The holiday season is often a time of joy and excitement! Children and adults alike eagerly await quality time with loved ones and the arrival of cooler weather.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, therapist, friend of a friend, or a curious cat, you may have experienced the struggle of making task completion less… boring. After all, things take time, and it can be demoralizing to start from the bottom of the mountain when the peak is so high it disappears between the clouds, especially for individuals living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

As a therapist deeply committed to helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of mental health, I recently had the privilege of completing advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy through the International OCD Foundation.

Have you ever felt a lump in your throat when recalling a difficult memory? Or noticed tension in your shoulders when stressed?

Welcome to the anxiety trap that doesn’t let go. Here’s how it works. The anxiety-inducing situation leads to worry, fear, the feeling of being overwhelmed, and it can be difficult to stop thinking about the anxiety inducing thoughts on your own.