I am an anxious doctor. Or at least I WAS an anxious doctor. After literally decades of suffering from intractable anxiety, and seeing over 50 different types ...
113. How Can Somatic Approaches Transform Your Healing Journey from Anxiety and Trauma?
Welcome back everyone! In this episode of Anxiety Rx Podcast, I sit down with the wonderful Britt Piper to dive into the fascinating world of somatic healing—aka, how to get out of your head and into your body to truly heal anxiety and trauma. We get into why your nervous system is running the show, how functional freeze can throw a wrench into your relationships, and why interoception (aka tuning into your body’s signals) is a total game-changer for emotional awareness. Britt also shares her journey of writing Body First Healing and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. We talk about choice, inner child work, and pendulation (don’t worry, I explain it!)—all essential tools for creating safety in your body. And ultimately, we explore how learning to live with pain (instead of constantly trying to escape it) is the key to finding your most authentic, unburdened self. Trust me, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX To dive deeper into Britt’s work, here’s where you can find her: Her book: https://www.bodyfirsthealing.com/ Instagram @healwithbritt ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Somatic Healing 01:04 The Journey of Writing 'Body First Healing' 02:57 Understanding the Nervous System and Trauma 05:44 The Impact of Anxiety on Relationships 09:55 Functional Freeze and Emotional Disconnection 12:32 Navigating the Nervous System Ladder 14:09 The Cycle of Anxiety and Overthinking 17:00 Building Capacity to Feel Emotions 20:38 Pendulation: Moving Through Emotions 23:03 Reparenting the Inner Child 26:31 Trusting the Body's Wisdom 30:21 Somatic Experiencing: A New Choice for Healing 33:31 Building a Foundation of Safety 36:53 The Journey of Nervous System Regulation 41:41 Navigating Trauma and Resilience 47:42 Learning to Live with Pain 55:20 Pendulation: Balancing Activation and Safety
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112. Rewiring Anxiety: How to Use Neuroplasticity for Lasting Change
Hey gang! In today’s episode of Anxiety Rx, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics: neuroplasticity—a fancy word for your brain’s ability to change (yes, even if it feels permanently stuck in anxiety mode). I’ll break down neuroplasticity’s role in how anxiety gets hardwired into your brain—thanks to some rough childhood experiences—and, more importantly, how we can use it to rewire it for peace. My Mind-Body Prescription (MBRx) method shifts the focus from just “thinking your way out of anxiety” to actually feeling your way through it. I’ll walk you through practical steps to break the alarm anxiety cycle, and recognize your body’s anxiety patterns. Bottom line? Anxiety is NOT a life sentence. You’re not broken, and you’re not doomed to feel like this forever. Healing is absolutely possible, and I’m here to show you how. 🎧 Press play and let’s do this! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Understanding Neuroplasticity and Anxiety 04:38 The Role of the Body in Healing 06:59 Rewiring the Brain with MBRX Method 09:46 Breaking the Alarm Anxiety Cycle 12:30 Overcoming Resistance to Change
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111. The Hidden Costs of Loneliness: Why Connection is Essential for Mental Health
Welcome back everyone! In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the power of connection with my guest, psychologist Dr. Adam Dorsay. Adam and I unpack how modern life isn’t exactly helping—our society is more “connected” than ever (hello, social media), yet we’re lonelier and more anxious. We talk about why emotional literacy is key, how early trauma (especially for men) can make it hard to express feelings, and why stuffing emotions down like an overpacked suitcase never really works. We also get into the good stuff—what actually helps. Think: activities that get you into a flow state, the unconditional love of pets, and simple ways to build real, meaningful connections. Plus, Adam shares some gems from his book Super Psyched that you won’t want to miss. So if anxiety has been your unwanted sidekick, this episode is for you. Let’s break the cycle—one real connection at a time. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX To explore more of Dr. Dorsay’s work, check out the links below: https://dradamdorsay.com Instagram: @dradamdorsay ______________________________ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Connection
02:58 The Importance of Connection in Healing
05:52 Men, Competition, and Connection
08:57 Emotional Literacy and Its Impact on Men
11:56 The Cycle of Pain and Connection
14:58 Authenticity and Self-Connection
17:53 Connecting with Others and the World
21:06 Faith, Trust, and Overcoming Trauma
24:02 Cultural Insights on Connection
26:55 The Role of Banter and Flow in Connection
33:43 The Dynamics of Connection and Conflict
34:56 The Role of Substances in Emotional Connection
35:52 Navigating Medication and Emotional Numbness
36:49 Personal Growth Through Medication and Therapy
38:21 The Impact of Trauma on Sensitivity
39:00 The Importance of Perceived Support
40:54 Loneliness and Its Consequences
41:59 Understanding Sensitivity and Resilience
43:50 The Power of Connection in Healing
46:28 Finding Faith in Uncertainty
48:01 The Dangers of Doom Scrolling
49:25 Creating More Than We Consume
52:08 Listening to Our Inner Child
55:16 The Healing Power of Pets
58:49 The Role of Music and Flow in Connection
01:01:56 Finding Your Flow and Connection
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110. The Power of Curiosity in Overcoming Anxiety with Dr. Martha Beck
Hello my friends! Welcome back to the Anxiety RX podcast. In this episode I sit down with the incredible Dr. Martha Beck—Harvard-trained sociologist, bestselling author, and renowned life coach—to explore the complexities of anxiety and its neurological roots. Dr. Martha, known for her groundbreaking work in personal transformation and her deep insights into human behavior, challenges conventional left-brain approaches to anxiety, revealing how overthinking often makes it worse.
Together, we discuss the power of presence, curiosity, and self-compassion in healing anxiety, and how societal pressures and trauma shape our emotional landscape. Dr. Martha shares wisdom on embracing creativity, kind internal self-talk, and emotional awareness to foster resilience and inner peace. If you're ready to break free from anxious thought loops and reconnect with your true self, this episode is for you! Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4500+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX To dive deeper into Dr. Martha Beck’s transformative work you can find her here: https://marthabeck.com@themarthabeck ______________________________
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction to Anxiety and the Left Hemisphere
02:53 The Left Hemisphere Hall of Mirrors
05:58 Understanding Anxiety and Fear Responses
08:53 The Role of Control in Anxiety
11:57 Curiosity as a Tool Against Anxiety
14:58 Art and Creativity in Managing Anxiety
17:56 The Importance of Emotional Expression
20:55 Integrating Integrity and Anxiety Management
26:49 Understanding Anxiety and Its Roots
30:04 The Role of the Body in Healing
32:19 The Intersection of Medicine and Spirituality
36:46 Alarm vs. Anxiety: A New Perspective
41:00 Meditation and the Journey to Calm
47:11 Finding Truth in Thoughts and Healing
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109. Navigating the Storm: Kendra Fisher's Journey from Anxiety to Empowerment
Hey Everyone! Welcome back. Today on Anxiety Rx Podcast I talk with former ice hockey goaltender and mental health advocate Kendra Fisher. We share our personal battles with anxiety and the paths we've taken toward healing. Kendra opens up about how a car accident intensified her anxiety, leading her to seek various treatments and eventually find solace in somatic therapies. As a clinical neuroscientist, I discuss the limitations of traditional cognitive therapies and emphasize the importance of addressing the physiological roots of anxiety. Together, we highlight the significance of community, resilience, and embracing vulnerability in managing mental health. Our conversation offers hope and practical insights for those struggling with anxiety, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX You can find Kendra on most social platforms as @kfisher30
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction to the Podcast 0:42 Kendra's Background 2:19 Car Accident Impact 3:09 Struggles with Anxiety 4:00 Team Canada Tryouts 5:33 The Illusion of Success 6:49 Journey to Diagnosis 8:13 Learning to Cope 10:14 Accountability in Support 10:56 The Tactical Advantage of Anxiety 12:23 Navigating Grief and Loss 19:09 Surrendering Control 21:12 The Role of Hockey 23:12 Kendra's Struggle with Anxiety 23:27 Vulnerability and Acceptance 24:03 The Illusion of Quick Fixes 25:04 Familiarity and Security 26:13 Coping Strategies and Their Consequences 27:17 Embracing Anxiety 28:16 Childhood Trauma and Healing 29:42 Physiological Responses to Anxiety 32:41 The Role of the Amygdala 33:59 Healing Through Understanding 34:01 Neurobiological Wiring of Anxiety 34:25 Exposure Therapy Insights 35:15 Virtual Reality in Therapy 36:41 Tangible Healing Methods 38:18 Somatic Experience and Release 38:25 Feeling Structure vs. Cognitive Strategies 42:27 Rewriting Childhood Narratives 44:21 The Role of Responsibility in Healing 45:14 Critique of Cognitive Therapy 46:05 Personal Experience with Grief 48:13 Processing Grief and Anxiety 49:12 Adversity and Resilience 50:33 Fear vs. Anxiety 51:39 Value of Suffering 52:39 Avoidance in Coping 56:32 Creating Safe Spaces 57:02 The Importance of Community 58:42 Support vs. Fixing 59:32 Finding Kendra Fisher
I am an anxious doctor. Or at least I WAS an anxious doctor. After literally decades of suffering from intractable anxiety, and seeing over 50 different types of healers I found my way to heal my anxiety through very unconventional (for a medical doctor at least) means.
In 2013 I was so anxious I considered suicide and a friend suggested I try LSD, and although that scared the crap out of me it showed me the path to healing. You don't have to do LSD to heal, I took it for you! I'm a medical doctor, neuroscientist and intuitive. (I know, common combination!)
I found my way out and it is counterintuitive and very non conventional (but not scary!).
I will show you the way out too, you just have to listen to me, dammit!
Ireland