Mindlock: What To Do When Obsessive Thoughts Take Over

Welcome to Episode 402 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the importance of letting go of self-criticism when dealing with OCD. Robert discusses how self-frustration and the relentless inner critic can perpetuate OCD, making it even harder to manage. We explore the concept of redirecting energy from OCD-induced ruminations to more meaningful activities and how creativity can play a significant role in this process. Robert shares insights on recognizing and addressing the inner critic, offering practical tips on how to cultivate self-compassion and patience during challenging times. Tune in to learn how to break the cycle of self-judgment, embrace kindness towards yourself, and find freedom from the grip of OCD. If you find this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast for more valuable content 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 400 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching! In this milestone episode, we delve into the misconception that perpetual busyness is necessary to manage OCD effectively. Host Robert James explores the importance of finding balance and the potential pitfalls of staying constantly busy to avoid OCD symptoms. Through insightful discussions, Robert highlights how busyness can sometimes be a coping mechanism to evade difficult emotions and intrusive thoughts. He emphasizes the significance of incorporating mindfulness and relaxation practices, like meditation, to achieve a more balanced approach to managing OCD. Robert also shares practical tips on how to use Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques, such as refocusing attention on valued activities and anchoring oneself in the present moment. Learn how to integrate calm, gentle activities into your routine and practice being still, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. If you're looking for support in managing OCD and anxiety, Robert offers a free coaching session. Visit robertjamescoaching.com to book your session and start your journey towards a more balanced life. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes filled with valuable insights and tips on managing OCD and anxiety. Thank you for being part of our community, and here's to the next 100 episodes! 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 399 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast with Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the ever-changing nature of obsessions in OCD and how they can swiftly shift from one theme to another. This intriguing aspect of OCD can actually offer hope for change and improvement. Robert shares insightful quotes from OCD therapists Lisa Kaufman and Stacey Quick, with the latter highlighting how OCD seeks certainty and uses our morals and creativity against us. He explains how resisting the urge to engage with new obsessions can help prevent us from getting caught in the cycle of overthinking and anxiety. Discover practical strategies for managing OCD, including the importance of accepting a small degree of uncertainty and changing long-term habits to foster healthier neural pathways. By understanding the irrelevance of specific themes and focusing on our response to discomfort and uncertainty, we can learn to manage and potentially overcome OCD. If you find this episode helpful, please follow and like on Instagram at RobertJamesCoachingUK, and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more valuable insights. References Quick, S. (2022, October 3). Why does my OCD keep switching themes? NOCD. Retrieved from https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/why-does-my-ocd-keep-switching-themes   Kaufman, I. (2020, May 7). You need to know this about OCD. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-beginning-the-end/202005/you-need-know-about-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 Welcome to episode 398 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we explore how to find strength amidst the chaos that OCD often creates. If you're struggling with OCD or anxiety, Robert offers a free session to help you take back control of your life. Discover strategies for managing intrusive thoughts and emotions, and learn how to focus your mind on positive actions. Reflect on inspiring quotes from Helen Keller and Marcus Aurelius, and understand the importance of acceptance commitment therapy in living a more present and fulfilling life. Join us as we delve into practical steps for overcoming OCD, from small daily challenges to building a supportive network. Learn how resilience and positive thinking can transform your relationship with OCD, helping you to reclaim your life from the grip of anxiety. Don't miss out on this empowering episode that offers hope and actionable advice for anyone facing the trials of 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 Welcome to episode 397 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, where host Robert James delves into the intricacies of OCD and the critical role of decision-making. In this episode, Robert explores how overcomplicating decisions can exacerbate OCD symptoms and why simplifying the decision-making process can be a game-changer. Robert starts with an inspiring quote from Nelson Mandela: "May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." He discusses how often our choices are dictated by fears, leading to avoidance and stagnation. Robert emphasizes that while making decisions can be challenging, it is essential for overcoming OCD. Throughout the episode, Robert offers practical advice on how to avoid the trap of overthinking and perfectionism, which can lead to compulsive behaviors. He also shares personal anecdotes and strategies for making decisions despite uncertainty, helping listeners to move forward and live a more fulfilling life. If you struggle with OCD and find decision-making particularly challenging, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips. Tune in to learn how to take control and make decisions that align with your hopes rather than your fears. Don't forget to follow Robert on Instagram at @RobertJamesCoachingUK and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube for more helpful content 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 396 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. As summer begins, Robert offers insights into managing OCD and anxiety, especially during this season. If you're struggling, you can book a free session via his website. In this episode, Robert delves into the concept of self-judgment, which he identifies as the alter ego of self-compassion. He explains how self-judgment can derail our efforts to manage OCD and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of addressing this habit. Drawing inspiration from a quote by meditation teacher and psychologist Tara Brach, Robert discusses how recognizing and not feeding into self-judgment can help us stop feeling unworthy and make progress in overcoming OCD. Robert provides practical advice on how to deal with self-judgment, such as being aware of imperative statements like "should" and "must," and adopting a playful attitude towards the inner critic. He also suggests techniques for observing negative thoughts without getting lost in them, fostering a habit of self-compassion that is crucial for managing OCD effectively. For more insights and tips, follow Robert on Instagram at @robertjamescoachinguk and listen to the podcast on YouTube. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out 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 395 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, hosted by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the crucial concept of embracing uncertainty as a way to combat OCD. Robert discusses how OCD often lures us into a trap by making us crave absolute certainty, which in turn keeps us stuck in a cycle of compulsions and anxiety. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Robert explains the importance of accepting the inherent uncertainties of life. He offers practical advice on how to develop conviction in uncertainty, allowing us to break free from the grip of OCD. By learning to live with a bit of uncertainty, we can open ourselves up to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. If you find this episode helpful, don't forget to follow and like on Instagram, check out the podcast on YouTube, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 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 394 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! Today, we're taking you to the beautiful Montseny Mountains near Barcelona for a fascinating discussion with Dr. Metra, a researcher at IS Global. In this episode, we delve into the profound effects of the environment on mental health, particularly focusing on the impact of urban living and the importance of green spaces. We explore how early life conditions, even those experienced in utero, can have lasting effects on brain development and mental health. Dr. Metra shares insights into pollutants like lead and their links to conditions such as ADHD, and provides practical advice for those living in cities to improve their mental well-being. The conversation also touches on the critical role of the gut biome in mental health, emphasizing the benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Join us for this enlightening episode and learn how both nature and nutrition can play a vital role in managing anxiety and improving overall mental health 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 393 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast with Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into effective strategies for managing obsessive thoughts when your mind feels trapped. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz's book "Brain Lock," we explore how repeated compulsions create unhelpful neural pathways and how to reclaim your mental freedom. Learn to recognize your choices, accept difficult emotions, and refocus your attention on valued activities, all while building resilience and fostering positive neuroplasticity. Subscribe for more insights and practical advice on overcoming OCD and anxiety, and don't miss the opportunity for a free coaching session by visiting robertjamescoaching.com 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 392 of "The OCD and Anxiety Podcast", where we delve deep into understanding the causes of OCD. By knowing the root causes, we can be more optimistic about potential strategies we can adapt to manage, and perhaps overcome, this disorder. In this comprehensive discussion, we navigate through biological factors, genetics, chemical imbalances, psychological factors, social triggers, and even work environments. Our journey to understanding begins with a look at brain structures and how the brains of people with OCD show measurable differences compared to those without. These differences can be traced back to a higher flow of oxygenated blood to certain areas, indicating high levels of worrying characteristic of OCD. As we try to determine the hereditary nature of these differences, we move onto our second stop: genetic factors. Despite the emphasis on locating specific risk genes, the complex interplay between learned behaviours and the environment could also contribute to the development of OCD. The role of chemical imbalances, specifically serotonin, comes next. It might not be the root cause, but serotonin appears instrumental in maintaining OCD signs, highlighting potential treatment ways. Our understanding is further sharpened as we dive into psychological aspects, where behavioral theories, cognitive theories, mindfulness & acceptance commitment therapy each play their crucial part. The role of depression and personality traits in exacerbating OCD also warrants mention here. Lastly, we explore social factors. How everyday stress or major life events can trigger OCD in the predisposed, how OCD can strain relationships, causing more stress and feelings of isolation, and even how it can affect work productivity. If you're grappling with OCD or anxiety and interested in a free session, head over to my website robertjamescoaching.com to book one. Join me in this insightful episode and remember, with the right support and help, it is possible to manage OCD more effectively. Change your experience of OCD today! References •Beyond OCD. (2013). Clinical Definition of OCD. https://beyondocd.org/information-for-individuals/clinical-definition-of-ocd •Caleb, W.L., Challis, C., Pelling, N. (January 2008). The biopsychosocial aspects of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A primer for practitioners. Australian Counselling Association Journal. 8(1). 3-13. •Center for Disease Control. (July 2023). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children. United States Government. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/ocd.html •National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. United States Government. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd •OCD UK. (2024). What Causes OCD. https://www.ocduk.org/ocd/what-causes-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.