The OCD & Anxiety Podcast

http://www.robertjamescoaching.com/contact Welcome to the 362nd episode of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, your supportive platform for discussing and navigating anxiety disorders. This episode zeroes in on effective strategies for breaking the relentless cycle of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We explore how OCD, a relentless intruder, disrupts daily routines and creates a perpetual cycle of thought, anxiety, and compulsion, leading to temporary relief. However, we emphasize the integral truth: you are not a prisoner to OCD. We delve into the concept of choice. An essential starting point to regain control of our lives is consciously choosing helpful actions that align with our values, swapping old habits for healthier ones that guide us in facing our anxieties rather than letting OCD lead. Our discussions highlight the significance of allowing ourselves to accept and fully experience all our emotions, rather than selectively numbing the difficult ones. We lean on the words of Brene Brown in "The Gifts of Imperfection", underlining that numbing the painful emotions invariably results in the numbing of positive ones as well. Dealing with OCD begins with understanding that it's healthy to not incessantly pursue happiness. On this journey, acceptance plays a paradoxical role. Acknowledging and facing our struggle is what ultimately leads to genuine progress. By loosening the grip OCD has on our lives, we open ourselves to new possibilities and a better quality of life. Do join us to gain a deeper understanding of dealing with OCD and improve your life. Remember, we're here for you, and we would love to hear your thoughts. We also have a growing YouTube channel full of helpful content. Please note, however, that our podcast and services should never substitute professional medical or mental health advice Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.      

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Welcome to episode 361 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, a cutting-edge conversation on anxiety disorders and their intricacies. We delve deeply into the realities of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) and relationship anxiety with Sarah Yudkin, a relationship anxiety coach and the founder of You Love You Learn. Through personal experiences and her journey from relationship anxiety to fulfilment and self-understanding, Sarah enhances our understanding of common relationship challenges arising from personality differences. We discuss the counterproductive ideal of the perfect "Disney" relationship, and how its pursuit often leads to anxiety. In this in-depth dialogue, we traverse the benefits of meditation and breath work in managing anxiety, the role of self-awareness, and the importance of accepting feelings rather than seeking external validation. Learn from Sarah's insights as she reveals the transformational power of new information and changed perspectives on relationships. Sharing intimate experiences of personal growth through anxiety, we cover the importance of a growth mindset, and how understanding and managing feelings is key in dealing with ROCD or relationship anxiety. Join us as we explore the profound influence of self-compassion, debunk self-critical thought patterns, and highlight the pivotal role flexibility plays in successful relationships. Whether you are battling relationship OCD, relationship anxiety, or simply seeking insight into relationship dynamics, this episode promises a wealth of wisdom and tangible advice. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com     In this episode, we dive into the common phenomenon in OCD where fears and anxieties are often magnified beyond reality. We explore why our brains amplify these fears, the difference between perceived threats and actual risks, and share strategies to manage and bridge this gap. I really hope you enjoy and of course, if you have any questions, then please let me know. Key Points Discussed: The nature of fear in OCD and its impact on perception. How OCD exaggerates risks and threats, creating a gap between fear and reality. Real-world examples illustrating this disparity in OCD fears. Practical strategies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Encouragement and support for those dealing with OCD   Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com     In today's episode, we take a look at compulsions and ask about what happens when we stop performing them. I hope you enjoy and find it helpful.  Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com     In today's episode, we focus on the transformative power of choice and how it can lead to greater personal empowerment for those challenged by OCD. What You'll Learn Today: The role choice plays in managing OCD symptoms. Practical techniques for making empowered decisions despite OCD's influence. The psychological impact of making choices and how it can shift the narrative of OCD. As always I hope you enjoy and find it helpful. If you have any questions, then please feel free to let me know. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Today we dive into the world of digital solutions designed to support individuals living with mental health struggles and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This episode unpacks a variety of innovative apps and tech tools that are making managing OCD a much more interactive and engaging experience. What's in This Episode: Introduction about tech & OCD and a caveat - Although tech can be helpful, we should also use it in a careful way and not forget to get the basics right. App Spotlight: nOCD — Delve into an in-depth analysis of nOCD, an app specifically designed around ERP therapy, and hear how users are personalizing it to their needs. Anxiety Tracker: Worry Watch — Uncover the features of Worry Watch and learn how logging worries can lead to greater insights and management of anxiety patterns. Cognitive Flexibility with MindShift CBT — Explore the groundbreaking ways MindShift CBT integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness into a portable format, offering you strategies to manage anxiety. AI Companions: Chatbots for OCD — Look into the future with AI-driven chatbots that offer therapeutic support anytime, anywhere, and help bridge the gap between therapy sessions. Immersive Therapy: VR and AR — Experience a new reality with VR and AR in exposure therapy. We investigate how simulation environments can be used to safely confront OCD triggers. Wearable Tech: Stress and Health Monitoring — Discover how the latest wearable technology can monitor physiological responses to stress and what this means for OCD management. Playing it Through: Gamification of Therapy — Gaming meets therapy. Listen to how gamified apps make sticking to therapeutic exercises more rewarding and less intimidating. Featured Technology Discussed: nOCD App Worry Watch App MindShift CBT App AI Chatbots for Mental Health Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR) Wearable Stress Monitors Gamification in Mental Health Apps I hope you enjoy and find it helpful. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Welcome to latest episode of the OCD & Anxiety Podcast where each week we explore how to take back control from OCD. In this episode, "From Intrusive Thoughts to Inner Peace," we delve deep into advanced coping mechanisms that go beyond the basics. Whether you're a mental health enthusiast, someone living with OCD, or a supportive friend or family member, there’s something here for everyone in our inclusive community. In This Episode, You Will Learn:   The nuances of familiar strategies like CBT and ERP, and how to make them work even harder for you  How habit reversal training can become your secret weapon against compulsions  Ingenious ways to transform intrusive thoughts using advanced mindfulness tactics Personalized stress management techniques that don’t follow the ‘one-size-fits-all’ dogma The vital role of self-compassion in the narrative of your mental health journey  How to fine-tune daily routines to empower and bring tranquility to your life I hope you enjoy and find it helpful. If you have any questions, do please let me know. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Relationship OCD is an often misunderstood form of OCD. People can sometimes even question if it's actually a thing at all. ´Doesn't everyone worry abut their relationships?´is a common remark.  But when normal concerns and worries turn into obsessions that consume your days, when anxiety about whether to end a relationship or remain, is crushing your spirit and making git feel impossible to enjoy your relationship, then you may well be struggling with ROCD.  Characterised by it's incessant main compulsion, reassurance seeking, ROCD is a subtype of OCD where people feel unable to enjoy their relationships because they are always obsessing about them and if they are the right relationship for them.  Today I discuss ROCD and letting go of the search for the 'just right feeling' that tends to keep people stuck in the ROCD mire. If you have any questions about anything I speak about today, then please feel free to let me know and I hope you enjoy. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Perhaps one of the most important things in overcoming OCD is learning how to feel our emotions. We may come up with all sorts of reasons for why we shouldn't do this. Or we might know that we need to do it, but simply convince ourselves that we don't have the time.  When we do find the time to feel our emotions on a regular basis it's amazing what can happen with OCD. Again it isn't going to be the perfect 'cure all' that many people are looking for, but rather a way to truly start accepting and feeling the difficult emotions that are are underpinning the OCD.  As always I hope you enjoy and find it helpful, if you have any questions at all, do please let me know. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Many people just do not understand OCD. Some might have empathy and really try to get it, but others simply do not understand just how difficult OCD is to manage.  The image of OCD in popular culture is people who like to keep things orderly or who simply like to clean their hands a little more than the average person. These vague and simplified understandings of OCD serve to undermine people who are struggling with it. This is not to say that we shouldn't share our struggles with those close to us, of course some people are amazing and really try to understand and show empathy. It's important in my experience that we do at least attempt to try and share, but we also have to be aware that many people will not get it.  If this is something that you are struggling with then I hope today's episode will be of use to you. Please do feel to get win touch if you have any questions.  Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.