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The Bonnies speak with Dr. Anthony Pinto, senior director of the Northwell Health OCD Center and a clinical and research authority on obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). They discuss his self-help workbook, which offers practical exercises for people with OCPD and may also be useful to people who relate to some of its traits, such as perfectionism, rigidity, and difficulty delegating. Dr. Pinto explains how OCPD is identified through persistent, pervasive traits that cause problems in a person’s life, and review its diagnostic criteria and related difficulties, including procrastination and decision-making. They also discuss how OCPD differs from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD involves unwanted, fear-based thoughts and compulsions, while OCPD traits are generally experienced as part of a person’s way of thinking and behaving. Dr. Pinto goes on to discuss possible influences on OCPD, including heredity and aspects of a person’s environment, and consider how its traits may be helpful in some settings while causing stress or difficulties in relationships and other parts of life. He emphasizes that OCPD is treatable and that treatment can preserve a person’s strengths while addressing areas where they feel stuck. They cover treatment approaches that include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotion regulation, and behavioral experiments. These can help people tolerate uncertainty, adjust their effort to a task’s importance, and make more room for relationships, leisure, and other valued areas. They also discuss how perfectionism can contribute to procrastination, preserving an ideal, and prolonged decision-making. HIGHLIGHTS: 5:08 Meet Dr. Anthony Pinto 10:16 What Makes a Personality Disorder? 18:05 OCPD Traits and Diagnostic Criteria 24:09 How OCPD Develops 26:52 OCPD Versus OCD 31:47 When OCPD Traits Help—and Hurt 35:16 Treatment: Values, Flexibility, and “Good Enough” 46:15 Procrastination and the Perfect Ideal 52:35 Research, Resources, and Closing Remarks connect with Dr. Pinto website: https://www.ocpd.org/new-york-ocpd-directory/anthony-pinto-phd resources The Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder Workbook is the first self-help book by experts in OCPD to offer practical and accessible CBT skills for managing the maladaptive behaviors of OCPD. The book is published by New Harbinger and is available in both hard copy and e-book. Here’s the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Obsessive-Compulsive-Personality-Disorder-Workbook-Relationships_and/dp/1648486487 Drs Pinto and Wheaton will be offering a full day course on Friday, January 29, 2027. The virtual CME course will be hosted by McLean Hospital. https://mclean.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=1009&IsExhibitor=false The Northwell Health OCD Center is an outpatient specialty program for OCD and OCPD. The program offers individual and group therapy as well as medication management. Most forms of government and commercial insurance are accepted. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Center - Zucker Hillside Hospital | Northwell Health The website of the OCPD Foundation (www.ocpd.org) continues to be updated with new content for individuals and families affected by OCPD. The site hosts the POPS, a self-report questionnaire for OCPD traits and severity, a message board, as well as helpful links for articles, podcast/media interviews, and other education about OCPD. There’s even a link for a free online support group that meets twice per month. The site also includes tailored content for clinicians, including training resources on treating OCPD. Dr. Pinto is collaborating with a researcher at VCU (Dr. Haynos) who was recently funded by NIMH to study decision making in OCPD (study flyer is attached). Recruitment is underway so please spread the word to your patients. The study is also recruiting for patients with OCD as well as those with anorexia nervosa. A great opportunity to support much needed research in OCPD! The study involves interviews that are done virtually and then a brain scan in Virginia. Compensation provided and travel costs covered. Here is a description of the study: Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder Decision-Making Study The REPEAT Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University is currently recruiting adult participants who have symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD; e.g., need for order, control, perfection) and healthy adults without a history of OCPD for a research study. The goal of the study is to understand if decision-making and its underlying brain function differs between individuals in these different groups. Participants in this study complete 3 study visits over the course of the year. The visits will involve questionnaires and interviews about participants’ mental health and health behaviors (e.g., eating habits), height and blind weight measurement, a brief medical screening with vitals, and blood draw (for some participants), and computer tasks completed during an fMRI brain scan. Additionally, on 2 occasions between visits, participants will complete online surveys on their smartphone for 2 weeks. Participants will receive up to $500 for completing this study (plus potential bonuses for task and survey performance). Some aspects of the study can be conducted remotely and reimbursement may be available for some travel costs. For more information, please contact the REPEAT Lab at 804-828-2658 or [email protected], or click here. CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

In this episode Bonnie and Bonnie discuss anxiety and OCD through the lens of superstition, rituals, and fearful thoughts. They talk about beliefs around lucky objects, knocking on wood, prayers, intrusive thoughts, and the fear that thinking about something bad can make it happen. They also address manifestation, health anxiety, and why they see real health-supporting behaviors as different from anxiety-driven attempts to prevent harm. HIGHLIGHTS: 5:11 Anxiety’s Magical Thinking 12:32 Manifesting and Worry Loops 18:25 Health, Habits, and Control 20:05 The Secret’s Pitfalls 22:22 Lucky Objects Exposed CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

BZE and BZW speak about anxiety and stress through the lens of physical health, including research on how to relate to future heart issues. They focus on the behaviors that often go along with anxiety, such as poor diet, smoking, drinking, low physical activity, poor sleep, limited social support, and less consistent medical care. The two also discuss practical ways to reduce stress by changing what is manageable, including improving sleep, increasing exercise, and strengthening social support. A major theme is how small unfinished tasks can build up over time, and encourage writing them down, organizing them, and handling the most stressful item first. They further explore how perfectionism, avoidance, and poor organization can make tasks harder to complete. The Bonnies close out by discussing how to break larger projects into smaller steps and how self-compassion and small actions can help when exercise or relaxation goals feel difficult to maintain. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:36 Behavior Drives Heart Risk 6:37 Stress From Small Tasks 12:18 Perfectionism Blocks Progress 16:01 Rebuilding After Burnout 20:32 Move Your Body Now 23:49 Behaviors Over Anxiety mentioned in episode WomenHeart: https://www.womenheart.org CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies speak with Dr. Kirsten Thompson about treating anxiety and the importance of finding a therapist or psychiatrist who feels like a good fit, including meeting with more than one provider if needed. They discuss when medication may be worth considering, how to start slowly for people with health anxiety, and common options such as SSRIs, buspirone, supplements, benzodiazepines, and propranolol. They also cover the role of therapy and lifestyle changes, the benefits and risks of different medications, and how propranolol can help with performance anxiety. They wrap up by discussing social media, stigma, and Dr. Thompson’s telehealth practice, which provides medication management and collaborative care for patients in California. HIGHLIGHTS: 3:39 Meet Dr. Kirsten Thompson 5:43 When Medication Makes Sense 10:26 Ashwagandha and Supplements 14:28 Medication Feels Like Failure 16:38 SSRIs for Anxiety 21:45 Managing Side Effects 26:19 Benzos and Safety Risks 35:47 Propranolol for Performance 38:50 Social Media and Misinformation 43:58 Remedy Psychiatry Overview connect with Dr. Kirsten Thompson website: https://remedypsychiatry.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/remedypsychiatry FB: https://www.facebook.com/remedypsych CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies talk about how rare and frightening news stories can trigger anxiety and OCD, especially around postpartum mental health. They discuss postpartum psychosis, intrusive thoughts, and how anxiety can make people misread normal thoughts or fears as signs of danger. They also look at similar patterns with topics like suicide or serious illness, and how repeated news and social media exposure can make rare events feel more likely. They close by stressing the value of psycho-education and realistic probabilities, especially for pregnant and postpartum people. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:49 Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts 4:45 OCD and Suicide Fears 8:04 Threat Bias in Anxiety 10:48 Teaching Realistic Probabilities 14:48 COVID and Catastrophic Thinking 16:23 Managing Uncertainty CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies talk about hoarding with Dr. David Tolin, a clinician and researcher who has worked extensively in this area. They begin by distinguishing hoarding disorder from ordinary messiness or collecting, and note that hoarding is characterized by difficulty discarding items, strong attachment to possessions, and often excessive acquisition. They talk about how hoarding develops over time, including early onset in childhood or adolescence, and how stress or major life changes can make symptoms worse. Also, genetic factors and the idea that hoarding can run in families, while still requiring attention to behavior and environment. They then focus on treatment. Dr. Tolin explains that hoarding is not the same as OCD, even though it has often been grouped with obsessive compulsive disorders. He describes current treatment approaches that emphasize decision-making training, problem-solving, distress tolerance, cognitive questioning, and motivational interviewing rather than simply forcing the person to throw things away. They also discuss the importance of insight and motivation, since many people with hoarding disorder do not initially see themselves as having a problem and how clinicians can use Socratic questions to help people examine what their possessions mean to them and whether keeping them fits their values. Finally, they address family concerns, childhood hoarding behaviors, and the limits of medication research noting that there are no randomized controlled trials of medication for hoarding disorder, though some open trials have suggested possible benefit from certain medications. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:05 Clutter Versus Hoarding 4:21 The Fire Changed Everything 7:44 Meet Dr. David Tolin 8:38 Hoarding Is Not OCD 11:24 Defining Hoarding Disorder 15:32 Trauma, Stress, and Risk 18:56 Rethinking Treatment Goals 21:26 Therapy for Hoarding 27:47 Time, Values, and Insight 35:06 Health Hazards and Questions 36:21 A Severe Hoarding Case 39:26 Medication Evidence 41:38 Pediatric Hoarding Concerns 45:23 Insight and Self-Referral connect with Dr. David Tolin website: https://drtolin.com CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

In this episode, the BZW and BZE talk about how feeling understood in relationships can affect stress, well-being, and even physical symptoms. They discuss how anxiety is often misunderstood by partners and family members, and how advice or pressure can sometimes leave people feeling invalidated. They also focus on validation as a practical response, including finding the kernel of truth in what someone is feeling and saying things like “that makes sense” or “I can see this is hard for you.” They explain the difference between offering solutions and offering support, and suggest asking whether someone wants advice, validation, or something else. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:36 Feeling Seen, Feeling Stressed 3:54 When Loved Ones Miss It 5:45 Fixing Versus Validating 8:44 Why Validation Works 12:13 Find the Kernel of Truth 14:22 The Need to Feel Known 16:30 Practical Takeaways for Partners mentioned in episode How to Know a Person (book): https://a.co/d/04qD6vzj CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

In this episode, the Bonnies talk about doctor anxiety and how it can lead people to avoid appointments or feel intense worry before routine tests and screenings. They discuss the value of recommended preventive care, the importance of trusting relationships with doctors, and the role of therapy when health fears become difficult to manage. They also look at the balance between appropriate screening and excessive testing, including how more scans or wearable devices can sometimes increase stress. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:33 Vet Fears, Doctor Fears 2:40 Screening Protects Health 5:45 Facing Mammogram Anxiety 7:12 Trusting Doctors, Timing Tests 10:22 Full-Body Scan Dilemma 14:12 Too Many Tests 14:57 Wearables and Anxiety mentioned in episode Less Medicine More Health by Dr. H. Gilbert Welch: https://a.co/d/01SYYhru CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies talk with Dr. Ethan Hochheiser, a board-certified psychiatrist in general and child & adolescent psychiatry, about when medication may be appropriate for children and teens with anxiety, ADHD, OCD, depression, and related concerns. They discuss how therapy is often tried first, but medication may be considered sooner when symptoms are severe, functioning is impaired, or treatment is not helping enough. They review common SSRI side effects in children, including nausea, diarrhea, headaches, temporary activation, and possible weight gain, as well as less common risks such as suicidal thoughts and mania in those with a predisposition. They also discuss how SSRIs may work, the role of monitoring and family history, and the goal of improving symptoms and tapering medication after sustained remission. The episode closes with discussion of OCD, premenstrual dysphoric symptoms, and ADHD, including how SSRIs can help OCD and PMDD and how ADHD often responds well to medication. HIGHLIGHTS: 4:17 Meet Dr. Ethan Hochheiser 9:04 When Medication Makes Sense 15:12 SSRI Risks and Side Effects 19:48 What Medications Mean for the Brain 23:17 OCD, Exposure, and SSRIs 27:06 Treating Premenstrual Symptoms 28:14 How SSRIs Work 31:12 Stopping Medication Safely 32:43 Are We Over-diagnosing ADHD? 36:48 ADHD Treatment Advantages connect with Dr. Hochheiser website: https://www.ethanhochheisermd.com CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

This episode focuses on social anxiety in everyday life, including difficulty asking for help, making small requests, and fearing judgment or inconvenience. The Bonnies talk about exposure exercises for facing these situations, such as asking for samples or interrupting someone to make a request, and explain how these exercises can show that the feared reaction often does not happen. They also discuss planning for harder outcomes, common forms of avoidance like delaying calls or texts, and encouraging small behavior changes such as saying no, asking for help, and starting difficult tasks sooner. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:49 Whole Foods Exposure Practice 7:36 Handling Rude Reactions 11:46 Asking for Testimonials 15:48 Everyday Social Anxiety Triggers CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies episode on May 28 when BZW visited BZE in Maryland, where they recorded OCD exposure exercises at Whole Foods, was posted on their social media where they received many comments. This episode covers some of the reactions to those exposures, including concerns about ethics and health risks. In response, the Bonnies explain that exposure and response prevention involves facing ordinary contamination fears and that the goal is not to cause illness but to help people tolerate uncertainty and reduce avoidance. This episode starts with a hilarious meeting they had recently with their accountant so don't skip ahead! HIGHLIGHTS: 1:01 The Accountant 'Disaster' 7:15 Eye Exam & Meeting All in One 9:23 Whole Foods Exposures 11:33 Addressing the Ethics 18:05 Expired Food Exposure 19:46 Listener Reactions and Wrap-Up CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies welcome Jordan Roberts, a writer and director with a long career in television and film, who has also built a coaching practice focused on creative blocks, addiction, ADHD, and shadow work. Jordan describes his background in a show-business family, his struggles as a young person with drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and not feeling good enough, and how early therapy opened a different way of thinking. He talks about pursuing validation through creative work, even after major professional success, and how that left the deeper issue of self-worth unresolved. They discuss the shift that came for Jordan from shadow work and from recognizing inner parts that had been hidden or rejected. Jordan explains how he began to allow rather than judge vulnerable, ashamed, or fearful parts of himself, including a late diagnosis of ADHD, and how medication and practical tools now support him. They also talk about anxiety, shame, and the “second arrow” of self-criticism. Jordan describes how meeting his own parts with attention rather than fixing them changed his experience, how this affects his writing now, and how he sees creativity, risk-taking, and emotional honesty as connected to this ongoing work. HIGHLIGHTS: 4:01 Jordan’s Background 6:45 A Powerful Commencement Speech 7:55 Showbiz and Self-Doubt 13:52 Validation Never Filled It 17:03 Meeting the Shadow 20:35 Parts Work and Anxiety 23:18 Allowing the Feeling 25:44 Late ADHD Diagnosis 33:08 The Anxiety Gap 35:50 Feelings Are Not Bad 37:25 Reparenting Through Shadow Work 39:21 Men and Emotional Shame 42:17 Shadow Work Fuels Creativity 44:11 It’s Never Too Late mentioned in episode Jordan's Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/live/sxC8gYAOKe4?si=142nL-SPqAvoGTGh&t=1913 Permission to Feel: https://a.co/d/0hksoWy5 Stick Up For Yourself: https://a.co/d/0j2lScIn The Artist's Way: https://a.co/d/07ZzanXe Driven to Distraction: https://a.co/d/08odLBuE CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies discuss detached mindfulness as a strategy for anxiety, including how it fits within metacognitive therapy. They explain the idea of shifting from participating in thoughts to observing them, especially when a triggering thought leads to rumination or catastrophizing. They describe how this approach is used with health anxiety and panic, where people may focus too closely on bodily sensations. They talk about moving attention outward, noticing when the mind is returning to familiar anxiety patterns, and treating those patterns as a brain habit rather than as facts. BZE also explains a practical exercise for detached mindfulness. The exercise uses a short set of neutral, false, and anxiety-provoking statements, which are read aloud several times before ending with the reminder that thoughts are just thoughts and have no power unless we give them power. The practice is meant to help clients step back from anxious thinking in daily life. They compare this with other mindfulness approaches, including breath focus, body scans, and sound-based exercises, and note that some methods can be difficult for people with anxiety. They close by emphasizing that the goal is not to eliminate thoughts, but to relate to them more as an observer than as a participant. HIGHLIGHTS: 1:27 Anxiety as Thought Traps 3:54 Observing Body Fears 7:15 Detached Mindfulness Practice 10:05 Testing Thoughts Out Loud 15:25 Traditional Mindfulness Options 17:11 Body Scan Memories mentioned in the episode: Metacognitive Therapy for Anxiety and Depression: https://a.co/d/02NNphWN CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

Bonnie and Bonnie talk about comments BZW has received on her social media posts about fear of flying, which drew a large response. People described fears of crashing, being stuck on the plane, turbulence, getting sick, and having panic attacks during flights. A major part of their conversation focuses on vomiting fears, which they share is a common specific phobia. They discuss how some people fear vomiting because it is disgusting, while others fear getting sick, gagging, or not being able to breathe, and they share exposure-based approaches such as watching vomiting videos, gagging exercises, and gradual food-related exposure. They also touch on panic attack “kits” and other safety objects such as sour candy, ice packs, Xanax, water bottles, and phones. They explain that these can feel helpful at first, but that treatment often involves reducing safety behaviors so that panic stops feeling dangerous and life is less organized around avoiding it. Finally, they answer a question about whether GERD or acid reflux can be connected to panic attacks or anxiety. They explain that physical symptoms can trigger anxiety, that the gut-brain connection may play a role, and that treating the physical symptoms can sometimes reduce anxiety, often in coordination with other medical care. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:07 Flying Fears Online 3:33 Vomiting Phobias 8:18 Panic Kit Debate 12:27 Gut-Brain Anxiety CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.

The Bonnies talk about healthy boundaries and why saying yes too quickly can lead to stress, resentment, and over-commitment. They discuss the value of pausing before agreeing to requests, checking whether guilt or obligation is driving our decisions, and thinking through time and energy demands. Each share examples of setting and missing boundaries, including turning down an unpaid, high-stress therapy role and realizing that staying up late for fireworks was not worth the loss of sleep. They also talk about boundaries with themselves, such as protecting sleep, noticing when plans no longer fit what we need, and treating mistakes as learning opportunities. They also cover practical ways to make boundary-setting easier, including listing what gives us energy and what drains us, paying attention to body and mood cues, and reviewing commitments with fresh eyes. They also note that this applies across work, friendships, family obligations, and traditions, and that practicing saying no can make it easier over time. HIGHLIGHTS: 0:48 Healthy Boundaries 4:14 Sleep Boundary Mistakes 10:23 July Fourth Decisions 13:31 Energy Audit Exercise 18:46 Boundary Practice Tips 22:36 Protecting Your Well-Being 24:17 Make a Boundary List mentioned in episode Vibrate Higher Daily: https://a.co/d/0iRfappV CONNECT WITH THE BONNIE ZUCKERS: Bonnie Zucker Ph.D.(west) website: https://www.bonniezuckerphd.com Newsletter sign-up: https://bonnie-zucker-ph-d.kit.com/d44b57fcdf Books by Bonnie West: https://a.co/d/04aNJFDZ Bonnie Zucker Psy.D. (east) website: https://www.bonniezuckerandassociates.com Books by Bonnie East: https://shorturl.at/MxvRZ The content of Anxiety Matters Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute mental health or medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call emergency services or a local crisis line.