Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress with Matt Codde

Matthew Codde LCSW

The Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress Podcast is hosted by Matt Codde. Visit www.restoredminds.com/about to know more about Matt! In this podcast, you’re going to learn practical steps on the journey to recovery. In each episode, we will discuss common challenges and provide you with evidence-based strategies to help you overcome them. At Restored Minds, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone and it's our mission to give you the tools to help you build better mental health so you can become the best version of yourself.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep 478: When Rest Feels Wrong | Why You Can’t Relax & How to Feel Safe Resting

    When Rest Feels Wrong: Why You Can’t Relax & How to Feel Safe Resting Do you ever sit down to rest… and immediately feel tense, guilty, or like you “should” be doing something? In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW explores why rest can actually feel unsafe for people living in chronic anxiety, stress, or high-performance mode. Matt explains how busyness becomes a persona, how overworking turns into emotional avoidance, and why your nervous system doesn’t trust stillness — even when your life looks “successful” on the outside. If you feel restless when you slow down, or you only allow yourself to rest when you’ve “earned it,” this episode will help you understand what’s really going on underneath and how to start re-teaching your body that it’s safe to stop. 🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ Why resting can feel wrong, unsafe, or undeserved ✅ How chronic busyness and overachievement become coping strategies ✅ The link between stored emotions, anxiety, and the fear of slowing down ✅ Why “real rest” is not distraction, numbing, or constant noise ✅ How rest surfaces what’s been running in the background emotionally ✅ Practical mindset shifts to start feeling safer with stillness and rest 🚀 Resources to Help You Heal: 📥 FREE Recovery Guide Start your journey to freedom from OCD and anxiety with expert tools and step-by-step guidance. 👉 Download now: https://www.restoredminds.com/start 📖 Get a Copy of Our Book: From Stuck to Unstuck Learn practical strategies to overcome fear and reclaim your life. 👉 Buy now: https://a.co/d/1WEvonT 🎧 Subscribe & Connect for More Support: ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly episodes, tools, and coaching content. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/restoredminds ✅ Leave a Review on your favorite platform to help others discover this life-changing content: 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NJI2zD 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46AiT30 ✅ Ask a Question for a future episode: 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/assessments/2147654461 ✅ Download the Book – From Stuck to Unstuck 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/book Follow Matt Codde, LCSW on Social Media: 🔹 Instagram: @mattcodde_lcsw 🔹 TikTok: @restoredminds 🔹 Facebook: Matt Codde - Restored Minds 📸 If this episode helped you, share it on Instagram Stories and tag us! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – When Rest Starts to Feel Wrong 01:20 – Fight-or-Flight and Why Rest Feels Unsafe 02:40 – The “Busy Person” Persona and Emotional Avoidance 05:30 – Overachieving, Self-Sabotage, and the Illusion of Relief 08:50 – Why Stillness Brings Up Suppressed Emotions 10:00 – Rest as a Requirement, Not a Reward 11:40 – How to Begin Practicing Real Rest ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For personalized help, consult a licensed professional.

    14 min
  2. NOV 20

    Ep 477: The Hidden Cost of High Performance | Are You Using Success to Run From Yourself?

    The Hidden Cost of High Performance: Why Overworking Keeps You Disconnected From Yourself Are you constantly pushing, striving, and performing — yet still feeling overwhelmed, drained, or on the edge of burnout? In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW breaks down how “high performance” can secretly turn into emotional avoidance…and the real cost of living that way. You’ll learn why overworking becomes a socially praised escape, how emotional suppression impacts your health, and what steps you can take to reconnect with yourself before your body forces you to stop. If you’re a high-achieving professional, parent, creative, or leader who’s burning the candle at both ends, this episode is a grounded reminder: productivity can’t replace presence. And running from your emotions always catches up. 🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How high performance becomes a form of emotional avoidance ✅ The connection between overwork, burnout, and suppressed emotions ✅ Why your body eventually “says no” when you ignore internal signals ✅ Early warning signs your emotional tank is overflowing ✅ How to shift from overworking → authentic alignment ✅ What it really means to take care of yourself internally 🚀 Resources to Support Your Healing: 📥 FREE Recovery Guide Begin your journey to freedom from stress, fear, and overwhelm. 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/start 📖 Get the Book — From Stuck to Unstuck Learn how to break the emotional patterns that keep you stuck in fear and pressure. 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/book 🎧 Subscribe & Stay Connected 👉 YouTube: / restoredminds 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NJI2zD 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46AiT30 📬 Ask a Question for a Future Episode 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/assessment Follow Matt Codde, LCSW 🔹 Instagram: @mattcodde_lcsw 🔹 TikTok: @restoredminds 🔹 Facebook: OCD Support Community 📸 If this episode resonated, share it on Instagram Stories & tag us! ⏱️ Suggested Timestamps: 00:00 – When High Performance Becomes Avoidance 01:30 – The Lie of “I Don’t Have Time for Emotions” 03:45 – What Happens When Your Body Finally Says No 05:10 – Burnout, Irritability, and the Emotional Cost of Overwork 07:20 – Why External Validation Can’t Fix Your Internal State 09:15 – The Signs Your Emotional Tank Is Full 11:40 – How to Rebuild Alignment and Emotional Balance Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical or psychological advice. For personalized support, consult a licensed professional.

    9 min
  3. NOV 13

    Ep 476: Why You’re Not Feeling Better Yet | The Real Reason You Stay Stuck in Anxiety & Stress

    Why You’re Not Feeling Better Yet | The Real Reason You Stay Stuck in Anxiety & Stress Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I not feeling better yet?” You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, tried the coping tools — but somehow, the anxiety or heaviness still returns. In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW reveals why most of us stay stuck: we’re trying to avoid or fix our emotions instead of learning how to feel and release them. Matt breaks down how resistance, distraction, and over-effort actually keep you trapped in the same emotional loop — and how true healing begins when you stop running from discomfort and start transforming your relationship with it. If you’ve been working hard on yourself but still don’t feel peace, this conversation will help you see exactly what’s missing. 🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why you might not feel better — even after doing “all the right things”✅ How resistance and distraction keep you stuck in suffering✅ The role of lower emotions (fear, guilt, anger, shame) in anxiety and stress✅ How to confront and release emotions without fighting them✅ Why real healing comes from awareness, not more effort✅ Practical insights to shift from avoidance → acceptance → peace 🚀 Resources to Help You Heal 📥 FREE Recovery GuideStart your journey to freedom from OCD, anxiety, and chronic stress with expert tools and step-by-step guidance.👉 Download now 🎧 Join the Free Newsletter – The Feel Better LetterGet weekly audio insights from Matt on releasing fear and finding peace.👉 Subscribe here 📖 Get the Book – From Stuck to UnstuckLearn practical strategies to overcome fear and reclaim your life.👉 Buy now on Amazon 🔹 Follow Matt Codde, LCSW Instagram: @mattcodde_lcswTikTok: @restoredmindsFacebook: OCD Support Community 📸 If this episode helped you, share it on Instagram Stories and tag us! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why You’re Not Feeling Better Yet00:02:00 – The Real Reason You Avoid Emotions00:04:50 – How Resistance Keeps You Stuck00:06:45 – Learning to Feel Instead of Fix00:08:50 – The Key to Real Emotional Healing ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For personalized help, consult a licensed professional.

    11 min
  4. NOV 3

    Ep. 475: When Personal Development Becomes Self-Punishment | Breaking the Growth Loop

    When Personal Development Becomes Self-Punishment | Breaking the Growth Loop In the pursuit of growth, success, and self-improvement, many people end up stuck in a different kind of loop — one fueled by guilt, shame, and “never enough.” In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW explores how the modern obsession with optimization can quietly turn into self-punishment. You’ll learn why constant striving can activate stress, worsen anxiety, and disconnect you from peace — and how true growth actually begins with self-acceptance, not self-criticism. If you’ve been chasing goals, routines, or “fix-yourself” habits that leave you feeling exhausted or unworthy, this conversation will help you pause, re-center, and reconnect with a healthier path forward. 🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ How personal development can quietly become self-punishment ✅ The role of comparison, shame, and guilt in chronic stress ✅ Why “improvement from fear” leads to burnout and anxiety ✅ The difference between growth from love vs. growth from lack ✅ Practical ways to shift from self-fixing to self-acceptance ✅ How to develop sustainably — without losing yourself in the process 🚀 Resources to Help You Heal 📥 FREE Recovery Guides Start your journey to freedom from OCD, anxiety, and chronic stress with expert tools and step-by-step guidance. 👉 Download your free guide 📖 Get a Copy of Our Book: From Stuck to Unstuck Learn practical strategies to overcome fear and reclaim your peace. 👉 Buy now on Amazon 🎧 Subscribe & Connect for More Support ✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes, tools, and guidance 👉 Restored Minds YouTube Channel ✅ Leave a Review to help others discover this content 👉 Apple Podcasts | Spotify ✅ Ask a Question for a future episode 👉 Submit here 🔹 Follow Matt Codde, LCSW Instagram: @mattcodde_lcsw TikTok: @restoredminds Facebook: OCD Support Community 📸 If this episode resonated with you, share it on Instagram Stories and tag us! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – When Growth Becomes Self-Punishment 00:00:40 – The Comparison Trap & Social Media Pressure 00:03:00 – The Diet Analogy: When Change Comes from Shame 00:06:30 – Real Growth Starts with Self-Acceptance ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For personalized help, consult a licensed professional.

    9 min
  5. OCT 31

    Ep 474: Why Trying to “Fix” Anxiety Keeps You Stuck | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress

    Why Trying to “Fix” Anxiety Keeps You Stuck | Understanding the Anxiety Loop Most people believe the key to healing from anxiety, panic, or intrusive thoughts is to get rid of them. But what if the harder you try to stop anxiety, the more anxious you actually become? In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW explains the paradox of anxiety recovery — why resistance and control keep you trapped in the anxiety loop, and how true healing begins when you stop fighting your inner experience. If you’ve been coping, managing, or constantly searching for ways to feel “less anxious,” this episode will help you understand why those strategies backfire — and what to do instead. 🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ Why trying to stop or fix anxiety keeps you stuck in the anxiety loop ✅ How resistance fuels intrusive thoughts and panic ✅ The truth about emotions — energy in motion, not a problem to fix ✅ Why coping and managing aren’t real recovery ✅ The key shift that breaks the anxiety loop for good ✅ How to start allowing, not resisting, so healing can unfold naturally 🚀 Resources to Help You Heal 📥 FREE Recovery Guides Start your journey to freedom from OCD, anxiety, and chronic stress with expert tools and step-by-step support. 👉 Download your free guide 📖 Get a Copy of Our Book: From Stuck to Unstuck Learn practical strategies to overcome fear and reclaim your peace. 👉 Buy now on Amazon 🎧 Subscribe & Connect for More Support ✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes, tools, and practical coaching 👉 Restored Minds YouTube Channel ✅ Leave a Review to help others discover this content 👉 Apple Podcasts | Spotify ✅ Ask a Question for a future episode 👉 Submit here 🔹 Follow Matt Codde, LCSW Instagram: @mattcodde_lcsw TikTok: @restoredminds Facebook: OCD Support Community 📸 If this episode helped you, share it on Instagram Stories and tag us! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why Trying to Fix Anxiety Doesn’t Work 01:00 – Understanding Emotions as Energy in Motion 03:00 – The Beach Ball Analogy: What Resistance Really Does 04:50 – How Coping and Control Feed the Anxiety Loop 06:20 – What Recovery Actually Means (and How to Begin) ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For personalized help, consult a licensed professional.

    9 min
  6. OCT 9

    Ep.473: How Long Does Recovery Take? | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress

    How Long Does Recovery Take? | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress In this episode, Matt explains why recovery from OCD and anxiety isn’t about time—it’s about commitment, awareness, and learning to allow emotions. He shares how focusing on “how long it takes” can slow your progress, and why embracing the present moment leads to real healing. 📥 Get Your FREE Starter Pack Today! Start your journey with expert guidance and tools to overcome fear and thrive. 👉 Download now: https://www.restoredminds.com/start 📊 Take a Free Assessment Not sure where to start? Take a free assessment to find the best path forward. 👉 Get started: https://www.restoredminds.com/ 📖 Get 'From Stuck to Unstuck' on Amazon! Struggling to break free from fear? This book provides a step-by-step guide to unlocking your full potential. 👉 Order now: https://a.co/d/1WEvonT Have a Question? If you'd like to submit a question for a future episode, use this link: 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/assessments/2147654461 Here Are Some Great Next Steps: ✅ 1. Subscribe to Our Channel Stay updated with our latest episodes and live events! 👉 Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/restoredminds?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ 2. Get Started with a Free Assessment Find out the best approach for your personal growth journey. 👉 Take the assessment: https://www.restoredminds.com/ ✅ 3. Download 'From Stuck to Unstuck' Get practical tools to break free from fear and transform your life. 👉 Download your copy: https://www.restoredminds.com/book ✅ 4. Leave a Review Your feedback helps others! Leave a review on: 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NJI2zD 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46AiT30 📸 Share the Love! If this episode inspired you, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram Stories, and tag @mattcodde_lcsw Follow Us on Social Media: 🔹 Facebook: facebook.com/ocdsupportcommunity 🔹 Instagram: instagram.com/mattcodde_lcsw/ 🔹 TikTok: tiktok.com/@restoredminds MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: All information shared on The Restored Minds Show YouTube Channel and Podcast is for informational purposes only. This content should NOT be considered medical, clinical, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 00:00 Understanding What Recovery Really Means 02:13 How Long Does Recovery Take? 04:58 The Role of Resistance and Mindset in Recovery 07:23 Steps to Expedite Your Recovery Journey

    11 min
  7. SEP 30

    Ep.472: Why Beliefs Are So Important | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress

    Why Beliefs Are So Important | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress In this episode, Matt shares why beliefs shape everything—from how we see the world to how we feel and grow. He explains how unchecked beliefs can limit us, and why real transformation starts with becoming aware and willing to shift them. 📥 Get Your FREE Starter Pack Today! Start your journey with expert guidance and tools to overcome fear and thrive. 👉 Download now: https://www.restoredminds.com/start 📊 Take a Free Assessment Not sure where to start? Take a free assessment to find the best path forward. 👉 Get started: https://www.restoredminds.com/ 📖 Get 'From Stuck to Unstuck' on Amazon! Struggling to break free from fear? This book provides a step-by-step guide to unlocking your full potential. 👉 Order now: https://a.co/d/1WEvonT Have a Question? If you'd like to submit a question for a future episode, use this link: 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/assessments/2147654461 Here Are Some Great Next Steps: ✅ 1. Subscribe to Our Channel Stay updated with our latest episodes and live events! 👉 Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/restoredminds?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ 2. Get Started with a Free Assessment Find out the best approach for your personal growth journey. 👉 Take the assessment: https://www.restoredminds.com/ ✅ 3. Download 'From Stuck to Unstuck' Get practical tools to break free from fear and transform your life. 👉 Download your copy: https://www.restoredminds.com/book ✅ 4. Leave a Review Your feedback helps others! Leave a review on: 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NJI2zD 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46AiT30 📸 Share the Love! If this episode inspired you, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram Stories, and tag @mattcodde_lcsw Follow Us on Social Media: 🔹 Facebook: facebook.com/ocdsupportcommunity 🔹 Instagram: instagram.com/mattcodde_lcsw/ 🔹 TikTok: tiktok.com/@restoredminds MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: All information shared on The Restored Minds Show YouTube Channel and Podcast is for informational purposes only. This content should NOT be considered medical, clinical, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 00:00 Understanding the Power of Belief 03:13 How Beliefs Shape Your Reality 06:41 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs 09:45 Transform Your Life by Changing Your Beliefs

    14 min
  8. SEP 26

    Ep.471: The Path to Peace | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress

    The Path to Peace | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress In this episode, Matt explains why real peace doesn’t come from chasing external fixes. Instead, he shares how releasing old emotions and turning inward helps you find lasting stillness within yourself—beyond intrusive thoughts, fear, or anxiety. 📥 Get Your FREE Starter Pack Today! Start your journey with expert guidance and tools to overcome fear and thrive. 👉 Download now: https://www.restoredminds.com/start 📊 Take a Free Assessment Not sure where to start? Take a free assessment to find the best path forward. 👉 Get started: https://www.restoredminds.com/ 📖 Get 'From Stuck to Unstuck' on Amazon! Struggling to break free from fear? This book provides a step-by-step guide to unlocking your full potential. 👉 Order now: https://a.co/d/1WEvonT Have a Question? If you'd like to submit a question for a future episode, use this link: 👉 https://www.restoredminds.com/assessments/2147654461 Here Are Some Great Next Steps: ✅ 1. Subscribe to Our Channel Stay updated with our latest episodes and live events! 👉 Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/restoredminds?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ 2. Get Started with a Free Assessment Find out the best approach for your personal growth journey. 👉 Take the assessment: https://www.restoredminds.com/ ✅ 3. Download 'From Stuck to Unstuck' Get practical tools to break free from fear and transform your life. 👉 Download your copy: https://www.restoredminds.com/book ✅ 4. Leave a Review Your feedback helps others! Leave a review on: 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NJI2zD 👉 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46AiT30 📸 Share the Love! If this episode inspired you, take a screenshot, post it on Instagram Stories, and tag @mattcodde_lcsw Follow Us on Social Media: 🔹 Facebook: facebook.com/ocdsupportcommunity 🔹 Instagram: instagram.com/mattcodde_lcsw/ 🔹 TikTok: tiktok.com/@restoredminds MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: All information shared on The Restored Minds Show YouTube Channel and Podcast is for informational purposes only. This content should NOT be considered medical, clinical, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 00:00 Understanding the Pursuit of Peace 02:40 Why External Solutions Don't Work 05:48 The True Source of Suffering 08:36 The Path to Inner Transformation

    13 min
4.8
out of 5
259 Ratings

About

The Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress Podcast is hosted by Matt Codde. Visit www.restoredminds.com/about to know more about Matt! In this podcast, you’re going to learn practical steps on the journey to recovery. In each episode, we will discuss common challenges and provide you with evidence-based strategies to help you overcome them. At Restored Minds, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone and it's our mission to give you the tools to help you build better mental health so you can become the best version of yourself.

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