Overcoming OCD is Like Unravelling a Knot Without Actually Loosening it’s Twists
02/14/24 • 16 min
Welcome to the 365th episode of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, where we explore how to develop a healthier relationship with anxiety disorders. In this episode, your host - Robert James engages in a friendly chat about OCD and anxiety while sitting comfortably with his feet-warming friend, Bruno the dog.
This episode focuses on how to tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety without 'physically' undoing it. Often, getting over OCD involves a level of acceptance and a willingness to embrace uncertainty as we let go of constantly trying to 'fix' it thereby unraveling the 'knot' of OCD. Robert provides insights on how to improve mental health by implementing techniques such as acceptance and commitment therapy.
Robert uses the metaphor of the 'monkey knot' to illustrate OCD, detailing how trying to problem solve our way out of it can inadvertently result in a complex knot that ties us down. Self-compassion, acceptance, and understanding that we determine our own mental states are important tools to navigate these challenging emotions.
Further in the episode, Robert discusses the importance of finding your own serenity even in tumultuous emotional seas. This involves going deeper within yourself using tools such as the breath, meditation, and mindfulness to find that space of calm. He also emphasizes the importance of focusing on your values, embracing difficult emotions, and reorienting your attention away from the anxieties that dominate your thoughts.
In conclusion, Robert encourages compassion for oneself and the cultivation of emotional flexibility through the process of letting difficult emotions ebb and flow without attempting to immediately resolve them. He underscores the significance of refocusing our energies on aspects of life that contribute to our holistic well-being and emotional health.
The episode ends with a reminder that any material viewed or information listened to on any platform is for informational purposes only, and should not replace 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.
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Welcome to the 365th episode of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, where we explore how to develop a healthier relationship with anxiety disorders. In this episode, your host - Robert James engages in a friendly chat about OCD and anxiety while sitting comfortably with his feet-warming friend, Bruno the dog.
This episode focuses on how to tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety without 'physically' undoing it. Often, getting over OCD involves a level of acceptance and a willingness to embrace uncertainty as we let go of constantly trying to 'fix' it thereby unraveling the 'knot' of OCD. Robert provides insights on how to improve mental health by implementing techniques such as acceptance and commitment therapy.
Robert uses the metaphor of the 'monkey knot' to illustrate OCD, detailing how trying to problem solve our way out of it can inadvertently result in a complex knot that ties us down. Self-compassion, acceptance, and understanding that we determine our own mental states are important tools to navigate these challenging emotions.
Further in the episode, Robert discusses the importance of finding your own serenity even in tumultuous emotional seas. This involves going deeper within yourself using tools such as the breath, meditation, and mindfulness to find that space of calm. He also emphasizes the importance of focusing on your values, embracing difficult emotions, and reorienting your attention away from the anxieties that dominate your thoughts.
In conclusion, Robert encourages compassion for oneself and the cultivation of emotional flexibility through the process of letting difficult emotions ebb and flow without attempting to immediately resolve them. He underscores the significance of refocusing our energies on aspects of life that contribute to our holistic well-being and emotional health.
The episode ends with a reminder that any material viewed or information listened to on any platform is for informational purposes only, and should not replace 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.
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Previous Episode
Parents at the Helm: Guiding Children Through Anxiety and OCD with Dr. Stephen Whiteside
Join Robert in the 364th episode of 'The OCD and Anxiety Podcast' featuring an engaging conversations with Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a distinguished clinical psychologist and director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Program at Mayo Clinic. The focus of this episode is the vital, yet often overlooked area of OCD and anxiety in children.
Dr. Whiteside and Robert delve into prevalent OCD themes in children such as contamination fears and how treatments differ between adults and children. The conversation illuminates on the essential role of exposure therapy and the challenges of managing mental health in the young population, especially in the current era of pervasive social media and global pandemic.
Also, Dr. Whiteside discusses his invaluable book, 'Anxiety Coach: A Parent's Guide to Treating Childhood Anxiety and OCD', offering profound insights to parents on understanding and maneuvering through the complexities of their child's anxiety or OCD. The discussion advocates the power of children and parents working together as a team to combat OCD and anxiety conclusively.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this enlightening episode will provide you with practical solutions and hope for a healthier, anxiety-free future for the children in your life. Explore show notes for more details about Dr. Whiteside and his insightful book, starting the journey to liberate your child from the clutches of fear.
You can find Dr Stepens book here: https://www.amazon.com/Mayo-Clinic-Anxiety-Coach-Groundbreaking/dp/B0BQMJNXR3/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1707566336&refinements=p_27%3AStephen+P.+Whiteside&s=books&sr=1-2
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.
Next Episode
Compassionate Courage: Understanding and Embracing the Challenge of OCD
Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com
Welcome to Episode 366 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the often-critical role of compassionate courage in managing and overcoming OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and anxiety.
We unravel the concept of self-compassion in facing the often-debilitating effects of OCD and anxiety. Many of us tend to fall into the trap of self-judgment and negativity, especially under the grip of OCD. Striking a balance between acceptance and compassion for ourselves can turn this around. Self-compassion is a verb, an active pursuit that can significantly alter our perspective, shaping it to be more positive and forgiving.
This episode also highlights quotes from profound thinkers like Thich Nhat Hanh, who emphasizes that compassion is an action. We also discuss Jack Cornfield's words of wisdom about the non-judgmental 'heart of compassion.' We explore how practicing self-compassion is akin to stepping into a hero's journey, where we acknowledge the challenges, face them head-on, and grow from our experiences in dealing with OCD.
Moreover, it is completely okay to have setbacks and mistakes along the way. These can actually be learning opportunities when viewed through the lens of compassion. The 'ancient heart of compassion’, as Cornfield phrases it, is the gateway to freedom which involves allowing ourselves to feel and process our difficult emotions and thoughts. This podcast endorses patience in this journey to wellness, shedding light on how adopting self-compassion can lead you towards a better, fulfilling life despite OCD and anxiety.
Through the course of this episode, we look at dealing with OCD from varied angles and explore different approaches like exposure work, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness techniques. In essence, this podcast underscores the importance of self-compassion and courage in acknowledging, facing, managing, and learning from our struggles with OCD. It illustrates how transforming this compassion into action can lead to authentic happiness and personal growth
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.
The OCD & Anxiety Podcast - Overcoming OCD is Like Unravelling a Knot Without Actually Loosening it’s Twists
Transcript
The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching.
Music. Hello and welcome to The OCD and Anxiety Podcast where we explore how to have a more positive relationship with anxiety disorders disorders taking back control so that you can start living the life you choose and not the one chosen by your fears. Music. Hello and welcome to episode 365 i'm joined this morning by bruno my dog who sat here keeping my feet warm which is very nice
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