Life Free of Anxiety, with Erica & Dr. Charles Barr of CHAANGE

In the second part of the holiday special of the Life Free of Anxiety podcast, hosts Erica and Dr. Charles Barr discuss dealing with holiday-related anxiety, particularly relating to travel. They provide tips and strategies on planning, preparing, and managing situational anxiety like traveling out of your comfort zone, or dealing with delays and unexpected events. They emphasize taking adequate measures to ensure comfort during your journey and using constructive thoughts and distractions to manage fear and anxiety. They wrap up wishing the listeners a Happy Thanksgiving and encourage them to explore their CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program.00:00: Holiday Travel with Anxiety? You’ve Got This! 01:04: Holiday Anxiety and Travel Planning02:18: Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Cars06:05: Planning for Imperfections and Unexpected Events10:55: Tips for Air Travel and Coping Strategies----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Navigating the Holiday Stress: Achieving an Anxiety-Free Holiday SeasonIn this episode of the Life Free of Anxiety podcast, host Erica and guest Dr. Charles Barr focus on dealing with stress and anxiety during the holiday season. They discuss boundaries, dealing with difficult family members, managing expectations, and making good decisions for personal mental well-being. Special emphasis is placed on taking care of oneself and setting realistic expectations. Strategies to overcome holiday stress such as taking breaks, setting personal boundaries, and adjusting unrealistic expectations are also discussed. Furthermore, they note the critical role alcohol plays in heightening conflicts and offer tips to manage consumption.0:00 Anxiety-Free Holiday Gatherings00:53 Intro Music01:30 The Illusion of Perfect Holidays02:57 Dealing with Difficult Family Members06:40 Setting Boundaries and Expectations08:50 Alcohol in Family Gatherings16:57 Self-Care and Taking Breaks22:17 Conclusion and Looking Forward----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode of 'Life Free of Anxiety Podcast', Erica and Dr. Charles Barr discuss the importance of relaxation in battling anxiety, and the usefulness of the CHAANGE Program. They explore various relaxation techniques including breathing, progressive relaxation, and guided imagery. They also discuss how the program combines these techniques with cognitive therapy to achieve optimum results. Erica and Dr. Barr detail different ways of engaging the mind and body in relaxation exercises and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine. Resources like downloadable relaxation exercises and further information can be found on their respective websites.00:37 The Importance of Relaxation in Overcoming Anxiety02:14 The Role of Relaxation in Anxiety Management03:20 Exploring Different Forms of Relaxation Exercises04:25 The Power of Breathing in Relaxation12:08 The Concept of Progressive Muscle Relaxation16:07 The Role of Guided Imagery in Relaxation21:22 Other Methods of Relaxation25:57 The Importance of Regular Relaxation Practice----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica discuss:The importance of relaxation techniques for overcoming anxiety and living your best lifeThe numerous physiological and psychological benefits of relaxation, including lowered blood pressure, reduced stress hormones, anger management, clearer thinking, and moreHow relaxation can help grow your hippocampus and improve learningUnexpected effects of relaxation like an increased sense of calm and freedomHow relaxation exercises helped Erica manage expectations of others, PMS symptoms, and pregnancy-related anxiety----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

From 8 Days Without Sleep to Parasailing in 15 Weeks: Barbara Linney Shares Her Anxiety Recovery StoryBarbara Linney joins Erica on the podcast to share her amazing story of overcoming severe anxiety using the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program in 1984. Highlights include:Going from 8 days without sleeping due to panic attacks to parasailing in Acapulco in just 15 weeksUsing CHAANGE tools like relaxation exercises to stay calm decades later during new anxiety triggersGetting better from anxiety subtly as you start living your life againMaintaining a relaxed state for over 30 years thanks to the programA few standout quotes include:"At that seven week mark, I thought, 'Okay, whatever that is, I can't do anything about it. Drive on home and let it go.'""Your mind just kind of gets clearer anyway, once you've learned to relax your body.""It's very, very exciting. And they used to tell me regularly, 'I know this is boring. We don't care, do it anyway. It'll fix you.'"----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode, Dr. Barr and Erica discuss different therapy options for treating anxiety, including EMDR, talk therapy/counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), breathing retraining, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and exposure therapy.Erica shares her personal experience trying EMDR and talk therapy, which provided some benefits but did not fully resolve her anxiety symptoms.Dr. Barr explains how CBT works to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that can trigger anxiety. He also discusses the importance of practicing relaxation techniques like controlled breathing.Mindfulness is introduced as a way to observe anxious thoughts without reacting to them. Dr. Barr uses the metaphor of sitting by a river and watching thoughts float by.Exposure therapy is explained as a way to gradually face feared situations in a controlled, safe setting. Erica describes her experience using exposure therapy to overcome her fear of elevators.They emphasize the need to find an approach that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of anxiety. A combination of CBT, breathing exercises, and exposure therapy worked best for Erica.Dr. Barr explains how he uses the ​CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program​. The goal is to equip the person with tools to manage their anxiety.We end by stressing the importance of not giving up and finding an anxiety treatment plan that works for you. With practice, you can overcome anxious thoughts and retrain your mind and body.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Show Notes: The Life Free of Anxiety PodcastHosted by Dr. Charles Barr and Erica of CHAANGEEpisode: Trembling, Sweating, Heart Racing? Yep, It's Just Anxiety!In this episode, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica discuss the various symptoms of anxiety disorders. They cover physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, feeling faint or dizzy, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue. They also discuss mental symptoms like racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, derealization (feeling detached from reality), fears of losing control or going crazy, and avoidance behaviors.Dr. Barr explains how the body's fight-or-flight response causes many of these symptoms, as the brain prepares the body to respond to perceived threats. Even though the threats are not real in the case of anxiety, the body reacts as if they are. He emphasizes that while the symptoms feel dangerous, they cannot actually hurt you. He also notes how our brains try to find reasons for the symptoms, often falsely attributing them to health conditions like heart attacks. Overall, the episode provides a thorough overview of anxiety disorder symptoms to help sufferers better understand what is happening in their bodies and minds.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Show Notes: The Life Free of Anxiety PodcastHosted by Dr. Charles Barr and EricaEpisode: The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Heart Palpitations and AnxietyIn today's episode, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica delve deep into the phenomenon of heart palpitations, one of the most unsettling and common symptoms experienced by anxiety sufferers. Both share personal anecdotes and insights that shed light on this perplexing physical reaction.Topics Covered:What are Heart Palpitations? - A first-hand experience of what it feels like when the heart takes on a rhythm of its own.Decoding the Causes - From relaxation, supplements, to hormonal shifts, the myriad factors that might trigger heart palpitations.Understanding the First Fear vs. Second Fear - The innate reactions we can't control versus the reactions we absolutely can.Heart Attack or Anxiety? - Navigating the murky waters of understanding whether your palpitations are a sign of something more serious.Relaxation as a Cure - The power of relaxation exercises in reducing the incidence of heart palpitations.The Role of Supplements and Diet - Erica's experience with throat coat tea and other surprises that might be lurking in your pantry.Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, shares her journey and the life-changing role of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, emphasizing that there's hope for everyone struggling with anxiety. Tune in and find comfort in shared experiences and expert advice.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

To find out more about the LifeSkills for Kids program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com/kids!In this  episode, Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, and Dr. Charles Barr, Director of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, discuss the important topic of identifying and addressing anxiety in children. They share insightful experiences and offer hope for parents who are struggling to support their anxious children.Topics Covered in this Episode:Identifying Anxiety in Children: Signs and symptoms that suggest a child might be struggling with anxiety.Parental Perspectives: The type of parents who seek help and the confusion they often experience.Physical Manifestations of Anxiety in Children: The ‘stomach aches’ and ‘headaches’ that may actually be signs of anxiety.Beyond Shyness: Dr. Barr talks about the differences between natural introversion and anxiety-driven avoidance in children.Long-term Impact: Discussion about how untreated anxiety in childhood can potentially affect a person throughout their life.Trauma Signs and Red Flags: How to discern if a child’s behavior may be signaling a deeper, traumatic experience.Effective Communication with School and Caretakers: Advocating for your child and investigating possible external influences on their anxiety.The Role of Parents: The impact of parents’ words and actions on a child’s perception and understanding of the world, and the importance of being mindful of this.Tools for Change: A teaser for future discussion on effective strategies and tools parents and children can use to manage and overcome anxiety.Listen to this episode to gain insights into the different forms anxiety can take in children, and find hope through the expertise of Dr. Barr and Erica's own lived experience overcoming anxiety. They’re here to show that with the right tools and guidance, anxiety can be treated effectively.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode, Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, and Dr. Charles Barr, her therapist and a fellow alumni of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, discuss the important topic of identifying and addressing anxiety in children. They share insightful experiences and offer hope for parents who are struggling to support their anxious children.Additionally, we discuss the LifeSkills for Kids program, an at-home program for helping your child learn to deal with the stresses and anxieties of life, so it doesn't affect them as adults! The LifeSkills for Kids program is coming back later this month, so head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Kids to find out more!Topics Covered in this Episode:Identifying Anxiety in Children: Signs and symptoms that suggest a child might be struggling with anxiety.Parental Perspectives: The type of parents who seek help and the confusion they often experience.Physical Manifestations of Anxiety in Children: The ‘stomach aches’ and ‘headaches’ that may actually be signs of anxiety.Beyond Shyness: Dr. Barr talks about the differences between natural introversion and anxiety-driven avoidance in children.Long-term Impact: Discussion about how untreated anxiety in childhood can potentially affect a person throughout their life.Trauma Signs and Red Flags: How to discern if a child’s behavior may be signaling a deeper, traumatic experience.Effective Communication with School and Caretakers: Advocating for your child and investigating possible external influences on their anxiety.The Role of Parents: The impact of parents’ words and actions on a child’s perception and understanding of the world, and the importance of being mindful of this.Tools for Change: A teaser for future discussion on effective strategies and tools parents and children can use to manage and overcome anxiety.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode of The Life Free of Anxiety Podcast, Erica, a former patient and now a successful overcomer of anxiety, alongside Dr. Charles Barr, delve into their personal experiences with anxiety and how they managed to regain control over their lives.Panic and Anxiety History: Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how some people can pinpoint their first panic attack while others have dealt with anxiety all their lives. They dissect how creative minds may have a heightened imagination that might enhance fears and anxieties.The Impact of Substance Use: Erica candidly shares her experience with marijuana use and how it led to heightened anxiety and the fear of permanency in that state.Depersonalization and Anxiety: They explore the concept of depersonalization, a sensation that can make individuals feel like they're losing their mind. Erica recounts her battles with this sensation, particularly during stressful situations, and how she successfully overcame it.The Path to Recovery: Erica and Dr. Barr highlight the importance of practicing therapy for anxiety disorders, emphasizing that improvement is impossible without consistent practice. They discuss exposure therapy and the initial fear and skepticism that comes with confronting anxiety-inducing situations.The Role of Medication: The duo addresses the controversial role of medication in treating anxiety, acknowledging the variability in individual responses. Erica shares her personal journey, from her struggles with medication to eventually overcoming her fears and phobias without it.Hope and Recovery: Lastly, the podcast promotes a message of hope. Contrary to common misconceptions, Erica and Dr. Barr stress that it is possible to completely overcome anxiety disorders and live a fulfilling life.If you're struggling with anxiety, remember that there is hope. The CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program is designed to help you beat anxiety in 16 weeks. Listen to the experiences of those who have walked the same path and emerged victorious. You're not alone, and there is a process to get you through this.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode of "The Life Free of Anxiety Podcast," Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders, discusses his personal journey with panic disorder. He delves into the world of anxiety disorders, the symptoms, and the effects they can have on a person's life. Erica, a former patient of Dr. Barr who has successfully overcome her anxiety through the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, co-hosts the podcast.Highlights from the podcast:Dr. Charles Barr's personal experience with a panic attack: He had a panic attack during an earthquake while alone in his office. This incident led to a personal understanding of what his patients go through and a special interest in anxiety disorders.Exploring the term 'Depersonalization': Depersonalization, according to Dr. Barr, is a feeling of unreality, as though you're losing a grip on yourself. It is a common symptom of panic disorder.Anxiety is the 'great mimicker': Dr. Barr explains that anxiety can mimic symptoms of serious health conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, leading to misinterpretation of the symptoms.The devastating impact of panic disorder: Panic disorder can completely change how a person perceives themselves and the world around them.The importance of tackling 'What-ifs': Dr. Barr emphasizes the need to control anxiety-inducing thought patterns and replacing the 'What-ifs' with 'So what?'There's help and hope: Dr. Barr assures that panic disorder can be managed and overcome with the right set of tools like cognitive-behavioral therapy, breathing, and relaxation training.Skepticism is normal: If you're feeling skeptical about whether you can overcome your anxiety, Dr. Barr assures that it's normal. What's important is to keep an open mind and be willing to seek help.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Welcome back to the NEW and IMPROVED Life Free of Anxiety podcast! We have been on a break, but after undergoing major surgeries and welcoming a newborn baby, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica have much to share. So stay tuned! We're back with more enlightening insights and personal experiences about coping with stress, anxiety, and life changes. As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3-------------------------------This week, we're discussing:A Society That Forgets to PauseDr. Barr and Erica take a critical look at society's expectations about taking breaks. Whether it's recovering from surgery, adjusting to life with a new baby, or even managing an aging pet, life throws challenges that demand pause and care. Yet, we're often pressured to 'keep on trucking' and maintain appearances of normalcy. This societal tendency can be incredibly stressful, exacerbating existing challenges and potentially creating new ones.Social media can be a particular culprit, displaying snapshots of seemingly perfect lives and rapid recoveries. Such representations can put enormous pressure on individuals to bounce back quickly after life-altering events like childbirth or surgeries. It's crucial to remember that healing takes time and everyone's journey differs.Healing and Acceptance: Everyone's Journey Is UniqueDr. Barr emphasizes that your body's needs and pace should be respected. Healing doesn't always happen quickly, and patience with oneself is crucial. It's not uncommon to feel disappointed if your recovery doesn't match someone else's story. This is especially true with seemingly universal experiences, like breastfeeding after childbirth. It's essential to remember that each body and circumstance is unique, and comparison only fuels anxiety and self-doubt.Managing Stress with The Right ToolsErica shares an invaluable lesson about managing stress and anxiety — the importance of having the right tools. She recalls her initial skepticism about tools as a solution, feeling they were too simple to address something as complex as anxiety.----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

PART TWO!There is no such thing as a life free of stress! But not all stress has to be bad.A wedding, a birth, a promotion, a move or any number of exciting things can cause stress. But can your body tell the difference between good and bad stress?In today's episode Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how good stress is in fact good, yet it can also be something that happens before a major panic attack.Sounds confusing right? Don't worry, we have a licensed clinical therapist who is going to break it all down for you!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comAs always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxie----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

There is no such thing as a life free of stress! But not all stress has to be bad.A wedding, a birth, a promotion, a move or any number of exciting things can cause stress. But can your body tell the difference between good and bad stress? In today's episode Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how good stress is in fact good, yet it can also be something that happens before a major panic attack. Sounds confusing right? Don't worry, we have a licensed clinical therapist who is going to break it all down for you!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comAs always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode Erica and Dr. Charles Barr, PhD continue their discussion on effective treatment of severe anxiety.Ever wonder how a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist treats anxiety in their office? Find out how in this episode!  Erica and Dr. Barr discuss topics such as: When is it appropriate to recommend a patient get medication?What key things do you look for to determine if someone is having true mental illness or a bout with severe anxiety?Why the difference between feelings of unreality (depersonalization) and actually losing touch with reality are so important to identify as a professional.Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode Erica and Dr Barr begin by discussing MRIs and claustrophobia. Erica recently had to get an MRI done and was able to find an incredible alternative to make the experience non-claustrophobic. Also in this episode… Ever wonder how a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist treats anxiety in their office? Erica asks Dr. Barr questions such as: When is it appropriate to recommend a patient get medication?What key things do you look for to determine if someone is having true mental illness or a bout with severe anxiety?Why the difference between feelings of unreality (depersonalization) and actually losing touch with reality are so important to identify as a professional.Also…How Dr. Barr treats those who are dealing with specific phobias… including a young woman with a dog phobia who Dr. Barr was hired to help on the show “The Dog Whisperer.” Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com ----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Did you know there's a proper way to grieve? Author, radio host, and counselor Gina Pastore speaks from her own experience in this episode. If you didn't hear Part One of the conversation with Gina you can find that in last week's episode (Episode 50). Gina also shares tips on how she was able to get over the hump of her deepest, darkest grief after she suddenly lost her beloved husband eight years ago.You'll hear all of this discussed from a time sensitive perspective as we know grief feels even more devastating this year as many are forced to isolate. Be sure to listen to part one of this interview posted last week before you listen to this one to hear Frank and Gina's hilarious and beautiful love story and their time in Major League Baseball!Merry Christmas!Find Gina's Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Picking-Up-My-Shattered-Pieces/dp/0998393584Find Gina's radio show here: KKLA: https://kkla.com/radioshow/1401Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ginapastoreradio ---This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next sess----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Exactly eight years ago, former major league baseball player and radio host Frank Pastore passed away in a motorcycle accident while driving home from work. Frank who played in the major leagues in the late 1980s, was at the time considered to be one of the best pitchers in the entire MLB.After his career ended, Frank went on to later become a drive time radio show host in Los Angeles, on 99.5 KKLA where he discussed current topics, politics, and theology.  His show came on right after Erica's... which is how they met!After Frank's untimely passing, his wife Gina, who married Frank at sixteen years old (yes 16!) was left to pick up her shattered pieces and start a new life as a widow. In this part 1 episode, Gina shares about her and Frank's wild elopement, their time in the major leagues, and how she's more surprised than anyone that she has managed to get through the loss of her amazing husband.We also play you a clip of the absolutely stunning thing Frank said on the air hours before his life would end... describing EXACTLY the scenario that lead to his fatal accident that same evening! If you've lost someone this year or are grieving in any way, this episode is for you.This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

We have news for you: You are under stress. We all are!In this episode, Erica and Dr. Barr cover:The sadness that comes with the holidays looking very differently these days Job insecurity due to the pandemic and the financial demands of the holidays. The loneliness of having to be away from family for the holidays Traveling safely during the pandemic The holidays look different this year for EVERYONE! It's not just you. :)This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)----To get the FREE Making Sense of Anxiety video series for podcast listeners, head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Podcast!----Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!--- Useful Links: FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today! CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program! Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com