April 1, 2025

Q & A

Q & A
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Q & A

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, along with clinical director Ryan Judd, tackle a wide range of listener questions related to anxiety, OCD, and personal growth. From discussing the often-overlooked subtypes of OCD to diving into the complexities of perfectionism, this Q&A episode aims to provide insights and practical advice for coping with anxiety.

Main Topics Discussed

  • Understanding Anxiety: The episode opens with Elizabeth and Cali exploring their own anxious moments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing personal feelings and how they contribute to the anxiety experience.
  • OCD Subtypes: Ryan sheds light on less commonly discussed OCD themes, including sexual intrusive thoughts and harm OCD, highlighting the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these issues.
  • Perfectionism: The hosts discuss the dual nature of perfectionism, considering how it can drive success but also lead to burnout and self-doubt. They emphasize the importance of differentiating between beneficial and harmful perfectionistic traits.
  • Therapeutic Relationships: The episode addresses common concerns about therapy, including how to know if a therapist is judging you and whether it’s appropriate to ask about their personal lives.
  • Coping Strategies: Practical tips for managing anxiety and panic attacks are shared, including the use of interoceptive exposures and grounding techniques.

Key Insights

  • Recognizing and articulating anxious moments can be a powerful step toward understanding oneself better.
  • Perfectionism, often viewed as an inherent trait, can be managed and redirected to enhance rather than hinder personal achievement.
  • Therapy should focus on evidence-based practices, and it's essential to be comfortable discussing any concerns with a therapist.
  • Building mental resilience involves accepting that mistakes are a natural part of growth, especially in performance-oriented settings.

Notable Quotes

  • "When my plate is overloaded, I cling to perfectionism—it's a sign of growth." - Elizabeth McIngvale
  • "You might mess up, and that’s okay. It won't define your identity as an athlete or a person." - Ryan Judd
  • "The ingredient to recovery must come from within yourself." - Cali Werner

Timestamps

  • [00:00:08] - Introduction to the episode and anxious moments
  • [00:01:29] - Discussion of OCD subtypes
  • [00:07:34] - Insights on perfectionism
  • [00:12:47] - Therapeutic relationships and self-disclosure
  • [00:21:09] - Coping strategies for panic attacks
  • [00:33:05] - How to know when it's time to graduate from therapy
  • [00:41:00] - Listener Q&A wrap-up

Relevant Resources


Call to Action

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