Shows
Life Free of AnxietyWhen Anxiety, Depression, OCD and PTSD Join ForcesUnderstanding Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD and Their TreatmentsIn this episode, hosted by Erica and licensed clinical therapist Dr. Charles Barr, we bring you insights into anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and depression. We delve into the complexities of panic disorder, highlighting its potential overlap with OCD in terms of obsessive thinking and behaviors. The discussion also covers strategies for dealing with these disorders, the connection between anxiety and depression, and the importance of recognizing the primary issue among symptoms. Furthermore, the episode explores the relevance of cognitive behavioral therapies acr...2024-03-1227 min
Life Free of AnxietyMaking Sense of AnxietyMaking Sense of AnxietyThis episode was originally recorded in the studio. To watch the video series, head to https://chaange.lifefreeofanxiety.com/makingsense-fb In today's episode of the 'Life Free of Anxiety Podcast', host Erica and co-host Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety treatment, explore the topic of anxiety. They delve into whether anxiety is mental illness, the type of people who develop anxiety, and the reason for its development. They emphasize that anxiety is not a mental illness but rather a complex of symptoms triggered by fear an...2024-01-3030 min
Life Free of AnxietyThree New Year's Resolutions to Help Beat Anxiety in 2024!Introducing the CHAANGE in 16 program with a GET BETTER GUARANTEE!*** To Find Out More about CHAANGE in 16, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com/getbetter *** Starting the New Year Right: Managing Anxiety and Creating Healthy HabitsIn this episode, co-hosts Erica and Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in anxiety, talk about new year resolutions aimed at helping people manage their anxiety better. They highlight three key things - improving sleep habits, reducing caffeine intake, and practicing abdominal breathing. They also d...2024-01-0638 min
Life Free of AnxietyHow Carson Daly Refused to Let Anxiety Win!Welcome to the Life Free of Anxiety podcast, guided by hosts named Erica Roth and Dr. Charles Barr, who is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety. The conversation revolves around the first panic attack experience of most people suffering from anxiety and discusses the renowned Television host, Carson Daly’s public admittance of his struggle with anxiety. Daly recounts about his panic attack in an extensive length during a 'TRL' recording. The hosts correlate Daly's experiences with typical signs of panic attacks such as unexpected adrenaline rush and emphasize that panic attacks can affect ever...2023-12-2331 min
Life Free of AnxietyHow to Beat Anxiety in Just 16 WEEKS! (The CHAANGE Get Better Guarantee)Introducing the CHAANGE in 16 program with a GET BETTER GUARANTEE!*** To Find Out More about CHAANGE in 16, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com/getbetter *** In this episode, hosts Erica and Dr. Charles Barr introduce their new program, CHAANGE in 16. Drawing upon their personal experiences with anxiety, they passionately explain the specifics and benefits of the program, emphasizing its effectiveness and successful track record over 40 years. The program combines relaxation techniques and cognitive therapy and is designed to be completed at home o...2023-12-1431 min
Life Free of AnxietyTips for Anxiety Free Holiday TravelOvercoming Anxiety During Holiday TravelsIn this episode of the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast, hosts Erica and Dr. Charles Barr discuss the impact of holiday stress and adjusting to different circumstances during festivities due to the pandemic. They emphasize the importance of managing expectations and dealing with the fear of breaking traditions. The discussion then pivots towards overcoming anxieties related to holiday travel, focusing on bringing comfort and relaxation throughout the process. Strategies suggested include visualization techniques, the use of medication if necessary, and reshaping negative thoughts into positive ones. They also discuss the benefits of...2023-12-0419 min
Life Free of AnxietyHoliday Travel with Anxiety? You’ve Got This!In the second part of the holiday special of the Life Free of Anxiety podcast, hosts Erica and Dr. Charles Barr discuss dealing with holiday-related anxiety, particularly relating to travel. They provide tips and strategies on planning, preparing, and managing situational anxiety like traveling out of your comfort zone, or dealing with delays and unexpected events. They emphasize taking adequate measures to ensure comfort during your journey and using constructive thoughts and distractions to manage fear and anxiety. They wrap up wishing the listeners a Happy Thanksgiving and encourage them to explore their CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program.00:00: Holiday...2023-11-2218 min
Life Free of AnxietyAnxiety-Free Holiday GatheringsNavigating the Holiday Stress: Achieving an Anxiety-Free Holiday SeasonIn this episode of the Life Free of Anxiety podcast, host Erica and guest Dr. Charles Barr focus on dealing with stress and anxiety during the holiday season. They discuss boundaries, dealing with difficult family members, managing expectations, and making good decisions for personal mental well-being. Special emphasis is placed on taking care of oneself and setting realistic expectations. Strategies to overcome holiday stress such as taking breaks, setting personal boundaries, and adjusting unrealistic expectations are also discussed. Furthermore, they note the critical role alcohol plays in heightening...2023-11-2025 min
Life Free of AnxietyTake Control of Anxiety Through Relaxation (Part 2)In this episode of 'Life Free of Anxiety Podcast', Erica and Dr. Charles Barr discuss the importance of relaxation in battling anxiety, and the usefulness of the CHAANGE Program. They explore various relaxation techniques including breathing, progressive relaxation, and guided imagery. They also discuss how the program combines these techniques with cognitive therapy to achieve optimum results. Erica and Dr. Barr detail different ways of engaging the mind and body in relaxation exercises and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine. Resources like downloadable relaxation exercises and further information can be found on their respective websites.2023-11-1830 min
Life Free of AnxietyThe Antidote to Anxiety: Relaxation (Part 1)In this episode, Dr. Charles Barr and Erica discuss:The importance of relaxation techniques for overcoming anxiety and living your best lifeThe numerous physiological and psychological benefits of relaxation, including lowered blood pressure, reduced stress hormones, anger management, clearer thinking, and moreHow relaxation can help grow your hippocampus and improve learningUnexpected effects of relaxation like an increased sense of calm and freedomHow relaxation exercises helped Erica manage expectations of others, PMS symptoms, and pregnancy-related anxietyTo take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and...2023-11-1320 min
Life Free of AnxietyFrom Panic Attacks to Parasailing In Just 15 WeeksFrom 8 Days Without Sleep to Parasailing in 15 Weeks: Barbara Linney Shares Her Anxiety Recovery StoryBarbara 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 weeksUsing CHAANGE tools like relaxation exercises to stay calm decades later during new anxiety triggersGetting better from anxiety subtly as you start living your life againMaintaining a relaxed state for over 30 years thanks to the program2023-10-2525 min
Life Free of AnxietyAnxiety Treatment & Therapy Options ExplainedIn 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...2023-10-1840 min
Life Free of AnxietyTrembling, Sweating, Heart Racing? Yep, It's Just Anxiety!Show Notes: The Life Free of Anxiety PodcastHosted by Dr. Charles Barr and Erica of CHAANGEEpisode: 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...2023-10-0939 min
Life Free of AnxietyHeart Palpitations: When to Worry and When to RelaxShow Notes: The Life Free of Anxiety PodcastHosted by Dr. Charles Barr and EricaEpisode: The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Heart Palpitations and AnxietyIn 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...2023-09-1228 min
Life Free of AnxietyHelp for the Anxious ChildTo 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 p...2023-08-3125 min
Life Free of AnxietyDoes My Child Have Anxiety? (And the symptoms to look out for!)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 Kids program, 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 Kids program is coming back later this month, so...2023-08-1723 min
Life Free of AnxietyNo, You're NOT Going Crazy and Here's Why! (Erica's Anxiety Journey)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...2023-08-0422 min
Life Free of AnxietyFacing My Panic: A Psychologist's Anxiety JourneyIn 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...2023-07-3125 min
Life Free of AnxietyThe Tools to Deal With Life's StressesWelcome 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!2023-07-3020 minLife Free of AnxietyHow to Embrace Good Stress... Without it Becoming BAD Stress!! (Part Two)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...2021-05-0711 minLife Free of AnxietyHow to Embrace Good Stress... Without it Becoming BAD Stress!!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...2021-04-3027 minLife Free of AnxietyAn inside look at how an anxiety specialist treats his patients (Part 2)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...2021-02-1120 minLife Free of AnxietyAn inside look at how an anxiety specialist treats his patients (plus an anxiety free MRI option)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 feel...2021-02-0327 minLife Free of AnxietyHow to Grieve Properly... from Someone Who's Been ThereDid 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 m...2020-12-2326 minLife Free of AnxietyMajor League Baseball, Young Forbidden Love, Loss and GriefExactly 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!A...2020-12-1826 minLife Free of AnxietyYou're Under Stress Right Now and HERE's WhyWe 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 NO...2020-12-1033 minLife Free of AnxietyHow to Deal with Regrets and AnxietyRegrets. 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 Eri...2020-09-2432 minLife Free of AnxietyOvercoming Fear in The World's Toughest Race (Eco-Challenge Fiji)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 neve...2020-08-1832 minLife Free of AnxietyConstructive Ways to Deal with Anger“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...2020-08-1130 minLife Free of AnxietyThe Complex Relationship between Anger & Anxiety“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. Interestin...2020-08-0428 minLife Free of AnxietyTalking to Regis Philbin about Anxiety & AgoraphobiaWhen 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....2020-07-2816 minLife Free of AnxietyGet a Free Copy of Free From Fears... Plus, A Special Announcement!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...2020-07-0823 minLife Free of AnxietyLet's Talk About Sex... and Your Anxiety!Faison Covington is back to discuss her book Free From Fears with Erica and giving you a sneak peak inside this LIFE CHANGING book that you will be able to get TOTALLY FREE starting next week! (So, make sure you don't miss next week's episode!) Unlike so many books out there, this one is a major game-changer for anyone suffering from any type of anxiety condition. This book actually holds the answers to many of the questions that you likely have about your fearfulness and will guide you to some of the most i...2020-06-2527 minLife Free of AnxietyYour Roadmap to a Life Free From Fears (Book Excerpt)In two weeks, we are republishing the LEGENDARY anxiety book, Free From Fears. It's been updated for 2020 and both Erica and Dr. Charles Barr have added written forwards to the book. This week, in addition to sharing how you might be able to get a FREE subscription to the Calm and Headspace apps, Erica reads her forward from Free From Fears.Join us next week to hear how you can get a FREE copy of Free From Fears2020-06-1813 minLife Free of AnxietyYour FIRST Panic Attack... And Why it Seemed to Change EVERYTHINGWhat just happened?!?You've always been a capable person. Others rely on you for your solid advice and strong listening skills. Your boss trusts you. You are by nature a calm, put together person. Life was going just fine until you had a major life altering panic attack. From there everything seemed to change. Suddenly you found yourself fearful of things that never bothered you before. You became suddenly avoidant of places or situations. You may even feel as though you're in a "dream like" state or outside of yo...2020-04-3035 minLife Free of AnxietyBONUS: Dr. Charles Barr on Los Angeles's Morning Answer Radio ShowWe'll be back early next week with a regular episode, but in the meantime, here's a replay of Dr. Barr joining Brian Whitman and Jennifer Horn on The Morning Answer show (870AM in Los Angeles).Oh, and another fun fact: Erica actually used to work in the same Salem studio as this station. It's a small world!Useful Links:Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation AudioCHAANGE Program SignupClick this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment a...2020-04-0316 minLife Free of AnxietyHow to Help Your Kids Manage Anxiety with Faison CovingtonANXIETY AND CHILDREN: This episode is a MUST listen for any parent. If you know a parent who could benefit from this, please share it with them. This is an especially difficult time for parents with young kids.How do you help your child not fall into a "worry trap" during these anxiety provoking times? Faison Covington, a childhood anxiety specialist (and founder of the CHAANGE program, which Erica and Dr. Barr both used to cure their anxiety), returns to talk about tips and tricks for discussing stressful topics with children.2020-03-3123 minLife Free of AnxietyHow Faison Covington Overcame Anxiety and Started a MovementWhen Dr. Charles Barr and I overcame our anxiety, it was largely due to the pioneering work of Faison Covington. She truly is one of the pioneers in the field and helped to change the way anxiety is diagnosed and treated, and has helped countless people to find their Life Free of Anxiety.Faison's journey is truly inspirational. After 13 years suffering from severe anxiety, she discovered the secret to helping her mind and body heal. She then went on to spend over 4 decades (so far!) helping others do the same.Along...2020-03-2726 minLife Free of AnxietyPicking Up on Emotions and Workplace AnxietyWe discussed last episode that anxiety sufferers tend to be sensitive to stimuli, but what about sensitivity to comments and feedback or the feelings of others? We talk about it in this episode!Then Erica and Dr. Barr answer a listener question: How do you cope with anxiety in the workplace? We'll be answering more questions like this in upcoming episodes, so keep 'em coming! ---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on...2020-03-0623 minLife Free of AnxietyThree Reasons Why YOU Got AnxietyWhat if I told you that there were THREE reasons why YOU ended up with anxiety? In short, it's not your fault that you developed an anxiety condition--you were built that way!In today's episode, Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist, will talk about three things that most anxiety sufferers have in common, and help make sense of why you were susceptible to anxiety in the first place.The three big things common in anxiety sufferers include:You are likely a highly intelligent person...2020-02-2731 minLife Free of AnxietyAnxieties, Disorders and Phobias... OH MY!!!Thank you to all of you who have messaged us--we're so glad that this show is providing some comfort and hope. It would mean the world to us if you could share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. And of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!Resources are mentioned in today's episode:Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation AudioShow Notes:We’ve al...2020-01-2533 minLife Free of AnxietyDealing with TraumaThis episode was extremely difficult for me (Erica), and has come out far later than I'd hoped. Last month, a high school down the street from me, Saugus High School, suffered a terrible shooting and inflicted trauma upon many, many individuals and families.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.comAs I edited this podcast, I kept finding myself thinking of friends and...2019-12-3134 min