Bossing Up: Overcoming OCD

In today's episode, I had a fascinating chat with Dr. Aaron Reichlin, a seasoned psychiatrist based in Chicago, who delved deep into the world of medications and therapies for OCD. Dr. Reichlin shared invaluable insights into the appropriate medications for OCD and severe anxiety, including the roles of SSRIs and benzodiazepines.    We discussed the critical importance of exposure response prevent...

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday, and in this episode, we'll chat about how to enjoy it as an adult, even if you have OCD. We'll cover everything from dealing with contamination fears to the paranoia about needles in candy (seriously, who even thinks of these things?). I’ll share my personal strategies for calming OCD and grounding techniques to keep you present. Plus, I’ll give you some...

Feeling like a jittery phone or a brain-dead zombie? Let's chat about the different zones of your nervous system and how to get back to that sweet 'green zone' of tolerance. I'll share a funny yet panic-inducing story about my son scaring me to illustrate the fight or flight response. We’ll also tackle navigating Halloween with OCD on overdrive – understanding your body's reactions and getting bac...

This episode explores the topic of agoraphobia, a phobia characterized by the fear of leaving home or being trapped in inescapable situations. It addresses how such fears can manifest in teenagers, especially following traumatic events like school shootings.   I highlight the overlap between OCD and agoraphobia, and how therapy, particularly virtual therapy, can help manage these fears by building...

In this episode, I tackle the tough issue of school refusal, especially for kids with OCD. I discuss the challenges parents face when their children refuse to go to school, exhibiting behaviors like crying, faking illness, and being generally uncooperative.    I provide insights on why kids with OCD struggle more in school, often leading to parents considering homeschooling, a solution I strongly...

It's not about white knuckling it. Getting help for OCD can sound like a torture fest...but it's not.   Watch this episode to hear how exposure response prevention (ERP) can break the OCD cycle. Erin shares insights on her three-week virtual intensive outpatient program and emphasizes the importance of staying committed to therapy for long-term recovery.   You'll hear tips on how to reclaim time l...

Ever feel like you NEED to line your shoes up perfectly or else risk total chaos? Just Right OCD is the red headed step child of OCD; it differs from the other subtypes. With no feared outcomes, this type of OCD can feel even more frustrating and is often misunderstood—even in therapy. I’ll share insights from the International OCD Foundation on my blog, along with humorous, real-life scenarios (h...

Let's talk about how setting boundaries can change the overwhelming impacts of OCD.   I'll explain the concept of boundaries, why they are important, and the downfalls of not having boundaries.   You'll hear practical advice on establishing boundaries without feeling guilty. You can focus on building better relationships and self-care.   00:00 Introduction to OCD Awareness 00:07 Understanding Rela...

Check out your free gifts from Jen!   🆓Episode Idea Generator: https://www.podcastingpack.com   🆓Mindset & Mental Health Tools: 30 Day Mindset Shift Journal, Affirmations and More: https://www.risereachresults.com/ jen nifer   Jennifer Henczel is a Podcaster, Author, and Founder of the Women in Podcasting Network and Inspiring Innovators Club. Jennifer’s mission is to lift women’s voices and...

Hormones can impact intrusive thoughts. Find out more about the unique challenges for women, especially moms. I'll explain the influence of hormones on OCD symptoms and backing it up with research on how hormonal fluctuations effect your mental health.   You'll hear about Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) as a complementary approach to traditional Exposure Response Prevention (ER...

Ever stared off a balcony and thought, 'What if I jumped?' or saw a train and imagined yourself jumping in front of it? Welcome to the murky waters of Suicide OCD. I'm Erin, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and certified OCD specialist. Join me as I explain Suicide OCD—how it differs from general suicidal ideation, the intrusive thoughts and images you grapple with, and most importantly...

Have you wondered: "What is Harm OCD?" + "Is Harm OCD dangerous?"   If you're struggling with Harm OCD, common compulsions include avoid knives, guns, weapons of any kind, and stabbing movies. So let's chat more about Harm OCD.   Harm OCD involves distressing thoughts about causing harm to others, which can be incredibly alarming and isolating. I share insights on effective treatments like exposur...

Let's call out some elephants in the room. Listen to the common myths about therapy, particularly for OCD. You'll hear the statistics on therapy use among OCD sufferers AND you'll be introduced to my upcoming intensive therapy program for moms.   Therapy, similar to a mental workout, helps you reach your goals, equipping you with tools and strategies to manage life’s challenges. Check out this epi...

👉 Use my link to get $2,500 of your transaction fees waived with out-of-network billing! 🔗 https://bit.ly/erin-loves-thrizer #ad   Have you wondered: 1️⃣What does out-of-network benefits mean? 2️⃣What are my out-of-network benefits with cigna (or whatever insurance you have)? 3️⃣ Does Tricare have out-of-network benefits?   Hear how Thrizer simplifies out-of-network billing for therapists and cl...

Has someone told you, "You should stay busy," to get relief from OCD? Buah! Worst advice ever. If they only knew the silent struggle you are going through. Your mind is ultra busy spinning in the obsessions and wondering how to get relief. Adding more "busy-ness" to your life is not the answer.   In this episode, let's get real about OCD. It's not just about cleanliness or organization. I explain...

Sam Temple is a beloved member of the H3 podcast , which has over 2.89M subscribers and gained over 1.3b views. As the prop master and crew member, she gained a loyal fan following of her own with 112k+ Instagram followers.   Since she was a girl, Sam Temple has lived with obsessive-compulsive disorder—intrusive thoughts that hijacked her mind and drove her to strange behaviors that would give her...

OCD and ADHD: What’s the Difference? Learn how OCD and ADHD can be similar and different. Erin talks about common misunderstandings and explains the signs and treatments for both conditions. She highlights why getting help early is important and gives tips for handling ADHD’s emotional challenges. Next week, tune in to hear Sam Temple share her story about living with OCD.   00:00 Introduction to...

Let's talk about the impact of stress on the brain and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy as the gold standard treatment for OCD. Erin shares the differences between eustress and distress, the importance of changing your relationship with uncertainty, and the potential pitfalls of ERP therapy.   00:00 Introduction to Stress and OCD 01:00 Understanding Different Types of Stress 01:52 Facing...

Tornado phobia, also known as lilapsophobia, is the intense fear and irrational compulsions you have around tornadoes, such as constantly checking weather apps and preparing emergency shelters. Erin explains how reasonable doubt differs from obsessional doubt and introduces exposure and response prevention strategies to help navigate these anxieties.   00:00 Introduction to OCD Awareness 00:07 Und...

Join the convo about polyvagal theory & the power of EMDR therapy in trauma healing. EMDR therapy is a unique way to reprocess stressful memories and create new connections in your brain. It's a transformative tool in helping you heal from trauma and shift your memory network. Let's chat about trauma therapy, honor the courage it takes to seek help, and that healing is a journey, not a destina...

Let's get to the roots of your inner critic and challenge it with self-compassion. Discover the connection between OCD, PTSD, and self-disgust.   Hear how to nurture other parts of yourself while acknowledging your protective mechanisms. Practice observing your inner critic, creating distance from it, and embracing mindfulness to shift towards a kinder mindset.   Remember, self-compassion is not a...

In honor of Pride Month, Erin aims to help you understand and manage Sexual Orientation OCD, empowering you to live a more authentic and less anxiety-driven life. Erin explains the nature of this disorder, how it can cause intrusive and distressing thoughts about one's sexual orientation, and how it often conflicts with your personal values.   Erin is offering an early bird on her upcoming mindful...

Erin, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and OCD Specialist, raises awareness about emetophobia.   Erin explains what emetophobia is, differentiates between emetophobia and OCD, and discusses effective treatments, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).   She shares various exercises to desensitize the fear of vomiting and provides insights into related conditions.   Stay tuned...

In this episode, Erin, offers insights into the challenges therapists face. Erin also answers a listener's question about pursuing a career in OCD therapy and discusses the importance of specialized training.   She shares a personal story about parenting and the natural process of growth, paralleling it to mental health therapy.   Erin introduces Thrizer , a service to help understand mental healt...

  This episode is a conversation between Erin, an OCD specialist and psychologist, Dr. Heather Taylor about the complexities of grief and OCD treatment. The conversation introduces Dr. Taylor's expertise in grief, emphasizing the non-linear, complex nature of the grieving process.   We talk about the misconceptions about grief, including its supposed linear progression and time limits, are discuss...