What Agoraphobia REALLY is, and how to overcome it

Jul 4, 2024

Explore the nuances of agoraphobia and confront common misconceptions surrounding it. Discover effective treatment options, including five actionable steps to overcome this condition. Gain insights from a personal success story that illustrates the journey to recovery. Delve into the connection between anxiety, particularly nighttime racing thoughts, and practical strategies for managing these challenges for improved mental clarity and sleep.

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INSIGHT

Can't Force Thoughts to Stop

You cannot force your mind to stop racing; trying to do so only worsens anxiety.
Attention control, not force, helps manage thoughts and reduces their intensity.

INSIGHT

Brain Processes Worries at Night

Your brain brings up worries at night because it wants to solve perceived problems.
It does this at night mainly because it didn't get a chance to process issues during the busy day.

ADVICE

Limit Distraction to Process Thoughts

Reduce mindless distractions and schedule daily short periods for social media use.
Use these freed moments to quietly process your thoughts and worries consciously.

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In this video we’re going to talk about agoraphobia, some common misconceptions, and what kind of treatment works. By the end of the video you’ll learn 5 steps to overcoming agoraphobia, and you’ll hear from someone who did it.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

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