The OCD & Anxiety Podcast

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.

When Breathing Becomes Loud: Breaking Free from Sensorimotor OCD

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains why hyper-awareness of breathing happens in Sensorimotor OCD, how attempts to control sensations make the problem worse, and what it means to let go. He shares personal experience and outlines a step-by-step approach to retrain the brain, accept awareness, and build lasting peace with bodily sensations 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.    

10-25
06:17

The Perfection Trap in OCD Recovery: Why Trying Too Hard Keeps You Stuck

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James exposes the "perfection trap" — how constantly measuring progress and seeking certainty can become another OCD compulsion and stall real recovery. He explains why focusing on actions and values, not perfect outcomes, creates space for genuine change. Robert shares personal experiences, practical tips to stop checking your progress, and mentions a 12-week coaching program (robertjamescoaching.com) for those who want structured help. 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.  

10-23
06:27

The Anchor Meditation – Finding Stillness in the OCD Storm

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join Robert James on the OCD and Anxiety podcast for a short guided meditation designed to help you anchor into your values during moments of intense anxiety or compulsions. Using the image of a boat and a deep-sea anchor, this practice helps you feel steady amid the storm, connect to what matters most, and let go of the urge to control. Includes breathing prompts, visualization, and reminders to bring the sense of steadiness into everyday life. If you need further support, visit robertjamescoaching.com for a 12-week program and 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.    

10-21
09:21

Swallowing OCD: Lauren’s Story of Acceptance and Recovery

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James interviews former client Lauren about her intense struggle with swallowing (sensorimotor) OCD and the turning points that helped her heal. They discuss how acceptance, self-compassion, managing rumination, and small daily choices — plus professional support — led to gradual freedom, setbacks included 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.  

10-19
26:01

Stop Playing It Safe: The Secret to OCD Recovery

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode, Robert James shares how years of cold exposure—cold showers, ice baths and the Wim Hof method—helped him manage OCD by teaching acceptance of anxiety and building resilience. He explains the idea of leaning into discomfort, creating gentle exposure ladders for obsessions, and the importance of choosing exposure willingly. He also mentions a 12-week program to help others break free 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.

10-16
07:23

From Control to Flow - The Missing Piece in OCD Recovery

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explains how the psychology of flow can help people with OCD and anxiety move out of rumination and back into the present. He discusses Csikszentmihalyi's flow theory, practical ways to create challenging, meaningful activities that demand full attention, and how acceptance, values and purposeful action can reduce compulsive problem‑solving. Robert also shares personal examples (like surfing) and mentions a 12‑week coaching program to support long‑term change. 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.  

10-14
08:21

The More You Resist, the Stronger It Gets – Sensorimotor OCD Explained

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains why resisting bodily awareness makes sensorimotor OCD worse and how shifting from active resistance to gentle, passive awareness can reduce its hold. He outlines short, practical steps—briefly move toward the sensation, practice self-compassion, and use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles to refocus on values and meaningful activity. If you want more support, Robert mentions a 12-week program with a free discovery call on his website 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.    

10-11
07:36

Attraction OCD and the Fear of Being With the Wrong Person

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explains relationship OCD — the painful doubts and rumination that make you question attraction and love — and offers simple, practical steps to stop seeking certainty, come back to the present, and reduce compulsive thinking. He also briefly describes a 12-week program to help break free from OCD and invites listeners to visit robertjamescoaching.com to book 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.  

10-09
10:22

3 Habits Keeping You Stuck in the OCD Cycle

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James outlines three common patterns that keep people stuck in OCD: seeking certainty/perfection, getting trapped in rumination, and rigidly avoiding difficult emotions through compulsions. He explains how learning to tolerate uncertainty, interrupt rumination, and allow uncomfortable emotions can reduce compulsive responses and help you move toward lasting recovery 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.    

10-07
08:01

Sensorimotor OCD: Why Doing Things Manually Isn’t the Issue

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains why manually controlling breathing, swallowing, blinking, or other body actions isn't what keeps sensorimotor OCD going. Instead of treating these actions as harmful compulsions, he encourages acceptance, compassion, and shifting attention toward values and present-moment activities. Learn how letting go of perfectionistic control can help your body resume natural functioning and reduce 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.  

10-04
06:51

The One Freedom OCD Can’t Take Away

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explores how, even when OCD feels overpowering, you still have the power to choose how you respond. He emphasizes acceptance, self-compassion, and redirecting attention toward your values as practical ways to create meaning and move forward. Robert also outlines next steps you can take, and mentions a free discovery call and a 12-week coaching program available 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.      

10-02
06:55

Taking Back Control From OCD

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode, coach Robert James shares a vivid metaphor of a noisy neighbor to explain how OCD demands perfection and certainty, and how we can disempower it by facing anxiety head-on. He discusses practical steps like exposure activities, acceptance, and living by your values, and mentions a 12-week program with a free discovery call for anyone 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.  

09-30
08:04

Reclaim Your Focus: Sensorimotor OCD Meditation

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com This episode is a short guided meditation specifically for Sensory Motor OCD, led by coach Robert James. It teaches you to allow sensations like breathing, blinking, or swallowing without trying to fix them, using gentle awareness and grounding. The practice invites you to imagine your awareness as a spotlight, soften around sensations, and intentionally shift attention toward your values and the life you want to live. You can return to this meditation anytime to build greater ease and focus 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.    

09-27
07:26

Why a Setback Isn't Going Back to Square One with OCD

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains why setbacks are a normal part of OCD recovery and why they don’t erase the progress you’ve already made, drawing on neuroplasticity and practical experience. He offers concise, actionable reframes — patience, acceptance, learning from mistakes, and using exposure and values-based work — to help you move forward after difficult moments 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.  

09-25
10:13

Does Rumination Ever Help? — Breaking the OCD Thought Loop

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explains why rumination is a compulsion that keeps you trapped in the OCD cycle and how repeated thinking for certainty only strengthens obsessions. He outlines practical alternatives—like journaling, practicing letting go, and returning to the present—and mentions a 12‑week program and free discovery call for those seeking more 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.    

09-23
08:01

Is One Type of Sensorimotor OCD Worse? A Coach’s Take

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Robert James explores whether any sensorimotor OCD subtype is truly worse, sharing his lived experience with breathing, swallowing, blinking and other sensations. He explains how OCD often switches themes and why they are all rooted in the same uncertainty and anxiety. The episode outlines practical approaches—acceptance, self-compassion, ACT and exposure—and mentions Robert’s 12-week program and a free discovery call for those seeking structured help. 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.    

09-20
07:22

Letting Go of Control: A Guided Meditation for OCD & Anxiety

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Coach Robert James leads a short guided meditation to help people with OCD and anxiety learn how to let go of the need to control. Using breath awareness and a rope-release visualization, the practice helps soften physical tension and create mental space. The meditation encourages allowing intrusive thoughts and difficult feelings to come and go, building tolerance for uncertainty and reconnecting with your authentic self. At the end there is gentle reflection on small ways to experiment with letting go, and information about further support through Robert's 12-week program at robertjamescoaching.co 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.  

09-18
10:15

OCD Is a Snowstorm: Why Waiting Beats Chasing Certainty

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James uses the snowstorm and snow globe metaphors to explain how OCD amplifies doubt and drives us to act. Learn why waiting and letting the storm settle can bring clarity, reduce compulsive problem-solving, and help you move forward in line with your values. Robert also briefly mentions a 12-week coaching program and a free discovery call 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.    

09-16
07:03

How Sensorimotor OCD Nearly Ruined My Life (& How I Fought Back)

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode, Robert James shares his personal journey of living with and overcoming Sensorimotor OCD—how it nearly destroyed his life, the years he spent isolated and confused, and how discovering a path to recovery inspired him to create a 12-week program and a mission to help others. He discusses techniques like intentional exposure, refocusing attention, and the importance of support. Visit robertjamescoaching.com for a free discovery call and more resources 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.  

09-13
05:36

Why OCD Makes You Focus on What’s Missing (and How to Flip It)

Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode Robert James explains the 'OCD gap'—the tendency to fixate on what’s missing—and contrasts it with the 'gain', the progress you’ve already made. He shows how shifting attention from perfectionism to past achievements helps reduce obsessions and compulsions. This idea of “the gap” and “the gain” was first introduced by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy in their book The Gap and the Gain. I’ll be applying it here specifically to OCD recovery and showing how you can use it in your own life. Practical tips include a daily habit of noting three things you did well and using that momentum to keep moving forward. Robert also mentions a 12-week coaching program and a free discovery call for those 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.  

09-11
09:07

Corrinne McMahon

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

09-11 Reply

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