Why Having an Intrusive Thought Does Not Mean You Wanted the Intrusive Thought

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode 432 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, host Robert James explores the concept of broadening our focus to better manage obsessive thoughts and anxiety. Using the metaphor of a widescreen TV, Robert illustrates how we often fixate on small imperfections—like a dead pixel—while neglecting the bigger picture. Robert discusses the importance of shifting our attention from narrow, obsession-driven focus to a wider perspective that encompasses our values and the meaningful aspects of life. By doing so, we can learn to accept imperfections and reduce the grip of OCD on our daily experiences. This episode offers insights into acceptance and commitment therapy, highlighting how embracing a more expansive view can enhance our well-being and help us live a life aligned with our values, rather than being dictated by our fears 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 431 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the nature of intrusive thoughts and why having them does not mean you actually wanted to have those thoughts. We explore the psychological tricks OCD plays, how it ensnares us by making us focus on unwanted thoughts, and the research that explains this phenomenon. Learn about the importance of bringing compassion and acceptance to your cognitive and emotional experiences to regain a sense of freedom. Discover how your thoughts are just thoughts, devoid of the meaning we often attribute to them, and how understanding this can change your relationship with OCD. Tune in to learn techniques that can help you manage your anxiety and start living the life you choose 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 430 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! Today, we delve into how to find hope amidst the darkness of OCD and anxiety. Host Robert James discusses the importance of believing in your approach to dealing with these disorders, even when it feels daunting. Robert shares his personal journey of struggling with OCD, the frustrations of trying various therapies, and the significance of taking small steps towards improvement. He emphasizes the necessity of patience, kindness, and consistent application of therapeutic techniques like ERP and acceptance commitment therapy. If you're feeling stuck or questioning the effectiveness of your strategies, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement to keep moving forward. Tune in for a dose of hope and practical advice on managing OCD and anxiety. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, follow along on YouTube and Instagram 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.    

Welcome to episode 429 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast with Robert James Coaching. If you're struggling with OCD or anxiety, visit robertjamescoaching.com to book a free session or send a message for support. In today's episode, we explore the critical concept that you are not defined by OCD. Learn how to reclaim your identity and understand that OCD is just a diagnosis, not a life sentence. Discover why holding on too tightly to the label can hold you back and how to shift your perspective for a more positive outlook. Join us as we discuss the importance of viewing OCD as a set of habits rather than a permanent disorder. By changing how you deal with these habits, you can start to improve your situation and live a life less burdened by OCD. If you find the podcast helpful, please subscribe and share it with others. For any questions, feel free to reach out. You can also find the podcast on YouTube in various formats. Many thanks and enjoy the episode 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 428 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! Today, we delve into the intricate relationship between OCD, anxiety, and technology. Join us as we explore how social media and screen time can influence anxiety and OCD symptoms, often without us even realizing it. We start with a thought-provoking quote by Christian Luce Lange: "Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." This sets the stage for a deep dive into how our daily interactions with phones and laptops might be exacerbating compulsive behaviors. From doom scrolling on TikTok to the pitfalls of cyberchondria, we examine the subtle ways technology feeds into OCD cycles. We also discuss practical strategies for managing tech use, such as setting rules and understanding the role of dopamine in our digital habits. Insights from research papers and expert opinions provide a well-rounded perspective on this pressing issue. If you find today's episode helpful, please consider subscribing to the podcast. Your support means a lot! For any questions or to arrange a free coaching session, visit www.robertjamescoaching.com. Don't forget to stay tuned for more episodes aimed at helping you take back control and live the life you choose. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9407245/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26429148/ https://www.theguardian.com/global/2021/aug/22/how-digital-media-turned-us-all-into-dopamine-addicts-and-what-we-can-do-to-break-the-cycle https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/how-social-media-can-trigger-ocd-and-ways-to-respond 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 427 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the hidden world of mental compulsions. Discover how to understand these thoughts better and learn to bring more compassion and acceptance to them. We explore strategies to let go of the urge to fix every unwanted thought and focus on reducing their impact on your life. By bringing awareness, observing your thoughts, and employing techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you can start living a more fulfilling life despite OCD and anxiety. Don't miss out on practical tips and insights to help you navigate your journey with more ease and empowerment. Tune in now! 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 426 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the importance of mixing things up when dealing with OCD. Often, we find ourselves stuck in a rut, applying the same techniques and getting the same results. Robert discusses how changing our approach, even in small ways, can lead to significant progress. Using personal anecdotes and insights from acceptance commitment therapy, Robert explains how to break free from the trap of compulsions and perfectionism. Learn how to let go of unhelpful thinking, focus on the present, and embrace uncertainty to improve your mental well-being. Tune in to discover practical tips for shaking things up in your routine and taking steps towards a more fulfilling life. 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 425 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching! In this episode, we delve into the concept of framing OCD as a hero's journey, inspired by the mythologist Joseph Campbell. Discover how adopting a growth mindset and viewing your struggles as challenges to overcome can transform your experience with OCD. We'll explore how compassion, especially self-compassion, plays a crucial role in managing anxiety and OCD. Learn about the stages of the hero's journey, from the call to action and facing fears, to experiencing setbacks and ultimately achieving transformation. If you're looking for a new perspective on OCD and want to find ways to take positive steps in your journey, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe and follow the podcast for more insightful discussions and support 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 compelling episode of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, host Robert James engages in a heartfelt conversation with Naomi Riley, a motivational speaker and founder of Text Pledge. Naomi shares her incredible journey of overcoming a childhood illness and a traumatic brain injury caused by a distracted driver. Despite these challenges, she has become a beacon of hope and change in mental health and education reform. The discussion delves into Naomi's strategies for building resilience and self-compassion while managing anxiety. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, practicing gratitude, and finding inner strength through spirituality and self-discovery. Naomi also introduces her impactful initiative, Text Pledge, which aims to address significant social issues and improve mental health among youth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical advice on overcoming life's toughest challenges and transforming adversity into positive action Links: https://naomilriley.com/#home https://textpledge.us 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 423 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, where we delve into the challenges of living with OCD and anxiety. In this episode, host Robert James draws inspiration from a stormy day and a classic children's story, "The Mousehole Cat," to explore the importance of finding hope amidst the turmoil of OCD. Robert discusses how the stormy seas of OCD can often feel overwhelming, much like the tempest faced by the fisherman in the story. He emphasizes the need to recognize when to brave the storm and when to seek shelter, advocating for self-compassion and patience during difficult times. Through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Robert explains how focusing on values and maintaining hope can empower individuals to navigate their way back to calm waters. He encourages listeners to be kind to themselves, to wait out the storm, and to have faith that better days will come. Join us as we explore practical strategies for managing OCD and anxiety, and learn how to cultivate resilience and hope in the face of life's inevitable storms. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes, and visit robertjamescoaching.com for additional support and resources 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.