Life Free of Anxiety

Latest Episodes:

From Panic Attacks to Parasailing In Just 15 Weeks Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

From 8 Days Without Sleep to Parasailing in 15 Weeks: Barbara Linney Shares Her Anxiety Recovery Story

Barbara Linney joins Erica on the podcast to share her amazing story of overcoming severe anxiety using the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program in 1984. Highlights include:

Going from 8 days without sleeping due to panic attacks to parasailing in Acapulco in just 15 weeks
Using CHAANGE tools like relaxation exercises to stay calm decades later during new anxiety triggers
Getting better from anxiety subtly as you start living your life again
Maintaining a relaxed state for over 30 years thanks to the program

A few standout quotes include:

"At that seven week mark, I thought, 'Okay, whatever that is, I can't do anything about it. Drive on home and let it go.'"

"Your mind just kind of gets clearer anyway, once you've learned to relax your body."

"It's very, very exciting. And they used to tell me regularly, 'I know this is boring. We don't care, do it anyway. It'll fix you.'"

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Don't forget to check out CHAANGE in 16, our 16 week at-home anxiety reversal program backed by our 100% money back Get Better Guarantee!
(limited spots available, signups end soon!)
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Anxiety Treatment & Therapy Options Explained Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Barr and Erica discuss different therapy options for treating anxiety, including EMDR, talk therapy/counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), breathing retraining, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and exposure therapy.
Erica shares her personal experience trying EMDR and talk therapy, which provided some benefits but did not fully resolve her anxiety symptoms.
Dr. Barr explains how CBT works to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that can trigger anxiety. He also discusses the importance of practicing relaxation techniques like controlled breathing.
Mindfulness is introduced as a way to observe anxious thoughts without reacting to them. Dr. Barr uses the metaphor of sitting by a river and watching thoughts float by.
Exposure therapy is explained as a way to gradually face feared situations in a controlled, safe setting. Erica describes her experience using exposure therapy to overcome her fear of elevators.
They emphasize the need to find an approach that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of anxiety. A combination of CBT, breathing exercises, and exposure therapy worked best for Erica.
Dr. Barr explains how he uses the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program. The goal is to equip the person with tools to manage their anxiety.
We end by stressing the importance of not giving up and finding an anxiety treatment plan that works for you. With practice, you can overcome anxious thoughts and retrain your mind and body.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Trembling, Sweating, Heart Racing? Yep, It's Just Anxiety! Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Show Notes: The Life Free of Anxiety Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Charles Barr and Erica of CHAANGE

Episode: Trembling, Sweating, Heart Racing? Yep, It's Just Anxiety!

In this episode, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica discuss the various symptoms of anxiety disorders. They cover physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, feeling faint or dizzy, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue. They also discuss mental symptoms like racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, derealization (feeling detached from reality), fears of losing control or going crazy, and avoidance behaviors.

Dr. Barr explains how the body's fight-or-flight response causes many of these symptoms, as the brain prepares the body to respond to perceived threats. Even though the threats are not real in the case of anxiety, the body reacts as if they are. He emphasizes that while the symptoms feel dangerous, they cannot actually hurt you. He also notes how our brains try to find reasons for the symptoms, often falsely attributing them to health conditions like heart attacks. Overall, the episode provides a thorough overview of anxiety disorder symptoms to help sufferers better understand what is happening in their bodies and minds.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Heart Palpitations: When to Worry and When to Relax Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

Show Notes: The Life Free of Anxiety Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Charles Barr and Erica

Episode: The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Heart Palpitations and Anxiety

In today's episode, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica delve deep into the phenomenon of heart palpitations, one of the most unsettling and common symptoms experienced by anxiety sufferers. Both share personal anecdotes and insights that shed light on this perplexing physical reaction.

Topics Covered:

What are Heart Palpitations? - A first-hand experience of what it feels like when the heart takes on a rhythm of its own.
Decoding the Causes - From relaxation, supplements, to hormonal shifts, the myriad factors that might trigger heart palpitations.
Understanding the First Fear vs. Second Fear - The innate reactions we can't control versus the reactions we absolutely can.
Heart Attack or Anxiety? - Navigating the murky waters of understanding whether your palpitations are a sign of something more serious.
Relaxation as a Cure - The power of relaxation exercises in reducing the incidence of heart palpitations.
The Role of Supplements and Diet - Erica's experience with throat coat tea and other surprises that might be lurking in your pantry.

Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, shares her journey and the life-changing role of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, emphasizing that there's hope for everyone struggling with anxiety. Tune in and find comfort in shared experiences and expert advice.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Help for the Anxious Child Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

To find out more about the LifeSkills for Kids program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com/kids!
In this episode, Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, and Dr. Charles Barr, Director of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, discuss the important topic of identifying and addressing anxiety in children. They share insightful experiences and offer hope for parents who are struggling to support their anxious children.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

Identifying Anxiety in Children: Signs and symptoms that suggest a child might be struggling with anxiety.
Parental Perspectives: The type of parents who seek help and the confusion they often experience.
Physical Manifestations of Anxiety in Children: The ‘stomach aches’ and ‘headaches’ that may actually be signs of anxiety.
Beyond Shyness: Dr. Barr talks about the differences between natural introversion and anxiety-driven avoidance in children.
Long-term Impact: Discussion about how untreated anxiety in childhood can potentially affect a person throughout their life.
Trauma Signs and Red Flags: How to discern if a child’s behavior may be signaling a deeper, traumatic experience.
Effective Communication with School and Caretakers: Advocating for your child and investigating possible external influences on their anxiety.
The Role of Parents: The impact of parents’ words and actions on a child’s perception and understanding of the world, and the importance of being mindful of this.
Tools for Change: A teaser for future discussion on effective strategies and tools parents and children can use to manage and overcome anxiety.

Listen to this episode to gain insights into the different forms anxiety can take in children, and find hope through the expertise of Dr. Barr and Erica's own lived experience overcoming anxiety. They’re here to show that with the right tools and guidance, anxiety can be treated effectively.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Does My Child Have Anxiety? (And the symptoms to look out for!) Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Erica, a former anxiety sufferer, and Dr. Charles Barr, her therapist and a fellow alumni of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, discuss the important topic of identifying and addressing anxiety in children. They share insightful experiences and offer hope for parents who are struggling to support their anxious children.
Additionally, we discuss the LifeSkills for Kidsprogram, an at-home program for helping your child learn to deal with the stresses and anxieties of life, so it doesn't affect them as adults!
The LifeSkills for Kidsprogram is coming back later this month, so head to LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/Kids to find out more!

Topics Covered in this Episode:

Identifying Anxiety in Children: Signs and symptoms that suggest a child might be struggling with anxiety.
Parental Perspectives: The type of parents who seek help and the confusion they often experience.
Physical Manifestations of Anxiety in Children: The ‘stomach aches’ and ‘headaches’ that may actually be signs of anxiety.
Beyond Shyness: Dr. Barr talks about the differences between natural introversion and anxiety-driven avoidance in children.
Long-term Impact: Discussion about how untreated anxiety in childhood can potentially affect a person throughout their life.
Trauma Signs and Red Flags: How to discern if a child’s behavior may be signaling a deeper, traumatic experience.
Effective Communication with School and Caretakers: Advocating for your child and investigating possible external influences on their anxiety.
The Role of Parents: The impact of parents’ words and actions on a child’s perception and understanding of the world, and the importance of being mindful of this.
Tools for Change: A teaser for future discussion on effective strategies and tools parents and children can use to manage and overcome anxiety.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

No, You're NOT Going Crazy and Here's Why! (Erica's Anxiety Journey) Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of The Life Free of Anxiety Podcast, Erica, a former patient and now a successful overcomer of anxiety, alongside Dr. Charles Barr, delve into their personal experiences with anxiety and how they managed to regain control over their lives.

Panic and Anxiety History: Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how some people can pinpoint their first panic attack while others have dealt with anxiety all their lives. They dissect how creative minds may have a heightened imagination that might enhance fears and anxieties.
The Impact of Substance Use: Erica candidly shares her experience with marijuana use and how it led to heightened anxiety and the fear of permanency in that state.
Depersonalization and Anxiety: They explore the concept of depersonalization, a sensation that can make individuals feel like they're losing their mind. Erica recounts her battles with this sensation, particularly during stressful situations, and how she successfully overcame it.
The Path to Recovery: Erica and Dr. Barr highlight the importance of practicing therapy for anxiety disorders, emphasizing that improvement is impossible without consistent practice. They discuss exposure therapy and the initial fear and skepticism that comes with confronting anxiety-inducing situations.
The Role of Medication: The duo addresses the controversial role of medication in treating anxiety, acknowledging the variability in individual responses. Erica shares her personal journey, from her struggles with medication to eventually overcoming her fears and phobias without it.
Hope and Recovery: Lastly, the podcast promotes a message of hope. Contrary to common misconceptions, Erica and Dr. Barr stress that it is possible to completely overcome anxiety disorders and live a fulfilling life.

If you're struggling with anxiety, remember that there is hope. The CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program is designed to help you beat anxiety in 16 weeks. Listen to the experiences of those who have walked the same path and emerged victorious. You're not alone, and there is a process to get you through this.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Facing My Panic: A Psychologist's Anxiety Journey Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of "The Life Free of Anxiety Podcast," Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders, discusses his personal journey with panic disorder. He delves into the world of anxiety disorders, the symptoms, and the effects they can have on a person's life. Erica, a former patient of Dr. Barr who has successfully overcome her anxiety through the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, co-hosts the podcast.

Highlights from the podcast:

Dr. Charles Barr's personal experience with a panic attack: He had a panic attack during an earthquake while alone in his office. This incident led to a personal understanding of what his patients go through and a special interest in anxiety disorders.
Exploring the term 'Depersonalization': Depersonalization, according to Dr. Barr, is a feeling of unreality, as though you're losing a grip on yourself. It is a common symptom of panic disorder.
Anxiety is the 'great mimicker': Dr. Barr explains that anxiety can mimic symptoms of serious health conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, leading to misinterpretation of the symptoms.
The devastating impact of panic disorder: Panic disorder can completely change how a person perceives themselves and the world around them.
The importance of tackling 'What-ifs': Dr. Barr emphasizes the need to control anxiety-inducing thought patterns and replacing the 'What-ifs' with 'So what?'
There's help and hope: Dr. Barr assures that panic disorder can be managed and overcome with the right set of tools like cognitive-behavioral therapy, breathing, and relaxation training.
Skepticism is normal: If you're feeling skeptical about whether you can overcome your anxiety, Dr. Barr assures that it's normal. What's important is to keep an open mind and be willing to seek help.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

The Tools to Deal With Life's Stresses Jul 29, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to the NEW and IMPROVED Life Free of Anxiety podcast!
We have been on a break, but after undergoing major surgeries and welcoming a newborn baby, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica have much to share.
So stay tuned! We're back with more enlightening insights and personal experiences about coping with stress, anxiety, and life changes.
As always, remember that...
You are NOT alone.
You are NOT broken.
You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!
<3
-------------------------------
This week, we're discussing:

A Society That Forgets to Pause

Dr. Barr and Erica take a critical look at society's expectations about taking breaks. Whether it's recovering from surgery, adjusting to life with a new baby, or even managing an aging pet, life throws challenges that demand pause and care. Yet, we're often pressured to 'keep on trucking' and maintain appearances of normalcy. This societal tendency can be incredibly stressful, exacerbating existing challenges and potentially creating new ones.

Social media can be a particular culprit, displaying snapshots of seemingly perfect lives and rapid recoveries. Such representations can put enormous pressure on individuals to bounce back quickly after life-altering events like childbirth or surgeries. It's crucial to remember that healing takes time and everyone's journey differs.

Healing and Acceptance: Everyone's Journey Is Unique

Dr. Barr emphasizes that your body's needs and pace should be respected. Healing doesn't always happen quickly, and patience with oneself is crucial. It's not uncommon to feel disappointed if your recovery doesn't match someone else's story. This is especially true with seemingly universal experiences, like breastfeeding after childbirth. It's essential to remember that each body and circumstance is unique, and comparison only fuels anxiety and self-doubt.

Managing Stress with The Right Tools

Erica shares an invaluable lesson about managing stress and anxiety — the importance of having the right tools. She recalls her initial skepticism about tools as a solution, feeling they were too simple to address something as complex as anxiety.

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

How to Embrace Good Stress... Without it Becoming BAD Stress!! (Part Two) May 07, 2021

Show notes

PART TWO!
There is no such thing as a life free of stress! But not all stress has to be bad.
A wedding, a birth, a promotion, a move or any number of exciting things can cause stress. But can your body tell the difference between good and bad stress?
In today's episode Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how good stress is in fact good, yet it can also be something that happens before a major panic attack.
Sounds confusing right? Don't worry, we have a licensed clinical therapist who is going to break it all down for you!
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Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!
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Useful Links:

FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!
CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!
Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

As always, remember that...
You are NOT alone.
You are NOT broken.
You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!
<3

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

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