Feeling like a jittery phone or a brain-dead zombie? Let's chat about the different zones of your nervous system and how to get back to that sweet 'green zone' of tolerance. I'll share a funny yet panic-inducing story about my son scaring me to illustrate the fight or flight response. We’ll also tackle navigating Halloween with OCD on overdrive – understanding your body's reactions and getting back to calm can make a world of difference. You'll learn simple yet effective techniques like deep breathing, belly balloons, and how to challenge those pesky thoughts about being a bad mom. Ready to feel human again and reconnect with joy? Check out my intensive program starting in November at ValueDrivenTherapy.com. Get back to feeling safe just in time for the holidays. Tune in next week for more on surviving Halloween with mental health challenges!

01:43 Personal Story: A Frightening Experience

02:59 Understanding the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response

10:44 Understanding Emotional Numbness

11:09 The Importance of the Nervous System

15:56 The Power of Deep Breathing

18:33 Taking Control of Your Mental Health

19:28 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Grab your free 15-minute consult with Erin. 🎥 Erin has limited spots in the intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Sole Sync is now LIVE! A members-only podcast with mindfulness meditations for busy humans.
• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Have questions? Submit them here to get a shout-out on the show! 🗣️

➡️To rate the show: scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

This episode explores the topic of agoraphobia, a phobia characterized by the fear of leaving home or being trapped in inescapable situations. It addresses how such fears can manifest in teenagers, especially following traumatic events like school shootings.

I highlight the overlap between OCD and agoraphobia, and how therapy, particularly virtual therapy, can help manage these fears by building resilience, fostering positive thinking, and utilizing exposure and response prevention strategies. The goal is to empower kids to take proactive steps towards a fulfilling life, free from the constraints of fear. It encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek professional support if their child shows signs of avoidance or anxiety.

00:00 Introduction to Agoraphobia

02:43 Understanding Agoraphobia and Its Triggers

04:39 The Overlap Between OCD and Agoraphobia

06:57 Signs Your Child Needs Help

09:06 Effective Therapy Approaches

13:03 Empowering Your Child to Overcome Fear

20:16 Next Steps

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Sole Sync is now LIVE! A members-only podcast with mindfulness meditations for busy humans.
• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Have questions? Submit them here to get a shout-out on the show! 🗣️

➡️To rate the show: scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

In this episode, I tackle the tough issue of school refusal, especially for kids with OCD. I discuss the challenges parents face when their children refuse to go to school, exhibiting behaviors like crying, faking illness, and being generally uncooperative.

I provide insights on why kids with OCD struggle more in school, often leading to parents considering homeschooling, a solution I strongly advise against. I emphasize the importance of early intervention with an OCD specialist, detailing my therapy approach and the process of working with schools to support these kids.

I also share strategies for gradually reintroducing children to school and creating a supportive environment at home, including maintaining a healthy sleep routine, nutritious breakfast, and a reward system. Finally, I offer practical advice on managing OCD behaviors that interfere with school and stress the significance of collaboration between therapists and schools to ensure better educational outcomes.

01:10 Understanding OCD and School Struggles

02:07 The Pitfalls of Homeschooling for OCD

03:36 The Importance of Early Treatment

04:26 Therapy Options and Approaches

07:14 Recognizing School Refusal Signs

10:58 Strategies to Combat School Refusal

20:28 Creating a Supportive Environment

✨Content is proudly sponsored by NOCD. Go to NOCD.com/savage to get evidence-based treatment from US locations & abroad!

➡️If you're located in North Carolina or Virginia, Book Your Consult with Erin to schedule your free 15-minute video call. 🎥 Erin is now accepting new clients for an intensive outpatient program!

➡️Love the podcast? Awesome! Treat Erin to a coffee! ☕️

➡️Want more? 👏

• Sole Sync is now LIVE! A members-only podcast with mindfulness meditations for busy humans.
• Snag a spot on Erin's email newsletter to get extra tips, tricks, & insider info. 📧
• Shop Erin's store for OCD-themed merch to brighten your day. ☀️

➡️Have questions? Submit them here to get a shout-out on the show! 🗣️

➡️To rate the show: scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, & select "Write a Review" to let others know what you loved most about the episode! ✍️ When you leave that raving review, shoot me a message to get your special bonus! 🎉

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.