Bossing Up: Overcoming OCD

In this podcast episode, I talk about how intrusive thoughts are normal as well as how an intrusive thought is experienced differently for an OCD sufferer. An intrusive thought is that combination of thoughts coming into your mind (without you trying to think about it) and it brings stress.

In this episode, licensed clinical mental health counselor and OCD specialist, Erin, explores the nature of intrusive thoughts, emphasizing that they are a normal part of human experience but can significantly impact individuals with OCD. Intrusive thoughts are involuntary and often bring about stress or fear. Erin distinguishes between general intrusive thoughts and those experienced by individuals with OCD, noting that the latter often involve a higher level of stress and a pattern of recurring themes or frequencies that may lead to compulsive behaviors. She underscores the importance of recognizing the irrationality of these thoughts and discusses strategies for managing them, such as mindfulness. Erin also introduces her upcoming private podcast focused on practical mindfulness strategies to help manage intrusive thoughts and reduce anxiety. Additionally, she teases next week's episode on postpartum OCD and encourages listeners seeking help for intrusive thoughts or OCD to consult a therapist.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Intrusive Thoughts

00:01 Understanding Intrusive Thoughts and OCD

02:03 The Impact of Intrusive Thoughts on OCD Sufferers

04:41 Examples of Intrusive Thoughts: From Catastrophic to Random

08:21 Embracing Mindfulness to Combat Intrusive Thoughts

08:34 Announcing the 2024 Private Podcast on Mindfulness

11:24 Preview of Next Week's Episode on Postpartum OCD

11:58 Conclusion and Encouragement to Seek Help

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

This episode addresses the dreaded feelings and experiences when it comes to: TESTS! Testing is not usually anyone's favorite thing yet it is a normal part of our education system and job culture. Listen to this episode for answers to questions like,

1. What is test anxiety?

2. What are the signs of test anxiety?

3. Where does test anxiety come from?

4. Does test-taking anxiety count as a disability?

5. How can I manage test anxiety?

6. What are test taking tips?

In this episode, Erin, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and OCD Specialist, addresses test anxiety—a form of nervousness affecting students during exams, likening it to a situational specific phobia rooted in the fear of failure. She shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how OCD can exacerbate test anxiety, such as the distraction from not having a comforting item like chapstick during a test. The episode delves into the signs of test anxiety, its origins, and whether it qualifies as a disability, ultimately focusing on empowering listeners to overcome this anxiety. Erin provides practical tips including positive self-talk, visualizing success, ensuring a good night's rest, healthy eating, and effective study techniques such as the Pomodoro Method. She also introduces the concept of 'walk and talk' therapy as a method to manage test anxiety, inviting listeners to join her for sessions. The episode emphasizes skill-building to manage anxiety and improve test-taking strategies, aiming to help listeners navigate their educational journey with confidence.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Test Anxiety

00:39 Understanding Test Anxiety and Its Impact

02:33 Personal Anecdote: A Chapstick Dilemma

03:54 OCD's Influence on Test Performance

05:52 Navigating OCD in the Classroom

07:58 Diving Deeper into Test Anxiety: Signs and Origins

10:01 Empowering Strategies to Overcome Test Anxiety

12:16 Visualizing Success: A Powerful Technique

17:37 Effective Study Habits and the Pomodoro Technique

21:42 Walk and Talk Therapy: A Unique Approach

23:11 Closing Thoughts and Resources

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

Erin talks about the signs & symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder like “What is OCD?” “What are the 4 parts?” and “Is OCD constant?”

(This show is intended to be a resource and not a substitute for professional counseling.)

Let's define the cycle, which includes intrusive thoughts, obsessions, compulsions, and temporary relief. Through real-life examples, the discussion covers OCD types, such as harm OCD and emetophobia, and introduces the four parts of the OCD cycle. Erin stresses the importance of seeking help from trained professionals and explores Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as the gold standard treatment. She also mentions her therapy approach integrating mindfulness, acceptance, and facing uncertainty. The episode concludes with Erin encouraging listeners to reach out for professional help and promoting her upcoming private podcast focusing on the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and nature.

00:00 Welcome to Bossing Up: Understanding OCD

01:10 Meet Erin: Your Guide to Overcoming OCD

01:33 The Intricacies of the OCD Cycle Explained

02:48 Real-Life Struggles: Stories from the OCD Frontline

05:17 Breaking Down the OCD Cycle: A Detailed Look

09:10 Personalizing the Fight: Therapy and Beyond

12:25 Seeking Professional Help: The Path to Recovery

17:00 Erin's Closing Thoughts: You Are More Than Your Thoughts

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

Are you constantly worried about something bad happening? Or overwhelmed by doubts and fears that maybe you haven't found “the one?” Or are you stressed out by the thought of impulsively hurting yourself?

While these are just a few things that go into the themes of OCD, you’ll learn that this isn’t the whole story. Welcome to the podcast of Bossing Up: Overcoming OCD. I'm your host, Erin Davis. And I will be teaching you the signs, symptoms, and strategies to boss up to OCD. I'll share stories, chat with other experts and dive into the complexities of OCD so you can understand the games that OCD likes to play.

It's not as simple as wanting things neatly organized. OCD can be a life-altering medical diagnosis. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to beat the voice in your own head. Oftentimes, people come into therapy sharing things that they have never told anyone before. OCD can make you feel embarrassed, ashamed, and alone. I can help you come out of the valley and enjoy the view!

No matter where you are in your journey. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s do this!

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉