The Anxious Truth - A Panic, Anxiety, and Mental Health Podcast – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

Is it possible to conquer an anxiety disorder without doing exposure?

Well ... there are plenty of non-exposure concepts and techniques that can really help. No doubt about that. But in the end, thinking and feeling is rarely if ever all we need to change beliefs in a way that really makes a difference. Behavior and experience are almost always a part of this puzzle in some way, which means that like it or not, there's gonna be some exposure involved in recovery in some way.

Let's look at the the intricacies of exposure beyond its traditional role. We'll discover how modern techniques have revolutionized outcomes, providing more durable relief from anxiety symptoms. We'll also address the elephants in the room: the high dropout rates and accusations of trauma, and how proper preparation can transform these potential pitfalls into powerful therapeutic tools.

We'll also be debunking some persistent myths that cloud the effectiveness of exposure. We need to understand the difference between discomfort and trauma, and why it’s vital to make this distinction. We examine why some therapists shy away from these methods and how social media trends influence therapy choices. Plus, we emphasize the crucial role of maintaining realistic expectations throughout the journey.

By the end of this episode, you'll gain invaluable perspectives that could reshape your approach to overcoming anxiety, underscoring why exposure of some kind and at some level remains an essential pillar in effective treatment.

For full show notes on this episode (including research references):
https://theanxioustruth.com/298

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 289 - We Do Have A Choice When Triggered. Even When We Don't Believe That Yet.

mercredi 10 avril 2024 • Duration 24:12

Sometimes the toughest opponent we have in anxiety recovery is the belief we can't outrun. This episode challenges you to question the certainties that have defined your battle with anxiety. Is the intensity of our emotions a reliable compass? Is our self-knowledge as accurate as we believe? We'll explore the potential for a fleeting moment of power even amidst the storm of fear, and how reassessing our core beliefs can unlock new possibilities. The thought that what was once unthinkable can become thinkable, what felt impossible can indeed become possible. Reflect on the resilience hidden in your stories and perceptions as we navigate through the complexities of anxiety together.

For full show notes on this episode:
https://theanxioustruth.com/289

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 203 - What Does Your Anxiety Support System Look Like?

mercredi 13 avril 2022 • Duration 16:54

https://theanxioustruth.com/203

This week on The Anxious Truth we're talking about what your anxiety support system looks like. We'll dismantle the common misconceptions about what support should be, and how those can be problematic in recovery.

For full show notes on this episode:

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My books, social, and other links:

Support The Anxious Truth:

Music Credit: AfterGlow by Ben Drake (with permission)

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 202 - Panic Attacks And How To Handle Them w/ Dr. David Carbonell

mercredi 6 avril 2022 • Duration 34:54

https://theanxioustruth.com/202

How does a highly respected psychologist approach panic attacks? This week on The Anxious Truth we’re going to find out as we talk to Dr. Dave Carbonell about panic, panic attacks, and the second edition of his book, The Panic Attacks Workbook.

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For full show notes on this episode:

My books, social, and other links:

Support The Anxious Truth:

Music Credit: AfterGlow by Ben Drake (with permission)

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 201 - Depression And How I Deal With It

mercredi 30 mars 2022 • Duration 20:00

https://theanxioustruth.com/201

Depression is a hot topic in our community. I get asked about my personal experience with depression all the time. It had taken me a while to get around to this but on this week's episode of The Anxious Truth I will share my experience with depression. Let's talk about how I handled it then, and how I handle it now.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on depression or is this a substitute for therapy. I can only share my own experience with this topic and what I've learned both from the community and from people far smarter than me. As always, please consult your medical and mental health care providers with questions or concerns. Of course, if you feel that you are a danger to yourself in any way, please reach out immediately for in-person help in your area.

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For full show notes on this episode:

My books, social, and other links:

Support The Anxious Truth:

Music Credit: AfterGlow by Ben Drake (with permission)

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 200 - What's Next For The Anxious Truth?

mercredi 23 mars 2022 • Duration 14:05

https://theanxioustruth.com/200

This is the 200th episode of The Anxious Truth podcast.

When I started this podcast in 2014 all by myself, talking to myself in my living room (it was called "That Anxiety Guy") back then, I would never have imagined where it would go. The podcast was something I did just to pay things forward into the universe. I had no plan, no desired outcome, and no real interest in doing any more than that.

I just hit the button on my four dollar podcasting app, and said things that I hoped would be helpful for somebody. It was the least I could do.

Since then, and especially in the last three years or so, you have driven this thing to a place I never expected it to go. You guys did this. I am grateful not only for the opportunity to speak TO you, but to speak WITH you, because that has been the fuel that sustained The Anxious Truth and helped it become what it is now.

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For full show notes on this episode:

My books, social, and other links:

Support The Anxious Truth:

Music Credit: AfterGlow by Ben Drake (with permission)

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 199 - Anxiety Recovery: Crying and Expressing Emotion

mercredi 16 mars 2022 • Duration 18:22

https://theanxioustruth.com/199

Many people get confused and worried when they cry while anxious or afraid. Let's clear this up, because this is NOT a problem.

Highlights From This Episode:

Is Crying Wrong? Is Crying Avoidance? Does Crying Mean I’m Not Accepting?
I cry because I am upset.
I am upset because I cry.

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For full show notes on this episode:

My books, social, and other links:

Support The Anxious Truth:

Music Credit: AfterGlow by Ben Drake (with permission)

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 198 - Jen Kirkman: Two Anxiety Paths, Same Destination

mercredi 9 mars 2022 • Duration 35:02

https://theanxioustruth.com/198

Jen Kirkman is a comedian, author, actor, TV writer, and podcaster that has lived through anxiety and panic for large portions of her life. I was fortunate enough to have Jen on the podcast this week to talk about her path into anxiety and panic, then out the other side. I’m sure her story will sound familiar to most listeners.

While talking with Jen (I was on her podcast last week), I realized that we had lived very different experiences emotionally and mentally, yet both wound up in the same place with regard to anxiety and panic issues. Panic attacks. Irrational fears. Driving anxiety. Life restrictions. Jen and I lived a similar experience with anxiety even when our emotional and thinking styles could not be more different.

I spent some time this week exploring this with Jen.

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For full show notes on this episode:

My books, social, and other links:

Support The Anxious Truth:

Music Credit: AfterGlow by Ben Drake (with permission)

Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated!

Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.

Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

EP 197 - Anxiety Recovery: Comparing Success and Struggle

mercredi 2 mars 2022 • Duration 20:07

https://theanxioustruth.com/197

In today's episode of The Anxious Truth, we are going to talk about success and struggle within the anxiety recovery process and how, for many people, the two can look very similar at face value.

As I have said many times, anxiety recovery is possible when we are able to sit in the discomfort of doing the hard things. Doing the things that scare us. Doing the things that purposefully put us in an anxious state so that we can learn to disassociate it from actual danger.

Now, this might be what could be considered the 'struggle'.

Yet, how is it that one person can be seen doing the things, facing challenges, embracing the struggle, facing their fears, and make progress while someone else can appear to be doing the exact same things and remain feeling stuck?

Today, we discuss one possible reason for this.

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For full show notes on this episode:

My books, social, and other links:

Support The Anxious Truth:

Music Credit: AfterGlow by Ben Drake (with permission)