Does 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…
Read MoreAt our office, your first appointment will involve an in-depth intake session where we’ll go over various symptoms you experience. After reviewing the material, your psychologist will have formulated a diagnosis that fits your symptoms in the current moment. Why do we do this? Isn’t a diagnosis just a label? Does it really matter? When…
Read MoreIn much of our modern lives, we find it acceptable to move away from situations that make us uncomfortable, and move towards ones that we enjoy. While this fits for many situations (leaving an unfulfilling job for one that I enjoy), it can also be counterproductive. When our lives are dictated by the concept of…
Read MoreThe OC Anxiety Center is currently looking to hire a psychology assistant or psychologist 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. Exposures can include…
Read MoreLast week I was in Washington DC for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) annual conference. The conference attendance was one of the highest in recent years, and it was a good opportunity to see what new research and clinical skills have been developed. Here’s a few of the things I learned this…
Read MoreEverything is great! So why am I worried and depressed? “Objectively I know my life is good, but why do I always find something to complain about?” “I finally got the promotion at work, so why am I feeling anxious about…
Read MoreDr. Hsia will be speaking at the 2018 Anxiety and Depression Conference in Washington D.C. This is an annual conference hosted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and is focused on the integration of research and practice. Dr. Hsia will be participating in a round table discussion regarding the “Paradoxical Impact of…
Read MoreDoes your son or daughter have an anxiety disorder? Usually if this is the case, their anxiety may affect their experiences in school. The question then becomes, how can the school and I work together to help my child? Talk to the Teacher The first steps most parents take is to talk to their child’s…
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