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…
Read MoreLooking 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,…
Read MoreThere has been a significant increase in the interest in CBD oil in the past few years. At least once a week we field a question about its use for anxiety, the most common of which is “Should I use CBD for my anxiety?” The short answer is “Maybe”. It should be noted that there…
Read MoreThe 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. …
Read MoreFinals and AP exams are around the corner, so here’s a few pointers to remember. Some of these you’re thinking “I already know that” – and you may, but if you understand the science behind it, it’ll actually help you more as you use them (and maybe get a few more points on the Psych…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreFrequently we hear about people who say their worries snowball, followed by fears of the catastrophic outcomes or unsolvable future problems: What if I never get a job, can’t pay back my student loans and get stuck at home forever? If no one wants to be my friend, and because I’m undatable, never get married…
Read MoreDoes what I do make me less anxious, or actually make a change for the better? The second most common specific phobia we treat is fear of flying (the first is emetophobia – fear of vomiting). Not surprisingly, anxious flyers engage in many behaviors to decrease their anxiety: Distractions such as reading books, talking with…
Read MoreObsessive Compulsive Disorder can be very frustrating for a number of reasons: No one seems to understand what I’m experiencing My obsessions are embarrassing and I don’t want to tell people what it is. I can’t seem to get rid of the thoughts for very long. It is important to be able to have a…
Read MoreAs we move towards the end of the year, we often think of relationships with family and friends, nostalgia for the past year, and hope for the future. With that said, we sadly announce that Dr. Shana Daves will be leaving the OC Anxiety Center with all of the above in mind. It has been…
Read MoreNot unsurprisingly, people with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders do have real issues just like everyone else: • Relational issues with friends and family members • Work and school stressors • Health and financial concerns What is different for those with anxiety and related disorders, however, can be the inability to differentiate between the issue,…
Read MoreAs Thanksgiving approaches, we often hear about trying to be thankful, and are reminded to remember our blessings. Individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders often find it hard to focus on the blessings and see instead what they lack, mistakes made, or potential upcoming problems. In general, if we think about living in California and…
Read MoreRecently I was at a park in Irvine with my son and observed a group of young boys trying to capture a squirrel. At first they tried running after it, then tempting it with food, and finally designing a trap using leaves, twigs and sand. During this time the boys were excited and swiftly running…
Read MoreWhen we get into a car and drive off as an adult, we don’t think about the multiple steps we take before we even start the engine. I remember vividly reciting the steps with my mother: • Right foot on the brake • Left foot on the clutch (yes, I’m that old) • Check emergency…
Read MoreThe OC Anxiety Center has started a wait list for a social anxiety group! We’re excited to start a new social anxiety treatment group, focusing on young adults. We currently have three people interested: when we have several more we can begin sessions. It will consist of 75-minute sessions at a cost of $125 per…
Read MoreDr. Hsia will be part of the “Depression and the Church” conference at Yorba Linda Friends Church on October 27th, from 8a-4p. It’s open to the public (last year had 250 attendees and they’re anticipating more this year). Come by our booth and ask us questions or just say hello!
Read MoreThis past weekend we had the privilege of meeting of meeting numerous individuals who united for the NAMI walk in Anaheim, California to raise awareness on mental illness. It was a wonderful experience and we look forward to more like it as we enjoy connecting with others as well as sharing more about our contribution…
Read More“If I can distract myself by playing on my phone, then I can make it through a panic attack.” “When I drink enough alcohol, I can get on a plane.” “I have to turn up the radio and crank the A/C any time I hit traffic.” “There’s no way I can sit…
Read MoreRecently we’ve been asked more often about CBD oil (cannabidiol) in the treatment of anxiety disorder, particularly for pediatrics. On the surface it may seem like a reasonable approach, but I would suggest that it depends on what the goal of using it is. CBD oil may be useful for short term relief of anxiety,…
Read MoreAs our children head back to school, there’s a range of emotions for both the children and us as parents. While we expect some feelings of nervousness, uncertainty and fear, the question we often hear is “what’s normal?”. Approximately 40% of our patient load is pediatric: we have children entering elementary school in Newport Beach…
Read More“I know it’s probably not going to happen, but what if it does?” “Can you guarantee this is safe?” “Yes, but how horrible would it be if it does happen?” These statements reflect individuals concerned about scary outcomes, something we hear every day in the office. While we agree that a ‘bad’ outcome such…
Read MoreWe often have individuals engaging in driving exposures for both panic disorder and fear of driving. From our office in Mission Viejo, we have people driving locally south to San Clemente, north through Newport Coast, Irvine, and east to Rancho Santa Margarita. As they head farther afield, they are driving to Los Angeles, the Inland…
Read MoreSafety Behaviors: what not to do “If I can distract myself by playing on my phone, then I can make it through a panic attack.” “When I drink enough alcohol, I can get on a plane.” “I have to turn up the radio and crank the A/C any time I hit traffic” “There’s no…
Read MoreDr. Hsia will be speaking at the UC Irvine Medical Center on August 15th and the 29th at grand rounds for the psychiatry residents. The first talk focuses on the appropriate application of exposure and response prevention. The second will explain how to differentiate and treat social anxiety and autism spectrum disorders. We are…
Read MoreLike many concepts in life, psychology is man-centered, and not God-centered. Cooking, aircraft design and accounting are all man-centered, but typically we don’t ask our chefs, engineers or accountants about their faith in the completion of their duties. Similarly, does psychology have to be God-centered to address my issues? It depends on the issue. As…
Read MoreThe OC Anxiety Center is excited to welcome Dr. Lauren DeSilva to our staff. After a careful and extensive search, we are happy to announce that Dr. DeSilva will be working with us. Originally from Orange County, she is happy to be back. We will soon be posting her bio, but a few notes of…
Read MoreIn our continuing series, we’re addressing common questions we hear in regards to spirituality, and in particular, Christianity and its interface with psychology. This week we’ll examine this one: “Aren’t all psychological ailments rooted in personal sin?” Underlying this inquiry are several concepts: Psychological disorders as a construct do not exist, as they are just…
Read More“Isn’t going to a psychologist a sign of lack of faith in God?” As we noted last week, there are parallels to this that don’t make sense: Isn’t going to a medical doctor a sign of lack of faith in God? Isn’t going to a personal trainer to lose weight a sign of lack of…
Read MoreReligion and psychology have had an interesting history, often marked with contempt, misunderstandings and misinformation from both sides. In the next few blogs, we hope to address some of these issues. While we are not expressed experts in religions, will consult with pastors (e.g., current leaders of churches who have at least a Master’s degree)…
Read MoreIt would be horrible if my parents died. What if this time I really do lose control the car? I worry that I worry this much. These statements are common cognitions for those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. Individuals will spend time agonizing over catastrophic outcomes of events: imagining how life would be without…
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