All The Hard Things

In this episode, I go over some of the things that someone could do in order to ensure that their OCD would get worse. In other words, we go over some surefire ways to ensure that OCD is winning (which we don't want!). But we also talk about what to do *instead*, so you can get the most out of your recovery.

Specifically, we:

- discussed some ways that are known to make the OCD cycle worse/stronger, including giving into compulsions immediately and using *all of the coping skills*, *all of the time*

- discussed alternative strategies and what to do instead

- talked about specific tips including practicing non-engagement, defusion, and other strategies for OCD and anxiety recovery

Website: www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com

Instagram/TikTok: jenna.overbaugh

Zach's podcast: the You Are Not Alone Podcast

Remember, this podcast is for general educational and information purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation.  It shall not be construed as mental health or medical advice.  The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own professional mental health or medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis.  Consuming the content here, verbally, written, or otherwise, is at your own discretion and risk.  Always check with your own physician or medical or mental health professional before implementing any information read here. Jenna Overbaugh and Jenna Overbaugh, LLC are not responsible for your consumption of this information.  © 2023 Jenna Overbaugh, LLC

In honor of my upcoming focus group, “Journaling with Jenna”, I’m giving you all 5 journaling prompts along with my thoughts and responses to each of these topics.  These journaling prompts are aimed at helping you focus on your recovery so you can say hello to being present and centered in your recovery rather than focusing on getting from one compulsion to the next.

Enjoy this sneak peek into Journaling with Jenna and sign up by heading to my website or by following this link: https://lucky-water-229.myflodesk.com/

Website: www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com

Instagram/TikTok: jenna.overbaugh

Zach's podcast: the You Are Not Alone Podcast

Remember, this post is for general educational and information purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation.  It shall not be construed as mental health or medical advice.  The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own professional mental health or medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis.  Consuming the content here, verbally, written, or otherwise, is at your own discretion and risk.  Always check with your own physician or medical or mental health professional before implementing any information read here. Jenna Overbaugh and Jenna Overbaugh, LLC are not responsible for your consumption of this information.  © 2023 Jenna Overbaugh, LLC

In this episode, I share my thoughts about a journaling and whether it can be helpful or OCD and anxiety.  I talk about ways to tell whether you’re doing it in a way that’s helpful or not helpful for your recovery.  You'll learn ..

- how to tell if journaling is great or not so great for YOUR recovery

- some common elements of journaling that can turn compulsive

- how to make your journaling practice effective for you so that you can get the most out of these tools

- information about my upcoming Journaling with Jenna session

Instagram/TikTok: @jenna.overbaugh

Website, workshops, and Journaling with Jenna: www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com

Zach's podcast: the You're Not Alone Podcast

Journals mentioned here: Silk & Sonder and anything by Monica Sweeney (Amazon)

Remember, this post is for general educational and information purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation.  It shall not be construed as mental health or medical advice.  The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own professional mental health or medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis.  Consuming the content here, verbally, written, or otherwise, is at your own discretion and risk.  Always check with your own physician or medical or mental health professional before implementing any information read here. Jenna Overbaugh and Jenna Overbaugh, LLC are not responsible for your consumption of this information.  © 2023 Jenna Overbaugh, LLC

In this episode, I talk with Social Media Manager and Instagram Marketer, Sarah, about her experience with comparison, perfectionism, and mental health as it relates to social media.  We also talk about..

- her retirement from ballet and how perfectionism and comparison still come up in social media

- how to take care of your mental health while still using social media for its many advantages

- other ways to tackle perfectionism, comparison, and related mental health challenges that come up both on and outside of social media platforms

To learn more about Sarah, head to the links below:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SarahGav_Social

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahgav_/

Website: www.sarahgav.com/

And be sure to my website at www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com to sign up for my free e-mail newsletter and grab your free "Imagine Your Recovered Life" PDF.  Workshops available, too!

Remember: this podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as mental health or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own professional mental health or medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical or mental health professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

In this episode, I talk with OCD warrior and mental health advocate, Morgan, about her experience with OCD, specifically "relationship OCD" and other themes. We also discuss..

- her history of being doubtful, even as a young girl and "always needing to know"

- the difficulties that OCD gave her when it came to dating and forming intimate relationships, including getting engaged and planning her wedding

- what recovery looks like for her and how she uses her values to guide her decisions rather than fear

To learn more about Morgan and her journey, follow her on Instagram @mindful_momo or follow the link below

Head to my website at www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com to sign up for my free e-mail newsletter and grab your free "Imagine Your Recovered Life" PDF.  Course and more coming soon.

Remember: this podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as mental health or medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional advice of your own professional mental health or medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical or mental health professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

In this episode, I talk with author, advocate, and podcast host, Paris Prynkiewicz, about her experience with Bipolar Disorder.  We also discuss..

- how being a patient and employee in the behavioral health system showed her what needs to change 

- the birth of Live Well Bipolar and the meaning behind the changes she made to prioritize her mental health

- how you can get started with supporting a loved one and how to prioritize  your own mental health 

To learn more about Paris and her work, follow her on Instagram @livewellbipolar or follow the link below

https://www.instagram.com/livewellbipolar/

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.

Head to my website at www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com to sign up for my free e-mail newsletter and grab your free "Imagine Your Recovered Life" PDF.  Course and more coming soon.

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Jesse Spiegel, a licensed clinical psychologist in California and New York who specializes in OCD, anxiety, and related conditions. Dr. Spiegel is also a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

In this episode, we discuss..

- OCD and anxiety within the context of the family when it affects children and adolescents

- accommodations and the importance of supporting the child/adolescent without giving in to OCD/anxiety behaviors

- treatment recommendations, inspiration, and advice for caregivers trying to help their child or adolescent with OCD/anxiety

You can learn more about Dr. Spiegel and his work at the link below. 

https://www.drjessespiegel.com/about

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.

Head to my website at www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com to sign up for my free e-mail newsletter and grab your free "Imagine Your Recovered Life" PDF.  Course and more coming soon.

In this episode, I talked with Lauren, a mom who has been struggling with OCD since she was a young child.  She recently had an increase in OCD symptoms when she had her first baby.  We discuss..

- her symptoms of postpartum OCD as well as false memory OCD

- her difficulty finding a therapist who can treat OCD and how she worked on helping herself with tools online

- her advice to new moms and anyone out there struggling with unwanted, intrusive thoughts

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.

Head to my website at www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com to sign up for my free e-mail newsletter and grab your free "Imagine Your Recovered Life" PDF.  Course and more coming soon.

In this episode, I talked with Robyn Stern, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).  She was formally diagnosed with BDD when she was 22 years after several years of not knowing what was going on.  In this episode, we discuss..

- her misdiagnosis of anxiety and depression and how this often happens for people who have BDD

- the ways in which BDD overlaps yet is very different from related conditions, like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

- the treatment for BDD and ways that people can get help

You can learn more about Robyn and her work at the link below.  You can also follow her on Instagram @bddocdtherapist

https://www.rlsterntherapy.com/

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  

Head to my website at www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com to sign up for my free e-mail newsletter and grab your free "Imagine Your Recovered Life" PDF.  Course and more coming soon.

To learn more about Magic Mind, go to www.magicmind.co - enter ATHT14 for 40% off your first subscription.

In this episode, I talked with Brooke Miller, a mental health/OCD advocate, registered nurse, wife, and mom who opens up about her struggles with OCD, eating disorders, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder.  We discussed... 

- her experience with these comorbidities and how they presented and affected her 

- why she thinks OCD was at the center and root of other diagnoses

- what recovery looks like for her and how she learned to sit with discomfort and uncertainty

You can learn more about Brooke and follow her on Instagram/TikTok at @brookemillermha

www.smashingstigmas.com

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to treatmyocd.com, IOCDF.org,  or nami.org.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support 

In this episode, I talk with Shannon Jackson (IG: @ahealthypush), an anxiety coach, wife, mom, and podcaster - roles she never thought she'd play due to her debilitating anxiety, panic, and agoraphobia.  In this episode, we discuss..

- her story of growing up with debilitating anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, and other difficulties that made everyday activities unbearable

- examples of intense struggle including being unable to drive, difficulty going to work, and always needing to have her "safe place"

- how fighting physiological symptoms of anxiety actually makes you panic more, and what to do instead

- how she helps other individuals overcome panic, anxiety, and fear while navigating recovery herself

You can learn more about Shannon and A Healthy Push below:

"A Healthy Push" podcast - available wherever you get your podcasts

www.ahealthypush.com

www.instagram.com/ahealthypush

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to treatmyocd.com, IOCDF.org,  or nami.org.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

Join me on my #14daysofmagic challenge to become your best self for 14 days - learn more at magicmind.co/14daysofmagic and use code ATHT14 for 20% off.

In this episode, I talk with Kim Vincenty, a mom, wife, advocate, speaker, and support group facilitator who has spent the past 10 years fostering community and helping families find the best resources for mental health education, intervention, and recovery.  In this episode, we discuss..

- her story of learning that her child had OCD and her experience in getting him the right treatment

- what she had to learn in order to support her child with OCD while not accommodating his symptoms

- the issues family members and caregivers face when their loved one with OCD does not want or is not ready for treatment 

- JACK, a non-profit that Kim launched, to expand her reach and continue to be a resource to sufferers and families across the nation

You can learn more about Kim and her mission and work below:

https://jackmha.org/

https://www.today.com/parents/essay/exposure-therapy-ocd-mother-rcna19365

https://www.instagram.com/jack_mha/

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.

This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to NOCD.com, IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

In this episode, I talk with Madina Alam, aka @mentalhealth_madina_ on Instagram and Clinical Director at NOCD (plus one of my dearest friends!). We discuss..

- How perfectionism can impact your day to day functioning and decision making

- How and why OCD wants to keep you stuck in indecision

- Signs that you're down the rabbit hole of indecision

- How to problem solve instead of ruminate your way out of a problem

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.

This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to NOCD.com, IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

In this episode, I meet with Rachel Ehrenberg, aka @rachelsocdgrotto on Instagram and an OCD advocate, to discuss health anxiety and OCD.  We discuss..

- What is health anxiety/OCD?

- Rachel's personal story including common obsessions and compulsions

- Common misconceptions regarding health anxiety/OCD

- Treatment options for health anxiety/OCD

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. 

This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to NOCD.com, IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

In this episode, I meet with Kelli Walker, a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and host of "Not Another Anxiety Show".  As someone who struggled with health OCD in the past, Kelli and I discussed...

- the difficulties of OCD and how her symptoms had her bedridden

- her experience in treatment and with ongoing recovery

- her obsessions and compulsions with health OCD and anxiety, including mental compulsions and excessive Googling

- encouragement and advice to help others take the leap of faith into recovery

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to NOCD.com, IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

---

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

To learn more about Kelli's work, check out these links

https://kelliwalkercoaching.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-another-anxiety-show/id1175495815

In this episode, I meet with Jak Levine-Pritzker AKA @authenticallyadhd, an ADHD and mental health advocate who aims to break stereotypes associated with ADHD while providing community and coaching.  In this episode, we talk about...

- the overlap of ADHD, anxiety, and OCD

- how ADHD comes up in her every day life

- how she can tell when something is driven by her ADHD vs. her OCD/anxiety

- what "recovery" looks like when you have OCD, anxiety, and ADHD

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to NOCD.com, IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

---

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

To learn more about Jak's work, head to ..

https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyadhd/

https://authenticallyadhd.com/

In this episode, I meet with Jenn Holmes, a mom who struggled with anxiety that turned into intrusive, unwanted thoughts once she had her baby.  In this episode, we discuss...

- her experience with anxiety in general

- how her intrusive thoughts started during the first few days of being a mom

- her difficulty finding the right support and mental health treatment 

- the importance of learning about postpartum OCD as a new mom and parent

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to NOCD.com, IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

---

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

In this episode, I meet with Abby Green, a UWCPC Certified Personal and Business Coach and co-owner of the Herself Podcast and Pursuing Her Purpose, to discuss..

- what is rumination and why we feel so pulled to do it

- common barriers to resisting rumination

- what to do *instead of* ruminating and how to resist rumination

- 3 steps/concrete takeaways regarding resisting rumination

- tons of awesome examples and analogies to help you make sense of this tricky, TRICKY mental compulsion

To see more from Abby, follow her on social at @abbyrosegreen

@herselfpodcast

@pursuingherpurpose

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

---

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

In this episode, I meet with Dr. Jennifer Reid, otherwise known as The Reflective Doc - a psychiatrist, podcast host, and writer.  We talk about...

- the basics of sleep including its importance and function - especially for those with OCD/anxiety

- common difficulties that people with OCD/anxiety experience as it relates to sleep

- the basics of CBT-I, an evidence based treatment for insomnia

- practical tips and suggestions to getting better sleep in a way that will benefit OCD/anxiety recovery

To see more from Dr. Reid, see below:

https://www.thereflectivedoc.com/

Instagram: @thereflectivedoc

Podcast: The Reflective Doc Podcast - https://www.thereflectivedoc.com/podcast-1

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I meet with Emily and Lindsay from Presently, an OCD and anxiety advocacy company that reminds us to embrace all of ourselves - the good, the bad, and the in-between.  We talk about...

- their experience as sisters living with 2 different types of OCD

- lessons learned from CBT/ERP that can benefit anyone

- toxic positivity and the impact it has on our culture 

- taboo subtypes of OCD that most people don't know about

To see more from Presently, go to https://www.thinkpresently.com/ or find them on Instagram @thinkpresently

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk with Mallory, an anorexia and trauma survivor, OCD warrior, military spouse, and one and done mother.  We talk about ..

- her eating disorder and OCD difficulties and recovery

- her pregnancy made difficult by physical conditions, anorexia recovery, surviving a terrorist attack, COVID, and more 

- how new moms are often overlooked by the health care system and "no longer a priority"

- post-weaning anxiety, chronic insomnia, sleep deprivation, and OCD relapse

- what recovery looks like for her, her decision to only have one child, and more

You can follow/learn more about Mallory on Instagram - @mallorylikecalorie 

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk with Ben Eckstein, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating OCD and related conditions at his private practice, Bull City Anxiety, in North Carolina.  We talk about ..

- how postpartum OCD can affect dads and paternal figures, as well as other caregivers - not just moms and maternal figures

- common symptom presentations for paternal figures who have OCD around their baby, child, and/or parenting

- barriers that dads, paternal figures, and other caregivers face in getting treatment for OCD

- how hormones, societal influences, genetics, and other environmental factors can impact OCD and the misappraisal of normal, typical intrusive experiences in parenthood

You can follow/learn more about Ben and Bull City Anxiety here:

https://www.instagram.com/bullcityanxiety/

https://www.bullcityanxiety.com/

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk with Chiara, a spiritual coach and mom who struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety.  We talk about ..

- how postpartum depression and anxiety showed up for her, including not enjoying being pregnant, experiencing a traumatic delivery, and not bonding with her baby

- her experience with intrusive thoughts as well as panic attacks and difficulty being alone with her baby 

- her recommendations for sitting with uncomfortable emotions, not distracting, not engaging with anxiety producing or depressing thoughts, and how to reinterpret difficult times in motherhood

You can follow Chiara here:

https://www.instagram.com/chiarabtownley/

https://www.chiarabtownley.com

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk with "Jane", a mom of two and a nurse who experienced perinatal and postpartum OCD.  We talk about ..

- how her symptoms showed up both in the perinatal and in the postpartum period

- difficulties associated with OCD including a sense of urgency, how symptoms snowball and get worse, and the intolerance of uncertainty

- barriers, red flags, and frustrations about the maternal mental health/medical system 

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

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 

- qualities of good exposures

- examples

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk about some poor advice I saw on social media, encouraging people to "just pay more attention" when they ritualize the first time so that they don't have to do it a second time.  I talk about..

- why this is bad advice for people who have OCD

- how this advice is substituting one ritual for another

- how this can snowball into more rituals in the future 

- what to do instead

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk about therapies, techniques, and interventions that could be harmful or detrimental to OCD treatment.  I discuss...

- mistakes therapists make

- common pitfalls in ERP for OCD (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22924159/)

- harmful engagement responses (https://windsorflynn.com/blogs/news/an-interview-with-lisa-levine-psyd)

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk about therapies, techniques, and interventions that could be harmful or detrimental to OCD treatment.  I discuss... 

- ice packs, law of attraction concepts, focusing too much on content, and more

- benzodiazepine use for OCD/during treatment

- mistakes therapists make including not focusing enough on lifestyle exposures, not having the right demeanor during exposure work, and more

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk about therapies, techniques, and interventions that could be harmful or detrimental to OCD treatment.  I discuss... - psychoanalysis/talk therapy, relaxation therapies, and animal/equine assisted therapy - EMDR vs ERP - thought stopping, EFT (emotional freedom technique), and cognitive therapy/challenging thoughts For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.   This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I'm joined by Mollie Albanese, OCD advocate and NOCD Peer Advisor. We talk about..

- her experience with finding out she had OCD and starting ERP treatment

- what recovery looks like and whether we should expect to get rid of our intrusive thoughts/images completely 

- how to incorporate values into your recovery journey for continued success 

You can follow Mollie on Instagram at: 

https://www.instagram.com/its.always.mollie

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In part three of this (unexpected!) three part episode, I talk about mental compulsions, the term "pure O", and more.  Specifically, I get into..

- case examples for mental compulsions

- other tips/tricks regarding mental compulsions and how to resist them

- some bonus content/final thoughts about pure o/mental compulsions

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

Find more at www.jennaoverbaugh.com or find me on Instagram @jenna.overbaugh

In part two of this two-part episode, I talk about mental compulsions, the term "pure O", and more.  Specifically, I get into..

- examples of mental compulsions

- functions of and "justifications for" mental compulsions

- how to resist mental compulsions as well examples of non-engagement strategies

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

Find more at www.jennaoverbaugh.com or find me on Instagram @jenna.overbaugh

In part one of this two-part episode, I talked about mental compulsions, the term "pure O", and more.  Specifically, I get into..

- whether the term "pure O" exists (spoiler alert: it's complicated)

- difficulties associated with mental compulsions and how to address them 

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I'm joined by Elise Petronzio, owner of the OCD advocacy shop "The OCDopus". We talk about..

- thought stopping, what it is, and why it feeds the OCD/anxiety cycle

- what to do instead of thought stopping and how to beat this dysfunctional response

- the importance/relevance of the "pink elephant" and ways Elise is working to give back to children in OCD residential units

You can find out more about The OCDopus by heading to Elise's Etsy shop or finding her on Instagram. You can also join the waitlist to purchase your own pink elephant and the link below.

https://www.instagram.com/theocdopus/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/theocdopus?ref=search_shop_redirect

https://www.theocdopus.com/product-page/pre-order-the-pink-elephant-stuffed-animal

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

Note: This is part 2 of a 2 part episode.  If you haven't already, go back and listen to part 1 - episode #78.  In this episode, I talk about the differences and similarities between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  I also review...

- why I think these disorders are, ultimately, the same

- how treatment may differ slightly for one vs the other

- how parsing these disorders out can become an exercise in trivial distinctions

- the most important thing to do with these disorders at the end of the day - regardless of which one you have

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk about the differences and similarities between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  I also review...

- why I think these disorders are, ultimately, the same

- how treatment may differ slightly for one vs the other

- how parsing these disorders out can become an exercise in trivial distinctions

- the most important thing to do with these disorders at the end of the day - regardless of which one you have

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

This episode features Kaci, a mom who experienced harm intrusive thoughts with compulsive rumination as a mother.  We talk about...

- her experience of intrusive thoughts, rumination, and getting therapy for these issues

- her experience of going through exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD

- her recommendations for stopping rumination and what to do instead

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I'm joined by Zach Westerbeck who is an OCD warrior, mental health public speaker, and author of the book "You're Not Alone".  Together, we talk about..

- Zach's lived experience with OCD including sexual orientation obsessions and compulsions

- how he turned his experience of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts into advocacy and a passion to help others

- the importance of realizing that you're not alone in your journey even though OCD is so rarely talked about or addressed

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

Zach's book: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Alone-Overcome-Depression/dp/0578754207

Zach's website: https://zachwesterbeck.com/

Zach's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zach_westerbeck/

In this episode, Nathan Peterson and I go through our health scares and talk about what to do when the "what if's" actually happen. We go through tips you can use for your OCD and health anxiety. Uncertainty is the key to feeling better. It's time for you to learn how you can sit with it comfortably.

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

OCD online course: https://www.ocdandanxietyonline.com/

OCD and Anxiety Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ClvnrcrC-3wr27fz_HlIQ

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Jaime, mom of two who experienced harm intrusive thoughts while pregnant and during postpartum.  We talk about...

- her experience of intrusive thoughts and distressing urges

- her experience of going through exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD

- why she is grateful for having gone through this difficult time and what advice she has for new moms/anyone who is having harm related intrusive thoughts

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk with Madina Alam, fellow NOCD therapist and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) lover.  We discuss...

- why OCD therapists who do ERP aren't like the typical therapists you see in the media or on TV

- what makes OCD therapists unique in their approach/work

- our favorite (and most challenging) parts about doing ERP/working with people who have OCD

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

You can find more about Madina Alam on Instagram at mentalhealth_wealth_

In this episode, I talk with Emily Feldman, OCD and eating disorder warrior and advocate, about the overlap between OCD and eating disorders.  Here, we discuss..

- how rules, rigidity, and scheduling tendencies affected Emily's OCD and her eating disorder

- eating disordered behavior in general including mental restriction, orthorexia, and more 

- Emily's advice for anyone struggling with the OCD/ED comorbidity

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

References 

https://www.cbtschool.com/

https://www.instagram.com/emilylfeldman/

In this episode, I answer questions from my Instagram on rumination.  You'll hear about...

- my thoughts on how to "stop ruminating"

- the difference between good distraction and bad distraction

- why OCD makes you doubt even whether you have OCD

- what "embracing uncertainty" means 

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

https://drmichaeljgreenberg.com/defining-rumination/

https://drmichaeljgreenberg.com/how-to-stop-ruminating/

http://www.chrissiehodges.com/about-chrissie

https://www.madeofmillions.com/articles/intrusive-thoughts-pure-o-dr-steven-phillipson-ph-d

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- what the term "pure o" means 

- my thoughts on whether "pure o" exists

- why there's such a controversy about the concept of "purely obsessional disorder"

- how therapists can approach someone who says they have "pure o"

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

https://drmichaeljgreenberg.com/defining-rumination/

https://drmichaeljgreenberg.com/how-to-stop-ruminating/

http://www.chrissiehodges.com/about-chrissie

https://www.madeofmillions.com/articles/intrusive-thoughts-pure-o-dr-steven-phillipson-ph-d

In this episode, you'll hear me answer questions like .....

- "Can moms have relationship OCD with their baby?" 

- "How do I deal with the burnout of intrusive thoughts?"

- "What's different about working with children and adolescents vs adults?"

- "How do I deal with my fear of emotions?  I always try to fix/fight them."

Plus existential intrusive thoughts, health anxiety, values, and more. 

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- 7 reasons why you might not be habituating to exposure (i.e, getting used to them) 

- the habituation model vs inhibitory learning model of exposure and response prevention (ERP)

- why not habituating to your exposures/not getting used to them can still be a really good thing!

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- the difference between attention and awareness, and why you can't control your thoughts but you can control what you do with them 

- what you should be doing and thinking during exposures

- things you should avoid doing during exposures

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- common symptom presentations of relationship OCD

- ideas for treatment of relationship OCD

- information on relationship vs partner focused relationship OCD, values, and common misperceptions carried by those who have relationship OCD

For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention.  NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more.  It is available in and out of the United States.  NOCD accepts insurances and payment plans for self-payers.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com,  or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- the various levels of care (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient) and how they differ from each other

- what to expect in each level of care and how to know what level of care is right for you/your loved one/your client

- ways to find and access different levels of care, including IOCDF.org and psychologytoday.com

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, I interview Casey, an OCD warrior, advocate, and mom.  She talks to us about..

- her personal struggles with postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and rage

- her difficulties with the maternal mental health system in getting the help/recognition she needed

- encouragement for other moms and ways that we can help support each other despite a failing maternal mental health system

In this episode, I interview Stephanie, an OCD warrior, advocate, and mom.  She also runs @navigate_ocd on Instagram.  She talks to us about..

- her personal struggles with anxiety, OCD, and chronic pain especially as it comes up in motherhood

- difficulties with the maternal mental health system and having to advocate for herself (depression vs anxiety)

- her experience of going through exposure and response prevention (ERP) for her OCD

- tips and reflections on how to handle successes, set backs, and challenges associated with ERP 

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- what is a SUDS scale (subjective unit of distress scale)

- ways that a SUDS/rating scale might make people anxious, especially if these individuals have ocd or anxiety

- strategies for clients/therapists to work through so they can get the most out of treatment despite these difficulties

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- what's problematic about doing too much exposure and response prevention work 

- four topics to address if you suspect that someone is doing too much ERP or perfecting their ERP

- strategies for therapists, clients, and people struggling with OCD and anxiety for how to manage perfectionistic or compulsive tendencies with their exposure assignments

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

This episode features Cierra, also known on Instagram as @notmothergoose, who talks to us about her experience with prenatal and postpartum depression.  She also talks to us about..

- the difficulties of prenatal depression, including sleep disturbances, and how these symptoms can be easily confused or discounted for pregnancy related issues (eg hormones)

- the additional difficulties of postpartum depression and how it can be exacerbated by issues with breastfeeding, having no support, and comparisons to other moms or how things "should" be 

- the importance of medication and treatment when struggling, plus her own advocacy work and how to advocate for yourself in the mental health field 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment. If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Noelle, who talks to us about her experience with postpartum depression with her first child.  She also talks to us about.. 

- the difficulties of breastfeeding and how it "ruined" much of motherhood for her

- the resentment, isolation, loneliness, and feelings of guilt that come along with motherhood

- practical suggestions and ways to make the transition into subsequent children easier on everyone's mental health

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment. If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- for clients: strategies you can use to open up more in therapy

- for therapists: tools and resources to give your clients to help them open up more

- why it's important to talk about difficult/anxiety provoking topics in therapy

- recap of some reasons why a client might have a hard time being vulnerable in session

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- challenges faced by preferred/default parents who have COVID-19

- the mental, physical, and emotional toll of COVID-19 on the parent

- recommendations for managing your stress and well-being despite being positive for COVID-19

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

This episode features Tracy Gilmour-Nimoy, a licensed marriage and family therapist and also a certified perinatal mental health professional.  She talks to us about...

- her experience of having to terminate her pregnancy at 32 weeks due to complications

- her traumatic pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience

- the maternal mental health system, how it fails women, and how you can still advocate for yourself 

- how she works with women and families who experience difficulty conceiving, high risk pregnancy, traumatic delivery, and more

To find out more about Tracy, check out her website at www.tgntherapy.com or find her on Instagram @tracygeee.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- reasons why clients find it hard to open up in therapy

- my thoughts as a therapist to some of these fears/concerns

- therapist recommendations to help clients recover, feel comfortable, and open up more

- the importance of opening up and being honest in therapy 

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- risk factors for postpartum mental health issues

- protective factors for postpartum mental health issues

- practical tips for dealing with uncertainty of whether you'll develop a postpartum mental health issue

- ways to set yourself up for good mental health care prior to having children

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- triggers and trigger warnings

- the reasons for and against trigger warnings

- functional vs dysfunctional ways of dealing with triggers

- what triggers actually mean about you and how to overcome them

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

This episode features Erin Meinel, an infant and child sleep consultant who is also a mom to two young children.  In this episode, we discuss...

- the stigma behind sleep training and how there are different methods to meet your needs

- the issue/concern of "attachment" and why it won't be negatively affected by sleep training

- practical tips to ease the emotional difficulty of sleep training for parents

- Erin's process of helping families and how to work with a sleep consultant

You can find more from Erin at www.lakecountrysleep.com and on Instagram at @lakecountrysleep.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

This episode features Erin Meinel, an infant and child sleep consultant who is also a mom to two young children.  In this episode, we discuss... 

- how to set the stage for your baby's/child's sleep 

- Erin's tips for bedtime and nap time routines 

- how and why to make sleep a priority 

- Erin's process of helping families and how to work with a sleep consultant 

You can find more from Erin at www.lakecountrysleep.com and on Instagram at @lakecountrysleep. 

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

This episode features Alisa Stamps, a licensed clinical social worker.  Alisa specializes in helping adult children of narcissists and those struggling with disordered eating/poor body image.  In this episode, we discuss...

- the struggles of an adult child of someone who displays narcissistic tendencies/traits 

- the importance of setting boundaries

- disordered eating, poor body image, and how to know when these issues have become problematic 

- the role of social media in providing education and also busting the concept of therapists needing to be a "blank slate"

You can find more from Alisa Stamps at www.alisastamps.com and on Instagram at alisastamps.therapist

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom. 

This episode features Jill, mom of two who went through the traumatic experience of seeing her 3 day old infant have a stroke.  She also talks to us about...

- her postpartum anxiety that she experienced with both of her children 

- her decision to get help immediately and how medications and therapy have helped her immensely 

- how she navigates life as a wife, mom of 2, business owner, and teacher while working opposite shifts from her husband 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment. If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- how a therapist can experience compassion fatigue and/or burnout

- how therapists are people, too, with their own issues and maybe even their own experience in therapy

- other things you've always wondered and wanted to know about therapists

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- what you can/can't control as it relates to COVID19

- how people with OCD/anxiety "hold the key" for how to handle COVID19

- why sitting with uncertainty is so important during the pandemic

- ways to find support groups and therapists for additional support

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode (part 1 of 2), you'll learn about...

- whether COVID19 can "cause" anxiety and/or OCD

- what to do with questions related to how clean something is or if something is safe

- how to tell whether you're responding functionally or letting anxiety/OCD take the driver's seat

- how COVID19 has changed the treatment world for contamination fears and anxieties

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Noelle, mom to a 20 month old son who had a condition and required open heart surgery when he was just 4.5 months old.  Noelle also talks to us about..

- her struggle with postpartum depression, shame, and anxiety, as well as how these showed up for her in her day to day life (e.g., thoughts of wanting to leave, illogical thought patterns)

- her experience with an ectopic rupture and how she coped

- her experience in therapy, practical things she does on a daily basis to maintain her recovery, and how we're all in it together

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- toxic messages you've been given about sugar and candy

- how to eat more mindfully and intuitively vs with discipline and willpower

- why restricting candy and sugary items from yourself/your children is unhealthy and leads to more problems

- practical ways to improve your relationship with candy/sugar for you and for your children

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- things that you're doing that you probably think are problem solving, but are NOT problem solving

- four simple steps to effectively solve problems

- how to effectively brainstorm potential solutions to problems

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- negative vs positive problem orientation

- the consequences of perceiving problems as threatening, dangerous, and bad

- practical ways to start having a more positive relationship with problems so you can view them as opportunities for growth/learning

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Amanda, who says she never really wanted to be a mom, then as she got older and decided to try to get pregnant, struggled with infertility.  She talks about...

- her postpartum depression and how she felt trapped in her new life

- how her depression manifested as rage at times, especially when sleep deprived

- dealing with a colicky baby, having no family or social support, and finally getting help 

- how she deals with the regret and shame of lost time with her daughter, and also how she feels stronger than ever because of these experiences

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Jessica, a woman who always wanted to be a mom and now has two children.  She talks about her experience of feeling very confident with her first child then being "thrown for a loop" with the second.  She also discusses...

- trying to find balance with all of the roles she fulfills in her life including mom, wife, friend, and more

- managing anxiety and building confidence with her second child

- navigating her own identity, desires, and needs after becoming a mom

- being on active duty in the navy/in the reserves while pregnant and while being a parent

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, you'll learn about... 

- how to deal with worry and anxiety about the upcoming election

- what to do if the person you didn't vote for becomes president

- practical mental health and spiritual tips to ease the uncomfortable emotions leading up to, and after, the election

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Allison, a recently divorced single mother of 2 who experienced a miscarriage, became an emergency foster parent, and became pregnant again all in less than a year.  She also talks about.. 

- her experience with mental illness which resulted in suicidal thinking, inpatient stays, and residential treatment for depression and an eating disorder

- having to unexpectedly become an emergency foster parent for her niece and helping her cope with a trauma background

- managing her own mental health amidst a divorce and how she uses skills she learned in treatment to overcome these difficulties

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

For this episode, I'm joined by Monika Friedman, a 4 time IVF warrior and now a working mom who owns Monika Friedman Coaching.  She focuses on a Full Circle Fertility Method and helps women find hope and peace on their journey to increase their changes of getting pregnant.

In this episode, you'll learn about.. 

- 3 practical things you can do to decrease stress, anxiety, and sleep issues as well as boost your self worth and outlook on life during the infertility journey

- how mindset, lifestyle, and tactics come together to create a full circle picture of fertility and how you can use these factors to help you beat the odds

- how to handle the mental load and sometimes post-traumatic stress disorder-like symptoms that coincide with infertility/experience of miscarriage

- as a support person, what's helpful vs. not helpful to say/do when someone you love is struggling with infertility

You can find more on Monika by heading to her website: https://www.monikafriedman.com/

Monika is also on Instagram: @monikafriedmancoaching

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, you'll learn about... 

- the rules and "must haves" of exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD/anxiety 

- what to expect out of ERP/what it looks like - how to know if you or a client has done an exposure successfully 

- what to avoid during exposure therapy and how to navigate unsuccessful trials  

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- what is perinatal OCD, some day to day examples, and how it affects pregnancy and the early weeks of motherhood

- how to handle these symptoms after experiencing infertility, a high risk pregnancy, and/or miscarriages

- how to manage your symptoms so that you can get back to enjoying your pregnancy and prevent your anxiety from getting worse when the baby arrives

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- 9 ways you can reinterpret your bad or "okay" days

- how to feel less judgment and more acceptance about these kinds of days 

- how to practice skills like the emotional guidance scale and radical acceptance

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Megan, a mom who became pregnant at 18 and was a single parent for her daughter's entire life.  Now that her daughter is also 19, Megan is working through what it means to be an empty nester and how to get herself "back on track".  She also talks about..

- how her daughter's biological father was abusive, in and out of jail, and planned to kidnap their child

- what it was like working full time and having a child to raise on her own

- how she copes with her daughter's medical and mental health issues

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- the Yerkes-Dodson curve and what it means for your anxiety/performance

- why you have poor performance in both high AND low anxiety states

- why moderate levels of anxiety are actually ideal for peak performance

- practical ways to either decrease your high anxiety or increase your low pressure state so that you can get to the moderate level of anxiety and achieve peak performance

- additional tips for how to handle new, intellectually demanding tasks vs monotonous, repetitive tasks

See visual referenced in episode here: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Illustration-of-Yerkes-Dodson-law-1_fig1_320592240

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Kim, a work from home mom who had preeclampsia twice, has struggled with OCD since she she was an adolescent, and had a baby during a global pandemic.  You'll also hear about.. 

- how her OCD symptoms showed up in motherhood

- what it's been like parenting during a global pandemic

- what her suggestions are for expecting or soon to be moms

- her 5 year old's suspected sensory issues and how she copes with this

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Crystal, who talks about her difficult pregnancy, preeclampsia, and her unexpected delivery for her premature baby.  You'll also hear about... 

- what it was like meeting her baby for the first time as he was hooked up to machines and various tubes 

- going home without her baby

- spending time at the NICU (was it too much time? not enough time?) while her son was there for 5 weeks

- only having 2 weeks of maternity leave left by the time she got to bring her baby home

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Claire, who talks about postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after having her daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic.  You'll also hear about ...

- what it was like being pregnant and giving birth during a global pandemic 

- how, out of nowhere, she started to have thoughts of harming herself and her baby

- how her OCD/harm intrusive thoughts manifested in her day to day life

- how her anxiety built up so much that she found herself depressed and unable to drive, go in public, and be alone with her child

- how she was failed by the maternal mental health care system and fought for resources

- how you can beat the system and get the support you need

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, you'll learn about...

- why anxiety related accommodations in the school setting may actually make anxiety worse

- considerations for therapists, teachers, parents, and students so the accommodation can be helpful vs hurtful

- what you need to be doing IN ADDITION TO the accommodation that many therapists/teachers fail to set up

- why you might still benefit from accommodations even if they can be detrimental

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, I share my experience with the type of mom guilt no one really talks about - DOG MOM GUILT.  You'll learn how my relationship with my 2 dogs changed once I had my son, and how I've coped with feelings of guilt and overwhelm related to them.  You'll get the solidarity you need to know you're not alone, and I'll remind you that you're doing great at all of this parenting stuff - even with the dogs - no matter what. 

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, I describe why things seem to get worse before they get better.  Whether you're dealing with anxiety or OCD, quitting smoking/drinking/any other bad habit, or just saying no to a toddler - you'll learn what to expect once you start to change things up.  You'll learn what an extinction burst is, how long it will last, and what it actually means for you in the long term. 

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, I describe what happens to your anxiety when you give into it with safety behaviors and compulsions/rituals.  I also go over the habituation curve, i.e. when you, instead, sit with those feelings - without engaging in safety behaviors or compulsions/rituals.  You'll see what happens to your anxiety over time in both scenarios and why you're better off biting the bullet, sticking to it, and doing the hard things vs. ritualizing.  I'll tell you what to expect so that you feel more prepared and better equipped going into your first exposure or challenging situation.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Click here for a visual of the habituation curve described in the episode: https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/habituation/

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Monica, who struggled with postpartum anxiety for the first year and a half of her daughter's life.  She talks about how her symptoms manifested, how she suffered in silence for the longest time due to ignorance in the maternal mental health care system, and how therapy helped her.  She talks about her passion for speaking up about postpartum issues so that other moms don't have to suffer alone.  She also discusses having a miscarriage and how that affected her postpartum experience. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Mary, a mom and trauma survivor.  She talks about her trauma background and how this affects her experience of motherhood on a daily basis.  She discusses where she's at now, how she copes, and what it means to be reparenting herself during the process of caring for her own children.  She talks to us about how she deals with certain triggers including seeing her children in distress and dealing with chores and punishment. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, I go over why talk or "supportive" therapy isn't helpful for OCD/anxiety and, moreso, how these therapy approaches can actually be harmful for these symptoms.  I talk about how to approach conversations with a therapist about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and why ERP is necessary in order for long-lasting, legitimate change to occur with OCD and anxiety.  I'll provide you with some resources to find an ERP therapist in your area and how to address common blocks or hesitancies in taking the leap for this kind of therapy. 

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Jennifer, a working mom with a one year old.  She talks about her previous miscarriage and what the subsequent experience of pregnancy was like.  She goes in depth about the mom guilt she feels for not being able to breastfeed and for working while her son is at daycare.  She shares how important it is to be vulnerable and open up to other moms because the potential for solidarity is invaluable. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Natalie, a single parent to a 9 year old after ending a toxic relationship with someone who exhibited toxic, narcissistic behaviors.  She talks about her difficulties with postpartum depression, indecision about divorce, and single parenting.  She goes in depth about what it was like to get her Masters degree and work full time while being a single parent and wants moms to know how important it is to take care of themselves first.

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

*As mentioned in the episode - for more resources on toxic relationships, follow this link:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-angry-therapist/202001/5-signs-toxic-relationship

In this episode, I go over some ways that symptoms of various psychological "disorders", such as anxiety, OCD, and depression, can actually be normal and functional - in reasonable doses.  At what point does it become unreasonable?  I'll give you some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you simply have an "anxious personality", anxious tendencies, anxiety symptoms, or something indicative of a formal diagnosis.  I go over the diagnostic criteria for OCD and the "red flags" for knowing whether you're at the tipping of point of potentially being able to benefit from therapy.  I also provide resources for you to find a therapist in your area. 

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Elizabeth, a mom of a now 2.5 year old boy who was born with a broken clavicle.  As a result of this, Elizabeth's transition to motherhood and her goal of breastfeeding were made complicated.  She goes in depth about her experience with lack of sleep, feeling exhausted physically and emotionally, and feeling unable and unwilling to ask for help.  She talks about postpartum depression, her son's sensory issues, and how she copes.  

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, I discuss the battle between spirituality (e.g. law of attraction) and mental health (e.g, thought action fusion/magical thinking) concepts, and how it is that some individuals can find the law of attraction so triggering while others find it immensely helpful.  I talk about how I think spirituality and mental health treatment can be complementary to one another, and how law of attraction can actually support the process of Exposure and Response Prevention.  You'll hear my thoughts on how to respond to "triggering" information and how to be more flexible and adaptable to the world around you. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  It does not constitute a therapist/client relationship and cannot be viewed as such.  Visit psychologtoday.com or nami.org to find more support.

For more information, head to www.jennaoverbaugh.com/resources and follow me on Instagram! @jenna.overbaugh

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Amy, a single parent of two boys.  She goes in depth about her experience having to be on bedrest while pregnant, then working 4 jobs, turning to alcohol to cope, and her struggles with medical issues like hyperemesis and having a hysterectomy.  She also goes into difficulties associated with her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, how dialectical behavioral therapy strategies helped her become a happier and healthier mom, and how she helps her own child cope with his depression and anxiety symptoms.  Her advice will remind you of the importance of doing hard and difficult things so you can build resilience and realize how strong you truly are. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, I'll teach you some basic spiritual concepts and discuss the law of attraction, Abraham Hicks, and The Emotional Guidance Scale.  You'll understand how your thoughts affect your energy and how your energy affects your reality.  By the end of this podcast, you'll know how to move your way into a better feeling thought by reaching for the next good feeling vibration.  You'll also come to know why it bugs you so much when you're upset and someone tells you to "calm down", "just be grateful", or "think positive!"

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  It does not constitute a therapist/client relationship and cannot be viewed as such.  Visit psychologtoday.com or nami.org to find more support.

Follow this link for the visual referenced on the podcast episode: https://www.jennaoverbaugh.com/resources

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Sarah, a mom to 3 girls and a newly single parent after she reports her husband "up and left".  She goes in depth about how this separation was actually a long time coming due to his complicated history of mental illness, how she coped through this herself, and how she continues to adjust to parenting on her own.  She also goes into difficulties associated with homeschooling and having children with life threatening allergies.  Her wish is that moms can be less judgmental and more accepting of each other, and her advice will help you focus on what's going right instead of what's going wrong. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, I'll talk to you all about cognitive distortions, or thought traps/tricks that your mind is playing on you.  The good news?  We all do it!  The bad news..?  We all do it.  You'll learn why our brains play these games on us in the first place, examples of cognitive distortions, why they're so dysfunctional for you, and what you can do instead to start challenging these thoughts.  By the end of this podcast, you'll know how to come back to reality - fast, and you'll be better able to monitor your thoughts so you can start to nip them in the bud sooner rather than later.

This episode is part 2 of a 2 part series.  Episode 6, part 1 covers 5 of the most common cognitive distortions.  Part 2 will cover an additional 5 commonly experienced cognitive distortions - so be sure to go back to part 1 for a recap!

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Anne, a mom to 3, one of whom has a biological father from Anne's previous relationship. Anne goes in depth about getting pregnant unexpectedly, having her current husband be a step father to her oldest daughter, and managing chaos associated with working outside of the home, then being a stay at home mom, and now working from home. She gives helpful advice regarding giving yourself grace as a mom, being flexible, and trying not to be so hard on ourselves.

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Cassandra, the mom of a 13 month old whom Cassandra describes as "colicky" and "spirited".  This mom goes in depth about the struggles of her first year of motherhood, including anxiety, depression, and four failed therapy attempts.  She shares her experience of finally finding a counselor with whom she "clicks", how helpful that has been, and where she's at now.  She gives helpful advice regarding looking back at the last year of motherhood, mourning the sad and bad times, but also being thankful for our struggles. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, I'll talk to you all about cognitive distortions, or thought traps/tricks that your mind is playing on you.  The good news?  We all do it!  The bad news..?  We all do it.  You'll learn why our brains play these games on us in the first place, examples of cognitive distortions, why they're so dysfunctional for you, and what you can do instead to start challenging these thoughts.  By the end of this podcast, you'll know how to come back to reality - fast, and you'll be better able to monitor your thoughts so you can start to nip them in the bud sooner rather than later. 

This episode is part 1 of a 2 part series.  Episode 6, part 1 covers 5 of the most common cognitive distortions.  Part 2 will cover an additional 5 commonly experienced cognitive distortions - so stay tuned and come back for part 2!

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Stephanie, a current mom of two who experienced years of unexplained infertility, two miscarriages, and a traumatic birth.  She goes in depth about the struggles of her infertility journey and her decision to become a foster parent with her husband.  She shares her experience of fostering followed by ultimately finding out that she was unexpectedly pregnant.  She gives helpful advice about comparisons, dealing with others who seemingly have it "easy", and more. 

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Caroline, a mom who had 4 boys in 3 years (including twins).  She reports her husband is gone frequently for work, therefore, she is frequently left alone to manage the household, children, and life in general.  After her first child was born, Caroline says she experienced postpartum depression and anxiety.  She dives deep into her relationship difficulties with her husband and how she's worked hard to overcome feelings of not being supported, not being heard, and trying hard to be perfect.

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

In this episode, I give you an easy to use, portable coping skill that you can pull out of your back pocket anywhere, anytime.  Respiratory control is a simple, effect tool that you can use to decrease anxiety and stress.  I review the function of the parasympathetic nervous system in anxiety, how respiratory control kicks this system into gear, and ways to make your practice as effective as possible.  I even guide and prompt you through one full minute of respiratory control so you can practice with me and keep coming back to it whenever you need to.   You'll feel instantly better equipped and more confident in handling anxiety and stress no matter what.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, I talk about my own motherhood journey and how I felt new, awkward, and totally uncomfortable in my postpartum body.  I'll give my advice personally and professionally for what works in getting through this tough transition with your postpartum body and tell you a few things to make sure you DON'T do.  You'll be able to be more patient with yourself and less critical, more mindful of your body and less judgmental, and overall feel better about where you're at and where you're going.

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.

In this episode, we dive deep into OCD and anxiety in motherhood.  I go over how OCD and anxiety can manifest in motherhood, what are intrusive thoughts, examples of compulsions, and much more.  We'll review the model of anxiety and what you're likely doing every day to make it worse.  You'll learn how to RIDE out the anxiety and about other interventions, including Exposure and Response Prevention.  Other online and local resources are also discussed. 

Find more at www.jennaoverbaugh.com

Instagram: jenna.overbaugh

Facebook: /jennaoverbaughpage

This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider.  This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation.  To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to psychologytoday.com or nami.org.