DiscoverThe OCD & Anxiety Podcast
The OCD & Anxiety Podcast
Claim Ownership

The OCD & Anxiety Podcast

Author: TheOCDandAnxietyPodcast

Subscribed: 546Played: 21,510
Share

Description

In this podcast we explore how to have a more positive relationship with OCD and anxiety, taking back control so that you can start living the life you choose and not the one chosen by your fears. Each week I interview a range of experts, therapists, coaches and other professionals to find out about the best ways to manage OCD and anxiety. In addition I also interview sufferers of OCD and anxiety as sharing our storiesof dealing with mental health issues is incredibly helpful.
597 Episodes
Reverse
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.  
Why Control Fuels OCD

Why Control Fuels OCD

2026-03-0716:48

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.  
Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains why trying to ‘fix’ OCD keeps you stuck and introduces a single rule: stop treating discomfort as a problem to solve. He covers five practical angles—tolerating uncertainty, replacing the fixing reflex with immediate life moves, cultivating flexibility, using simple micro-skills, and building healthier neural habits. Through metaphors and personal examples, you'll learn clear steps to act on your values despite anxiety and begin breaking the OCD loop 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 can take tiny, harmless thoughts and rapidly inflate them into urgent, consuming anxiety, and why OCD wins when we react by trying to fix or prove the thought. He shares a real-life beach example and practical steps to resist the urge to engage — giving thoughts space, refusing reassurance checks, and refocusing attention — so you can stop fueling the cycle and regain control. The episode also mentions a 12-week coaching program for those seeking structured 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 shares how exercise and simple movement can interrupt OCD rumination, calm the nervous system, and help you rebuild momentum in recovery. He explains why movement uses up stress hormones, brings you into the present, and can be a practical tool alongside therapy or medication. Practical tips include starting small, choosing enjoyable activities, and seeking medical advice if needed 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 how resisting difficult emotions fuels OCD and offers practical guidance on shifting from fighting anxiety to curiously tuning into bodily sensations. Learn how accepting discomfort, practicing curiosity, and building tolerance can reduce compulsions and help 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 In this episode Robert James explains how OCD keeps you stuck by convincing you that you must solve your thoughts before living. He shows that recovery comes from changing your response: tolerating uncertainty, taking action aligned with your values, and building momentum through commitment rather than certainty. Robert also outlines his 12-week Break Free from OCD program—weekly coaching, worksheets, meditations and practical exercises—and invites listeners to book a free discovery call at 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 discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In episode 578 Robert James explores a sneaky OCD compulsion: constantly checking your internal state—how anxious you feel, whether a thought is still there, or if you’ve handled it correctly. He explains how monitoring becomes a safety behavior that teaches the brain to treat uncertainty like a problem that must be solved. Instead of trying to get perfect internal readings, Robert guides listeners to acknowledge intrusive thoughts and discomfort, allow them to be present, and intentionally refocus on values and meaningful activities. He offers practical steps to stop investigating every feeling and to build a new, automatic response to uncertainty. Robert also shares information about his 12-week Break Free from OCD program and a free discovery call at robertjamescoaching.com for those who want structured support to reduce checking, drop safety behaviors, and rebuild their lives around what 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.    
Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explains how rumination fuels OCD and shares a simple three-step technique—acknowledge, tolerate, refocus—to break the cycle. He also teaches a postponement strategy to give your nervous system space and to build long-term resilience. Practical, compassionate, and actionable, this episode shows how choosing to tolerate discomfort and redirect attention can reduce anxiety and help you take back control from 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 interviews a former client, who shares her experience overcoming relationship OCD while planning and ultimately having her wedding. She explains how therapy, acceptance and commitment techniques, and group support helped her sit with uncertainty, cancel and later reschedule a smaller ceremony, and move forward with her life. The episode offers practical hope and concise advice for anyone struggling with relationship OCD and 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.  
loading
Comments (2)

shaqayeq Nourbakhsh

that was perfect thank you❤️

Feb 4th
Reply

Corrinne McMahon

thank you so much for your podcast! it's really helping me.

Sep 11th
Reply
loading