Summary: In this episode, I explain one of the most overlooked aspects of OCD: mental compulsions. While many people recognize compulsions as visible behaviors like checking, washing, or arranging things, mental compulsions happen internally and can be much harder to identify. These can include rumination, mental reviewing, counting, praying, catastrophizing, or repeatedly trying to figure something out in order to reduce anxiety, uncertainty, or discomfort. (more…)
We are partnered with NOCD, a leading provider of OCD treatment. With NOCD, you can do live video sessions with a therapist who specializes in OCD and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, and get 24/7 support between sessions. NOCD Therapists accept most major insurance plans to make treatment more accessible. Book a free 15-minute call to learn more.(more…)
In this episode, I’m breaking down what Relationship OCD really looks like, why the search for certainty keeps you stuck, and how to stop letting intrusive doubts control your relationship.(more…)
Summary: In this episode, I talk about how self-criticism can quietly interfere with recovery and healing. So many people believe being hard on themselves will motivate them to do better, but in reality, constant self-judgment often increases anxiety, lowers confidence, and makes it harder to move forward. I walk through some common signs of self-criticism, including harsh self-talk, perfectionism, difficulty accepting compliments, and feeling guilt or shame over even small setbacks. (more…)
In this episode, I’m sharing the nine core things I teach every OCD client in their very first therapy session to help them better understand recovery, build confidence in ERP, and begin responding differently to intrusive thoughts.(more…)
In this episode, I sit down with Paul Gilmartin to talk about the hidden fear of “not being enough,” how it quietly fuels anxiety and shame, and what actually helps us heal from it.(more…)
Summary: In this episode, I explain why your brain can get stuck replaying thoughts, searching for answers, and trying to feel certain before it can move on. So often, people think they have an overthinking problem, but the real issue is that the brain has learned that solving equals safety. Every time you analyze, replay, or try to “figure it out” to get relief, your brain learns to keep sending you back into the same cycle. (more…)
In this episode, I sit down with anxiety expert Reid Wilson to talk about why recovery is not about getting rid of anxiety, but learning how to change your relationship with uncertainty, fear, and resistance.(more…)
Summary: In this episode, I talk about two very common mistakes anxious people make that actually keep anxiety cycles going stronger: responding with urgency and treating every thought, feeling, or sensation as incredibly important. I share a personal story from volunteering at a school bake sale, where I caught myself rushing, overperforming, and reacting as if everything was high stakes, even though there was no real danger present.
I explain how anxiety itself is not necessarily the problem, but rather the way we respond to it. When we treat anxious thoughts or feelings as urgent and important, we teach the brain that they truly are dangerous. Whether it’s a “what if” thought, physical anxiety symptoms, or fear of judgment, acting from urgency reinforces the anxiety cycle and keeps the nervous system on high alert.
Most importantly, I walk you through what to do instead. The goal is not to convince yourself that nothing matters or to magically make the feeling disappear. Instead, it’s about slowing down your actions even while your body still feels urgency inside. I share how I practiced this in real time by deliberately slowing my movements, pausing, and responding differently even though my body still felt stressed. This episode is really about learning how to stop reinforcing anxiety and beginning to show your brain that discomfort does not always require an urgent response.
