logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2021
18m 43s

20/30 Intrusive Thoughts and Overthinkin...

Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam
About this episode
Ready to change your life? Buy the full, ad-free Emotion Processing course now for only $147: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/emotion-processing?utm_campaign=Jul%2002,%202021&utm_medium=Description&utm_source=podcast   We swim through our thoughts like a fish swims through water. We don’t even notice that the way we think colors our view of the world. Or sometimes we do notice thoughts that we don’t like, and then we don’t know what to do with them. Sometimes you fight them or struggle against them, but that doesn’t feel any better. So sometimes you get stuck in an endless loop of overthinking, obsessively struggling against a thought. But that’s not any better, because struggle steals your attention and energy. In this episode you’re going to learn how to get unstuck from your thoughts. You’re going to learn how to look at your thoughts instead of through them. This skill is called cognitive defusion.   Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional for $65/week. Try it now for 10% off: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanuts...   Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=07022021   Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanut...   Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapynutshell.com?utm_medium=YTDescription&utm_source=podcast   Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/bes...   Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC, and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC ---- Music licensed from www.Bensound.com or Artlist.io Images from Freepik.com (premium license), Pixabay, or Wikimedia commons        
Up next
Aug 22
Emotional Flashbacks - 13 Strategies for Childhood Trauma from Pete Walker's book on CPTSD
Learn to manage emotional flashbacks, a key symptom of PTSD and Complex PTSD CPTSD, or Childhood Trauma with these tools from Pete Walker. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Check out the FREE Groundi ... Show More
17m 57s
Aug 15
When it feels like Anxiety, but it's actually ANGER w/ Dr. Sarah Michaud
Anger can be a hidden root cause of Anxiety. sometimes suppressed anger comes out as anxiety especially when you've been conditioned to believe that anger is unacceptable. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/memb ... Show More
51m 1s
Aug 7
Harm OCD - Intrusive Thoughts that I Might Hurt Someone
It’s normal that intrusive thoughts are about things that you consider “Bad” but just having a thought won’t hurt you and it doesn’t mean you’re dangerous. Harm OCD is common. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ ... Show More
18m 40s
Recommended Episodes
May 9
When Unwanted Thoughts Hijack Your Peace: Therapy for Overthinking
Feeling like your brain just won’t shut up? You’re not imagining it. In this episode of Take Out Therapy, we’re diving into the relentless stream of automatic thoughts—the mental chatter that keeps empathic high achievers locked in self-judgment, overthinking, and emotional overl ... Show More
14m 17s
Jan 2024
How to Rewire Your Brain with Positive Self Talk with Lisa Mustard
In this episode I explore the transformative power of positive self-talk and its impact on mental health and emotional well-being. I dive into the nuances of nurturing a positive inner dialogue while cautioning against the pitfalls of toxic positivity. Before jumping into the mai ... Show More
12m 54s
Jul 8
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
48m 22s
Jul 7
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
51m 55s
Sep 2024
The Hidden World of Mental Compulsions: Why You Don’t Need to Fix Every OCD Thought
Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 427 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the hidden world of mental compulsions. Discover how to understand these thoughts better and learn to bring more compassion an ... Show More
10m 33s
Jul 2024
Bad Anxiety and Mental Health Advice | Episode 297
Send in a question or comment via text.The Internet is packed with anxiety and mental health advice, but not all of it is useful or helpful.  Some of it can be harmful. This week I'm joined by Emma McAdam, the therapist behind the Therapy in a Nutshell YouTube channel, to di ... Show More
38m 19s
Feb 2025
Letting Go: A Guided Meditation for Overcoming OCD Intrusive Thoughts
Take the next step in your OCD recovery with my course - Use the Promo Code 'BREAKFREE' at Checkout for 50% off: OCD Course - OCD Elements: Foundations for Freedom Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode of the OCD and Anxiety Po ... Show More
11m 3s
Jul 2024
Transforming Resentment into Resilience: Mastering OCD
Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 410! As we dive into the summer season, we hope you're staying comfortable, whether you love the heat or prefer cooler days. For those struggling with OCD or anxiety, Robert James Coaching offe ... Show More
13m 10s
Dec 2024
Letting Go of Perfectionism
Hi, I’m Dr. Jodi Aman, and today, we’re going to tackle one of the biggest roadblocks to happiness and self-acceptance: perfectionism. I’ll be sharing insights on why perfectionism feels helpful but actually holds us back from joy and peace. We’ll explore ways to let go of these ... Show More
26 m
Jan 2025
427: THE Guided Meditation you need for 2025
In this special episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I lead you through a guided meditation designed to help you let go of mental burdens and find focus in an overwhelming world. Using visualization techniques and intentional breathing exercises, this meditation offers a sp ... Show More
26m 58s