Anxiety Society

In this episode of the Anxiety Society podcast, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are joined by Ryan Judd, a seasoned therapist, to dive into the world of therapy. They explore the distinctions between good and bad therapy, the importance of evidence-based treatment, and how to ensure you or a loved one are getting the right help. From understanding diagnoses to recognizing red flags in therapy, this episode is packed with insights to help listeners navigate their mental health journey effectively.Key Points:- [0:00] Welcome and Introduction  Dr. McIngvale and Cali kick off the episode by welcoming Ryan Judd, discussing the importance of understanding what good therapy looks like.- [0:55] Ryan's Background and Passion for Therapy  Ryan shares his journey into therapy, fueled by personal experiences with anxiety and OCD, and his commitment to evidence-based care.- [3:03] The Anxious Moments Segment  The hosts share their weekly "anxious moments," from Cali's edgy new look to Ryan's anxiety at a slide park with his nephews.- [8:10] What is Therapy?  A deep dive into the true purpose of therapy, how it should help solve problems, and why it's not just about feeling good after each session.- [12:10] Therapy as a Coaching Relationship  Ryan explains how effective therapy should be like a coaching relationship, with structure, goals, and accountability.- [15:10] Diagnosis and Treatment Planning  The importance of receiving a clear diagnosis and treatment plan within the first few sessions, and why it's crucial for effective therapy.- [30:43] Red Flags in Therapy  Identifying red flags such as therapists who claim to treat all disorders or use too many different approaches, and why these might indicate inadequate care.- [41:36] What to Expect in Therapy Sessions  A discussion on the structure of therapy sessions, the importance of setting goals, and why therapy should be time-limited for specific issues.Quotable Moments:[11:43] "Great therapy doesn’t always feel good in the moment, but it's necessary for real change." - Ryan Judd[29:24] "If you’re seeing a therapist for years and still struggling, it might be time to reassess your treatment." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale[12:10] "Your therapist should be a coach, pushing you to grow, not just a friend who listens." - Cali WernerLinks Mentioned:SAMHSA.gov: https://www.samhsa.govThis episode sheds light on the critical aspects of choosing the right therapy and therapist. If you've been in therapy without significant progress, it's time to reassess. Reach out to qualified professionals, ensure they're using evidence-based practices, and don't hesitate to ask about their training and experience. For more episodes and insights, subscribe to the Anxiety Society podcast, and follow us on social media for more tips.

Welcome back to The Anxiety Society Podcast! This episode is a special treat as we hold a live Q&A session with our listeners. Join hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner as they tackle your burning questions about anxiety. We explore what anxiety looks like in daily life, discuss the difference between general anxiety and anxiety disorders, and provide insights on handling anxiety in children and the workplace. Plus, we touch on how anxiety can manifest as anger, and share practical advice for both individuals and their loved ones. Tune in for real, raw, and unfiltered answers that will help you navigate anxiety and regain control of your life.Key Points:- [00:06] - Introduction to The Anxiety Society Podcast and today’s special Q&A format.- [01:20] - Discussing the common signs of anxiety in daily life and the difference between typical anxiety and anxiety disorders.- [03:04] - Addressing how anxiety can interfere with everyday functioning and what an anxiety disorder looks like.- [03:26] - Advice for parents on dealing with their child’s anxiety and handling bullying situations.- [04:29] - Responding to a listener who is struggling with anxiety at work and considering changing jobs.- [05:47] - Exploring how anxiety can appear as anger and other emotions.- [07:16] - Strategies for talking to loved ones about their anxiety and encouraging them to seek help.- [10:07] - Addressing an athlete’s anxiety about life after sports and identity beyond their career.- [12:05] - When medication might be recommended for anxiety disorders.- [13:09] - Understanding if and how parents might be contributing to their child’s anxiety and ways to teach children about anxiety.- [15:15] - Tips for discussing personal anxiety with a spouse and improving mutual understanding.- [18:09] - Common misconceptions about perfectionism and how it differs from simply being detail-oriented or Type-A.- [20:00] - The impact of culture on our perceptions of anxiety and perfectionism, and the importance of tailored treatment approaches.- [21:11] - Future directions for the mental health field in improving access to evidence-based treatments.- [22:51] - The role of personal experience in being an effective clinician and maintaining professional boundaries.- [24:32] - Differentiating between diagnosable anxiety disorders and common symptoms of anxiety.- [26:02] - Managing family dynamics when personal anxiety affects household interactions.- [27:50] - Recognizing when anxiety-driven behaviors are attempts to regain control in other areas of life.Quotable Moments:[01:43] - "This is how it's actually applied in real life. Examples that are tangible." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale[03:04] - "If it's more of an anxiety disorder, this is something that's not just turning off or just passing. It gets in the way of your ability to maintain friendships, relationships, your ability to work, your ability to do what it is that you need to do day to day." - Cali Werner[07:16] - "We can't force someone to go to treatment. But if they are not receptive and open to it, it's not going to be that useful." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvaleLink Mentioned:Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod :

In this episode, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner talk about the nuances of anxiety. We start with our usual "anxious moment" segment, where Cali recalls a hilarious yet anxiety-provoking memory. Elizabeth shares her thoughts on imposter syndrome and how it's impacted her in the lead-up to the podcast launch.  Then we have an intro into Anxiety 101, discussing the signs, symptoms, and when anxiety becomes a clinical concern. You'll hear about anticipatory anxiety and the "fear of anxiety," accompanied by relatable analogies like the "storage unit" scenario. We break down the concept of avoidance and reassurance, illustrating how these behaviors feed into anxiety. Finally, we provide practical tips on how to recognize and manage subclinical anxiety, and what to do if you need professional help.Key Points:[00:06] - Welcome to the Anxiety Society    Introduction to the podcast and today's episode.[01:24] - Cali’s High School Mishap    Cali shares a funny yet anxiety-inducing story involving exercise balls.[04:22] - Elizabeth's Imposter Syndrome    Elizabeth opens up about her anxiety leading up to the podcast launch.[06:29] - Anxiety 101 Introduction    Setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on anxiety basics.[07:15] - The Anticipatory Anxiety Breakdown    Exploring the concept of anticipatory anxiety and its effects.[08:17] - The Storage Unit Analogy    Using a storage unit scenario to explain the fear of anxiety.[12:29] - Avoidance and Reassurance Behaviors    How these common responses contribute to ongoing anxiety.[18:11] - Useful vs. Unhelpful Anxiety    Discussing when anxiety serves a purpose and when it hinders.[23:33] - Managing Subclinical Anxiety    Practical tips for recognizing and managing everyday anxiety.[29:05] - Leaning Into Anxiety   Strategies for changing your relationship with anxiety by embracing discomfort.[35:05] - Finding Professional Help   Guidance on how to find a qualified clinician for clinical anxiety.Quotable Moments:[06:29]  "Anxiety lives in the past and the future. It never lives in the present.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale  [29:05] - "If I want to actually have freedom from that anxiety, then I've got to lean into the distress in the here and now, which is so much scarier in that moment.”- Cali WernerLinks Mentioned:Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypodThank you for tuning in to the Anxiety Society podcast! We hope you gained valuable insights into anxiety and how to manage it effectively. Remember, if you enjoyed the episode, please rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more people and make a positive impact. Until next time, let's change our relationship with anxiety together.

In this episode we get into the challenges that come with back-to-school anxiety, not just for kids but for parents too. Our hosts share personal stories, practical strategies, and expert advice on how to manage anxiety as the new school year begins. Whether it's normalizing anxious feelings, discussing the role of parents in modeling calm behavior, or addressing more severe issues like school refusal, this episode is packed with insights that can help families navigate this stressful time with confidence. Key Points:[0:00] Introduction and Anxious Moments:    The hosts discuss their own recent experiences with anxiety, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about managing stress in everyday life.[4:14] Back-to-School Anxiety:    A discussion on how the return to school impacts not just students but the entire family system. The hosts emphasize the importance of normalizing anxiety during this transition.[5:12] School Stress Statistics:   The hosts share eye-opening statistics on school stress, bullying, and the impact of social media on mental health, highlighting the pervasive nature of anxiety in today’s educational environment.[12:16] Parental Influence on Child Anxiety:   The role of parents in either exacerbating or alleviating their children's anxiety is explored, with tips on how to model resilience and confidence.[27:20] School Refusal and Professional Help:    Addressing more severe cases of anxiety like school refusal, the hosts discuss when and how to seek professional help, including the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and parent-focused interventions like the SPACE program. Quotable Moments:[3:03] “just that friendly reminder that saying no to something else also allows you to say yes to you in different ways.”  - Dr Elizabeth McIngvale[22:44] "The way we show our kids that they are strong, they can do hard things, and that we love them is by believing in them." - Dr Elizabeth McIngvale[16:31] “I know you're scared and I know you can do scary things” - Dr Elizabeth McIngvale Links Mentioned:Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod : https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypodUnderstood.com: https://www.understood.org/As the school year begins, remember that anxiety is a normal part of life. By modeling healthy behaviors, encouraging open conversations, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can help your child—and yourself—navigate these challenges. Together, we can change the conversation around anxiety!

Welcome back to The Anxiety Society podcast! In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner discuss the pervasive impact of social media on mental health. We explore recent findings and the US Surgeon General's call for warning labels on social media, akin to those on tobacco products. The conversation tackles how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok contribute to anxiety, depression, and body image issues, especially among adolescents. We'll also discuss personal experiences with anxiety, the importance of setting boundaries with technology, and practical steps for creating meaningful, real-life connections. Join us as we challenge the status quo and provide insights on managing anxiety in the digital age.Key Points:[0:06] Introduction to The Anxiety Society - Introduction to The Anxiety Society podcast and episode overview.[1:26] Personal "Anxious Moments" - Struggling with balance and feeling overwhelmed.[3:13] Clinical Consultation Anxiety - Dealing with inappropriate language and rumination.[6:26] Surgeon General's Warning - Surgeon General's warning on social media's impact on children's mental health.[10:11] Reflections on Social Media - Personal reflections on social media's role in anxiety and comparison traps.[15:01] Risks of Unsupervised Internet Access - The risks of unsupervised internet access for children.[19:39] Potential Social Media Accountability - Discussion on potential lawsuits and accountability for social media platforms.[27:13] Anxiety and Storytelling - Coping with social media-induced stress.[31:13] Setting Personal Boundaries - Homework: Setting personal boundaries with technology.Quotable Moments:[2:34] - "Life is always going to be overwhelming, and there really isn't a middle space; we need to just accept that." - Cali Werner[6:26] - "Social media is being equated to tobacco use in 2024 due to its impact on mental health, especially among youth." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale[30:47] - "You don't grow from things that are easy; you grow from things that are challenging." - Cali WernerLinks Mentioned:US Surgeon General NY Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/health/surgeon-general-social-media-warning-label.htmlAnxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypodBook Recommendation: The Anxious Generation - https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/Thank you for joining us today on The Anxiety Society podcast! We hope this episode has provided valuable insights into the impact of social media on mental health. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram for more content and updates. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others who might benefit from our message. Remember, together we can change our relationship with anxiety and get back to living our lives to the fullest.

Hey Anxiety Society listeners! Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner are back with another eye-opening episode. This week we’re peeling back the layers on the mental load that comes with parenting, daily life stressors, and why our society is grappling with more anxiety than ever before. We’re sharing relatable ways we juggle with work, family, and those pesky everyday anxieties effectively and ineffectively. Get ready for some candid unfiltered conversations and actionable advice that will help you reclaim control over your anxiety and improve your daily life.Key Points:[1:19] Makeup Madness:Cali’s hilarious makeup mishap and navigating daily anxieties [3:33] Parenting Pressures: Liz’s reflections on the anxiety spikes from parenting and life stressors[6:32] Mental Load Mayhem: The crushing mental load of motherhood and feeling perpetually overwhelmed[10:13] Embracing Discomfort: Facing discomfort head-on to prevent enabling anxious behaviors[11:50] Play and Anxiety: How societal shifts have eroded children’s ability to tolerate anxiety[14:14] Tech Trouble: The impact of technology on our social interactions and anxiety levels[19:15] PTSD Pathways: Effective treatments and recovery strategies for PTSD and trauma[28:14] Tolerance Training: Building distress tolerance: Your secret weapon against anxiety[33:09] Social Media Sneak Peek: Sneak peek: Social media’s role in our growing anxiety epidemicQuotable Moments:- [6:32] "The mental load of motherhood is like juggling flaming torches while balancing on a tightrope. It’s overwhelming, but acknowledging it is the first step to managing it.” - Cali Werner- [10:13] "Facing discomfort head-on is crucial. If we constantly avoid it, we’re just feeding the anxiety monster.”- Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale- [14:14] "We’ve traded real connections for screen time. It’s no wonder our ability to handle anxiety has plummeted."- Dr. Elizabeth McIngvaleLinks Mentioned:Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypodBook Recommendation: The Anxious Generation - https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/Thanks for hanging out with us on the Anxiety Society podcast. We hope today’s episode gave you some powerful insights and tools to tackle anxiety head-on. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode, and if you loved what you heard, please leave us a review. Your feedback helps us reach even more people who could benefit from these conversations. Follow us on Instagram at @AnxietySocietyPod and visit our website AnxietySocietyPodcast.com for more resources and to send us your burning questions.Remember, we live it, we contribute to it, and together, we can change it. Let’s tackle anxiety together – one episode at a time. See you next week!

Welcome back to the Anxiety Society Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into the personal journey of our co-host Cali Werner. From her early days as an anxious child to becoming a therapist dedicated to helping others, Cali's story is filled with raw honesty and inspiring moments. After a light-hearted and relatable start where Elizabeth and Cali share their recent anxious moments, we explore Cali's childhood anxieties, her struggles with OCD, and how she turned her challenges into a powerful tool for helping others. This episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone dealing with anxiety.Key Points:[1:20] - IntroductionWe're kicking off with a focus on Cali's journey. Get ready to hear her story![1:55] - Parenting AnxietyElizbeth's candid share about her daughter's medical anxiety hits home for many parents.[5:07] - Cali’s Anxious Moment Of the WeekCali's relatable anxious moment about being late for a coffee date—who hasn't been there?[6:37] - Early Stages of AnxietyCali opens up about her childhood, the early signs of anxiety, and her 'horse girl' phase.[11:00] - Growing Up With AnxietyThe pressure of school and sports: How Cali's anxiety showed up during her formative years.[17:09] - The Family DynamicFamily dynamics and anxiety: How Cali's parents responded during high school.[20:20] - Challenges FacedCollege struggles: Cali's battle with OCD and intrusive thoughts.[23:40] - A Turning PointCali's coach steps in, and she begins her recovery journey.[26:00] - Path of Less AnxietyFrom functioning to freedom: Cali's path to managing and overcoming anxiety.Quotable Moments:[5:56] - "As anxiety clinicians, so many times we deny what we're being told because it's easier to deny it. But what we also know is that if we deny it, it's way worse in the long run." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale[22:42] - "You can’t get rid of the problem unless you’re working on the problem." - Cali Werner[31:54] - "When we face our fears, not only do we get the excitement and freedom that we no longer have to be afraid, but we feel empowered because we're proud of ourselves." - Cali WernerLinks Mentioned:Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypodBook Mentioned: *McFarland, USA* | https://www.amazon.com/McFarland-USA-Kevin-Costner/dp/B00UI5CU6YThank you for joining us on this heartfelt episode of the Anxiety Society Podcast! Cali's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of proper treatment. If her story touched you, make sure to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave us a review. Stay connected with us on our website and Instagram for more insights and community support. Remember, we’re all in this together. Can you come through?

Welcome back to the Anxiety Society podcast! In this episode, your hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, open up about their personal journeys with anxiety. They explore how these experiences have shaped their lives and careers as therapists. From rescuing stray dogs to navigating social anxieties, they share the most vulnerable moments and lessons learned. Tune in to hear about how the transformative power of effective treatment, can lead to freedom from anxiety. This is a raw, and unfiltered conversation that reveals how we can overcome anxiety in everyday situations.Key Points:[00:06] - IntroductionDiscover the mission of the Anxiety Society podcast and what we aim to achieve together.[01:35] - New Segment: Anxious Moment of the WeekWe introduce a fresh segment where we share our personal anxious moments. It's real, raw, and relatable.[02:19] - Cali’s Anxious MomentCali rescues a stray dog, leading to a heartfelt discussion about anxiety, compassion, and coping mechanisms.[06:14] - Elizabeth’s Anxious MomentElizabeth reveals her social anxiety over a coffee meetup, offering a candid look at how anxiety can sneak into everyday situations.[10:07] - Relational AnxietiesWe delve into the complexities of relational anxieties and how they affect our interactions and self-perception.[11:17] - Elizabeth’s Journey with AnxietyElizabeth begins sharing her powerful personal journey with anxiety, starting from her childhood and leading to her struggles with OCD.[19:36] - The Impact of OCDA deep dive into how OCD disrupted Elizabeth's daily life and the challenges she faced before seeking help.[25:11] - Turning PointThe pivotal moment when Elizabeth sought effective treatment, marking the beginning of her path to recovery.[32:24] - Finding FreedomThe role of effective treatment in achieving freedom from anxiety, emphasizing the importance of proper care and support.Quotable Moments:[34:37] - "Our stories shouldn't be exceptions; they should be the norm. With effective treatment, you can find freedom from anxiety.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale[35:27] - "You don't have to just survive with anxiety; you can thrive and live a life free from its grasp.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale[36:42] - "It's not about fighting to function; it's about fighting for freedom.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvaleLinks Mentioned:Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypodThank you for tuning in to the Anxiety Society podcast. We hope our stories and insights inspire you to explore your own relationship with anxiety and seek the help you need. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and make a difference. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with friends and family. Together, we can change the conversation around anxiety.

Welcome to the Anxiety Society podcast hosted by Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner. As therapists and individuals who've navigated our own anxiety journeys, we're here to explore what anxiety really is, how it's ingrained in our society, and most importantly, how we can overcome it. In this debut episode, we share our personal stories, revealing the raw and unfiltered reality of living with anxiety. Get ready to push your boundaries and challenge the status quo as we uncover the truth about anxiety and offer practical insights to help you reclaim your life.Key Points:- [0:06] Introduction: Meet your hosts, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, and discover the mission behind the Anxiety Society podcast.- [1:20] Behind the Scenes: The journey to launching this podcast and overcoming our own anxieties to make it happen.- [2:15] Our Goals: Sharing personal experiences and professional insights to help you understand and manage anxiety better.- [4:22] Natural Responses: Why our instinctive reactions to anxiety often make things worse and how to counteract them.- [10:48] Personal Stories: Dr. McIngvale’s challenge with her daughter’s fear of a toy dinosaur and Cali’s holiday-induced anxiety.- [18:03] Teaching Resilience: The importance of encouraging children to face their fears and build distress tolerance.- [24:09] Overcoming Performance Anxiety: Cali’s journey from Division 1 athlete to Olympic trials, and how she conquered her anxieties.- [30:14] Effective Treatment: Why evidence-based therapy is crucial and how to avoid the trap of quick fixes.- [33:29] Seeking Help: Encouragement to pursue proper treatment and an understanding of anxiety’s widespread impact.- [39:17] Wrap-Up: Our final thoughts and a call to action for listeners to follow, share, and review the podcast.Links Mentioned:Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.comInstagram: @theanxietysocietypod | https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypodQuotable Moments:[22:08] "Anxiety treatment is when it gets hard. Can we lean in? Can we ride the waves of anxiety? Can we work through it versus running from it?" - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale[34:53] "If it feels uncomfortable, you're growing. Discomfort equals growth." - Cali Werner[18:03] "Without our struggle, we wouldn't know our strength. There is no situation in your life that you're super proud of because it was super easy." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvaleThank you for tuning in to the Anxiety Society podcast! We hope this episode brought you valuable insights and a sense of connection. If you enjoyed what you heard, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who might benefit. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more people who need to hear this message. Remember, together we can change our relationship with anxiety and start living our best lives. Until next time, keep facing those fears and coming through!

Tune in to learn what Anxiety Society podcast is all about!