Podcast/Blog

How to Stop Being Afraid of Your Thoughts | Ep. 505

In this episode, I talk about why intrusive thoughts can feel so terrifying and what actually keeps us afraid of them. One of the biggest things that gets us stuck is the expectation that we shouldn’t be having these thoughts in the first place. When an intrusive thought feels completely opposite to who we are or what we value, it’s easy to assume it must mean something important about us. But having an unwanted or alarming thought does not define who you are. (more…)

How to Talk to Strangers When You Have Social Anxiety | Ep. 503

In this episode, I walk you through the practical skills I teach my clients with social anxiety when they want to feel more comfortable talking to strangers and connecting with others. Instead of expecting conversation to suddenly feel natural, we start small and build these skills through repetition. (more…)

Why can’t I accept uncertainty? | Ep. 501

In this episode, I talk about why uncertainty can feel so unbearable when you struggle with anxiety, OCD, or depression. While uncertainty may simply feel uncomfortable to someone without anxiety, an anxious brain can interpret not knowing as a threat. This can lead us to seek reassurance, Google for answers, ruminate, catastrophize, or engage in other behaviors designed to make that uncomfortable feeling go away. (more…)

Kimberley Quinlan I Tested AI on OCD Here Is My Exact-Prompt to Make It Safe Podcast feature

I Tested AI on OCD. Here Is My Exact Prompt to Make It Safe. | Ep. 500


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.

LEARN ABOUT NOCD HERE  

In this episode, I share how AI can unintentionally reinforce OCD, and how, with the right prompts and an ERP-focused approach, you can use it as a tool that supports your recovery instead of strengthening your compulsions.

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I Tested AI on Health Anxiety. Here Is My Exact Prompt to Make It Safe. | Ep. 499

In this episode, I explore how people with health anxiety can unintentionally get pulled into a cycle of reassurance-seeking when using AI to search for medical symptoms. I walk through a real-time demonstration showing how an innocent search for common symptoms can quickly escalate into worst-case scenarios, more uncertainty, and even more anxiety. While AI can be an incredible tool, I explain why it’s important to use it carefully if you struggle with health anxiety or illness anxiety OCD. (more…)

When ERP Feels Impossible: How DBT Can Help (with Rebecca DeLeon) | Ep. 498

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.

LEARN ABOUT NOCD HERE  

In this episode, I explore how adding DBT skills to ERP can help you tolerate overwhelming emotions, stay engaged in treatment, and move toward lasting OCD recovery with greater confidence and self-compassion. (more…)

13 Sassy things to say to anxiety (Non Engagement Responses) | Ep. 497


Summary: In this episode, I share 13 of my favorite “sassy” responses to anxiety that can help you stop getting pulled into intrusive thoughts, rumination, and compulsive behaviors. When anxiety shows up with a frightening thought or a big “what if,” it’s so easy to treat it like it’s urgent or important. Instead, I introduce a series of playful but powerful non-engagement responses that help you acknowledge the thought without getting caught up in it. (more…)