence, Counselling, Emotions, For Parents, parenting teens, Uncategorized

Why Your Teen Feels Unmotivated

Why Your Teen Feels Unmotivated

As a kid, Emma was full of energy, excited about soccer practice and hanging out with friends. But lately, she’s been dragging herself through the day—tired, unmotivated, and irritated with her parents over little things. She doesn’t want to, but she feels like she can’t help it.  “She’s just on her phone too much and it’s making her lazy,” her mom thought at first. But then she noticed something: Emma wasn’t sleeping well, she was constantly retreating to her bedroom, and overwhelmed by many tasks. It wasn’t laziness at all—Emma’s “battery” was running low.
>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Mental Health Handbook for Teen Girls <<<

And What a Cell Phone Can Teach Us

Think of your teen like a cell phone. For example, when too many apps are open (stress piling up), storage is almost full (mental overload), or the battery is low (lack of rest and recharge), things start to glitch- this is why your teen feels unmotivated. Likewise, just like a phone, teens function best in the right conditions—time to recharge, space to process emotions, and moments to be present without distractions. While they can’t always control life’s demands, they can make choices that support their well-being, like setting boundaries, taking mindful breaks, and being intentional about self-care.

In The Happiness Path (THP) group for teen girls, we help teen girls recognize what drains their energy and learn how to “charge” in a way that works for them. Through fun, creative exercises, they practice tuning into their needs, understanding their emotions, and creating habits that help them show up as their best selves. Motivation isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about learning to operate in a way that allows them to thrive. Because when they take care of themselves, just like a well-charged phone, they can function at their best.

Chantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

28 Mar
Anxiety, Confidence, Counselling, Emotions, For Parents, For Teens, parenting teens, Self Image & Body Image, Self-Compassion, Uncategorized

Eliminate Negative Self Talk

How Teens Can Eliminate Negative Self Talk

Why Your Thoughts Aren’t Always True…

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “People don’t like me,” or “I’m not good enough for my friends”? You’re not alone. Many teen girls struggle with these thoughts, especially when dealing with feelings of anxiety, social pressure, or self-doubt. But here’s the truth—just because you think something doesn’t make it real. What do you see? 

Your brain sees things in a certain way and it can sometimes get stuck in thinking patterns that are harsh. Those thoughts aren’t facts. They’re just stories and patterned thoughts your mind tells you based on fear or past experiences.

>>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Mental Health Handbook for Teen Girls <<<

The good news? You can change the story to eliminate negative self talk. When negative thoughts pop up, try asking yourself: Is this 100% true? Would I say this to a friend? What’s a more realistic way to see this? Shifting your self-talk takes practice, but it’s possible. That’s one thing we we focus on in THP (The Happiness Path)—helping teen girls challenge self-doubt, build confidence, and create strong, supportive friendships. You don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re ready to start believing in yourself and seeing your worth, you’re in the right place.

Chantal Côté
Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach
Founder of Pyramid Psychology and The Happiness Path

Confidence in Teen Girls, Raising Confident Teen Girls: How to Support Their Journey to Self-Worth
12 Jan
Anxiety, Confidence, Emotions, For Parents, Friendships, parenting teens, Relationships, Self-Compassion, Teen Joy

Raising Confident Teen Girls: How to Support Their Journey to Self-Worth

As a parent, few experiences are as heart-wrenching as seeing your teen daughter struggle to recognize the amazing qualities that shine so clearly to you. You see her brightness, kindness, and potential, but it can feel like an uphill battle as she grapples with self-doubt or emotional challenges. The more you focus on raising a confident teen girl and supporting her journey to self-worth, the easier navigating friendships, school, and life becomes—but teens (and all of us really!) require guidance to truly take root.

If your daughter is stuck in toxic friendships, constantly overthinking, or feeling paralyzed by the fear of disappointing others, know that these struggles are common. Thankfully, there are ways you can help her uncover her inner strength and build self-worth. Here’s how:

Cultivate Confidence by Acknowledging Her Challenges with Empathy

Many teen girls feel immense pressure to excel academically, socially, and personally. That pressure turns inward, leading to negative self-talk or, in some cases, harmful behaviors like self-harm when they feel overwhelmed. Your teen is likely struggling to know what to do with some of these feelings and unsure how to show herself some understanding and care. Creating a safe, judgment-free space allows her to open up and feel validated, a foundational step in cultivating confidence for teen girls.

>>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Depression & Anxiety Toolkit for Parents Raising Teen Girls <<<

Foster Positive Relationships

Friendships are central to a teen girl’s world, yet not all relationships are created equal. Toxic friendships can zap her confidence leaving her feeling isolated or anxious. Help her start to distinguish between supportive and harmful relationships by discussing what mutual respect, trust, and encouragement look like. Use real-life examples or share shows/movies that you think illustrate some of these qualities. Understanding the importance of boundaries and how to set them is a powerful skills to help her step away from unhealthy connections. Instead, building supportive friendships to significantly boost your teen’s confidence.

Have a look at our Blog on 3 Questions for Parents to Ask About Teen Boundaries.

two teen girls talking teen friendships

Photo by Andrea Tummons on Unsplash

Guide Her to Focus on the Present

Teens often get caught in a whirlwind of future-focused worries, whether it’s about upcoming tests, college, or social expectations. These anxieties can overshadow the experiences of the moment. Being future-focused all the time is also disorienting resulting in exhaustion and lack of motivation. Whenever you can introduce a present moment invitation, it’s an investment in her well-being. These can be simple like- when you’re cooking something, calling her over “come smell this”,  as your driving in the car together “look at mountains today”, introduce a new song to her “listen to this, I’m curious what you think”, or even asking the question “did you notice….?” can encourage more presence. Encouraging her to celebrate small victories or journal daily gratitudes can also help her reconnect with the present. Learning to anchor herself in the moment is essential for confidence-building.

Model Kindness Toward Yourself to Build Confidence From Within

Your daughter is constantly learning from how you navigate your own challenges. This is no easy task and it’s an ongoing journey. If she sees you celebrating wins, making self-care a priority, and respecting yourself, she will likely replicate those behaviors. Don’t forget to model a little self-compassion in there by showing grace for your mistakes, prioritizing your mental health, and setting boundaries. Explain that treating yourself with kindness is essential—not optional—and it’s a practice that builds confidence from within.

Equip Her with Confidence Coping Tools

I see parents get really good as problem solving. They have tons of ideas and solutions ready to fire off when their teen comes to them. But rather than solving problems for her, you will have a far more positive impact if you empower her to handle challenges independently. Teach practical skills like assertive communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. You might ask her “what’s one small step you could take to address this?”, “what’s your gut telling you?”, “what have you tried?”, “what do you think will happen if you try A?”-  More questions to develop problem solving questions here. Helping her find her own solutions builds both confidence and resilience, paving the way for long-term emotional strength.

>>> FREE DOWNLOAD: Depression & Anxiety Toolkit for Parents Raising Teen Girls <<<

teen confidence, parent communicating with teen, support, showing how to problem solve independently

Photo by sofatutor on Unsplash

Encourage External Support When Needed

Raising confident teen girls, while supporting their journey to self-worth sometimes requires us to seek guidance outside the family. Whether it’s a trusted mentor, school counsellor, professional coach, or mental health therapist, having a neutral third party to turn to can make a profound difference. Reassure her that seeking support is a sign of strength and courage, not weakness.

Discover THP: Helping Teen Girls Confidence Thrive

If your daughter is navigating self-doubt, struggling with friendships, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, the Teen Happiness Pill (THP) program can provide the support she needs. THP is a transformative 6-week program for teen girls (ages 12-18) designed to help them move beyond anxiety and overwhelm into a space of confidence and empowerment. Through engaging activities and community support, THP helps participants:

  • Cultivate resilience and self-worth.
  • Build positive, healthy friendships.
  • Manage stress effectively and reduce overthinking.
  • Develop self-compassion and a growth mindset.

This program is available both in-person in YYC and online worldwide, ensuring flexibility and accessibility. With small group sizes, teens receive personalized attention while connecting with peers who understand their struggles. Each week, the program incorporates a unique wellness theme, including a fitness component that helps boost both physical and mental strength.

As a parent, you want to give your daughter every opportunity to thrive. By supporting her participation in THP, you can help her unlock her potential and gain the confidence to navigate life’s challenges with courage and grace.

Learn more about THP and enroll your teen today. Together, let’s help her discover the incredible qualities you’ve always known she possesses.

Resilient teen girls, teen wellness, overcoming anxiety, teen group for anxiety, raising confidence and self-esteem, the happiness pill confidence group

Photo by Canva Pro

                                  

 

 

 

 

About Me

Psychologist Teen Life Coach

Chantal Côté, Registered Psychologist & Teen Life Coach

Hi! My name is Chantal.

I am a registered psychologist and teen coach working with teen girls around the globe (and their parents) to help them build Unbreakable Mindsets.

I was born in Ontario and raised in Alberta. As a result of my family encouraging us to speak French growing up (I didn’t always love it as a teen though!), I am bilingual. I love being close to the mountains and am in awe every time I see the beautiful landscapes. One day I might trade my winter jacket in for a bathing suit and a pair of flip flops, but for now Calgary is home.

I look at mental wellness as part of a Whole System. “After food comes mood” and “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with” are sayings that make a lot of sense to me. Therefore, when I work with teens, I collaborate with them to get a clear picture of how their lifestyle, experiences, and biological makeup influence how they feel every day. I also believe it is so important to mine for their strengths and resources. Bringing those to life for teen girls, results in them becoming their most resilient and confident selves.

I help teen girls who are struggling with their confidence, are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or shut down a lot of the time, and want things to be different. Most certainly the struggle is affecting their self-image, their relationships, and so importantly their mental wellness.

Over the years, I have given myself permission to explore my creative side. I’m also drawn to physical fitness and sport and feel so at home in nature. I work really well with teens who have some creative connections (whether that’s drawing, painting, writing, acting, fashion, playing and making music, etc.). I also get the world of sport and connect well with teens who have an athletic side.

This Article: “Raising Confident Teen Girls: How to Support Their Journey to Self-Worth” was written by: CHANTAL | Pyramid Psychology

Blog post creative
05 Jun
Anxiety, Confidence, Emotions

How to Thrive Past Trauma or Unstable Environments

Hi everyone, I’m Chipo Bvindi, a mental health therapist dedicated to helping young people navigate life’s challenges. Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart; “How to Thrive Past Trauma or Unstable Environments.” Growing up can be tough, especially if you’ve experienced trauma or lived in an unstable environment- but I want you to know that thriving is possible, and I’m here to guide you through it.

Understanding Trauma and Unstable Environments

First, let’s define what we mean by trauma and unstable environments. Trauma can be any distressing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope; such as abuse, neglect, loss, or witnessing violence. An unstable environment might involve frequent changes, lack of support, or unpredictability at home or in your community.

These experiences can leave deep scars, but they don’t have to define your future. With effort and the right strategies, you can overcome these challenges and lead a fulfilling life.

Steps to Thrive

  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s okay to feel hurt, angry, or confused about what you’ve been through. Suppressing these emotions only makes them stronger. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to feel them without judgment. This is the first step in healing.

  1. Seek Support

You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, teacher, or therapist. Talking about your experiences can be incredibly freeing and helps you process your emotions. Support groups can also be a great resource.

  1. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and finding time for activities you enjoy. Self-care also includes setting boundaries to protect your mental health, such as limiting time with people who bring negativity into your life.

  1. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Instead of turning to harmful behaviours to cope, find healthy ways to manage stress and emotions. This might include journaling, drawing, playing sports, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. Experiment with different activities to see what works best for you.

  1. Focus on Your Strengths

Everyone has strengths, even if they’re not always obvious. Identify what you’re good at and what makes you feel strong. This could be anything from a talent in art or music to a knack for solving problems or helping others. Building on your strengths boosts your confidence and resilience.

  1. Create a Vision for Your Future

Trauma can make it hard to see beyond the present moment. Take some time to think about what you want for your future. Set small, achievable goals and work towards them step by step. This helps create a sense of purpose and direction.

                                  

  1. Seek Professional Help if Needed

Sometimes, professional help is necessary to fully heal. Therapists and counsellors are trained to help you work through trauma and develop coping strategies. Don’t hesitate to seek out professional support if you need it.

 

About Me

I’m Chipo Bvindi, a mental health therapist with a passion for helping teens, young adults, and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, life transitions, instability, trauma, and grief. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their feelings, heal, and grow. I believe in the power of resilience and the importance of doing the work to move past challenges and build a brighter future.

Thriving is a Journey

Remember: thriving past trauma or an unstable environment is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Every step forward is a victory.

You’re stronger than you think, and with the right tools and support, you can overcome your past and build a bright future. Keep going, and never give up on yourself.

Take care,

Chipo Bvindi

This Article: “How to Thrive Past Trauma or Unstable Environments” was written by: CHIPO | Pyramid Psychology

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