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Theresa's avatar

Today I did yard work. Sounds simple, I know. But usually if my husband says “hey, you wanna come out and do some yard work?” My anxiety hears “hey, can you come help me clear 20 acres”… well, at least that’s what it feels like it must hear cause I get SO anxious. I did the work today, I was dizzy, my chest hurt, I felt so overwhelmed…. But I kept going… I did it and as you always say, I was ok, I made it through, nothing bad happened. I’m sore now, but I feel better for having done it. Thanks Drew!

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Cammie Beckert's avatar

Thanks Drew! Sending big virtual hugs of gratitude! You nailed it again! ❤️

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Angela Canter's avatar

But i do thinks even with fear, i expose to fear, for long time, but i still suffer.

Waiting for tests results, fear of flying. I do all that, but i am miserable with fear, till danger passes.

Please explain, not sure what i am doing wrong

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Drew Linsalata's avatar

Define "danger". That's important. Test results are not danger. They are certainly worrisome, but be careful about clinging to your definition of what is actually "dangerous". If you see the world as dangerous in most cases, then you will be afraid most of the time. That would be expected.

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Sion Lewey's avatar

Perfect timing as always. I was driving and listening to this mornings episode and panic hit. I said bring it on and did nothing! I was not aware of RP so this absolutely made so much sense today! Thank you Drew!

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Barbara Oliva's avatar

Got it! So RP is taking action without CRUTCHES,right?

Question, to think about a scary thought, when you don’t have it in that very moment, allow the feelings and sensations to arise, followed by a written exercise where you can reframe what you should do when it’s really there, would that be an ERP?

( I hope it make sense 🙄

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Drew Linsalata's avatar

Correct. No crutches. The formal practice of ERP in the context of therapy means that yes, you will intentionally think about that thought in purpose to create the discomfort. Then you allow that discomfort and let it rise, then fall naturally. That's ERP. The "re-frame" afterwards I cannot directly speak to as being a standard part of ERP but I can certainly ask about it.

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Barbara Oliva's avatar

How kind of you Drew, thank you 🙏🏻✨❤️

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Elizabeth Ritchie's avatar

I like, no love! how you break down this erp process. For the longest time I was unclear with the jargon that has been used for understanding ocd. I belief that "sometimes" speakers use terms (to impress??? others) and rattle off helpful information that is not helpful because of a lack of understanding on the listener's part. Just my 2 cents.

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Drew Linsalata's avatar

I appreciate this comment Elizabeth.

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