The OCD & Anxiety Podcast

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains existential OCD: how normal philosophical questions can become overwhelming obsessions that drive rumination, anxiety, and avoidance. He shares personal experience and practical strategies—pausing instead of compulsively searching for certainty, allowing uncomfortable feelings, using real-life exposure, and refocusing on values—to reduce the power of these thoughts. If you want more support, Robert mentions a 12-week program to help break free and points listeners to his website for a free discovery call 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Robert James explains a practical, easy-to-use approach to reduce rumination and manage intrusive thoughts by training present-moment awareness. He outlines why passive activities fuel anxiety, how active engagement and flow help, and a three-step practice—acknowledge, tolerate, refocus—to bring attention back to the now. Short strategies, meditation tips, and daily actions are offered to help reclaim attention and lessen OCD-related worry 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Hello and welcome to the OCD and Anxiety podcast with Robert James. In episode 600 he explains how certain types of therapy—like unfocused talk therapy, reassurance-based approaches, and some CBT techniques—can unintentionally strengthen OCD by reinforcing doubt and compulsions. He outlines evidence-based alternatives such as exposure and acceptance‑based approaches, offers tips for recognizing when therapy isn’t helping, and points listeners to further resources including a 12‑week program and a free community 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Coach Robert James explains how to move from the chaos of OCD into greater peace by stopping the fight, tolerating discomfort, and changing your relationship to intrusive thoughts. He uses clear metaphors and practical steps—like observing the storm from an island and practicing acceptance—to help you regain confidence and calm in daily 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains "Pure O"—OCD where the compulsions are hidden as rumination and mental checking. He describes how internal compulsions trap you in cycles of doubt, urgency, and overthinking, why they feel so exhausting, and why they’re still compulsions even when nothing is visible. Robert shares his own recovery experience and practical steps to start reclaiming control: learn to spot hidden compulsions, pause the urge to solve everything, practice tolerating uncertainty, and refocus on values and meaningful action. Resources and a free discovery call are mentioned for listeners seeking 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Episode 597 with Robert James is aimed at partners of people with relationship OCD (ROCD). It explains how ROCD is driven by anxiety and the need for certainty rather than a clear reflection of the relationship, and offers practical guidance on what helps and what makes things worse. Learn why repeated reassurance can fuel OCD, how to gently ground your partner, set boundaries, stay patient yet honest, and keep communication open to protect both the relationship and your own wellbeing 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James speaks with Anna, a psychotherapist and associate coach who shares her lived experience of OCD from early childhood through recovery. She explains how OCD showed up in checking rituals, how training in therapy and approaches like acceptance, ACT and exposure helped, and how coaching and structured support can provide practical tools for lasting change. Anna offers simple, actionable advice: take one small step toward help, label intrusive thoughts as OCD, practice tolerating uncertainty, and use structured support to reclaim freedom and rebuild life around your values 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains why OCD often feels worse when you start to recover, how resisting compulsions can make intrusive thoughts louder, and why that discomfort can actually signal progress. He offers simple strategies for tolerating uncertainty, breaking short-term avoidance habits, and building long-term change — and mentions a 12-week program with a free discovery call for people seeking extra 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.  

Free Starter Course: Break Free Course (General OCD) https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=ba16b63d5ade372807e489000486b39c9b8de17b-478ebf87-dd32-47d9-bc5f-28da501c10d5 Free Starter Course: Sensorimotor OCD Course https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4104e42b7d731dd8aea26d77cdc58ed6d831b9f6-893a367f-b240-420e-b9e8-f5890ef1c3b8   Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Host Robert James explains why learning to tolerate uncertainty is central to overcoming OCD and anxiety, and how short-term pausing and observing can lead to long-term relief. He outlines practical steps — noticing bodily sensations, using the observing self, and resisting compulsions — and points to further support through his 12-week program and free starter course and community 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.    

Free Starter Course: Break Free Course (General OCD) https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=ba16b63d5ade372807e489000486b39c9b8de17b-478ebf87-dd32-47d9-bc5f-28da501c10d5 Free Starter Course: Sensorimotor OCD Course https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4104e42b7d731dd8aea26d77cdc58ed6d831b9f6-893a367f-b240-420e-b9e8-f5890ef1c3b8 Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explains why OCD often latches onto the things you care about most — relationships, values, faith, and future — and how that makes the thoughts feel urgent and meaningful. He shares personal experience with relationship OCD and practical guidance on spotting triggers, resisting the solving cycle, and choosing responses that align with your values to reconnect with what truly matters 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.  

Free Starter Course: Break Free Course (General OCD) https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=ba16b63d5ade372807e489000486b39c9b8de17b-478ebf87-dd32-47d9-bc5f-28da501c10d5 Free Starter Course: Sensorimotor OCD Course https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4104e42b7d731dd8aea26d77cdc58ed6d831b9f6-893a367f-b240-420e-b9e8-f5890ef1c3b8   Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explains how trying to control thoughts and feelings actually strengthens OCD, turning worry and checking into compulsions and rigid 'shoulds.' He contrasts content control (trying to change what arrives) with response control (choosing actions despite discomfort) and shows how allowing small amounts of uncertainty rebuilds confidence. Robert offers a simple practical drill—notice the urge to control, allow a bit more discomfort, then do the next valued action—to retrain the brain and reclaim energy for the life you want 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.  

Free Starter Course: Break Free Course (General OCD) https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=ba16b63d5ade372807e489000486b39c9b8de17b-478ebf87-dd32-47d9-bc5f-28da501c10d5 Free Starter Course: Sensorimotor OCD Course https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4104e42b7d731dd8aea26d77cdc58ed6d831b9f6-893a367f-b240-420e-b9e8-f5890ef1c3b8   Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com   Robert James explains how mockery and misunderstanding of OCD can fuel shame and compulsive rumination, and why trying to prove yourself often makes things worse. Learn practical steps to acknowledge the hurt, treat mocking as a trigger, protect your energy, refocus on your values, and build resilience so you can recover without needing others to fully understand 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.  

Free Starter Course: Break Free Course (General OCD) https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=ba16b63d5ade372807e489000486b39c9b8de17b-478ebf87-dd32-47d9-bc5f-28da501c10d5 Free Starter Course: Sensorimotor OCD Course https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4104e42b7d731dd8aea26d77cdc58ed6d831b9f6-893a367f-b240-420e-b9e8-f5890ef1c3b8   Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains how OCD tricks you into demanding certainty and how that need keeps you stuck. He offers a simple, practical approach — acknowledge triggers, tolerate uncertainty, and refocus on values — to start living again despite anxiety. Learn why accepting discomfort calms the nervous system, how to shift attention outward, and actionable steps to move forward with more psychological flexibility 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explores the exact moment OCD hooks you, explaining why intrusive thoughts are normal and why the real problem is engaging with them. He outlines how attention and rumination feed obsessions and offers practical alternatives. Learn simple strategies—notice without analyzing, tolerate uncertainty, use mindfulness and exposure—to create space and move on, plus information about his 12-week support program 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James outlines five common mistakes that keep people trapped in Sensorimotor OCD—fighting sensations, testing for improvement, pseudo-acceptance, trying to do things “normally,” and shrinking your life to avoid triggers. He offers five simple replacement habits and short exposure exercises to retrain attention, reduce compulsions, and start living according to your values, plus info on a structured 12-week program for extra 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James dismantles the common OCD belief that "I'm broken," explaining how intrusive thoughts and compulsions create a learned loop—not a damaged identity. He describes how compulsions reinforce anxiety, how neuroplasticity offers hope, and why learning to tolerate uncertainty is the key to change. The episode also outlines practical steps and mentions a 12-week program to help untrain those habits and move forward with life despite lingering anxiety 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In episode 586 Robert James outlines five common recovery mistakes that keep people stuck: treating anxiety as a problem to be solved, turning recovery into a certainty project, using safety behaviours during exposures, arguing with OCD, and avoiding life until you feel ready. He draws on his own experience and practical examples to show how these habits maintain the cycle. The episode offers simple, actionable shifts — drop compulsions, tolerate uncertainty, take values-led small steps, and focus on direction over destination — to rebuild confidence and move toward a life not driven by 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains how chasing certainty and seeking reassurance actually strengthens OCD and keeps anxiety returning. He shares five practical shifts you can use right away: notice the certainty hunt, stop feeding it with attention or reassurance, allow discomfort without solving it, return to what matters, and practice postponement and small reductions of compulsive behaviors. Over time these steps build tolerance to uncertainty, weaken OCD’s hold, and help you reclaim your 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James (OCD & Anxiety podcast, episode 584) explains what to do when intense OCD urges feel overwhelming and why strong urges can actually signal progress. The episode shares three practical approaches: create space and feel the physical sensations, redirect attention toward your values and the present, and change your bodily state with brief exercise or cold exposure—paired with slow breathing and acceptance—to tolerate urges without relying on willpower 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explains how OCD narrows your world by pulling attention inward through compulsions, certainty-seeking and constant self-monitoring, and why that inward focus strengthens the problem. He offers a clear alternative — shifting attention outward into people, purpose, movement and flow — and outlines practical steps to expand your life, trust your body, tolerate uncertainty, and find structured support through his 12-week program 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.