When Worry Takes Over: A Simpler Way Beyond Overthinking
What if overthinking isn't helping nearly as much as we believe it is?
In this episode of Connect Inspire Create, I'm joined by Danish clinical psychologists Shang Olsen and Michelle Lindhardt for a thoughtful conversation about why our minds become caught in cycles of worry, overanalysis, and self-doubt—and how we can begin responding differently.
Many of us assume that worrying means we're preparing, being responsible, or protecting ourselves. But as Shang and Michelle explain, worry often keeps us trapped in our thoughts rather than moving us toward meaningful action.
Together, we explore the difference between worrying about the future and ruminating on the past, why trying to control our thoughts can sometimes make them stronger, and how a simple shift in perspective can help us feel calmer, more resilient, and better able to move forward.
One of my favorite moments in the conversation is a practical framework for recognizing whether you're facing a problem that can actually be solved—or whether your mind is simply asking questions that have no answer. It's a gentle reminder that not every thought deserves our attention.
We also explore the principles of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), a research-backed approach that focuses less on changing the content of our thoughts and more on changing our relationship with them. Michelle and Shang share simple, practical strategies including the idea of a daily "worry window" that listeners can begin experimenting with immediately.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why worry can feel productive even when it isn't
- The difference between worry and rumination
- How to recognize a problem you can actually solve
- Why trying to control thoughts often backfires
- A different way to think about mental resilience
- An introduction to Metacognitive Therapy (MCT)
- Practical tools for stepping out of overthinking and back into life
A Gentle Invitation
As you listen, notice what your mind does.
Is there something you're trying to think your way through that might instead need one small action or perhaps gentle acceptance that not every uncertainty has an immediate answer?
Sometimes the greatest freedom isn't finding the perfect answer. It's learning that every thought doesn't require your attention.
Where to find Shang and Michelle
Website Shang Olsen: https://metacognitivetherapycentral.com/
Website Michelle Lindhardt: https://www.michellelindhardt.com/home
https://www.youtube.com/@Shangolsen I share insights about worry and rumination based on science and simple and effective strategies on how to step out of these unhelpful thought patterns
https://www.instagram.com/shangolsen/
LinkedIn Shang https://www.linkedin.com/in/shangjulrasulolsen/
LinkedIn Michelle https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-l-1a6283127/
Let me know what you’d like to hear more about on the show
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I’m Carol Clegg, a life coach offering gentle accountability coaching and I am a curious conversationalist.
If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.
If you’d like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircle
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