How To Validate Emotions & Make Peace With Thoughts

— Have you ever had the same distressing thoughts over and over again that you couldn't stop thinking about? If you are like most people, the answer is probably a resounding "Yes!" The experience of having repetitive thoughts about a distressing issue is known as rumination. In ruminations, despite wanting to stop the distressing thought, the thoughts continue to persist. Is there a way to manage this process, or are we doomed to engage in these perpetual thinking loops? To better understand what we are up against, we need to distinguish between two important processes: having thoughts and engaging with our thoughts. In this episode, we will also discuss the importance of validating our emotions by stepping into the choice point towards our values. Valeria interviews Barry Eichenbaum  — He completed his PsyD in clinical psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Yeshiva University. Barry has extensive experience in providing exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), in which he was trained under nationally renowned psychologist, Dr. Stephen Phillipson. He is also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. His areas of clinical focus are in OCD, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, compulsive sexual behaviors, and relationship difficulties. Barry currently works at Blue Anchor Psychology, a private group psychotherapy practice based in New York City. Barry's goal in therapy is to fortify his patients with the necessary skills to help them navigate the particular challenges they are facing, thereby helping them learn to become their own therapists. He strives to cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment that can allow for each individual to live through their values and move towards their goals. To learn more about Barry Eichenbaum and his work, please visit: blueanchorpsychology.com           — This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.