Just think happy thoughts?

Not all thoughts are positive and that’s okay. A mistake people make when they try to challenge thoughts is to just think rosy positive thoughts. “I’ll do perfectly on my presentation” “I’ll be totally fine while driving” “Today is going to be the best day ever” While some people enjoy mantras or manifesting good things…

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Ride the waves of anxiety

A lot of metaphors around anxiety use water. ⁠ ⁠ Waves, rivers, ocean currents, rainstorms… When we talk about these natural elements, we can understand the lack of control. ⁠ ⁠ Most people have heard stories about fighting against ocean currents and the need to swim parallel. Many people have ridden down a river and…

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But what caused the feeling?

There is not always a direct trigger for our feelings. And sometimes the endless search for a “reason” behind a feeling turns into a hyper focus on our feelings. That can even make it feel bigger. Sometimes there isn’t a reason. Feelings come and go. ⁠ ⁠ The goal isn’t to dissect every feeling that…

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Uncertainty in Uncertain Times

“Unprecedented” “Trying” “Uncertain” “Challenging” “Difficult” As we adjust to a “new normal”, all of the above words have been used repeatedly in advertisements, by newscasters, politicians and neighbors to describe significant shifts in our lives due to the pandemic, significant political shifts, social upheaval and even how we discuss these issues.  One of the most…

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Pavlov, our therapy dog

Pavlov has been part of our treatment team for many years but has never gotten a proper introduction. Our golden retriever Pavlov was initially adopted by Dr. Hsia when he was a puppy in 2010 from a deploying Marine at Camp Pendleton. At that time, he was enrolled at Little Angels Service dogs to be…

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Health(y) Fears

These past few weeks have seen the stock market crash, the stores empty of staple goods, bars and restaurants close, schools and workplaces go online.  It’s unprecedented in our lifetime and many of us are unsure of how to respond or what to do that will make our families safer. As we make choices, we…

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COVID-19 Information

During this trying time the OC Anxiety Center remains open.  We are primarily seeing patients virtually, utilizing both teletherapy and HIPAA compliant video platforms to ensure your confidentiality.  For some specific situations we are also seeing patients in the office but is the exception and not the rule until we are through this time.  Please…

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I know this sounds really weird, but I’m scared that…

Very often during my first interaction with potential patients on the phone, I’ll hear them say something like “I’m sure you’ve never heard this one before” or “I’m really embarrassed, but I’m really scared of…” I can understand the embarrassment and shame of different fears and worries, especially with OCD.  However, after years of clinical practice…

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapists:  what to look for in a competent therapist

Looking for a provider on websites like “Psychology Today” can be daunting:  the different types of degrees, specialties and vast number of therapists can be overwhelming. Recently, the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment modality has become more prevalent on television, in magazines and when viewing online resources.  While this is good,…

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Position Opening

The OC Anxiety Center is currently looking to hire a psychology assistant, psychologist or experienced Master’s individual to work with children through adults in the area of anxiety and related disorders.  Areas of responsibility include treatment of anxiety, OCD, and impulse control disorders using CBT and ACT as primary modalities, with an emphasis on ERP.  …

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OCD So Cal Conference: March 30th

The Southern California chapter of IOCDF is hosting it’s annual conference in Irvine on Saturday March 30th. They keynote speaker is Jeff Sparr, an artist and co-founder of PeaceLove. You’ll get to choose two presentation to attend, enjoy a continental breakfast, and lunch. Dr. Davis will be speaking on how to use an OCD contract…

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