All The Hard Things

The holidays can be a magical time, but let's be real—they can also feel like a bit much. Between family expectations, endless to-do lists, and the pressure of all the “shoulds” we place on ourselves, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. If you're managing OCD and anxiety, that weight can feel even heavier. So today, we're diving into how to find peace amidst the holiday chaos. Whether you're navigating challenging family dynamics or battling those intrusive “what-ifs,” this is your guide to creating space for calm during this busy season. So, grab your coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and let's settle in for an honest chat about what it takes to truly manage your mental health during the holidays. What we are going to dive into today: Good enough thinking Setting tiny boundaries Dealing with intrusive thoughts Managing OCD and anxiety and New Years resolutions  You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/managing-ocd-and-anxiety

I'm happy to have a special guest returning to the podcast—Grace, one of my OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint students. Grace joined us a few months ago to share her incredible journey of recovery, highlighting the challenges she faced, the tools she's used, and the progress she's made. Today, we're diving into an important topic: managing OCD and life's big changes. It's one thing to practice recovery strategies when life feels steady, but how do you maintain progress when everything shifts? Grace has faced some significant changes recently, and her story offers valuable insights into navigating uncertainty and staying on track with recovery. If you're dealing with OCD and wondering how to handle life's curveballs, this conversation is packed with relatable experiences, advice, and practical tools to help you along the way. Let's get started! We discuss: Handling unexpected OCD manifestations Maintaining progress without private therapy Facing avoidance triggers Embracing uncertainty You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/managing-ocd-and-lifes-big-changes

I'm thrilled to share a guest interview with Denise Rickenbach, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Together, we're diving into topics (like OCD and perfectionism) that many of you face daily! If you've ever felt unsure about where to turn or what might work for you, this episode offers tips, tools, and encouragement to help you on your journey. It's especially helpful for moms and parents seeking guidance or new strategies to support themselves and their families. We will cover: Religious OCD struggles Dealing with symptoms from childhood Navigating these challenges as a parent You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/ocd-and-perfectionism

It's been a while since we've had a guest on the podcast to open up about their experiences, and this conversation feels particularly timely and important. I'm excited to introduce a guest known as CHH. Who shares their powerful story and unique perspective on living with OCD, anxiety, and motherhood. Whether you're a mom navigating the complexities of motherhood, someone living with OCD or anxiety, or even just curious about how these challenges play out in today's online world, there's something here for you. We're going to be talking about:  The nuances of mom-related OCD struggles How being online can sometimes amplify OCD tendencies You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/ocd-anxiety-and-motherhood

Today's episode is for those of you who have been putting in the work to manage OCD and anxiety—maybe you've tried therapy, read all the books, and listened to every podcast out there, but still feel like something's missing. Let me assure you: this isn't happening because you're not trying hard enough or because you're beyond help. You're not resistant to change, and it's not that you're “too sick” to make progress.  If this resonates with you, today we're diving into what might be the missing piece in your OCD and anxiety journey. And exploring small but impactful adjustments that could bring you the progress you've been hoping for. By the end, you'll know if you're the perfect fit for the next step in your recovery journey, along with some exciting news about a Black Friday deal you won't want to miss! What we are going to dive into today: Learned helplessness is in OCD and anxiety recovery Why you need a roadmap for OCD and anxiety recovery You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/missing-piece-in-your-ocd-and-anxiety-recovery

This post is going to be a real tough moment for you if you've ever felt like a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery, and just super stuck its grips. So, if you've ever felt like OCD, intrusive thoughts or anxiety is something that just “happened to you”, meaning it's something that you feel really powerless against. I want you to hang with me because I'm going to share a mindset shift that can change everything! You are not a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery journey, and the more that we take action, the more power you take back.  So today, I am going to explain what I mean and how you can start taking back control. In this episode, we are going to be talking about: Having OCD and anxiety is not your fault, but it is now your responsibility How you can take back your power How OCD and anxiety can pull you into a frustrating cycle How you can (and should!) still do enjoyable things even though they have OCD and anxiety You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/passive-participant-in-your-ocd-and-anxiety-recovery ⚡ Sign up for my FREE Masterclass, Break Free Power Hour, on Taking Control of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/power⁠⁠

Today, we're going to talk about one of the most frustrating pain points in recovery, which is that feeling of just being stuck. Like you're spinning your wheels, you're trying so hard, you're exerting so much effort, you're doing all the things, but you're not actually getting anywhere.  If you have been feeling stuck in the spiral of anxiety, intrusive thoughts and panic, this post is for you! I am going to walk you through why you keep getting stuck in the spiral of anxiety and how to break out of it! Here's what we will be discussing: How to move beyond reassurance and avoidance How you're holding yourself back by consuming and not taking action You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/spiral-of-anxiety ⚡ Sign up for my FREE Masterclass, Break Free Power Hour, on Taking Control of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts: ⁠⁠https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/power⁠

Today, we're diving into the power of affirmations and exploring how to use them "good affirmations" vs "bad affirmations" effectively, without letting them slip into the territory of compulsive reassurance. If you're navigating recovery or simply looking to add some grounded positivity to your day, this is for you! Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: How affirmations can be powerful tools, but only if used correctly What makes a “good affirmation” What makes a “bad affirmation” The key to using affirmations in an empowering way You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/good-affirmations-vs-bad-affirmations

If you're anything like me, you might have a bit of a love-hate relationship with fear. Even though I'm a therapist who specializes in anxiety, I've always found fear fascinating. As a kid, I used to dream about being part of the horror movie world, and today, I still think there's something to be learned from those spooky films. Whether you love the thrill of a scary movie or can't wait for Halloween to be over, there's a valuable lesson to take away from horror: The more we run from fear, the more powerful it becomes. In this blog, I'm going to explore how fear works, what horror movies can teach us about handling anxiety, and how to use strategies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to face fear head-on and shrink it down to size. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: Why running from fear makes it worse How to use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help your brain learn to handle anxiety without avoiding it How to reduce the power fear has over you You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/running-from-fear ⚡ Sign up for my FREE Masterclass, Break Free Power Hour, on Taking Control of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts: https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/power

If you're anything like me or many of the people I work with, you've likely found yourself stuck in a never-ending cycle of overanalyzing or ruminating over every little detail—past, present, or future. You think and think, hoping to find the right answer, the perfect solution, or some sense of certainty, but instead, you just end up feeling more overwhelmed and anxious. Have you ever felt like overthinking fuels your anxiety? I bet you have! Today, we're going to talk about these thought patterns, known as mental compulsions. This includes things like overanalyzing, excessive worrying, ruminating, and trying to figure out every scenario in your head. I'll explain why these behaviors keep you trapped in a spiral and, most importantly, how you can start breaking free. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: What mental compulsions are Why do they keep you stuck (in a place where your overthinking fuels your anxiety)? 2 techniques that can actually help You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/why-overthinking-fuels-your-anxiety

I'm so excited to get into today's episode because we're focusing on a topic that's especially close to my heart—OCD. Whether you've been living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for a while or are just starting to understand what it's all about, this post will be a game changer. In honor of OCD Awareness Week, we're breaking down 10 important things that everyone should know about OCD. These insights can help you explain the disorder to a loved one or even deepen your own understanding of what it's like to live with OCD. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: It's OCD Awareness Week 10 important things everyone should know about OCD What it's like to live with OCD You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/ocd-awareness

If you've ever experienced a panic attack or anxiety attack, you know how overwhelming and terrifying it can feel. Panic can hit like a wave, leaving you feeling like you're completely out of control. There are so many misconceptions about panic attacks and high anxiety—what they are, what they mean, and most importantly, how to deal with them. Today, we're going to break down some of the biggest myths surrounding panic attacks and anxiety, and I'll share real, evidence-based strategies that can help you stop letting them control your life. No quick fixes or surface-level coping skills here—just real, actionable tools grounded in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: 3 myths about panic attacks you might be believing How to transform your relationship with panic How to break the cycle you're in You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/panic-attacks-myths

If you've ever experienced a panic attack, you know how overwhelming and terrifying it can be. But if panic attacks or constant anxiety have become a recurring part of your life, you may find yourself asking, Why do these keep happening? How can I stop them from controlling my life? In this post, we're going to explore exactly that. You'll learn why traditional coping methods like breathing exercises and grounding techniques don't always provide long-term relief and how a different approach can help you truly overcome panic for good. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: Why traditional coping methods don't work for panic attacks long-term 3 myths about panic attacks that might be keeping you stuck 2 techniques that can help you beat panic attacks for good You can find the full shownotes here: ⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/still-having-panic-attacks

Today, we're diving into a topic that could change the way you think about mental health care. We're going to explore the stepped care model, or stepped care approach—what it is, why it's crucial, and why traditional therapy may not always be the best or only option for everyone. Here's a little spoiler: high-quality self-help can be just as effective—if not more so—for certain individuals. Before we dive in, it's important to understand that everything I'm sharing today is backed by research. We're not just talking theories here; we're discussing evidence-based approaches that have been proven to work. So, let's get into it. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: What The Stepped Care Model Is The Power of High-Quality Self-Help What The Stepped Care Approach Means For You You can find the full shownotes (including links to the research for more reading) here: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/stepped-care-model

Hey everyone, welcome back! Today, we're diving into a crucial topic, especially if you or someone you know has been struggling with OCD, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts. We're going to talk about why traditional talk therapy—where talking is the main, and sometimes the only, intervention—isn't enough to help you overcome these issues. Talk therapy doesn't work for OCD and anxiety most of the time (and can often make things worse). Before you panic, let me clarify: not all forms of therapy that involve talking are bad. Far from it! Therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) involve a lot of talking, but they also include structured interventions that are important for real progress. Let's dig into why traditional talk therapy, as I'm defining it, just doesn't cut it for OCD and anxiety, and explore some evidence-based strategies that do work. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: • What Talk Therapy really is • Why talk therapy alone doesn't work for OCD • What works for OCD and anxiety instead

Today, we're going to get a little paradoxical. We're diving into something different—how to make your OCD worse. Of course, the goal here is not to actually make it worse, but to help you recognize behaviors that can keep you stuck in the OCD cycle, so you can start doing the opposite. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: • 5 Ways to Make OCD Worse • Why generic advice doesn't work • What to do instead

Today, we're diving into a question I get all the time—how do I do exposures for intrusive thoughts? If you haven't asked this question yourself, you've probably wondered about it or Googled it at some point. It's a common question, especially for those beginning their recovery journey with OCD. But here's the thing: it's not a simple question to answer when it comes to understanding and treating intrusive thoughts. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: • Why treating intrusive thoughts is so complex • What you should be asking instead • Examples of tailored exposures

Let's dive into today's topic: the bad things, or what not to do when you have OCD or anxiety. When I say bad, I mean habits or behaviors that can contribute to feeling stuck and stalled in your recovery, or things that might actually be detrimental to you. These are behaviors that may feel helpful in the moment but just reinforce the cycle of anxiety and compulsions. So, let's go through some of these and talk about why they don't work. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: 6 Things That I Recommend NOT to do When You Have OCD or Anxiety How to Recognize Compulsive Behaviors What to do instead (what DOES work for OCD and anxiety)

Today, I'm going to talk about living ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and how this isn't just a one-and-done thing. You can't just dip in and get out. Many people think of ERP as a specific exercise or a series of tasks that you need to complete and then you're done. But the truth is, ERP is so much more than that. It's not just a series of moments; it's really a lifestyle change. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: What is ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)? A practical example of living with ERP

Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on mindset shifts for lasting change. If you're ready to unlock your potential and see what's truly possible for you in terms of freedom from OCD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts, this episode is for you. Changing your mindset can be a game changer, especially when you're dealing with anxiety and intrusive thoughts. No, it's not just about thinking positively; it's about transforming how you perceive and respond to challenges. So, let's dive into why mindset matters and how you can start shifting your perspective today. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: Why mindset is so powerful (and talking about a growth mindset vs. fixed mindset) Real life examples of the power of mindset shifts 4 Practical Tips for Making Mindset Shifts

Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite topics to implement in both my personal and professional life: the impact of small changes. When we're in the thick of OCD, anxiety, and scary thoughts, we can get so caught up in the big picture that we lose sight of the tiny, nuanced changes we could make right here, right now. Let's dive into how these small changes can really make a big impact when it comes to your anxiety and personal growth. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: The science behind small changes Real life examples of the power of small changes Why small changes matter 4 practical tips for making small changes today

Want to hear 10 things I tell my clients in the first therapy session? Today, I'm giving you a peek into what it's like to have a first session with a therapist who specializes in OCD and anxiety. I have been working with people who have OCD and anxiety since 2008, so I've crafted my first session over time. While it varies for everyone, some foundational principles are crucial for anyone starting their treatment journey. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: 10 things I tell my clients during their first therapy session How to prepare for your first session What I wish more people knew before their first appointment

Today, I am hammering out a question that I get at least once a day: how to tell when it's more than just anxiety. In this day and age, with social media, it seems like everything is a diagnosis, and everything is a problem. So let's talk about it! Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: 5 signs what you're experiencing is more than "just" anxiety How to know if anxiety is taking over your life What to do if you are experiencing more than just anxiety

Today, I'm diving right into a topic that I know will resonate with so many of you—these fricking mental blocks that are holding you back from what you want so bad. I get so many DMs and emails every single day from people who want desperately to overcome their OCD and anxiety, and to quote, "never have these thoughts again," and to just be able to be with their family. Insert goal here. We all face these difficulties. We are all in our own way in so many different ways. Whether it's fear, self-doubt, or procrastination, today we're going to talk about how to actually overcome those barriers using evidence-based strategies. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: • 3 ways you are holding yourself back • How to move forward even when it's uncomfortable

Today we are diving into a really fun topic — the new character in Inside Out 2, "Anxiety". For those of you who haven't seen it yet, Inside Out is a movie that personifies emotions as characters inside a young girl's mind. The sequel, released in June 2024, introduces a couple of new characters: Embarrassment, Envy, Ennui (a cool, chill, can't-be-bothered-by-anything character), and of course, Anxiety. I'm sharing 3 of my takeaways with you today! Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: How the movie depicted anxiety What the movie showed us we need to do to help us manage anxiety How anxiety serves a PURPOSE, and can actually benefit us (in moderate doses)

This podcast episode is going to be a little bit different than my typical episodes because I am actually going to be taking and answering questions from my Instagram community. I get a FAQ's about OCD recovery and taboo thoughts, and I figured it was time to just compile a lot of those different questions and answer them here for you guys. Here's a little preview of what we'll cover: If I stop answering OCD's questions, will OCD go away? Does emotion regulation help with thoughts? Is it possible to fully recover? How does ERP work with sensory motor OCD? What are good strategies for when you feel guilt over having taboo thoughts? How to stop constantly having to prove to yourself that "it's not me" Managing automatic groin sensations and not fixating on it Using compulsions to feel better about it How to navigate OCD flare-ups when weaning down from an SSRI

As we wrap up this June, reflecting on previous summers when I was in my haze of OCD and anxiety, I really have much clearer insights into my own struggles with anxiety and indecision and FOMO. In my experience, this is something that's not really often talked about when we talk about OCD and anxiety. I wanted to bring light to it, especially in the summer because it can just exacerbate all of this, right? Especially with social media, we are constantly being bombarded with images and stories of others seemingly living their best lives. And for someone with anxiety, it can create this relentless sense of inadequacy and fear. Today I'm sharing: Understanding Indecision in the Context of OCD and Anxiety The Heightened Impact of FOMO During Summer The Vicious Cycle of Overthinking and Safety Behaviors Feeling Paralyzed With Choices Strategies to Combat Anxiety and Indecision and Embrace the Moment

This week we are talking about anxiety around travel because even though we can travel anytime, I do think that is something that happens a little bit more in the summer. We just have more of an opportunity (and maybe more pressure) to go on these vacations, to book plane flights, to take long road trips in the car, to navigate to places that we've never been or that we don't go to often. That can be really stressful for anybody, but especially when you have anxiety and maybe even OCD wrapped up in there. Let's talk more about it. Today I'm sharing: My Personal Challenge of Facing Unknowns The Trap of Safety Behaviors Empowering Strategies for Travel Anxiety Embracing Travel with Values-Based Decisions ☀️ Sign Up For My FREE Upcoming Event (moved to June 21st!) to Learn How To Stop The Spiral: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/spiral⁠⁠

If you are reading this, chances are you are a parent, whether you are a new parent, you've been at this for several years, or you are thinking about starting a family in the future, the summer season can really challenge us to balance professional aspirations with family responsibilities.  Summertime can be challenging, especially if you already have anxiety or obsessions or compulsions around your kids. Let's talk about the summertime struggles managing anxiety with more kid time. Today I'm sharing: My Personal Experience Managing Anxiety With More Kid Time The Unique Struggles of Parents with Anxiety Confronting the Myth of Constant Entertainment Strategies for Managing Parental Anxiety ☀️ Sign Up For My FREE Upcoming Event (moved to June 21st!) to Learn How To Stop The Spiral: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/spiral⁠

Today, we're getting into a topic that's especially important as the weather warms: the various ways that anxiety can manifest during the summer months. This June, we're uncovering the sneaky ways summer social anxiety, along with obsessions and compulsions, tend to surface with the rise in temperature. It's a conversation we need to have, ensuring that hopefully, the rest of our summer is as enjoyable as possible. Today I'm sharing: Why social anxiety can spike in the summer My personal battle with social anxiety How you may unintentionally be reinforcing your anxiety The predictable cycle anxiety follows Strategies for overcoming social anxiety ☀️ Stop the Spiral FREE event: Moved to June 21st, get on my email newsletter to be the first to get all the details! https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com

In this episode, I talk about worry, rumination, and mental compulsions in anxiety and OCD. I also discuss.. how to tell if you're engaging in worry or rumination the difference between mental compulsions and actual problem solving key issues clients and students often overlook when trying to resist rumination how to unhook from thoughts and refuse to answer anxiety's questions

In this episode, I talk about real event OCD and when you're anxious about something that actually happened. I also talk about.. false memory OCD cognitive errors our brains make in an effort to make sense of the world around us the importance of problem solving, self-compassion, and acceptance examples I've worked with in the past

In this episode, I dig into one of the most difficult concepts for people who have OCD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts - acceptance. I talk about.. why acceptance is so hard why lack of acceptance in the first place is actually the problem 4 solutions to any problem - from dialectical behavioral therapy how to start implementing practical steps so you can feel more accepting and more freedom

In this episode, I talk about what most people are missing from their anxiety and OCD recovery - implementing the dang work. I talk about.. why it feels like you're constantly spinning your wheels despite working so hard what you need to be doing instead how to make sure you're implementing strategies versus just learning about them (and learning.. and learning)

In this episode, I talk about how the words you use matter when it comes to anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts. I talk about.. agency and why it's relevant to recovery examples of how words can hold you back specific examples of phrases and words NOT to use, and what to say instead how to feel more in control of your life so you can take action and get better

In this episode, I share my thoughts about a commonly asked question, which is," How do I do exposures for intrusive thoughts?"  I talk about why this is an unanswerable question unless we have more information and why.  You'll learn ..  Why you can't just do exposures for intrusive thoughts, no other information provided What else you need to know in order to have good exposures  Qualities of good exposures Examples

In this episode, I meet with Naomi Matlow, an OCD advocate, musical theater lyricist, writer, and educator who studies Mindfulness. We talk about Buddhism's Four Noble Truths as they relate to the anxiety and OCD cycle. We also discuss.. How to mindfully handle difficult concepts like taboo thoughts, uncertainty, and perceived inability to cope with uncomfortable emotions How thinking is the sixth sense door of experience in Buddhist psychology (seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, hearing, thinking) and how this connects with active minds and intrusive thoughts How Jeffrey M. Schwartz's 1996 book, Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive Compulsive Behavior, would not exist without Buddhist wisdom and the path of freedom laid out by the Buddha The Buddhist concept of the "self" and "non-self," and how they are helpful concepts in loosening the grip around cognitive fusion. Naomi Matlow is a musical theatre lyricist, writer, and educator. Her songs have been performed at venues such as 54 Below, The Great Hall at Cooper Union, Goodspeed Opera House, the Polyphone Festival at University of the Arts and at the IOCDF Conference. She recently completed her MA in Mindfulness Studies at Lesley University and leads a monthly Dharma Club at Soft Landing Space in Ventura, California. BA: University of Toronto, MFA: NYU Tisch's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. www.naomimatlow.com

In this episode, we discuss the intricate link between trauma, OCD, and anxiety. From debunking myths about trauma release to redefining therapy's role, discover holistic strategies for navigating these mental health challenges. We also talk about.. Understanding trauma's impact: Explore how trauma complicates OCD symptoms and treatment. Dispelling trauma release myths: Learn why "releasing" trauma oversimplifies healing and discover active coping strategies. The power of integrated therapy: Embrace holistic approaches like ERP and self-compassion for comprehensive healing. Therapist's role redefined: Discover the therapist's pivotal role in validation and practical guidance. Embracing radical responsibility: Learn how radical responsibility fosters resilience amidst trauma and OCD.

In this episode, my husband, Nick (also a licensed therapist) and I explore evidence-based strategies like exposure and response prevention (ERP) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to navigate the challenges of intrusive thoughts, panic, and trauma. Discover the importance of establishing a stable foundation before addressing trauma triggers and gain valuable insights into managing OCD and anxiety effectively. Whether you're seeking clarity on avoidance behaviors or looking for practical strategies to reclaim your life, this episode has something for everyone. We also talk about: Exposure and response prevention (ERP) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as foundational treatment approaches Common queries, like "why am I avoiding certain places? Is it PTSD or OCD?" The importance of stability before tackling trauma triggers

In this episode, I talk how sleep disruptions, like Daylight Savings, can impact OCD and anxiety. I also discuss.. Common obsessions that come up for people who worry about their sleep duration or quality of sleep Common compulsions that people may feel the urge to do when they obsess over sleep Way to expose yourself to these fears in a way that's challenging and manageable, that'll help you get back to sleep and move on with the rest of your day

In this episode, I talk the impacts of alcohol on OCD and anxiety and how to cope after a night (or day) of drinking. I also discuss.. How alcohol impacts OCD/anxiety before, during, and after drinking Why "just stop drinking" isn't necessarily the best advice My advice for how to handle OCD and anxiety if you're choosing to drink

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. We talk about.. How parent-coached exposure therapy differs from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy How anxiety disorders differ from everyday nerves and worries Who the best people are to help coach kids through their fears and worries Stephen P. H. Whiteside, Ph.D. is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Psychology in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, and Director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. His research focuses on improving access to evidence-based care for pediatric anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder through the development of effective and efficient treatments facilitated by technology. He has published over 80 scientific articles, co-authored the books Exposure Therapy for Child and Adolescent Anxiety and OCD, Exposure Therapy for Anxiety: Principles and Practice (2nd Ed), and Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach: A Parent's Guide to Treating Childhood Anxiety and OCD. Anxiety Coach book purchasing link: https://www.amazon.com/Mayo-Clinic-Anxiety-Coach-Groundbreaking/dp/B0BQMJNXR3 Mayo Clinic Press website:  https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/ Mayo Clinic Press Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinicpress/ Mayo Clinic Press Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinicpress Mayo Clinic Press LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/mayo-clinic-press/

In this episode, I talk to OCD and anxiety advocate, Elysse Lescarbeau, about techniques typically reserved for OCD and anxiety are actually beneficial for everyone. We also discuss.. Her "Stay PUT" method of managing anxiety in the moment Our 5 strategies typically reserved for OCD/anxiety that can be helpful for all individuals Why and how ERP is absolutely necessary for OCD and anxiety recovery Elysse Lescarbeau (@ocd.or.just.me) has A LOT of lived experience with mental health issues with diagnoses. Elysse had been struggling in silence due to a lack of OCD awareness - she thought her obsessive thoughts and mental only compulsions were “just her”. A year after being hospitalized for SI, with a long overdue OCD diagnosis and treatment under her belt, she hopes to offer others the knowledge she wished she'd had - how OCD can present very differently from common media portrayals, why gold standard therapy techniques for OCD can go beyond treating acute symptoms, and how recovery and a less anxious life IS possible.  Follow her on Instagram @ocd.or.just.me and check out her free resource - the Values in Action Digital Workbook (https://stan.store/ocdorjustme/p/free-find-my-values-worksheet) - for her tried and true techniques to take value-driven action everyday, even while anxious. 

In this episode, I talk about if you can actually do too much exposure work in your OCD/anxiety recovery. I also discuss.. the impact of doing "too much ERP" how to tell if you're doing too much ERP how to ensure you're doing ERP effectively, not compulsively

In this episode, I talk about perinatal OCD, when obsessions and compulsions take place during the perinatal period. I also discuss ... the impact of perinatal OCD examples of obsessions and compulsions within perinatal OCD treatment options for those with perinatal OCD

Peak Performance or Panic? Understanding Anxiety through the Yerkes-Dodson Curve In this episode, I talk about the Yerkes-Dodson curve and how we can use it to understand the relationship between anxiety, stress, and performance. I also discuss ... how to apply this to OCD and anxiety symptoms how to leverage this information in your recovery how to get to peak anxiety levels and increase performance

In this episode, I talk about the relevance of an extinction burst in OCD and anxiety recovery. I also discuss ... what is an extinction burst why the extinction burst occurs how to manage the extinction burst effectively and leverage it in your recovery

In this episode, I talk about why talk therapy isn't helpful for OCD and anxiety. I also discuss ... how and why talk therapy can actually be harmful to those who have OCD and anxiety what exactly is talk therapy what to look out for in a therapist or in self-help interventions for OCD and anxiety

New Year, New Fears? Navigating OCD in Resolution Season In this episode, I touch on the allure of New Year's resolutions and the pressures they can bring, particularly when you have OCD and anxiety. I discuss ... Ways in which OCD and anxiety can impact resolution making How OCD and anxiety tendencies can be exacerbated during times of change Common triggers during the New Year's resolution season Check out The OCD & Anxiety Recovery Blueprint HERE!

When OCD Paws at Your Love for Pets: A Dive into ERP & ACT In this episode, I discuss how OCD and anxiety can sometimes latch onto our pets. I talk about ... Examples of obsessions people with OCD might have regarding pets Examples of how to incorporate Exposure and Response Prevention when you have pets Examples of how to practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Strategies when you have pets Check out The OCD & Anxiety Recovery Blueprint HERE!

OCD in the Workplace: Stigma, Sharing, and Secret Rituals In this episode, I talk about something that I personally have struggled with, along with so many - having to deal with OCD while in the workplace. I also talk about ... The role of stigma and shame when having OCD, especially while working Whether or not to share your diagnosis or condition with others, and the pros and cons of both decisions Managing urges to ritualize while working Check out The OCD & Anxiety Recovery Blueprint HERE!