Life Free of Anxiety, with Erica & Dr. Charles Barr

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!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

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!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Of all the topics we will ever discuss, this might be the one that was most important in overcoming my (Erica's) anxiety. It's why we wanted to make a short series on the topic, and hopefully encourage you to get started on your relaxation practice!What are the three things you should consider when choosing a relaxation exercise?And once you've found the perfect relaxation practice, how can you turn it into a useful tool that can benefit you for the rest of your (anxiety-free) life?In part two of our series, we will discuss the three things Dr. Charles Barr, licensed clinical psychologist, thinks are most important in a relaxation practice:The Breathing KeyProgressive Muscle RelaxationGuided ImageryAnd we also touch on a variety of other relaxation methods, including: hypnosis, pressure points (acupressure), acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, Tai chi, Biofeedback, Music and Art therapy, and Aromatherapy.This is an IMPORTANT EPISODE! Relaxation is the single greatest tool to your Life Free of Anxiety!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Resources are mentioned in today's episode:Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation AudioUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Reduced Frustration? Check…More confidence in making decisions? Check...Lowered blood pressure? Check!A life free of anxiety? CHECK!!!These are just some of the surprising benefits that can come with doing breathing relaxation exercises on a regular basis.It’s why Dr. Barr and Erica encourage them on the show so much. We believe in the benefits of intentional relaxation so strongly, that Dr. Barr has made a digital copy of his relaxation exercise available for free at LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/RELAX. If you don't have a good relaxation audio, please, please, please get one.In this episode they break down exactly what other benefits you can expect from practicing regular relaxation. We also share our personal accounts of how life changing this practice was in both of our lives.---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Resources are mentioned in today's episode:Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation AudioUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Here it is, Dr. Barr's much love Relaxation Exercise. I can honestly say that this relaxation exercise changed my life! I can't overstate how important it is to practice relaxation.I know I used to try to pull out a relaxation exercise when I began to feel anxious, but the real secret is to practice relaxation when you're NOT feeling anxious. Get good at relaxing when you're unafraid, and you can go back to that state when fear creeps in!Combined with the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, I was able to overcome the anxiety that had plagued me for years. (And exciting news: the CHAANGE Program is back and available for you at home!)As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

Meet Erica (that's me!), a client of Dr. Barr's who was able to overcome her anxiety.Erica came to Dr. Barr, after many years of seeing different therapists with no success. In only a few weeks, though, she overcame her anxiety by utilizing the tools Dr. Barr gave her.Hear Erica’s personal story of how and when anxiety took hold of her life, as well as Dr. Barr's take on medication for treating anxiety. Dr. Barr also shares other things he feels work and don’t work.If you have felt helpless and hopeless in your battle with anxiety this episode is for you.As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

Meet Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist, who has specialized in anxiety disorders since 1988.You may be thinking, "lots of people are psychologists," but what sets Dr. Barr apart is his own personal experience with anxiety and how he managed to overcome it.In this episode, you'll hear Dr. Barr's personal experience with a traumatic event involving an earthquake. You'll also hear in detail the symptoms he experienced and how this natural disaster shook things up in his life, both figuratively AND  literally.As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

In this episode Erica and Dr. Charles Barr, PhD continue their discussion on effective treatment of severe anxiety.Ever wonder how a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist treats anxiety in their office? Find out how in this episode!  Erica and Dr. Barr discuss topics such as: When is it appropriate to recommend a patient get medication?What key things do you look for to determine if someone is having true mental illness or a bout with severe anxiety?Why the difference between feelings of unreality (depersonalization) and actually losing touch with reality are so important to identify as a professional.Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

In this episode Erica and Dr Barr begin by discussing MRIs and claustrophobia. Erica recently had to get an MRI done and was able to find an incredible alternative to make the experience non-claustrophobic. Also in this episode… Ever wonder how a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist treats anxiety in their office? Erica asks Dr. Barr questions such as: When is it appropriate to recommend a patient get medication?What key things do you look for to determine if someone is having true mental illness or a bout with severe anxiety?Why the difference between feelings of unreality (depersonalization) and actually losing touch with reality are so important to identify as a professional.Also…How Dr. Barr treats those who are dealing with specific phobias… including a young woman with a dog phobia who Dr. Barr was hired to help on the show “The Dog Whisperer.” Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

It’s 2021! And wow, a lot has changed since last year's New Year episode! However you celebrated, (or, more likely, didn’t celebrate) we know that stepping into a brand new year can be a little bit intimidating with all of the unknowns, and that’s why Dr. Barr has three life changing things you can start doing this week to help with anxiety and panic attacks.These top three things are not only manageable, they are also vital to your well-being. So don’t only feed your body well in 2021, take care of your mind as well, and put into action what Erica and Dr. Barr discuss. You won’t regret it!A couple resources are mentioned in today's episode:2020 New Year Anxiety Resolutions WorksheetDr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio MP3Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

Did you know there's a proper way to grieve? Author, radio host, and counselor Gina Pastore speaks from her own experience in this episode. If you didn't hear Part One of the conversation with Gina you can find that in last week's episode (Episode 50). Gina also shares tips on how she was able to get over the hump of her deepest, darkest grief after she suddenly lost her beloved husband eight years ago.You'll hear all of this discussed from a time sensitive perspective as we know grief feels even more devastating this year as many are forced to isolate. Be sure to listen to part one of this interview posted last week before you listen to this one to hear Frank and Gina's hilarious and beautiful love story and their time in Major League Baseball!Merry Christmas!Find Gina's Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Picking-Up-My-Shattered-Pieces/dp/0998393584Find Gina's radio show here: KKLA: https://kkla.com/radioshow/1401Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ginapastoreradio ---This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

Exactly eight years ago, former major league baseball player and radio host Frank Pastore passed away in a motorcycle accident while driving home from work. Frank who played in the major leagues in the late 1980s, was at the time considered to be one of the best pitchers in the entire MLB.After his career ended, Frank went on to later become a drive time radio show host in Los Angeles, on 99.5 KKLA where he discussed current topics, politics, and theology.  His show came on right after Erica's... which is how they met!After Frank's untimely passing, his wife Gina, who married Frank at sixteen years old (yes 16!) was left to pick up her shattered pieces and start a new life as a widow. In this part 1 episode, Gina shares about her and Frank's wild elopement, their time in the major leagues, and how she's more surprised than anyone that she has managed to get through the loss of her amazing husband.We also play you a clip of the absolutely stunning thing Frank said on the air hours before his life would end... describing EXACTLY the scenario that lead to his fatal accident that same evening! If you've lost someone this year or are grieving in any way, this episode is for you.This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

We have news for you: You are under stress. We all are!In this episode, Erica and Dr. Barr cover:The sadness that comes with the holidays looking very differently these days Job insecurity due to the pandemic and the financial demands of the holidays. The loneliness of having to be away from family for the holidays Traveling safely during the pandemic The holidays look different this year for EVERYONE! It's not just you. :)This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

Have you been listening? Drop Erica a note at erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com and say hello! :)This episode was originally recorded LAST holiday season, so you won't hear any mention of a pandemic, but there's still a lot of good information in this episode. Continued from Episode 47, Erica and Dr. Barr continue their discussion on how to keep anxiety at bay during holiday travel.Forget the rude comments Aunt Sheila is going to make about your new blonde highlights, (she always preferred you brunette), how the heck are you even going to get to Christmas dinner in the first place?In this episode, Dr. Barr shares some incredible tips on how to battle anxiety and get through your drive or flight to your holiday destination. Oh, and don’t forget that he does this for a living! He gets people to their destinations all the time through his amazing coaching. We discuss a couple common questions, such as: Are prescriptions like Xanax the way to go? What do I do if I can’t stand the thought of the airplane door shutting and feeling trapped?How do you prepare for the inevitable stress that comes with holiday traffic, kids in the backseat insisting you play Baby Shark one more time, and who knows what else? (We've all seen Home Alone and Christmas Vacation) Find out how to get through just about any travel related anxiety in this episode!As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

Forget the rude comments Aunt Sheila is going to make about your new blonde highlights, (she always preferred you brunette), how the heck are you even going to get to Christmas dinner in the first place?In this episode, Dr. Barr shares some incredible tips on how to battle anxiety and get through your drive or flight to your holiday destination. Oh, and don’t forget that he does this for a living! He gets people to their destinations all the time through his amazing coaching. We discuss a couple common questions, such as: Are prescriptions like Xanax the way to go? What do I do if I can’t stand the thought of the airplane door shutting and feeling trapped?How do you prepare for the inevitable stress that comes with holiday traffic, kids in the backseat insisting you play Baby Shark one more time, and who knows what else? (We've all seen Home Alone and Christmas Vacation) Find out how to get through just about any travel related anxiety in this episode!As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

"Election Stress Disorder." This election season has been so incredibly stressful that there's even a new name for it! But what is election stress and what can be done about it?In this episode Erica and Dr. Charles Barr discuss what symptoms come with election stress, how to take care of yourself, what to avoid and how to cope! We feel the stress right along with you and we are here to help. Don't miss this timely episode. As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

AHHH, the holidays. The smell of fresh pine, Hallmark Christmas movie marathons, beautiful lights, and oh yeah… family gatherings and all the personalities that come with them…Dreading the holidays? You’re not alone. Pretty much everyone gets stressed out by the holidays in some way or another, whether they are on an anxiety journey or not. Whether you have an upcoming family gathering or you just need some tips on dealing with different personality types, this episode is for you! Dr. Barr and Erica share about things that have worked for them in their own families and how to practice assertiveness for yourself when necessary. And also tips on how to extend grace to yourself and to others!  We have a great feeling that this year, you’re going to gasp… actually enjoy yourself!As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Being a teacher has never been an easy, stress-free job, but throw online learning into the mix and that stress meter hits an all-time high.But this episode isn't just for teachers... this is a MUST listen episode for parents of kids in distance learning!In this Part Two episode (find Part One in Episode 43), fifth-grade teacher Danielle Roth joins us to discusses practical ways she’s learned to navigate through online learning. Dr. Barr also weighs in to answer pressing questions like:“How do I ensure that my students are getting enough stimulation through a computer screen?How can I ensure that my students are learning enough for their next grade?What about those angry parents? How do I deal with them?Join us today on the show for all of this and more!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

2020 has certainly thrown us some unexpected curve balls to say the least.The effects of the pandemic are in full swing and distance learning has become one of the greatest challenges for teachers, parents and students alike.In this episode, 5th grade teacher Danielle Roth (Erica's sister- in-law) joins the discussion on how to make online learning a bit more manageable at home.Dr. Barr also weighs in from his perspective as not only a therapist, but as a Grandfather!We hope to put our arms around you today and offer you some useful advice. We know it's not easy but we are here for you and we totally get it!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Wearing a mask doesn't have to suck!For us sensitive/anxious types, wearing a mask can feel claustrophobic, smothering, or down right out of control. Turns out... if you're feeling anxious and like you can't get enough oxygen when wearing a mask, it's not all in your head--but in your breathing!Besides our "new normal" of now having to wear mask in public, there's also a new breathing technique you NEED to learn to master stress free mask wearing.Licensed clinical therapist Dr. Charles Barr and Erica give you specific tools that are good enough for the Navy Seals!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Regrets. We all have them.They are a powerful, sometimes all-consuming problem for many of us. They can signify loss, embarrassment, failure, and more. But... Since this is a podcast about anxiety, what is the connection between regret and anxiety? Did you even know there was one?After thirty years of practice as a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety, Dr. Barr has certainly heard his share of regrets from his clients.Which is why he wanted to cover this sensitive topic along with Erica in this weeks episode.  Listen now to hear the connection between anxiety and regrets and how to break free from yours.Listen now!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Having trouble getting even the most renowned therapists and medical doctors to properly diagnose your anxiety? I was there too... Until I heard what I'm about to play for you.What you are about to hear is hands down one of the best (if not the best) breakdowns of the anxiety condition out there, and is part of the first audio session from the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program.In this episode, we hear from psychologist Dr. Lou Owensby of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, who will break down what exactly causes anxiety, what kinds of personality types develop this condition, why you haven't gone crazy from a physiological perspective, and a lot more. If there was ever an episode of our show to listen to... this is it!Seriously! Don't miss this one. Oh, and be sure to share this episode with anyone you know who is suffering from anxiety. It truly is life changing information.Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Heart palpitations can be a seriously troubling symptom of anxiety... but can they be prevented? The answer is yes! In this episode Erica and Dr. Barr discuss heart palpitations: why they happen...when to seek medical attention...and how to prevent them all together!Of course, we also discuss our own experiences with heart palpitations, which are about as opposite as could be!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Sleep deprivation, plowing through mud, climbing treacherous mountains… They certainly don’t call it The World’s Toughest Race for nothing!In this episode, I (Erica) talk to my friend Heather Flebbe about her time competing in the World’s Toughest Race, also known as Eco-Challenge Fiji,* and how she was able to overcome some pretty intense situations!Heather shares how two of her teammates on Team Super Fighters overcame cancer before the race (one being her husband) and the physical limitations they not only endured, but overcame.You may never plan to race in the jungles of Fiji, but you will have to face your fears! Let Heather show you why you are tougher than you think.*(all 10 episodes are now streaming on Amazon Prime)  Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

“Anybody can become angry - that is easy. But to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” -Aristotle What an incredible quote. Aristotle knew his stuff! Seriously, take a second and read that quote again. Wow, right? Now throw your anxiety into the mix…yeesh…But the funny thing is, these two symptoms are far more connected than you might know.That’s why licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Barr and I covered this incredibly important topic over the course of two episodes (if you haven't listened to Episode 36, I recommend you go back and give it a listen!)In these episodes we discuss specific reasons anxious people are typically angry, including reasons why I was angry when I was feeling stuck in my anxiety. We also cover what a “slush fund” of anger is, and how to know if you have one.  Dr. Barr explains your body’s connection to anger and anxiety and the signals you can look out for.Most importantly, we give you some incredibly useful tools to start managing your anger today!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

“Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” -Aristotle Anger. Some people avoid ever even muttering the word. Anger can cause shame. It can cause damage to others. We can end up doing or saying things we really regret when are angry. And still…We ALL have it. Interestingly enough, us sensitive/anxious people have an especially complex relationship with the emotion for all kinds of different reasons. In this episode, Erica and licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist Dr. Charles Barr discuss common reasons anxious people have anger. Dr. Barr also explains your body's connection to anger and anxiety and the signals you can look out for.Lots of great info ahead in this first episode in a two part series on the topic of anger.Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

When I heard this weekend that Regis Philbin passed away, I knew that we had to push back our regularly scheduled episode and put this one up instead. We are bringing you the audio from a segment Regis did, focused entirely on anxiety and agoraphobia.At the time, CHAANGE was helping so many people recover from anxiety and panic attacks that Regis Philbin brought Faison Covington (who you know from this show!) and Ann Seagrave, two of the founders of CHAANGE, on to tell their stories to his audience.It's a great interview and lead to the CHAANGE phone lines blowing up almost immediately. That's the Regis effect!For those new to the the show, CHAANGE is the program Dr. Barr and I used to overcome anxiety and are relaunching online (for the first time!) in a few days.Regis really was someone special... I watched him growing up and heard stories from my mom about how kind he was to her. Much later, when I became a radio host in Los Angeles, I came to appreciate just how amazing he was at his job! Interviewing people is an art. And it's one he mastered like no other.I hope you enjoy this episode. It's sad to think that we will never get another event live-hosted by Regis, but we're lucky for the decades and decades we DID have him! ---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Did that COVID-19 headline that you just stumbled upon convince you that you are suddenly very short of breath and feeling like you just spiked a fever? We've gotten a few questions on the topic of health anxiety and hypochondria, such as: What exactly is hypochondria and how “normal” is it?What’s considered obsessive symptom checking and what’s not?What if you live with someone who has recently become a full-blown hypochondriac?Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Barr is back this week with Erica to answer these questions and more. Join us as we discuss how to navigate through this fearful time. ---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

“I was in the air and I remember thinking, okay, I'm where I want to be. I'm a whole lot better than I used to be.” -Barbara Linney---Do you read the show notes? If not, this is the week to start, since we have a number of AMAZING resources for you!---Today I (Erica) am joined by a VERY special guest: Barbara Linney. Recently, I received an email from Barbara saying that she had completed the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program over thirty years ago and is still benefitting from it today... Talk about getting your money’s worth!In this episode, Barbara discusses her debilitating experience with anxiety that so many of us can relate to. In fact, her anxiety and panic attacks got so bad that her breaking point was 8 days straight nights of no sleep!Believe it or not, once Barbara finished the 16 week anxiety treatment program that her friend recommended to her, she was parasailing in Acapulco! How is that even possible you ask? Listen in to find out!Barbara’s journey with the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program and overcoming her anxiety is actually documented in the book Free From Fears which you can still get for FREE at FreeFromFearsBook.com! (Barbara's name was changed for privacy in the book--and I didn't meet her until after we had finished updating the book!--Her pseudonym in the book is Betty Lewis.Listen to her incredible journey now!---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com

Faison is back for Part II, but first... a couple exciting things to let you know!Want something FREE? Well, you're in luck! We're so excited today... because Free From Fears, the legendary and long out of print anxiety book, is back! And we want to give everyone a copy! (seriously, tell your friends... we'll give them a copy too). Get it at FreeFromFearsBook.comThe second big announcement is that we are looking for a small, committed group of people who would like to be a part of the online launch of the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program on August 3rd. If you're interested, find out if it might be right for you at CHAANGE.com/BetaNow, back to the show notes: Adrenaline, anxiety triggers, and self-compassion. Fasison Covington is back this week to discuss these topics from her book (Grab a Free Copy here!) Free From Fears. Faison co-founded the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, a 16 week that has helped over 200,000 people recover from anxiety and has been featured on Oprah, Regis, Larry King and more. Faison is currently a licensed clinical social worker who practices psychology in South Carolina and is our favorite go-to guest for the show!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com