In this milestone 50th episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Heather Taylor Sidey, a specialist in grief and the host of the 'Grief is the New Normal' podcast. We discuss the complexities of Relationship OCD and highlight strategies for managing grief during the holiday season.

Whether you've lost a loved one or are dealing with intrusive OCD thoughts, this e

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Grab your free 15-minute consult with Erin here. 🎥 Erin has limited spots in the intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

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• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

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➡️To rate the show: scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

pisode provides practical advice and compassionate support. Dr. Taylor offers insights on setting boundaries, honoring your feelings, and how loved ones can offer meaningful support. We also explore her upcoming projects, including a book series on grief. Plus, I introduce a 12-week group coaching program for those grappling with relationship worries, set to launch in January 2025.

00:00 Raising Awareness About OCD

00:34 Special Guest: Dr. Heather Taylor on Grief

03:18 Understanding Grief During the Holidays

04:58 Navigating Grief with Flexibility and Support

13:42 Honoring Loved Ones and Personal Rituals

19:18 Supporting the Grieving: Actionable Steps

25:36 Message of Hope and Encouragement

27:47 Upcoming Events and Resources

29:56 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Ever wondered if your thoughts about attraction are just intrusive thoughts or genuine feelings? In today's episode, I dive into a burning question from a YouTube fan about the difference between intrusive thoughts and sexual attraction.

If you, like me, are obsessed with love and relationships, you're in for a treat! We’ll talk about those pesky intrusive thoughts that pop up uninvited and how they differ from the natural, feel-good vibes of sexual attraction. Plus, get the scoop on my brand new 12-week group coaching program, Obsess Less, Love More, designed to help you navigate relationship OCD. Join me as we laugh, learn, and work through these challenges together.

To join the waitlist for Obsess Less, Love More- Click here!

02:20 Understanding Relationship OCD

02:45 Introducing the Obsess Less, Love More Program

03:43 Details of the Group Coaching Program

08:21 How to Sign Up for the Program

09:01 Diving into Intrusive Thoughts vs. Sexual Attraction

13:18 Comparing Intrusive Thoughts and Sexual Attraction

15:13 Emotional Responses to Thoughts

17:00 Reactions to Thoughts

19:39 Real-Life Example: The Notebook

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Grab your free 15-minute consult with Erin here. 🎥 Erin has limited spots in the intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Have questions? Submit them here to get a shout-out on the show! 🗣️

➡️To rate the show: scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

In today's episode, I had a fascinating chat with Dr. Aaron Reichlin, a seasoned psychiatrist based in Chicago, who delved deep into the world of medications and therapies for OCD. Dr. Reichlin shared invaluable insights into the appropriate medications for OCD and severe anxiety, including the roles of SSRIs and benzodiazepines.

We discussed the critical importance of exposure response prevention (ERP) therapy combined with medication management. He also introduced his innovative AI-driven mental health tech company, PsychNow, which aids in efficient patient screening and care. Plus, we covered common patient concerns about medication and the necessity of empathy and connection in treatment. Stay tuned until the end to learn how you can connect with Dr. Reichlin and discover more about cutting-edge OCD treatments!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:52 Dr. Reiklin's Background and Current Work

02:29 Innovative Mental Health Tech: Psych Now

04:47 Challenges in Mental Health Screening and Intake

05:58 Medication Management for OCD

08:50 Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy

11:55 Combining Medication and Therapy for OCD

17:28 Addressing Patient Concerns and Side Effects

30:15 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Grab your free 15-minute consult with Erin here. 🎥 Erin has limited spots in the intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Have questions? Submit them here to get a shout-out on the show! 🗣️

➡️To rate the show: scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday, and in this episode, we'll chat about how to enjoy it as an adult, even if you have OCD. We'll cover everything from dealing with contamination fears to the paranoia about needles in candy (seriously, who even thinks of these things?). I’ll share my personal strategies for calming OCD and grounding techniques to keep you present. Plus, I’ll give you some exposure exercise tips, like the joys of watching spooky movies without the sound to ease anxiety. Oh, and if you're terrified of blood, don't worry – I've got some hilarious exposure stories and even a blood exposure video. Stick around to hear about how early treatment can prevent OCD spirals, and get a sneak peek of next week's guest, a psychiatrist ready to dish on OCD meds. Let’s make this Halloween unforgettable and keep that OCD at bay!

01:13 OCD and Halloween: Managing the Struggles

05:57 The Cycle of OCD and Seeking Treatment

07:42 Exposure Therapy with Halloween Movies

14:11 Preparing for a Fun Halloween Night

14:38 Understanding the OCD Nightmare

15:37 Staying Present in the Moment

19:26 Facing Blood Phobia and Halloween Triggers

23:32 Worst Case Scenario Script

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Grab your free 15-minute consult with Erin here. 🎥 Erin has limited spots in the intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Have questions? Submit them here to get a shout-out on the show! 🗣️

➡️To rate the show: scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

Feeling like a jittery phone or a brain-dead zombie? Let's chat about the different zones of your nervous system and how to get back to that sweet 'green zone' of tolerance. I'll share a funny yet panic-inducing story about my son scaring me to illustrate the fight or flight response. We’ll also tackle navigating Halloween with OCD on overdrive – understanding your body's reactions and getting back to calm can make a world of difference. You'll learn simple yet effective techniques like deep breathing, belly balloons, and how to challenge those pesky thoughts about being a bad mom. Ready to feel human again and reconnect with joy? Check out my intensive program starting in November at ValueDrivenTherapy.com. Get back to feeling safe just in time for the holidays. Tune in next week for more on surviving Halloween with mental health challenges!

01:43 Personal Story: A Frightening Experience

02:59 Understanding the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response

10:44 Understanding Emotional Numbness

11:09 The Importance of the Nervous System

15:56 The Power of Deep Breathing

18:33 Taking Control of Your Mental Health

19:28 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.
• Descript offers powerful tools for editing audio & video, making it easy to polish your podcast.
• Needing passive income? Open a high-yield savings account with SoFi & get $25 for opening an account with my link! 💸

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

This episode explores the topic of agoraphobia, a phobia characterized by the fear of leaving home or being trapped in inescapable situations. It addresses how such fears can manifest in teenagers, especially following traumatic events like school shootings.

I highlight the overlap between OCD and agoraphobia, and how therapy, particularly virtual therapy, can help manage these fears by building resilience, fostering positive thinking, and utilizing exposure and response prevention strategies. The goal is to empower kids to take proactive steps towards a fulfilling life, free from the constraints of fear. It encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek professional support if their child shows signs of avoidance or anxiety.

00:00 Introduction to Agoraphobia

02:43 Understanding Agoraphobia and Its Triggers

04:39 The Overlap Between OCD and Agoraphobia

06:57 Signs Your Child Needs Help

09:06 Effective Therapy Approaches

13:03 Empowering Your Child to Overcome Fear

20:16 Next Steps

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.
• Descript offers powerful tools for editing audio & video, making it easy to polish your podcast.
• Needing passive income? Open a high-yield savings account with SoFi & get $25 for opening an account with my link! 💸

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

In this episode, I tackle the tough issue of school refusal, especially for kids with OCD. I discuss the challenges parents face when their children refuse to go to school, exhibiting behaviors like crying, faking illness, and being generally uncooperative.

I provide insights on why kids with OCD struggle more in school, often leading to parents considering homeschooling, a solution I strongly advise against. I emphasize the importance of early intervention with an OCD specialist, detailing my therapy approach and the process of working with schools to support these kids.

I also share strategies for gradually reintroducing children to school and creating a supportive environment at home, including maintaining a healthy sleep routine, nutritious breakfast, and a reward system. Finally, I offer practical advice on managing OCD behaviors that interfere with school and stress the significance of collaboration between therapists and schools to ensure better educational outcomes.

01:10 Understanding OCD and School Struggles

02:07 The Pitfalls of Homeschooling for OCD

03:36 The Importance of Early Treatment

04:26 Therapy Options and Approaches

07:14 Recognizing School Refusal Signs

10:58 Strategies to Combat School Refusal

20:28 Creating a Supportive Environment

#schoolrefusalOCD #MentalHealthSupport #Therapy #SafetyPlan #SeekHelp #SchoolOCD #CopingStrategies #MentalWellBeing #SupportAvailable #ObsessionsAndCompulsions #SpecialistTreatment #SuicideHotline #EmergencyHelp #youarenotalone

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.
• Descript offers powerful tools for editing audio & video, making it easy to polish your podcast.
• Needing passive income? Open a high-yield savings account with SoFi & get $25 for opening an account with my link! 💸

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

It's not about white knuckling it. Getting help for OCD can sound like a torture fest...but it's not.

Watch this episode to hear how exposure response prevention (ERP) can break the OCD cycle. Erin shares insights on her three-week virtual intensive outpatient program and emphasizes the importance of staying committed to therapy for long-term recovery.

You'll hear tips on how to reclaim time lost to OCD and how personalized ERP services can help you.

00:00 For ERP services, go to valuedriventherapy.com

00:24 The Importance of Effective Treatment

00:52 Introduction to Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

01:30 Meet Erin Davis: Your OCD Specialist

02:06 Seasonal Changes and Mental Health

03:09 ERP Intensive Outpatient Program

08:49 The Role of ERP in OCD Treatment

09:05 Customizing ERP for Individual Needs

09:48 The Process of ERP

18:47 The Importance of Consistency in ERP

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Handpicked rec's for you:

• Thrizer simplifies your insurance benefits for out-of-network care.
• Descript offers powerful tools for editing audio & video, making it easy to polish your podcast.
• Needing passive income? Open a high-yield savings account with SoFi & get $25 for opening an account with my link! 💸

*These are affiliate links, which means I may get a kickback (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase after clicking.

➡️Please rate the show with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉