The Untangling Anxiety Podcast

Betsy Russell

On the Untangling Anxiety Podcast, host Betsy Russell, mom of 4 + husband- all with OCD and other anxiety disorders, and a former elementary school teacher will share skills to gain power, and find hope. Learn how to transform your anxious life by exploring fears and self-doubt, and ultimately finding healing for yourself and those your love. This podcast features compassionate conversations with people that walk the road of anxiety every day as well as experts that will share with you actionable steps you can take to untangle your anxiety and find more joy and peace.

  1. 02/28/2024

    #18 - A Professional Perspective on All Things OCD and Anxiety with Stephanie Parsons LCSW

    On todays podcast I welcome Stephanie Parsons. Stephanie is a licensed clinical social worker with a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago and has experience in clinical capacities in multiple countries, including Canada, Slovakia, and Thailand. At her core, she is most passionate about treating OCD and anxiety-related disorders having spent the last few years of her career becoming an expert in exposure response prevention therapy. Stephanie firmly believes that all humans are capable of doing hard things, and she recognizes that for many, therapy can feel overwhelming and intimidating. That’s why it’s important to her to offer a space of non-judgement, support, and humor while walking through challenges with her clients.​ Today we talk about the levels of therapy and deciding which is best for each set of circumstances and needs. Steph informs when to reach out to a therapist and not needing to know what’s wrong before you go. She clarifies that meeting with a therapist isn’t a binding contract, it is a step in a journey towards finding the right care. She walks us through some of the common subsets of OCD that she sees in her practice and how her clients face their fears and what support people can do to ensure proper healing for those they love that are suffering. Some pieces we didn’t get to but I would love to visit about in future episodes: Stephanie has also spent significant time treating PANS/PANDAS disorders and has a special place in her heart for these clients and their families. Additionally, she has worked with clients who need support with family therapy, attachment therapy, and play therapy.​ When not at work, Stephanie is usually in the mountains with her puppy Samson, dunking in ice baths, or traveling the world. It is a jam-packed interview filled with wonderful advice and so much validation and empathy. Connect with Steph: Psychology Today Bio Ellie Mental Health RESOURCES: The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Centers The IOCDF Website Follow Betsy on Social Media: @untanglinganxiety - IG Untangling Anxiety - FB Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

    1h 5m
  2. 01/24/2024

    #15 - Help Your Child (or Loved One) with Anxiety Today - A Tried and True Formula That Works Every Time

    Struggling to figure out how to help your child or loved one with their anxiety? On today’s podcast I explain step by step what your loved one needs in order to live a life that isn’t controlled or held back by anxiety. The Anxiety Relief Technique is a three part method that identifies, untangles, and manages anxiety. Download the 12 page PDF workbook that accompanies this podcast episode. Send $5 to venmo @Betsy-Russell-6. Once you’ve paid, I’ll send you the link to download. Part One – Knowledge: This helps those with anxiety put a name to their anxiety. This helps with validation and separation from the anxiety. Part Two- Mindfulness Skills: Like I always say – “Don’t face your fears alone.” Mindfulness is like a wet suit in cold water. Learning to manage anxiety is futile without mindfulness skills. Part Three- Mental Strength Training: Practice, practice, practice. Just like we lift weights to build our physical muscles, repetition, resistance, and practice help build mind muscles. This strength will help those with anxiety to withstand any fear that comes their way. I am not a therapist. I am a mother and wife of those with OCD and other anxiety disorders. I live this everyday. This is my life. This is my reality. This stuff WORKS!! Please seek professional help if you feel you’re in over your head. Find a therapist that specializes in ERP therapy. Talk therapy will not fully heal anxiety. It needs to by ERP. As always, reach out via social media with any questions. Follow Betsy on Instagram @untanglinganxiety Buy Quiet Your Worry Monster - A Children's Anxiety Workbook HERE

    37 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

On the Untangling Anxiety Podcast, host Betsy Russell, mom of 4 + husband- all with OCD and other anxiety disorders, and a former elementary school teacher will share skills to gain power, and find hope. Learn how to transform your anxious life by exploring fears and self-doubt, and ultimately finding healing for yourself and those your love. This podcast features compassionate conversations with people that walk the road of anxiety every day as well as experts that will share with you actionable steps you can take to untangle your anxiety and find more joy and peace.