Ever feel like your brain is sounding an alarm you can't ignore, even when part of you knows you're not in real danger? With OCD and anxiety, it's easy to confuse fear with threat and relief with recovery. In this episode, recorded live at the International OCD Foundation Conference, Dr. Yip sits down with world-renowned OCD expert Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz. They explore why fear feels so urgent and why waiting to "feel ready" keeps you stuck. They also cover how approaching fear, rather than forcing yourself to face it, can help you take your life back from the OCD bully.
Here's what we get into:
Why the field is shifting from "facing" to "approaching" your fears, and why most people with OCD never receive ERP
What's happening in the brain when a false alarm feels so real, and why logic and reassurance can't talk you out of it
How compulsions, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking keep the OCD cycle going
Why waiting for the "just right" feeling keeps you stuck, and how values and thinking like a scientist can help you move forward
Inhibitory learning explained, plus one small shift to start standing up to your OCD bully today
About Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz
Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz is a professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an internationally recognized expert in OCD and anxiety disorders, including fears and phobias, health anxiety, and panic. He has more than 350 scientific publications and 20 books, and he is widely respected for translating the science of anxiety and OCD into practical, evidence-based care.
Website: https://www.jabramowitz.com/
Connect with Dr. Yip
Instagram: @drjennyyip
Website: https://dryip.com/the-stress-less-life/
The Stress-Less™ Mama Masterclass: https://dryip.com/the-stress-less-life/masterclass/
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You're not alone, mama. You don't have to do it all. The goal isn't to be perfect. It's to be present, living a Stress-Less Life with science, intentional boundaries, and a whole lot of compassion.
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