In this episode of The Anxiety Society, hosts Dr. Elizabeth Mcingvale and Cali Werner welcome special guest Rogelio Gonzalez, M.A.,Pre-Doctoral Fellow, to dive into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome. Sharing personal experiences and professional insights, they unpack why so many of us feel like frauds, even when we're more than qualified. Together, they explore strategies for overcoming these self-doubts through mindset shifts, setting realistic goals, and embracing growth. This conversation is raw, real, and packed with practical advice for anyone battling their inner imposter.

Key Points:

[0:06] - Introduction to The Anxiety Society Podcast

Dr. Elizabeth Mcingvale and Cali Werner introduce the podcast's purpose: discussing anxiety in an unfiltered way, pushing boundaries to help listeners better understand and manage it.

[1:10] - Meet the Guest: Rogelio Gonzalez

The hosts introduce Ro, a clinician passionate about helping people manage their mental health, who shares his unique journey into the field of psychology.

[2:17] - Imposter Syndrome Defined

The team defines imposter syndrome and why it resonates with so many, even among highly qualified professionals. They explore how it affects both personal and professional lives.

[8:00] - Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome

The hosts and Rogelio share moments where they’ve felt like imposters, from clinical work to social circles. Liz reflects on how imposter syndrome can pop up even in areas where she is otherwise confident.

[24:14] - The Imposter Cycle & Breaking It

The hosts discuss the imposter syndrome cycle and how over-preparing, self-doubt, and feeling like a fraud perpetuate these feelings. They share practical tips on setting process-based goals instead of outcome-based ones.

[35:01] - Tackling Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

Ro and Cali share how workplace environments can either fuel or help alleviate imposter syndrome, and how peer support plays a crucial role in overcoming these feelings.

[42:00] - Steps to Conquer Imposter Syndrome

The episode concludes with actionable steps to overcome imposter syndrome, including setting realistic goals, cognitive restructuring, celebrating small wins, and practicing self-compassion.

Quotable Moments:

[2:20] “I think the biggest question people have is, what do I do about it? I feel it, now what?” — Cali Werner

[8:16] “I remember thinking, I can’t be here. I must have cut a corner somewhere.” — Rogelio Gonzalez

[35:12] “We can’t treat everyone successfully every time... but that doesn’t make us bad clinicians.” — Dr. Elizabeth Mcingvale

Links Mentioned:

• The Anxiety Society Podcast Website: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @anxietysocietypod: http://instagram.com/anxietysocietypod

Imposter syndrome is something that so many of us battle, but you don’t have to fight it alone. Listen to this episode for practical strategies and advice to start overcoming those feelings of inadequacy today. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review to help others find this valuable content.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

Mom guilt—we all face it and together we can change it. In this episode of The Anxiety Society, hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner discuss this universal struggle with special guest Ericka Graham. Together, they explore how conflicting priorities and societal expectations fuel guilt, while offering practical tips to manage it. From setting healthy boundaries to reframing guilt as a tool for growth, this episode provides a compassionate and candid look at what it really means to navigate motherhood and anxiety. Whether you're a new mom or seasoned parent, you'll find relatable stories and advice to help lighten the emotional load.

Key Points:

- [0:00] - Welcome to The Anxiety Society

Dr. Elizabeth and Cali discuss the podcast's mission to address anxiety in everyday life and introduce special guest Ericka Graham.

- [2:00] - Anxious Moments

Each week our hosts share their recent anxiety-inducing moments brought on by everyday challenges and events.

- [3:52] - Defining Mom Guilt

Ericka discusses how conflicting core values often drive mom guilt, using personal examples to illustrate the complexity of these feelings.

- [10:44] - Social Comparisons and Guilt

Liz and Cali talk about how social media and comparing oneself to other moms adds to the pressure, while Erica shares how she found balance by setting realistic expectations.

- [22:33] - Managing Anxious Mom Moments

Ericka recalls a moment when she was speaking at an event and watched her baby struggle on a baby monitor, reflecting on the anxiety and guilt this caused.

- [32:40] - Strategies to Cope with Guilt

Practical advice on self-compassion, boundary setting, and the importance of support systems in overcoming guilt.

Quotable Moments:

- [0:54] "Our goal is to be real and vulnerable, but also to connect with so many others." - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

- [10:07] "Mom guilt is when two or more core values are in conflict with each other." - Ericka Graham

- [38:11] "Anxiety is a reaction to guilt, but underneath it, there's often something we can work through." - Ericka Graham

Links Mentioned:

• Ericka’s podcast: https://curiouslywitherickagraham.simplecast.com/
• National Charity League (NCL): https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/
• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://AnxietySocietyPodcast.com
• Follow on Instagram: @AnxietySocietyPod https://www.instagram.com/AnxietySocietyPod

Motherhood and guilt often go hand in hand, but this episode reminds us that guilt can be a tool for growth. Whether you’re struggling with balancing work and home life, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the expectations placed on moms today, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt stories to help you navigate the journey. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow mom who might need some encouragement!

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the topic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), breaking down common misconceptions and explaining the difference between OCD and perfectionism. They explore the nature of obsessions and compulsions, and discuss effective treatment strategies, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Using real-life examples the hosts illustrate how OCD can manifest, and how treatment offers a path to freedom. Tune in to learn how you can better understand and manage OCD.

Key Points:

[0:00] Welcome to the Anxiety Society Podcast

Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner introduce the podcast and its mission to challenge common ideas about anxiety and mental health.

[1:20] What is OCD?

The hosts clarify common misunderstandings about OCD, explaining what obsessive-compulsive disorder really entails and the difference between OCD and perfectionism.

[9:00] OCD is Not an Adjective

A deep dive into why using "OCD" as an adjective is incorrect, highlighting the difference between personality characteristics and a debilitating disorder.

[17:16] Obsessions vs. Compulsions

An explanation of the intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that characterize OCD, along with examples of how they manifest.

[21:53] Subtypes of OCD

The hosts discuss various subtypes of OCD, including contamination fears, harm OCD, scrupulosity, and taboo subjects like sexual intrusive thoughts.

[31:42] Treatment for OCD: ERP

A breakdown of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the most effective treatment for OCD, and how it helps patients regain control.

[43:04] Freedom from OCD

Personal experiences and encouragement on how ERP can lead to freedom, highlighting the importance of facing fears fully rather than "white-knuckling" through them.

Quotable Moments:

[1:20] "We will spend time today talking about what you might think OCD is—and why it may not actually be that." – Cali Werner

[0:59] "OCD is not functional. It makes you less productive, and it causes distress." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[46:46] "We can handle hard things. We can handle distress." – Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

Links Mentioned

• Anxiety Society Podcast Website: https://AnxietySocietyPodcast.com
• Follow on Instagram: @AnxietySocietyPod https://www.instagram.com/AnxietySocietyPod

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode on OCD! We hope you now have a clearer understanding of what OCD is, how it differs from perfectionism, and how ERP can help you find freedom. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review.

Mentioned in this episode:

World Class Treatment For A Worldwide Need

The OCD Institute of Texas provides compassionate individualized treatment for anxiety, OCD and related disorders with a diverse team of dedicated specialists.