Navigating Intense Anxiety and Career Changes

Hello, friends! In today’s episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you:

Managing Severe Anxiety: A listener is struggling with intense daily anxiety and dissociation, impacting their ability to function in daily tasks like going to work or shopping. We discuss immediate tips, potential medical checks, and therapy approaches to manage anxiety effectively.

Considering a Career Shift: Another listener is contemplating a career change from music education to educational psychology. They seek advice on the feasibility, job prospects, and resources to pursue this new career path.

As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode407

00:00 Introduction to Anxiety
00:17 Episode Overview and Listener Questions
00:56 Engaging with the Community
01:45 Addressing Severe Anxiety
05:15 Exploring Medical and Therapeutic Options
11:24 Understanding Anxiety and Fear
20:43 Career Change Considerations
28:10 Conclusion and Farewell

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Head over to http://betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month.

Links mentioned:

• http://duffthepsych.com/episode195
• http://duffthepsych.com/episode395
• http://duffthepsych.com/findatherapist
• http://kickanxietycourse.com
• http://facebook.com/groups/hardcoreselfhelp
• https://www.amazon.com/Hardcore-Self-Help-Robert-Ph-D/dp/1514866005

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD and a leading expert in OCD treatment. We dive deep into understanding OCD, debunking common misconceptions, and exploring the most effective treatment approaches. Dr. McGrath shares practical advice for managing OCD and introduces an amazing new tool that’s helping people across the country manage OCD from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're personally affected by OCD, know someone who is, or just want to learn more about mental health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips.

Key Takeaways:

• Misconceptions About OCD:

  • Discover what OCD really is and debunk common myths.
  • Understand the difference between media portrayals and reality.

• Effective Treatment Approaches:

  • Learn about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.
  • Find out what works and what doesn’t in OCD treatment.
  • Explore Dr. McGrath's innovative approach to virtual ERP therapy.

• Practical Advice for Managing OCD:

  • Get strategies for handling intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
  • Tips for avoiding reassurance-seeking, distraction, and substance use.

• Introducing NOCD:

  • Learn about NOCD, an online platform offering accessible OCD therapy.
  • Understand how NOCD works and its benefits for people across the country.
  • Find out how NOCD is making treatment more affordable and effective.

Personal Insights:

• Hear Dr. McGrath's personal journey with anxiety and how it shaped his career.
• Gain inspiration from his transformation from a bullied child to a leading mental health expert.

Be sure to check out NOCD at http://treatmyocd.com and send me a question or topic for a future episode of the show at http://duffthepsych.com/contact

Hello, friends!

In today’s episode, we delve into the transformative potential of ketamine therapy for mental health with Dr. Chantalle Thomas, a leading expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

Dr. Thomas is a trainer in Fluence’s Advanced Certificate in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as well as Executive Clinical Director at Windrose Recovery.

Dr. Thomas discusses the complexities of ketamine as a treatment, its various administration routes, and the profound changes it can facilitate when integrated with therapy. We also explore the importance of therapeutic integration in maximizing the benefits of ketamine, the ethical considerations in psychedelic medicine, and navigating the current regulatory landscape.

Additionally, Dr. Thomas shares her personal journey into mental health and psychedelics, and the importance of authenticity and attachment theory in therapy.

As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode404

Links:

https://windroserecovery.com/podcast/therapy-unblinded-inside-mdma-research/

https://www.fluencetraining.com/

https://maps.org/

Hello, friends!

In today’s episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you:

1. How Do You Feel About Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications? A listener asks about the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, expressing concerns about addiction and the potential difficulty of getting off these meds. Dr. Duff shares his positive personal experience with Lexapro, explaining the various classes of medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines. He emphasizes the importance of evaluating both the benefits and potential side effects of these medications, as well as considering the cost of not using them. Dr. Duff also addresses misconceptions about feeling disconnected from reality due to medication and discusses the concept of psychological and physiological dependence.

2. Dealing with a Hurtful Partner: Another listener seeks advice on how to help their partner understand the impact of their hurtful behavior, which includes yelling and mocking. Dr. Duff offers empathetic support, acknowledging the listener's heartbreak. He outlines the importance of healthy conflict resolution, setting personal boundaries, and recognizing signs of potential abuse. Dr. Duff encourages open communication and suggests resources for improving relationship dynamics, while also addressing the need for safety and support when dealing with ongoing hurtful behavior.

As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode403

In this episdoe, I sit down with Jennie Ketcham-Crooks, a licensed therapist, anxiety specialist, and author of the upcoming book "Look Up: The 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism."

Jennie shares her compelling journey from an adult film performer to a transformative therapist, opening up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path. They delve deep into the challenges of reducing digital overconsumption, discussing practical, evidence-based strategies from Jennie's book that can help you realign your life with your values and build meaningful real-world connections.

Discover how to take on a 30-day challenge designed to shift your smartphone use from unintentional to intentional, making every minute count towards your personal fulfillment. Robert and Jennie also explore the importance of maintaining human connections in the digital age, the potential impacts of overusing smartphones, and how to cultivate a balanced, intentional relationship with technology. Don't miss Jennie's unique insights on parenting, mental health, and the value of vulnerability and intimacy. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable advice, heartfelt stories, and actionable tips to help you navigate the digital world mindfully. Whether you're looking to cut down on screen time, connect more deeply with those around you, or simply hear an inspiring story of transformation, this interview has something for you.

Be sure to check out Jennie on intagram and at her website to stay tuned for updates on her new book!

This episode is brought to you by OneSkin for wonderfully light mineral sunscreen oil that also works to heal your skin at the cellular level. Get 15% off your first purchase over at http://oneskin.co with the code "DUFF".

Hello, everyone!

Thank you SO much for joining me for episode 400. I can't believe it's been 400 episodes already. Blows my mind. In this episode, I have a (creepy) mystery question that I share, and I also go through some rapid fire questions from the Hardcore Self Help Facebook group.

A special shout out to everyone who has been with me from the start. Here is to the next 100 episodes!

As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the full transcript at http://duffthepsych.com/episode400

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Feeling proud of yourself for 2024 so far? Take time to celebrate your wins and make adjustments. Therapy is a great tool for setting goals, and BetterHelp offers convenient, online sessions to fit your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist and switch anytime at no extra cost. Visit betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month.