• 1230: How To Calm Your Nervous System In Social Situations Using The Claire Weekes Method
    Mar 22 2026
    In today's episode, Gina responds to a listener question about intense social anxiety, in this case, especially around men. The anxiety loop is referenced and the Claire Weekes method for managing and overcoming this anxiety process is discussed. The face, accept, float and let time pass are covered in some detail, as are using gradual exposure and self-compassion. This episode is full of helpful tips and hints to start to get you over your anxiety today!Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:Do not try to ‘control’ your anxiety. Accept it fully. Float through it. Let time pass.- Dr. Claire WeekesChapters0:26 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast1:54 Understanding Social Anxiety Triggers8:20 Applying Dr. Weeks' Approach12:36 The Healing Process of Letting Time Pass14:31 Working with Anxiety Thoughts16:16 Steps for Gentle Exposure21:06 Strategies for Grounding in Moments of Anxiety22:23 Closing Thoughts and FarewellSummaryIn this episode, I explore the profound teachings of Dr. Claire Weekes, particularly her approach to managing anxiety through acceptance and mindfulness. Emphasizing the importance of not trying to control anxiety, I invite listeners to fully accept their feelings and “float through” the discomfort that arises. By allowing time to pass without resistance, we can gradually find our way back to a state of calm.I address a listener's question regarding intense social anxiety, specifically around interactions with men. This situation serves as a perfect example to illustrate how anxiety forms and operates in a familiar cycle of fear and avoidance. The listener described experiencing physical symptoms such as shortness of breath and panic at the sight of men, especially those she perceives as attractive. I reassure her and others in similar situations that these reactions stem from the nervous system's protective instincts, which are often rooted in past experiences rather than present threats.Understanding the anxiety loop is crucial in breaking free from these patterns. I explain how our bodies react to perceived threats, triggering a response that feeds into a feedback loop of fear where the mind interprets these physiological sensations negatively, leading to further anxiety. The key takeaway is that our reactions are habitual rather than indicative of real danger. We can learn to recognize this cycle and begin to reshape our responses over time.#AnxietyCoachesPodcast, #GinaRyan, #DrClaireWeeks, #AnxietyRecovery, #SocialAnxiety, #PanicAttacks, #Mindfulness, #MentalHealth, #Acceptance, #NervousSystem, #Grounding, #HealingJourney, #OvercomingFear, #SelfCare, #Floating, #AnxietyTips, #MentalWellness, #StressRelief, #ExposureTherapy, #InnerPeace, #Calm, #AnxietySupport, #Breathe, #MindsetShift, #Neuroplasticity, #Healing, #SelfCompassion, #WellnessPodcast, #AnxietyHelp, #PeaceOfMindSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    24 mins
  • 1229: Why Do I Feel Anxiety More Than Other People? Personality Might Explain It
    Mar 18 2026
    In today's episode, Gina discusses the big five personality traits and how they can configure in ways that lead people to a higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety. Everyone has some degree of personality trait in each of the five categories. You can use this knowledge to better understand your own tendencies towards anxiety and potentially how to better accept particular biases you may have to make any anxiety tendencies less problematic for you. Listen in and come to better understand yourself and the big five personality traits!Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.-Carl JungChapters0:26 Introduction to the Podcast2:46 The Feeling Great App5:31 Challenges with Mental Health Professionals7:17 Exploring Funding Options11:02 The Role of AI in Therapy15:14 The State of Psychiatry Today18:19 The Power of Thought Change20:16 Spiritual Enlightenment Through Recovery21:04 Conclusion and Next StepsChapters0:26 Introduction to Personality Traits2:25 Exploring Neuroticism8:05 Understanding Conscientiousness9:28 The Caring Heart of Agreeableness10:51 Energy and Stimulation of Extroversion12:34 The Deep and Curious Mind of Openness13:55 The Influence of Personality on Stress16:17 Reflection and Understanding17:28 Closing Thoughts and GuidanceSummaryIn this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the intricate relationship between personality traits and anxiety, drawing on the psychological framework known as the Big Five Personality Traits, often summarized by the acronym OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Many individuals grappling with anxiety often question the intensity of their feelings, the depth of their thoughts, and their heightened awareness of minor shifts in situations. Today, I aim to provide a comforting perspective: anxiety can arise from the natural interplay between one’s personality traits and external stressors, rather than being seen as a personal shortcoming.We begin our exploration with Neuroticism, a trait characterized by emotional sensitivity, which correlates strongly with anxiety. Those high in this trait are quick to recognize potential threats and often feel emotions more deeply. While this heightened sensitivity can lead to increased worry and rumination, it also brings valuable strengths such as empathy and intuition. My key message for anxious listeners is that learning to soothe a sensitive nervous system is more beneficial than attempting to completely change one’s innate responses. Understanding this aspect of ourselves can foster a sense of empowerment rather than defeat.Moving into Conscientiousness, we examine the traits of being organized, responsible, and goal-oriented. While these qualities can provide structure and stability, they may also lead to perfectionism and an internalized pressure to perform flawlessly. I encourage those who resonate with this trait to cultivate self-compassion, recognizing that it’s okay to make mistakes and that human fallibility is part of the journey.#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #BigFive #OCEANModel #MentalHealthAwareness #NervousSystem #PersonalityTraits #GinaRyan #AnxietyRelief #SelfCompassion #Neuroticism #Conscientiousness #IntrovertProblems #HighlySensitivePerson #PsychologyTips #Mindfulness #EmotionalWellbeing #StressManagement #HolisticHealth #InnerPeace #SelfUnderstanding #EmotionalSensitivity #MentalHealthMatters #OvercomingAnxiety #PersonalityPsychology #HSP #Empathy #SelfGrowth #NervousSystemRegulation #CarlJung #EmotionalIntelligence #MindBodyConnection #CalmYourMind #InnerHarmony #PersonalDevelopment #Overthinking #AnxietySupport #ACPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    19 mins
  • 1228: Light, Your Nervous System, And Anxiety
    Mar 15 2026
    In today's episode, Gina discusses the importance of natural sunlight during the daytime for providing mental stability and enhancing overall wellness and health. Details are provided how both natural and artificial light affect our emotions, our circadian rhythm and our sleep patterns. Suggestions are made on how to incorporate more light into your life and what kinds fo light are best for health.Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/Websitehttps://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 CoachingLearn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:There is a morning inside you waiting to burst open into light. -RumiSummaryIn this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the often-overlooked topic of light and its profound impact on our nervous system. With spring approaching and the recent time change, many people are starting to notice the light in their everyday lives, not just as a functional necessity but as a critical player in our mental and physical well-being. I take this opportunity to explore how various forms of light—including natural sunlight, LED, incandescent bulbs, and the glow from our screens—play a significant role in our emotional states, sleep patterns, and overall nervous system regulation.I introduce the concept of the circadian rhythm, our body’s natural clock, which is heavily influenced by light. This internal timing system is essential for regulating our sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, body temperature, and digestion—ultimately affecting how our nervous system responds to stress. Morning light serves as the most vital signal for this clock, signaling our bodies to wake up and become alert. It triggers a cascade of physiological processes: melatonin production decreases, cortisol levels rise appropriately, and we begin to feel more energized and ready to confront the day.I emphasize the importance of receiving natural daylight in the morning and how even brief exposure—regardless of whether it’s sunny or overcast—can greatly benefit our mental and physical health. By anchoring our circadian rhythm with morning light, we can enhance our overall mood and regulate our nervous system more effectively. I provide practical suggestions for integrating simple habits into our daily routines, such as stepping outside for a short walk, enjoying coffee on the porch, or simply allowing sunlight to filter into our homes.#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #AnxietyRecovery #NervousSystemRegulation #CircadianRhythm #MorningSunlight #SleepHygiene #WiredAndTired #MentalHealthMatters #OvercomingAnxiety #PanicAttackRecovery #HolisticHealing #Mindfulness #SelfCareDaily #InnerPeace #StressManagement #CuesOfSafety #TrueRecovery #EmotionalWellbeing #BiohackingHealth #LightTherapy #MelatoninRhythm #CortisolAwakeningResponse #NaturalPeace #HealthyHabits #WellnessJourney #SpringEquinox #SafeToSettle #NervousSystemHealing #MindBodyBalanceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    18 mins
  • 1227: Classic ACP Wabi Sabi Embracing Imperfection
    Mar 11 2026
    In today's episode, Gina talks about the importance of embracing imperfection, particularly in contrast to the common tendency of holding yourself to standards of perfection. Giving yourself permission to be yourself and not judging yourself based on your achievements can do wonders for your sense of self-worth and mental health.Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it. —Salvador DaliChapters0:27 Embracing Imperfection10:37 Affirmations for Self-Compassion14:59 The Pursuit of Wisdom Over PerfectionSummaryIn this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the concept of wabi-sabi, exploring how embracing imperfection can help alleviate the pressure of striving for perfection. The discussion begins with a reflection on the increasing societal demand for perfection, which can manifest as anxiety and feelings of inadequacy within us. We draw parallels to the music industry, where many artists are gravitating towards the raw authenticity of analog sounds versus the polished finish of digital production. This longing for imperfection invites us to question whether our pursuit of flawlessness is truly beneficial.The conversation encourages listeners to shift their perspective on imperfection, viewing it not as a failing but as a natural part of the journey of self-improvement. It posits that by letting go of the unattainable goal of perfection, we can open the door to self-acceptance and appreciate our experiences as ongoing, evolving processes. Our minds are profoundly shaped by our thoughts and where we choose to focus our attention, suggesting that by embracing imperfection, we can foster a more forgiving inner landscape.I emphasize the relief that can come from giving ourselves permission to simply be ourselves without the weight of perfectionism. The episode provides practical tips on recognizing our limits and establishing boundaries to support our mental health and well-being. It's crucial to incorporate self-care into our daily routines rather than sidelining our health for the sake of achieving more. By identifying our thresholds and maintaining those boundaries, we foster an environment in which we can thrive without succumbing to the pressure of needing to achieve perfection.#WabiSabi, #AnxietyRelief, #Mindfulness, #EmbraceImperfection, #MentalHealthMatters, #SelfLove, #SelfCare, #PersonalGrowth, #Perfectionism, #WellnessJourney, #PositiveAffirmations, #InnerPeace, #StressManagement, #MentalWellness, #SelfCompassion, #JapaneseWisdom, #Healing, #Authenticity, #GrowthMindset, #GraceAndGratitude, #AnxietyCoachesPodcast, #NervousSystemRegulation, #VagusNerve, #CalmMind, #OvercomingAnxiety, #PanicAttackRecovery, #MentalHealthAwareness, #EndTheStigma, #EmotionalWellness, #SelfHealing, #InnerCalm, #AnxietyWarrior, #Breathe #Gina Ryan #ACPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    17 mins
  • 1226: Feeling Great With Dr. David Burns Part 3
    Mar 8 2026
    In today's episode, Gina shares the last part of her interview with Dr. David Burns, a Stanford educated psychiatrist noted for his pioneering work in cognitive therapy and development of TEAM CBT, and evolution of cognitive therapy that can provide rapid recovery. Dr. Burns discusses a powerful therapeutic tool he uses known as the hidden emotion technique. Full of wisdom and experience, listen in to hear more insight from Dr. Burns today!Get Dr. Burns' Feeling Great app for free! Feeling Great Check out the many free anxiety resources at Feeling Good by David Burns, MDStillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast.If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/Websitehttps://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 CoachingLearn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyChapters0:26 Welcome to the Podcast1:12 Understanding Anxiety's Hidden Emotions15:18 The Role of Shame in Anxiety21:49 Connecting Through Shared Humanity24:42 Future Topics and GoodbyeSummaryIn this episode, I continue my enlightening conversation with Dr. David Burns, renowned psychiatrist and author of pivotal works such as "Feeling Good" and "When Panic Attacks." Our dialogue delves into the intricacies of anxiety and the underlying emotions that often fuel it. I invite listeners to reflect on their relationship with anxiety and how to discern the subtle messages it communicates.A significant focus of our discussion is the Hidden Emotion Model—a technique I learned and refined during my training that unveils the repressed feelings driving anxiety. Dr. Burns eloquently explains how individuals, often conscientious and "nice," suppress emotions like fear, anger, and disappointment, which leads to heightened anxiety. By recognizing and articulating these hidden emotions, individuals can often alleviate their anxiety significantly. Dr. Burns shares a compelling vignette involving a man struggling with panic attacks after receiving unexpected news about parenthood. This example illustrates the necessity of acknowledging uncomfortable emotions to pave the way for healing.Our conversation also touches on the societal stigmas surrounding emotional expression, particularly for those who identify as "nice" people. Dr. Burns and I explore how mental health diagnostics can inadvertently contribute to feelings of shame and inadequacy among patients. It's a powerful reminder that many who battle anxiety face not only internal struggles but external societal pressures that may dictate how they should feel or behave.#Anxiety, #PanicAttacks, #MentalHealth, #CBT, #DrDavidBurns, #AnxietyCoachesPodcast, #FeelingGood, #FeelingGreat, #Psychology, #Mindfulness, #SelfHelp, #Recovery, #Wellness, #Healing, #StressRelief, #InnerPeace, #MentalWellness, #SelfCare, #Therapy, #Coaching, #EmotionalIntelligence, #NervousSystem, #OvercomingAnxiety, #PanicDisorder, #SocialAnxiety, #MentalHealthAwareness, #EndTheStigma, #GrowthMindset, #Authenticity, #Boundaries, #SelfLove, #IntrusiveThoughts, #OCD, #HealthAnxiety, #MindfulLiving, #Breathwork, #Meditation, #Zen, #Spirituality, #PersonalGrowth, #Resilience, #Empowerment, #HealthyMind, #AnxietyRelief, #StressManagement, #Psychotherapy, #Counseling, #WellnessJourney, #LifeCoaching, #MentalHealthMatters, #AnxietySupportSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    25 mins
  • 1225: Feeling Great With Dr. David Burns Part 2
    Mar 4 2026
    In today's episode, Gina shares part two of her interview with Dr. David Burns, a Stanford educated psychiatrist noted for his pioneering work in cognitive therapy and development of TEAM CBT, and evolution of cognitive therapy that can provide rapid recovery. Dr. Burns discusses his app, which is free for users and can make substantial progress in healing users mental health concerns (such as anxiety and depression) with only a few hours of use!. Listen in to hear more wisdom, experience and insight from Dr. Burns today!Get Dr. Burns' Feeling Great app for free! Feeling Great Check out the many free anxiety resources at Feeling Good by David Burns, MDStillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast.If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyChapters0:26 Introduction to the Podcast2:46 The Feeling Great App5:31 Challenges with Mental Health Professionals7:17 Exploring Funding Options11:02 The Role of AI in Therapy15:14 The State of Psychiatry Today18:19 The Power of Thought Change20:16 Spiritual Enlightenment Through Recovery21:04 Conclusion and Next StepsSummaryIn this episode, I continue my engaging conversation with Dr. David Burns, a prominent figure in the fields of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. As the author of bestselling books such as "Feeling Good" and "When Panic Attacks," Dr. Burns has dedicated decades to understanding and treating mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Together, we explore the evolution of therapeutic techniques and how measuring emotional outcomes has revolutionized the approach to treating patients.Dr. Burns shares fascinating insights from his 35 years of experience, emphasizing the value of quantifying patients' feelings before and after therapy sessions. By adopting a methodology akin to sports performance analysis, he explains how psychotherapists can evaluate effectiveness and refine their techniques, ultimately leading to more successful treatments. His innovative approach has resulted in models where many patients enjoy significant relief from anxiety in just one intensive session. The brilliance of Dr. Burns's work extends to his latest project, the Feeling Great app, which utilizes advanced AI to replicate his therapeutic techniques, offering users a groundbreaking and accessible tool for managing mental health.However, we delve into the challenges faced by creators of mental health resources amidst a complex landscape dominated by traditional practices. Dr. Burns articulates his frustration over the limited support for AI-driven mental health solutions, highlighting the hesitance of both the public and mental health professionals who fear the disruption these innovations may pose to traditional therapeutic models. He shares his concerns that despite the power of the Feeling Great app, the financial viability of sustaining such an effective tool remains tenuous.#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #DrDavidBurns #FeelingGreat #FeelingGood #TEAMCBT #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #CBT #MentalHealthAI #AnxietyRelief #DepressionRecovery #PanicAttacks #DigitalTherapy #MentalHealthInnovation #StopTheStigma #MindsetShift #SelfHelpTools #MentalWellness #GinaRyan #PsychologyPodcast #SpiritualEnlightenment #TherapyWorks #ACPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    22 mins
  • 1224: Feeling Great With Dr. David Burns Part 1
    Mar 1 2026
    In today's episode, Gina shares part one of her interview with Dr. David Burns, a Stanford educated psychiatrist noted for his pioneering work in cognitive therapy and development of TEAM CBT, and evolution of cognitive therapy that can provide rapid recovery. Dr. Burns discusses his background and his personal story in this episode, as well as an interesting case history from a notable patient he saw early in his career. Listen in today!Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyChapters 0:26 Introduction to Dr. David Burns2:33 Journey into Psychiatry8:32 The Shift to Cognitive Therapy10:18 A Lone Wolf in Psychiatry11:17 Insights from Epictetus14:36 Thoughts vs. Feelings16:17 The Power of Beliefs18:00 A Transformative Client Story24:46 Conclusion and Next StepsSummaryThe interview with Dr. David Burns on the Anxiety Coaches Podcast delves deep into his transformative approach to cognitive therapy, showcasing both his professional journey and the innovative principles underlying his methods. Host Gina Ryan introduces Dr. Burns, an esteemed figure in psychiatry who has made significant contributions to the field over several decades, particularly through his development of Team CBT. Dr. Burns is known for emphasizing the role of thoughts in emotional health, moving away from traditional beliefs centered on chemical imbalances.Dr. Burns recounts his journey into psychiatry, which began serendipitously rather than through a clear passion. He admits that his initial foray into medical school was filled with uncertainty and challenges, expressing doubts about the principles he encountered during his psychiatry residency. Specifically, he discusses his dissatisfaction with the prevailing chemical imbalance theory of depression and anxiety, which he argues failed to deliver the promised results in his patients. This lack of effective outcomes prompted him to pivot away from medication-heavy treatments and explore cognitive therapy, especially the pioneering work of Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis.The discussion then shifts towards his profound realization that emotions stem from our thoughts. Recounting personal experiences with social anxiety, Dr. Burns illustrates how understanding this connection transformed his clinical approach. He emphasizes that by changing negative thought patterns, patients can experience immediate shifts in their emotional states, a principle that would shape his writing and therapeutic practices. His seminal book, "Feeling Good," emerged during a period of professional exploration and is a reflection of his commitment to empowering individuals struggling with anxiety and depression.#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #DrDavidBurns #FeelingGood #CBT #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyRelief #TEAMCBT #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #Stoicism #EmotionalIntelligence #PsychologyToday #OvercomingAnxiety #SocialAnxiety #EndTheStigma #Mindfulness #SelfHealing #NoMorePills #MentalHealthAwareness #StanfordPsychiatry #GinaRyan #TherapyWorks #ACPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    25 mins
  • 1223: Blood Sugar-Caffeine: The Anxiety Rollercoaster No One Talks About
    Feb 25 2026
    In today's episode, Gina considers the role of blood sugar and caffeine on physical sensations in the body and anxiety more generally. Paying attention to our bodies and the food and drink we consume can enable us to make physical changes that are often much more easy to implement than specifically psychological changes. Listen in and get a hold of your blood sugar and control your caffeine intake, start feeling better!Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast.If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One CoachingIf you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for AnxietyQuote:Nothing in life is as important as you think it is while you are thinking about it.-Daniel KahnemanChapters0:26 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast1:37 Understanding Anxiety Symptoms3:45 Chronic Stress and Caffeine Sensitivity7:28 The Caffeine and Blood Sugar Loop9:24 Curiosity Over Catastrophizing10:01 Gentle Stabilizers for Your System14:18 The Emotional Layer of Anxiety16:30 Understanding Your Body's SignalsSummaryIn this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the intricate relationship between physical sensations and anxiety, focusing specifically on the often-overlooked factors of blood sugar levels and caffeine consumption. I invite listeners to reconsider their perceptions of anxiety and to recognize that many symptoms labeled as anxiety may actually stem from physiological stress responses. My goal is not to prescribe a perfect diet or impose food rules, but to encourage a deeper understanding of how our bodies signal their needs.We begin by exploring the typical symptoms of anxiety that may actually be related to fluctuations in blood sugar. I describe how a drop in blood sugar can trigger stress hormones, resulting in sensations like shakiness, sweating, irritability, and a racing heartbeat—symptoms that closely mimic anxiety. This physiological response can be especially terrifying for those who already have a predisposition to anxiety, as the mind often interprets these signals as indicators of impending doom. By shifting the narrative from fear to curiosity—asking questions like "When did I last eat?"—we can empower ourselves to better understand our bodily signals rather than allowing them to spiral into anxiety.As we discuss caffeine, I highlight its dual role in heightening our alertness while simultaneously stimulating anxiety. I explain how caffeine works by blocking adenosine and stimulating adrenaline, which can be manageable in a regulated system but can exacerbate feelings of panic in an already stressed body. The combination of chronic stress and caffeine can create a cycle where small amounts of stress trigger overwhelming sensations, which might be misinterpreted as anxiety. I emphasize that this isn't a sign of personal failure, but rather a natural response of a sensitized nervous system.#Anxiety #PanicAttacks #BloodSugar #CaffeineSensitivity #MentalHealth #NervousSystem #StressManagement #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #HolisticHealth #Glucose #Adrenaline #Cortisol #MindBody #HealthAnxiety #PanicRelief #SelfCare #Biohacking #WellnessTips #EndTheCycle #AnxietyRecovery #NoMorePanic #SteadyState #BodyWisdom #MindfulLiving #NutritionalPsychiatry #CaffeineFree #DecafLife #GlucoseGoddess #HealthyHabits #ACPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    18 mins