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We spend so much energy trying to silence anxiety. But what if it isn’t an enemy to defeat—what if it’s a signal to understand?

This week, Dr. Alison talks with Dr. Bethany Teachman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Virginia and director of the PACT Lab, about what healthy anxiety looks like, why it’s actually useful, and how to stop letting it run your life. 

Dr. Teachman explains how to know when anxiety is becoming a problem and shares practical ways to calm anxious thoughts, build resilience, and approach your fears with curiosity instead of control. She says,

“Anxiety is uncomfortable, but it’s not dangerous, when you stop treating it like a threat, it loses its power over you.”

You'll learn:

• The difference between healthy anxiety and unhealthy anxiety
• How to recognize when your threat response doesn’t match the situation
• Why trying to “get rid” of anxiety often makes it worse
• How reframing challenges as opportunities builds resilience
• Why doom-scrolling keeps us trapped in fear

Check out more free resources on anxiety:

TYDE (Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment) — A University of Virginia initiative co-directed by Dr. Teachman focused on youth, technology, and mental health.

MindTrails — A suite of digital and mobile interventions designed to help people manage anxiety and increase access to care, including. 

If you liked this episode, you’ll love: 

Episode 129: Understanding Your Anxiety

Episode 54: Can I Pray My Anxiety Away?

📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here

💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode.

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While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍

© 2025 Alison Cook. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Please do not copy or share the contents of this webpage or transcript without permission from the author.

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