All The Hard Things

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:...

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 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....

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 aroun...

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...

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 👏 Unlock y...

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 👏 Unlock your free 40-minute video on "5 Must-Know S...

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 👏 U...

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) 👏 Unlock your free 40-minu...

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 👏 Unlock your free 40-minute vi...

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...

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 s...

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 "rel...

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 an...

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...

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 🚧 Take the FREE quiz - "What's Your OCD...

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...

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 anxiet...

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 🚧 Take the FREE quiz - "What's Your OCD/Anxiety Recovery Roadblock?": ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc....

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 🚧 Take the FREE quiz - "What's Your OCD/Anxiety Recovery Roadblock?": ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/rec...

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 performa...

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 🚧 Take the FREE quiz - "What's Your OCD/Anxiety Recovery Roadblock?": ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/recovery-roadblock⁠...

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 💪 Overcome OCD/anxiety once and for all - with or without a therapist - with The 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 resoluti...

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 pet...