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# Light On Anxiety: Less Talk, More Action.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://lightonanxiety.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Pages
- [Event Contact Signup](https://lightonanxiety.com/event-contact-signup/)
- [Get To Know Light On Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/get-to-know-light-on-anxiety/)
- [Wheaton](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/wheaton/): Our CBT treatment center in Wheaton offers both virtual and in-person therapy options with a specialization in Anxiety treatment. Connect with our team today to find the best solution for you.
- [Brave Steps Guild: OCD Group for Children](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/brave-steps-guild-ocd-group-for-children/): At Light On Anxiety, we believe treatment for kids with Anxiety & OCD should feel as engaging as it is effective. Brave Steps Guild brings together evidence-based ERP and the creativity and playfulness that kids naturally gravitate toward — so facing fears becomes a mission worth showing up for. Through shared challenges, teamwork, and every brave step forward, kids build the skills and confidence to keep leveling up, in group and beyond.
- [Parenting Beyond the Anxiety & OCD Cycle](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/parenting-beyond-the-ocd-cycle/): Therapy Groups
- [The Brain Gym](https://lightonanxiety.com/why-choose-light-on-anxiety/the-brain-gym/): The Brain Gym includes tools and resources designed to support the work you are doing with your therapist. It is there to help you keep practicing between sessions and build on the progress you are making. While some items may make the work feel a little more fun or motivating, the real prize is the progress you create through therapy.
- [Sleep Anxiety and Insomnia](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/sleep-anxiety-and-insomnia/): Sleep anxiety and insomnia is one of the most common — and most treatable — forms of anxiety affecting people today. At Light On Anxiety, our therapists specialize in helping individuals who lie awake each night battling racing thoughts, bedtime dread, and the exhausting cycle of worrying about sleep itself. If you've been struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake feeling rested, our clinicians can help you break the cycle and reclaim restorative sleep through evidence-based, personalized care.
- [Imaginal Exposure Therapy](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/imaginal-exposure-therapy/): Imaginal Exposure Therapy in Chicago helps individuals confront feared thoughts, memories, and “what if” scenarios in a safe and structured way. At Light On Anxiety, our specialists use evidence-based CBT exposure techniques to help reduce the emotional intensity of intrusive thoughts, trauma memories, and catastrophic worry so you can move forward with confidence.
- [Start Anxiety Treatment](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/start-anxiety-treatment/): About us | Getting Started
- [Postdoctoral Training Due Process](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/postdoctoral-training-program-due-process/): Treatments
- [Postdoctoral Training Program Overview](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/postdoctoral-training-program-overview/): Fellows are evaluated through ongoing supervision, direct observation, review of clinical documentation, case consultation, and formal written evaluations. Evaluation is designed to support fellow development, ensure competency growth, and provide clear feedback regarding progress toward successful completion of the postdoctoral training program.
- [The Light On Anxiety Postdoctoral Training Program](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/postdoctoral-training-program/): Fellows are evaluated through ongoing supervision, direct observation, review of clinical documentation, case consultation, and formal written evaluations. Evaluation is designed to support fellow development, ensure competency growth, and provide clear feedback regarding progress toward successful completion of the postdoctoral training program.
- [RSVP – LOA Dinner Party at Pizzeria Portofino](https://lightonanxiety.com/rsvp-loa-dinner-party-at-pizzeria-portofino/): Page title:
RSVP – LOA Dinner Party at Pizzeria Portofino
Main heading (H1):
RSVP for the LOA Dinner Party – ADAA Kickoff
Intro:
Light On Anxiety invites you and a guest to an evening with friends, colleagues, and thought leaders from across the mental health treatment community as we kick off the ADAA Conference together.
We’ll be gathering at Pizzeria Portofino along the Chicago River—a stunning waterfront setting known for its incredible food, lively atmosphere, and sweeping city views.
Expect great conversation, delicious food, and a room full of people shaping the future of mental health treatment. We’d love to see you there!
Event details
Event: LOA Dinner Party – ADAA Conference Kickoff
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM CT
Location: Pizzeria Portofino, 317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Form prompt:
Please complete the form below to let us know if you’ll be attending. You’re welcome to bring a guest.
If you have any dietary needs or accessibility requests, please include them in the comments field.
- [Child Anxiety Treatment](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/child-anxiety-treatment/): At Light On Anxiety, we specialize in child anxiety treatment in Chicago that is:
- [In Vivo Exposures](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/in-vivo-exposures/): Avoidance keeps anxiety strong. In Vivo Exposure Therapy helps you break that cycle by gently and gradually facing feared situations in real-world settings — with the guidance and support of a trained therapist.
- [Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act/): Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps Chicago-area adults and teens build calmer, more meaningful lives by changing how they relate to thoughts and feelings. At Light On Anxiety, our ACT therapists blend mindfulness and values-based action so you can move forward even when anxiety, stress, or self-doubt show up.
- [Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/): Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a structured, skills-based treatment originally developed for people who experience strong, fast-changing emotions. DBT therapy combines practical behavior strategies with mindfulness and acceptance, helping you create balance between change and self-compassion.
- [Mindfulness](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/mindfulness/): Mindfulness is a powerful, evidence-based tool we use at Light On Anxiety to help clients in Chicago reduce anxiety, quiet intrusive thoughts, and feel more in control of their emotions. Our clinicians integrate mindfulness into CBT in a practical, down-to-earth way—so it fits into real life, not just therapy sessions.
- [Behavioral Activation (BA)](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/behavioral-activation-ba/): Behavioral Activation (BA) is a proven, action-focused therapy that helps people overcome depression and anxiety by re-engaging with meaningful daily life. At Light On Anxiety in Chicago, our clinicians use Behavioral Activation as part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you move from feeling stuck to feeling capable, connected, and hopeful again.
- [Teen Anxiety Treatment](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/teen-anxiety-treatment/): Teen Anxiety Treatment offers specialized, evidence-based care for teens struggling with persistent worry, fear, stress, or anxiety that interferes with school, relationships, and daily life. At Light On Anxiety, our CBT-trained clinicians help teens build emotional regulation, confidence, and coping skills while supporting healthy independence during this critical developmental stage.
- [Naperville New](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/naperville-new/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in Naperville
- [Mind Matters Student Fellows Program](https://lightonanxiety.com/professional-services/anxiety-support-services-for-schools/mind-matters-student-fellows-program/): Student Fellows Program
- [Food Allergy Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/food-allergy-anxiety/): Food allergy anxiety refers to excessive fear and worry about having an allergic reaction to food, often leading to heightened avoidance, safety behaviors, and distress that go beyond what is medically necessary.
- [Sports Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/sports-anxiety/): Sports performance anxiety is a type of performance-related anxiety characterized by an intense fear of being scrutinized, judged, or negatively evaluated during athletic performance. Common situations that trigger sports anxiety include competitions, games, tryouts, or practices where athletes feel observed by coaches, teammates, parents, or spectators.
- [Clinical Training Opportunities](https://lightonanxiety.com/careers/clinical-training-opportunities/): At Light On Anxiety, clinical trainees develop strong clinical skills in evidence-based treatments for anxiety and related disorders. You will be part of a supportive and skilled team, providing effective treatment, honing your expertise, and growing into a seasoned anxiety treatment specialist.
- [Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety Disorders](https://lightonanxiety.com/about-us/cognitive-therapy-for-anxiety/): Cognitive therapy for anxiety can help you:
- [Interoceptive Exposure Therapy](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/interoceptive-exposure-therapy/): Are you wondering if you may benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety, including interoceptive exposure therapy, to help you break the cycle of anxiety, panic, and fear of fear that keeps your nervous system on high alert?
- [Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Services](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-services-2/): Light On Anxiety provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Chicago through multiple treatment options. Choose individual sessions, join our specialized therapy groups, or accelerate your healing with Intensive Outpatient Treatment. Our evidence-based CBT approach teaches practical skills to manage anxiety.
- [Growing Through Grief Treatment Group](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/growing-through-grief-treatment-group/): Therapy Groups
- [CBT for Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/cbt-for-chronic-gastrointestinal-disorders/): CBT for chronic gastrointestinal disorders — including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gut-brain conditions — offers an effective, evidence-based path to relief. These conditions are common and often painful, and CBT helps by targeting the gut-brain miscommunication that fuels symptom flares. Through skills such as cognitive reframing, interoceptive exposure, and nervous-system regulation, CBT teaches you to reduce symptom-related fear, interrupt the cycle of hypervigilance and discomfort, and regain a greater sense of control over your body and daily life.
- [Clinician Scheduling Links](https://lightonanxiety.com/clinician-scheduling-links/): All Appointments — Clinician Scheduling Links : Email link webcal://www.therapynotes.com/ical/ylq7rlaru_/all/TherapyNotes-AllAppointments.ics Nicole Adamowicz's Calendar: Email link webcal://www.therapynotes.com/ical/ylq7rlaru_/NTkwMjE2Wxk8lehUHB8T1G1VSFP-PuMwfsVN2mmNCZeYLW-BH0k/NicoleAdamowicz.ics Alison Aldrich's Calendar: Email link webcal://www.therapynotes.com/ical/ylq7rlaru_/NDkzNjQyzkfB8q1OYD3-0oubFPNLRJmdLOsHSB0u3gwgBMZL2g4/AlisonAldrich.ics Alese Antonello's Calendar: Email link webcal://www.therapynotes.com/ical/ylq7rlaru_/NTM4ODc5KCQDJ0Nx67Cp4tTXp5jKkFlxAOwDc5pHyBka7Dg-hj4/AleseAntonello.ics Amy Aukes's Calendar: Email link webcal://www.therapynotes.com/ical/ylq7rlaru_/NTc0MTE56mHmcAX_bMXQZdBaDoWe-MvGzRpPeta_2252K0lzKp0/AmyAukes.ics Sarah Bartlett's Calendar: Email link webcal://www.therapynotes.com/ical/ylq7rlaru_/NDUzMTc3526yefWN9D3l8MxuDyF9JVRYXw5c09Pq86CLX4HzQJ0/SarahBartlett.ics 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- [The Light On Anxiety Story](https://lightonanxiety.com/about-light-on-anxiety/the-light-on-anxiety-story/): Founded by Dr. Debra Kissen in 2012 to provide effective anxiety treatment, with the belief that help for mental health should not make you more stressed.
- [The Light On Anxiety Story](https://lightonanxiety.com/about-us/the-light-on-anxiety-story/): Founded by Dr. Debra Kissen in 2012 to provide effective anxiety treatment, with the belief that help for mental health should not make you more stressed.
- [OLD Meet Dr. Debra Kissen](https://lightonanxiety.com/about-us/meet-dr-debra-kissen-2/): Dr. Debra Kissen is founder of Light On Anxiety, author, speaker, and anxiety expert.
- [Clinical Treatment Planning Services](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/treatment-planning-services/): Finding the right support in today's complex mental health landscape can be overwhelming. Light On Anxiety offers  Treatment Planning Services to help you identify the most appropriate and impactful clinical resources, whether internally at Light On Anxiety or externally with one of our trusted care partners.
- [OLD TOWN – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-old-town/): Our clinicians provide structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on practical strategies to help you build confidence, reduce distress, and feel more in control of your day-to-day life. In addition to therapy, we offer Neuropsychological Evaluations and Psychiatric Medication Management services.
- [GOOSE ISLAND – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-goose-island/): Many individuals and families in Goose Island turn to our Lincoln Park location for specialized anxiety and OCD treatment. At Light On Anxiety, we use evidence-based approaches like CBT and exposure therapy to help clients build lasting coping skills and make meaningful progress. We also offer Neuropsychological Testing and Psychiatric Medication Management. We treat kids 3+ , teens and adults.
- [WEST TOWN – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-west-town/): Many individuals and families in West Town choose to work with Light On Anxiety at our nearby Lincoln Park location, where we specialize in CBT and exposure-based treatment designed to help you make steady, meaningful progress. If needed, Medication Management and Neuropsychological Evaluation services are also available.
- [UNIVERSITY VILLAGE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-university-village/): Through structured, evidence-based therapy, you’ll learn practical strategies to respond differently to anxious thoughts, face challenging situations with more confidence, and gradually step away from avoidance patterns so everyday life feels more manageable—especially within the demands of academic and clinical training in University Village.
- [WEST LOOP – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-west-loop/): Through structured, evidence-based interventions, you’ll develop practical skills to shift how you relate to anxious thoughts, approach feared situations with greater ease, and steadily reduce avoidance so daily life feels more manageable. In addition to therapy, Light On Anxiety offers Psychiatric Medication and Neuropsychological Evaluations.
- [THE LOOP – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-the-loop/): Our River North office is conveniently located near The Loop.
- [RIVER WEST – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-river-west/): Light On Anxiety's River North clinic, minutes from River West's 60642 corridor, offers the evidence-based specialty anxiety care including CBT for anxiety disorders, ERP for OCD, integrated psychiatric medication management, and neuropsychological testing.
- [STREETERVILLE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-streeterville/): Many individuals and families in Streeterville turn to Light On Anxiety for specialized care focused on CBT and exposure-based therapy designed to create meaningful, lasting progress. We also offer Neuropsych Testing and Psychiatric Medication Mangement for an integrated approach.
- [ROGERS PARK – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-rogers-park/): Many Rogers Park residents turn to our Ravenswood clinic for structured, evidence-based care using CBT and exposure-based treatment designed to support lasting improvement in anxiety and OCD symptoms. In addition to therapy, Light On Anxiety offers Psychiatric Medication and Neuropsychological Testing services.
- [LINCOLN SQUARE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-lincoln-square/): Many people in Lincoln Square seek care at our Ravenswood clinic for focused, evidence-based treatment using CBT and exposure-based approaches that support sustained improvement in anxiety and OCD symptoms. Light On Anxiety also offers Medication Management Services and Neuropsychological Testing.
- [WEST RIDGE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-west-ridge/): Many West Ridge residents turn to Light On Anxiety at our nearby Ravenswood clinic for structured CBT and exposure-based therapy focused on long-term progress and symptom relief. In addition to therapy, we offer Psychiatric Medication Management and Neuropscyological Evaluations.
- [EDGEWATER – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-edgewater/): Many Edgewater residents choose to work with Light On Anxiety at our nearby Ravenswood clinic, where we specialize in CBT and exposure-based treatment designed to produce meaningful, lasting improvement. In addition to CBT and ERP for therapy, we have Neuropsychological Evaluations and Psychiatric Medication Management services.
- [WRIGLEYVILLE- Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-wrigleyville/): Many Wrigleyville residents choose our nearby Lakeview clinic for structured, evidence-based care that goes beyond general therapy, with a focus on practical tools and sustained improvement over time. We also offer Psychiatric Medication Management and Neuropsychological Testing.
- [LOGAN SQUARE- Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-logan-square/): Many Logan Square residents work with Light On Anxiety at our nearby Lakeview office, where we provide CBT and exposure-based treatment focused on creating lasting, measurable change. Other services include Neuropsychological Testing and Psychiatric Medication Management.
- [IRVING PARK- Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-irving-park/): Many Irving Park residents choose to work with Light On Anxiety at our nearby Lakeview office, where we specialize in CBT and exposure-based treatment aimed at creating lasting, meaningful improvement. Additionally, Light On Anxiety offers Psychiatric Medication Management and Neuropsychological Testing.
- [BOYSTOWN (NORTHALSTED) – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-boystown/): Many individuals in Boystown choose to work with Light On Anxiety at our nearby Lakeview office, where we specialize in CBT and exposure-based treatment designed to create meaningful, lasting change. Other services include Psychiatric Medication Management, Neuropsychological Testing and Group Therapy.
- [WINNETKA – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-winnetka/): Many Winnetka clients choose our Wilmette office for practical, evidence-based care that helps them feel more in control. Our services include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychiatric Medication Management and Neuropsychological testing. We treat kids 3+, teens and adults.
- [MORTON GROVE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-morton-grove/): Our Wilmette office is typically 20 minutes from Morton Grove.
- [EVANSTON – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-evanston/): Our Wilmette office is typically 10–15 minutes from Evanston.
- [NORTHFIELD – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-northfield/): Our Wilmette office is typically 10 minutes from Northfield.
- [GLENVIEW – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-glenview/): Our Wilmette office is typically 15 minutes from Glenview.
- [KENILWORTH – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-kenilworth/): Many Kenilworth families choose our Wilmette office for personalized therapy that is structured, effective, and compassionate. We treat kids 3+, teens and adults. In addition, Light On Anxiety offers Medication Management Services and Neuropsychological Testing.
- [SKOKIE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-skokie/): Our Wilmette office is typically 15–20 minutes from Skokie.
- [WINFIELD – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-winfield/): Our Wheaton office is typically 5–10 minutes from Winfield.
- [CAROL STREAM – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-carol-stream/): Our Wheaton office is typically 10–15 minutes from Carol Stream.
- [GLENDALE HEIGHTS – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-glendale-heights/): Many Glendale Heights clients choose our Wheaton office for therapy that provides structure, clarity, and real progress.
- [GLEN ELLYN – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-glen-ellyn/): Our Wheaton office is typically 10–15 minutes from Glen Ellyn.
- [DOWNERS GROVE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-downers-grove/): Our Naperville office is typically 15–20 minutes from Downers Grove.
- [LISLE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-lisle/): Our Naperville office is typically 10–15 minutes from Lisle.
- [WARRENVILLE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-warrenville/): Our Naperville office is typically 10 minutes from Warrenville.
- [BOLINGBROOK – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-bolingbrook/): Many clients from Bolingbrook choose Light On Anxiety in Naperville for specialized therapy that creates real progress.
- [AURORA – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-aurora/): Our Naperville office is typically 10–20 minutes from Aurora, depending on your location.
- [WOODRIDGE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-woodridge/): Our Naperville office is typically 10–15 minutes from Woodridge.
- [BANNOCKBURN – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-bannockburn/): We help clients move beyond anxiety using structured, proven treatment methods.
- [LAKE FOREST – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-lake-forest/): Our Highland Park office is typically 10–15 minutes from Lake Forest.
- [DEERFIELD – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-deerfield/): Our Highland Park office is typically 10 minutes from Deerfield.
- [NORTHBROOK – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-northbrook/): Our Highland Park office is typically 10–15 minutes from Northbrook.
- [GLENCOE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-glencoe/): Our Highland Park office is typically 10–15 minutes from Glencoe.
- [SCHAUMBURG – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-schaumburg/): Our Arlington Heights office is typically just a 10–15 minute drive from Schaumburg, depending on your location.
- [PROSPECT HEIGHTS – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-prospect-heights/): Our Arlington Heights office is typically 10 minutes from Prospect Heights.
- [ELK GROVE VILLAGE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-elk-grove-village/): Our Arlington Heights office is easily accessible from Elk Grove Village.
- [ROLLING MEADOWS – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-rolling-meadows/): Our Arlington Heights office is just 5–10 minutes from Rolling Meadows.
- [PALATINE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-palatine/): Our Arlington Heghts office is about a 10–15 minute drive from Palatine.
- [MOUNT PROSPECT – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-mount-prospect/): Our Arlington Heights office is typically just a 5–10 minute drive from Mount Prospect.
- [BUFFALO GROVE- Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-near-buffalo-grove/): Many individuals from Buffalo Grove choose Light On Anxiety in Arlington Heights for specialized, evidence-based care that helps create meaningful, lasting change. We treat kids 3+, teens and adults and accept major insurance carriers.
- [TEMPLATE – Location Area Page](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/template-location-page-schaumburg/): Many individuals and families in Schaumburg choose to work with Light On Anxiety just minutes away in Arlington Heights—where we specialize in CBT and exposure-based treatment that helps you feel better faster.
- [CBT Therapy in Arlington Heights](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-in-arlington-heights/): https://lightonanxiety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Light-on-anxiety-ARLINGTON.mp4
- [School Anxiety Toolkit](https://lightonanxiety.com/school-anxiety-toolkit/): While occasional worry or avoidance is a normal part of development, anxiety becomes a concern when these behaviors are frequent, intense, or interfere with a student’s ability to engage in daily routines, participate in learning, or function in the classroom without causing distress to themselves or disruption to others. When a student’s emotional needs consistently prevent teachers from teaching or peers from learning, it’s time to consider whether anxiety may be playing a role.
- [The Panic Workbook for Teens: Breaking the Cycle of Fear, Worry, and Panic Attacks](https://lightonanxiety.com/books/panic-workbook-for-teens/): In The Panic Workbook for Teens, three anxiety specialists will show you how to identify anxiety-causing thoughts and behaviors, mindfully observe your panic attacks instead of struggling against them, and experience sensations associated with panic until you discover that these sensations may be uncomfortable—but not dangerous.
- [Break Free from Intrusive Thoughts: An Evidence-Based Guide for Managing Fear and Finding Peace](https://lightonanxiety.com/books/break-free-from-intrusive-thoughts/): Proven strategies to move through intrusive thoughts and live your best life.
- [Screen Addiction](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/screen-addiction/): Screen addiction is a behavioral condition characterized by excessive and compulsive use of digital devices, leading to significant interference with daily life, emotional well-being, and personal relationships.
- [Light On Anxiety Home](https://lightonanxiety.com/): Discover all Light On Anxiety articles on mental health.
- [Clinical Care Coordination for Mental Health Services](https://lightonanxiety.com/clinical-care-coordination-for-mental-health/): Clinical Care Coordination Client Testimonial
- [Research: Relief From Anxiety Within 90 Days](https://lightonanxiety.com/90-day-relief-study/): STUDY OVERVIEW:
- [Educational Consulting Services](https://lightonanxiety.com/educational-consulting-services-revised/): At Light On Anxiety, we understand that every child’s educational journey is unique. Whether your child is struggling with academic challenges, executive functioning difficulties, anxiety, or special education needs, our Educational Consulting Services provide expert guidance and support to help your child thrive in school.
- [Overcoming Parental Anxiety Book](https://lightonanxiety.com/books/overcoming-parental-anxiety-book-2/): Do you worry about your child all the time? Maybe they are behind on certain milestones, struggling in school, having difficulty making friends, or heading off to college and away from home for the first time. The good news is that you can rewire your “parent brain”. Overcoming Parental Anxiety will show you how to replace parental anxiety with parental effectiveness.
- [Overcoming Parental Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/overcoming-parental-anxiety-book/): Do you worry about your child all the time? Maybe they are behind on certain milestones, struggling in school, having difficulty making friends, or heading off to college and away from home for the first time. Their problems or struggles become your own, and you end up feeling so anxious that you forget what it’s like to just enjoy being their parent. The good news is that you can rewire your “parent brain” to respond differently to these challenges. This book will show you how to replace parental anxiety with parental effectiveness.
- [Light On Anxiety Videos](https://lightonanxiety.com/our-videos/): Watch Light On Anxiety videos to help you obtain greater clarity and guidance on how to obtain freedom from anxiety.
- [Anxiety Busting Workbook for Kids](https://lightonanxiety.com/books/anxiety-busting-workbook-for-kids/): If your child struggles with anxiety, rest assured that you aren’t alone. The good news is that kids can learn to turn their overly anxious thoughts into curiosity, determination, and bravery. The Anxiety Busting Workbook for Kids uses kid-friendly skills based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to overcome anxiety.
- [For Naperville Parents](https://lightonanxiety.com/for-naperville-parents/): (331) 267-7927130 W Jefferson Ave., Suite 208, Naperville, IL 60540
- [CBT Therapy in Naperville](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-in-naperville/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in Naperville
- [CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment Group](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/cbt-for-body-dysmorphic-disorder-treatment-group/): Therapy Groups
- [On Demand Therapy](https://lightonanxiety.com/on-demand-therapy/): At Light On Anxiety, we offer three flexible scheduling options: pre-scheduled therapy, On Demand therapy, and a combination of both.
- [Inspiration](https://lightonanxiety.com/inspiration/): Discover a curated collection of inspiring tips and encouragement from Light On Anxiety, your go-to source for mental health insights and empowering content.
- [Psychiatric Services](https://lightonanxiety.com/about-us/psychiatric-services/): When you get started with our Psychiatric Services, you can expect a thorough and compassionate psychiatric evaluation, thoughtful medication selection, ongoing monitoring of treatment effectiveness, and close collaboration between your medication prescriber and your therapist. We prioritize your safety and well-being, ensuring that your medication regimen is carefully tailored to your unique needs and regularly reviewed for any necessary adjustments.
- [CBT for Panic and Agoraphobia Treatment Group](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/cbt-for-panic-and-agoraphobia-treatment-group/): Therapy Groups
- [Newsletter](https://lightonanxiety.com/newsletter/): To stay connected with Light On Anxiety and receive anxiety relieving tips and tools, sign up for our newsletter.
- [Customer Success Stories](https://lightonanxiety.com/testimonials/): At Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Centers, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch, effective treatment for anxiety. Our mission is to make our services high quality and user-friendly.  But don’t just take our word for it – see what our clients have to say:
- [Client Financial Agreement](https://lightonanxiety.com/client-financial-agreement/)
- [What are ego dystonic thoughts & how do they relate to Harm OCD?](https://lightonanxiety.com/what-are-ego-dystonic-thoughts/): Ego dystonic thoughts are thoughts that are not in line with who we are and/or what we believe. This could refer to thoughts, impulses, and behaviors that are felt to be repugnant, distressing, unacceptable or inconsistent with who we are. Ego dystonic thoughts are a common way that obsessions manifest in the context of Harm OCD.
- [Agoraphobia](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/agoraphobia/): Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, or help wouldn't be available if things go wrong.
- [Parenting Neurodiverse Minds​](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/parenting-neurodiverse-minds/): Therapy Groups
- [Teen DBT for Anxiety Skills Group](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/teen-dbt-for-anxiety-skills-group/): Therapy Groups
- [DBT for Adult Anxiety Treatment Group](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/dbt-for-adult-anxiety/): Therapy Groups
- [ERP for OCD Treatment Group](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/erp-for-ocd-treatment-group/): Light On Anxiety's Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD) treatment group is designed to help you move through and past doubt, uncertainty, and distress by reinforcing effective thoughts and behavioral patterns.
- [Assessments](https://lightonanxiety.com/assessments/): Whether you're experiencing occasional stress or suspect you may be grappling with an anxiety disorder, our assessments are here to guide you in your journey towards greater clarity and support.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://lightonanxiety.com/frequently-asked-questions/): Your questions matter to us! On our Frequently Asked Questions page, you'll find immediate answers to the most common queries we receive. If your question isn't listed here, please feel free to contact our Care Management team for personalized assistance.
- [Payment Policy & Insurance Information](https://lightonanxiety.com/payment-policy/): Light On Anxiety's primary services of therapy, psychiatric medication management, and neuropsychological testing  are usually reimbursable by your insurance company. Light On Anxiety is an in-network provider with the following insurers:
- [Understanding Your Health Insurance Benefits](https://lightonanxiety.com/understanding-your-health-insurance-benefits/): What is a deductible?A deductible is the amount of money you must pay for covered healthcare services before your insurance starts to pay anything (except for certain preventive services). For example, a health insurance plan with a $1,500 individual deductible means you will pay the first $1,500 of costs for covered services yourself.
- [Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges](https://lightonanxiety.com/right-to-good-faith-estimate/): You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.
- [Contact](https://lightonanxiety.com/contact/): If you have any questions, please contact us. We'll get back to you within two business days.
- [Ravenswood](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/light-on-anxiety-cbt-treatment-center-ravenswood/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in Ravenswood
- [Wilmette](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-treatment-center-wilmette/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in Wilmette
- [CBT Therapy in Highland Park](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-in-highland-park/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in Highland Park
- [River North](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-treatment-center-river-north/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in River North
- [CBT Therapy in Lincoln Park](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-in-lincoln-park/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in Lincoln Park
- [CBT Therapy in Lakeview](https://lightonanxiety.com/locations/cbt-therapy-in-lakeview/): Anxiety & CBT Therapy in Lakeview
- [For Parents](https://lightonanxiety.com/for-parents/): Our parent coaching services offer you action oriented tools and skill enhancement exercises to assist you in guiding your child towards enhanced wellbeing and functioning. We will also address the stress and burn out commonly associated with modern day parenting.
- [Treatment & Support Groups](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/therapy-support-groups/): Treatment & support groups provide an empathetic environment where individuals can share their experiences and challenges. This helps foster a sense of belonging while gaining diverse perspectives that can lead to personal growth and healing.
- [Walk & Talk Therapy](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/walk-talk-therapy/): Either as a stand alone treatment module or combined into our standard CBT service offering, your Light On Anxiety therapist will offer you anxiety fighting tips and tools as you engage in a brisk walk (or run when desired and appropriate). This type of therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years as it can provide a number of therapeutic benefits, such as physical activity, improved mood, and access to nature. 
- [Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Anxiety & OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/intensive-outpatient-treatment-for-anxiety-ocd/): Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Anxiety and OCD is a form of therapy that is designed to help individuals struggling with these conditions to make significant changes in their symptoms and behavior.
- [ERP for Ego Dystonic Thoughts & Harm OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/erp-for-ego-dystonic-thoughts-harm-ocd/): Treatments
- [Parent-Based CBT for Child Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/parent-based-cbt-for-child-anxiety/): At Light On Anxiety, we believe parents deserve the same care and evidence-based tools we give to children. Our Parent-Based CBT for Child Anxiety Services are designed to help you better understand your child’s anxiety, guide them through it effectively, and find your own sense of calm and confidence along the way.
- [Diagnostic Clarification Services](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/diagnostic-clarification/): Finding the right support in today's complex mental health landscape can be overwhelming. Light On Anxiety offers Diagnostic Clarification Services to help shine a light on what core clinical concern(s) are impacting you. 
- [Neuropsychological Evaluations](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/neuropsychological-evaluations-in-chicago/): Light On Anxiety's neuropsychological evaluations and testing solutions offer customized evaluations, delivered in a user-friendly format to assess and provide recommendations for: 
- [Ask Light On Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/ask/)
- [Executive Coaching](https://lightonanxiety.com/professional-services/executive-coaching/): Light On Anxiety offers tailored one-on-one executive coaching for high-level professionals to help them overcome obstacles and gain clarity on visions and goals. Our solution-oriented program is designed to navigate hurdles, optimize performance, and maximize attention, empowering you to excel in your professional journey. Embark on a transformative coaching experience with Light On Anxiety to unlock your full potential.
- [Case Consultation](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-and-related-disorder-case-consultation/): Professional Services
- [Expert Testimony for Legal Proceedings](https://lightonanxiety.com/professional-services/expert-testimony-for-legal-proceedings/): Professional Services
- [Corporate Wellness & Mental Health](https://lightonanxiety.com/professional-services/coporate-wellness/): Investing in the well-being of your employees helps promote a positive workplace environment by demonstrating that employee health and wellness is valued. Our corporate wellness programs are designed to empower your workforce with the tools and resources needed to manage stress, enhance mental and emotional resilience, and foster a healthier work-life balance.
- [Anxiety Support Services for Schools](https://lightonanxiety.com/professional-services/anxiety-support-services-for-schools/): Learn More About LOA’s Anxiety Support Services For Schools
- [Light On Anxiety In the Press](https://lightonanxiety.com/press/): Are you a journalist looking for a media psychologist to serve as a professional, conscientious, high-quality mental health source?
- [Tools](https://lightonanxiety.com/tools/): Core CBT Forms
- [Light On Anxiety’s Blog](https://lightonanxiety.com/blog/)
- [Books to Treat Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/books/): Overcome panic attacks, anxiety, stress, and fear with our easy-to-use workbook. Buy Light On Anxiety books online for effective treatment.
- [Do I Have Anxiety Disorder](https://lightonanxiety.com/do-i-have-anxiety-disorder/): Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- [CBT Fidgets & Therapy Tools​](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-fidgets-therapy-tools/): Slow Breathing Pop-It is a simple, hands-on tool that helps you regulate your breath and calm your body in moments of stress or anxiety. By pressing each bubble in a slow, steady rhythm, you naturally pace your breathing—slowing your inhale and exhale—which signals your nervous system to shift out of fight-or-flight and into a more relaxed state. It’s an easy, portable way to build mindful breathing into your day, whether you’re at home, school, or on the go.
- [Light On Anxiety Resource Library](https://lightonanxiety.com/resource-library/): We created the Light On Anxiety Resource Library so visitors can obtain access to helpful information and tools, as well as original content created by our staff and other clinical experts.
- [Tourettic OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/tourettic-ocd/): Tourettic OCD is a term used to describe the coexistence of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) within an individual.
- [Just Right OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/just-right-ocd/): Unlike other subtypes of OCD, Just Right OCD is not driven by fear, but by the nagging feeling that something is slightly off.
- [Pure O](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/pure-o/): Pure O OCD, often referred to as "Pure Obsessional OCD" or "Purely Obsessional OCD," is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- [False Attraction OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/what-is-false-attraction-ocd/): False Attraction OCD (Sexual Orientation OCD) is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that involves distressing and intrusive thoughts related to one's sexual orientation.
- [Prolonged Grief Disorder](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/prolonged-grief-disorder/): Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), also known as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD), Complicated Grief (CG), Traumatic Grief (TG), is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense grief that extends beyond what is considered a normal mourning period.
- [Contamination OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/contamination-ocd/): Contamination OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a specific subtype of OCD characterized by persistent and distressing thoughts (obsessions) related to the fear of contamination.
- [Additional Resources](https://lightonanxiety.com/additional-resources/): Suggested articles, resources, and tools from the Light On Anxiety Team including articles and videos written by and featuring our expert clinical staff.
- [Meet the Light On Anxiety Team](https://lightonanxiety.com/staff/): Light On Anxiety Team Groups Administration Leadership Psychiatry Therapy Select Location Highland Park Lakeview Naperville Ravenswood River North Virtual Wilmette Select Specialty Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ADHD & Executive Functioning Adolescent Anxiety Agoraphobia Anger Management ARFID & Picky Eating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Blood Injury Phobia Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) Career Anxiety & Counseling Child Anxiety Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain Complex Grief Contamination OCD Couples Counseling Depression Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Disordered Eating Driving Anxiety Faith-Based Counseling Family Counseling Fear of Dogs Fear of Flying Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania) Harm OCD Health Anxiety Hoarding Insomnia & Sleep Anxiety Learning Disabilities LGBTQIA+ Community Men's Health Mind-Body Therapy Mindfulness Misophonia Motivational Interviewing Multicultural Counseling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) PANDAS Panic Disorder Parenting Support & Coaching Perfectionism Performance & Public Speaking Anxiety Perinatal & Postpartum Anxiety Phobias Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Relationship OCD School Anxiety & Refusal Scrupulosity Selective Mutism Separation Anxiety Sex & Anxiety Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD) Skin Picking (Dermatillomania) Social Anxiety Spanish Speaking Therapy Spirituality Sports Anxiety Substance Misuse Tinnitus Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorder Vomit Phobia (Emetophobia) Women's Health Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know Get To Know
- [Vomit Phobia (Emetophobia)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/vomit-phobia-emetophobia/): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective approach for treating vomit phobia, helping individuals overcome their intense fear and anxiety surrounding vomiting. At Light On Anxiety, our specialized therapists offer compassionate and evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with vomit phobia.
- [Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorder](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/tourette-syndrome-and-tic-disorder/): Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by the presence of involuntary movements or vocalizations known as tics.
- [Tinnitus](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/tinnitus/): Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an external source. Individuals with tinnitus often experience sounds like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking in their ears.
- [Social Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/social-anxiety/): Social anxiety, also known as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations or performance situations where an individual may be scrutinized or judged by others.
- [Sex & Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/sex-and-anxiety/): Sexual anxiety, often referred to as sex anxiety, is a psychological phenomenon characterized by feelings of fear, worry, or apprehension related to sexual activities.
- [Separation Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/separation-anxiety/): Separation anxiety is a psychological condition characterized by excessive fear or distress when an individual is separated from people or environments to which they are emotionally attached.
- [Selective Mutism](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/selective-mutism/): Selective Mutism (SM) is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent inability to speak or communicate effectively in specific social situations, despite being able to speak comfortably in other settings.
- [Scrupulosity](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/scrupulosity/): Scrupulosity is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive concerns and fears related to moral or religious matters.
- [School Anxiety and School Refusal](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/school-anxiety-and-school-refusal/): School anxiety and refusal refer to a complex set of emotional and behavioral challenges that some children and adolescents experience related to attending school.
- [Relationship OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/relationship-ocd/): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective approach for treating Relationship OCD (ROCD), helping individuals navigate the distressing and intrusive thoughts and doubts that interfere with their relationships. At Light On Anxiety, our specialized therapists offer compassionate and evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with ROCD.
- [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can result from exposure to traumatic events.
- [Phobias](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/phobias/): Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities.
- [Performance Anxiety & Public Speaking](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/performance-anxiety-public-speaking/): Performance anxiety, also known as stage fright, is a type of social anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of being scrutinized, judged, or negatively evaluated during public or performance-oriented situations.
- [Perfectionism](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/perfectionism/): Perfectionism is a psychological trait characterized by the pursuit of flawless performance and an unrelenting desire to meet exceptionally high standards.
- [Parenting Stress & Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/parenting-stress-anxiety/): Parenting stress and anxiety refer to the emotional strain and apprehension experienced by individuals in their role as parents.
- [Panic Disorder](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/panic-disorder/): Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
- [PANDAS](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/pandas/): PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, is a rare but complex condition that affects children.
- [Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/oppositional-defiant-disorder-odd/): Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a childhood behavioral disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures.
- [Misophonia](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/misophonia/): Misophonia is a neurological condition characterized by strong emotional reactions to specific sounds, often referred to as "trigger sounds."
- [Maternal & Postpartum Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/maternal-postpartum-anxiety/): Maternal and postpartum anxiety encapsulates a spectrum of heightened anxiety and emotional distress experienced by mothers during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
- [Hoarding](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/hoarding/): Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.
- [Health Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/health-anxiety/): Health anxiety, also known as Illness Anxiety Disorder or hypochondria, is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear about having a serious medical condition.
- [Harm OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/harm-ocd/): Harm OCD, a specific manifestation of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), is characterized by distressing and intrusive thoughts centered around causing harm to others.
- [Fear of Flying](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/fear-of-flying/): The fear of flying, also known as aviophobia, is a common and often debilitating phobia that can evoke intense anxiety or panic in individuals when faced with air travel.
- [Fear of Dogs](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/fear-of-dogs/): The fear of dogs, known as cynophobia, is a specific phobia, under the subtype ‘’animal phobia’’, characterized by an intense and irrational fear or anxiety when encountering dogs.
- [Driving Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/driving-anxiety/): Driving anxiety, also known as vehophobia, is a specific phobia characterized by an intense and often irrational fear of driving.
- [Disordered Eating](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/disordered-eating/): Disordered eating is a complex and varied spectrum of irregular eating behaviors and attitudes that deviate from normative or healthy eating patterns.
- [Depression](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/depression/): Depression is a complex mental health disorder that that exeeds feelings of sadness.
- [Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/chronic-illness-chronic-pain/): Chronic illness refers to a long-term medical condition that typically lasts for an extended period, often for the rest of a person's life. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is persistent pain that lasts beyond the expected time for healing.
- [Child Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/child-anxiety/): Child anxiety is a psychological condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or nervousness in children.
- [Career Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/career-anxiety/): Career anxiety refers to a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent worry, fear, or stress related to one's professional life and future endeavors.
- [Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/body-focused-repetitive-behaviors-bfrbs/): Body-focused repetitive behaviors, include a range of repetitive actions or movements that an individual performs, frequently without a clear purpose.
- [Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/): Body Dysmorphic Disorder is characterized by a relentless preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance, often minor or imagined. In the delusional form of BDD, the flaw is nonexistent, or imagined, but when a defect exists, it’s magnified in the mind of the individual.
- [Blood-Injury Phobia](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/blood-injury-phobia/): Blood-Injury Phobia, also known as hemophobia, is a specific subtype of Specific Phobia within the broader category of Anxiety Disorders, and unfolds a unique tapestry of psychological distress often triggered by the sight of blood, injury, or medical procedures.
- [ARFID & Picky Eating](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/arfid-picky-eating/): Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and picky eating, though often used interchangeably, represent distinct phenomena with varying degrees of impact on individuals' physical and psychological well-being.
- [Adolescent Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/adolescent-anxiety/): Adolescent anxiety refers to excessive and persistent worry, fear, or uneasiness experienced by teenagers. It is a common and normal part of adolescence to some extent, as teenagers navigate the challenges of identity formation, peer relationships, academic pressures, and transitions. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming and disrupts daily functioning, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
- [ADHD & Executive Functioning](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/adhd-executive-functioning/): Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults.
- [Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/): Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.
- [Dermatillomania (Skin Picking)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/dermatillomania-skin-picking/): Dermatillomania, also known as skin-picking disorder, is a psychiatric condition characterized by the repetitive and compulsive urge to pick at one's skin, leading to skin lesions and tissue damage.
- [Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/trichotillomania-hair-pulling/): Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is characterized by the recurrent and compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, leading to noticeable hair loss and significant distress. Though it predominantly manifests in the scalp, individuals may engage in hair pulling from any body area, including eyelashes and eyebrows. The term is derived from Greek words: "thrix" meaning hair, "tillein" meaning to pull, and "mania" indicating an intense preoccupation or obsession.
- [Egodystonic Thoughts](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/egodystonic-thoughts/): Egodystonic Thoughts refer to the experience of thoughts at odds with one's self perception, values, or personal identity, causing a anxiety and emotional distress.
- [Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/exposure-and-response-prevention-erp-therapy/): Light On Anxiety offers Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy as an action-oriented treatment approach to OCD, intrusive or ego-dystonic thoughts, and other anxiety-related conditions. ERP involves gradually making contact with scary thoughts and training the brain to disengage from compulsions associated with those thoughts with the guidance of a wonderful LOA therapist.
- [Comprehensive Anxiety Treatment ​](https://lightonanxiety.com/comprehensive-anxiety-treatment-in-chicago/): Our comprehensive anxiety treatment includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based therapy, and other evidence-based practices tailored to each individual’s needs.
- [Privacy Policy](https://lightonanxiety.com/privacy-policy/): This Privacy Policy (this “Policy”) describes what personal information Light On Anxiety, P.C. and our affiliates (collectively, “we”, “us”, or “our”) collect about you, how we collect it, how we use it and with whom we share it, and what choices you have regarding it when you (1) use or access our website, https://lightonanxiety.com and any associated websites, mobile sites and applications, products, and software (collectively, the “Site”); or (2) any time you interact with us directly in person; over the phone; through emails, chat bot, or social media posts (the “Customer Services”).
- [Notice of Privacy Practices](https://lightonanxiety.com/notice-of-privacy-practices/): Light On Anxiety (the “Practice”) is committed to protecting your privacy. The Practice is required by federal law to maintain the privacy of Protected Health Information (“PHI”), which is information that identifies or could be used to identify you. The Practice is required to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices (this “Notice”), which explains the Practice's legal duties and privacy practices and your rights regarding PHI that we collect and maintain. For purposes of this Notice, PHI includes, but is not limited to, Mental Health Information. PHI does not include the Provider’s Personal Notes as defined by the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.
- [Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/ocd/): OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions that elicit intense anxiety or discomfort. In response to these distressing thoughts, individuals engage in ritualistic behaviors, or compulsions, as a means of alleviating the anxiety or preventing a feared event.
- [What We Treat](https://lightonanxiety.com/conditions/): At Light On Anxiety, our team of experienced clinicians offer guidance and support for anxiety, OCD and related disorders. We treat these conditions with a combination of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Psychiatric Medication Services. We also offer testing, assessments, and diagnostic services to ensure our patients are receiving the best treatment.
- [Why Choose Light On Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/why-choose-light-on-anxiety/): Light On Anxiety strives to make treatment as short-term as possible so our clients can soon serve as their own anxiety coach.
- [Take A Tour](https://lightonanxiety.com/about-us/take-a-tour/): Light On Anxiety

## Posts
- [How To Help Your Child Play Their Way Past Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/how-to-help-your-child-play-their-way-past-anxiety/): My coauthors and I wrote “The Anxiety Busting Workbook for Kids” to offer parents a fun, hands-on approach to helping their children manage anxiety. By working through this anxiety-busting adventure with your child, you’re not only empowering them to face their fears, but also teaching them how to build resilience and confidence—while gaining a few skills you can apply to your own challenge zones as well.
- [10 Tips to Obtain Freedom from Tourettic OCD (Just Right OCD)](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/10-tips-to-obtain-freedom-from-tourettic-ocd-just-right-ocd/): Tourettic OCD, also known as Just Right OCD, involves a compulsive need to make things feel "just right." Individuals may experience intense discomfort or anxiety until actions or sensations are perfectly aligned with their internal standards. Here to kickstart your journey of obtaining freedom from Tourettic OCD:
- [Facing Fears Together: The Gift of Being a CBT Therapist at Light On Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/facing-fears-together-the-gift-of-being-a-cbt-therapist-at-light-on-anxiety/): At Light On Anxiety, the work we do is much more than a job—it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and mutual empowerment. As a clinical psychologist and CBT therapist, I have the unique opportunity to not only guide my clients through their healing journeys but also to face my own fears and uncertainties alongside them. This symbiotic relationship fosters an environment of courage, learning, and transformation for both my clients and myself.
- [How CBT & Exposure Therapy Can Help You Find Freedom from Vomit Phobia](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/finding-freedom-from-vomit-phobia-with-cbt-and-exposure-therapy/): If vomit phobia is limiting your life, know that effective help is available. At Light On Anxiety, our CBT and exposure therapy-based treatment approach can help you confront and conquer your fear, allowing you to live a more fulfilling and anxiety-free life.
- [Rewire Your Parent Brain To Stress Less](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/how-to-calm-your-stressed-out-parent-brain-2/): How to rewire your parent brain to worry less and experience more joy.
- [Addressing School Refusal: A Comprehensive Approach To Help Your Child Return To School](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/addressing-school-refusal-a-comprehensive-approach-to-help-your-child-return-to-school/): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps children and adolescents manage their anxiety and develop coping strategies for school-related stressors. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to school refusal, enabling students to re-engage with their educational environment.
- [How to Deal With Sunset Anxiety, According to Therapists](https://lightonanxiety.com/how-to-deal-with-sunset-anxiety-according-to-therapists/): This overarching sense of loss and dread is called sunset anxiety (which, to be clear, is not an official diagnosis—nor is there much research on it). Still, the lack of hard evidence doesn’t mean the phenomenon doesn’t exist.
- [Co-Parenting Jealousy](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/co-parenting-jealousy/): "I've done so much of the hard work, and now my ex gets to enjoy the benefits."
- [Behavior Modification Guide for Parents of Anxious Children](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/behavior-modification-guide-for-parents-of-anxious-children/): Behavior modification is about intentionally reinforcing the behaviors that help them become braver, more resilient, and more independent.
- [Helping Your Child Overcome a Fear of Flying](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/helping-your-child-overcome-a-fear-of-flying/): Family vacations can be stressful enough without adding a fear of flying to the mix. If your child becomes anxious at the thought of boarding an airplane, planning a trip can quickly shift from exciting to overwhelming.
- [Tell Me What OCD Is Really Like: A Teen’s Mission to Increase Understanding and Compassion](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/tell-me-what-ocd-is-really-like-a-teens-mission-to-increase-understanding-and-compassion/): At Light On Anxiety, one of our core goals is increasing understanding of OCD and reducing the stigma that often surrounds it. We were excited to learn about a local student's creative effort to help others better understand what OCD is really like through the voices of those who live with it every day.
- [Parent-Based CBT: Creating Change from the Outside In](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/parent-based-cbt-creating-change-from-the-outside-in/): That's the heart of Parent-Based CBT.
- [When Weather Worries Take Over: How CBT Can Help](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/when-weather-worries-take-over-how-cbt-can-help/): For some children, however, weather worries begin to take up too much space.
- [Why You Want to Cancel Plans — And Why Going Anyway Might Help](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-you-want-to-cancel-plans/): You made the plans. At the time, they sounded great.
- [CBT for Career Stress and Anxiety: Time for a New Job or a New Approach?](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/cbt-for-career-stress-and-anxiety-time-for-a-new-job-or-a-new-approach/): When career stress becomes chronic, many people begin asking themselves:
- [Is Clutter Messing With Your Brain?](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/is-clutter-messing-with-your-brain/): Clutter may seem like a small thing. A pile of papers on the counter. A chair covered in clothes. A desk full of “I’ll deal with this later” items.
- [Pregnancy, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and CBT: How to Navigate a Changing Body](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/pregnancy-body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd-and-cbt-how-to-navigate-a-changing-body/): Pregnancy asks your body to do something remarkable: grow and nourish another human being.
- [When Your Brain Goes Offline: Why Emotional Regulation Starts with the Body](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/when-your-brain-goes-offline/): Have you ever been so overwhelmed by anxiety, anger, frustration, panic, or sadness that you couldn’t think straight?
- [Practice Dating: Could It Help You Overcome Dating Anxiety?](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/practice-dating/): If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably heard about the rise of "practice dating."
- [The Rise of the “Beta Mom”: What This Parenting Trend Says About Modern Parenting Stress](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/rise-of-the-beta-mom/): Move over “tiger moms” and helicopter parents — social media has a new parenting identity obsession: the “beta mom.”
- [The Crash Effect: Why Gen Z Is Posting Everything Online](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/the-crash-effect/): I recently watched “The Crash” with my two teenagers (19 and 17), and beyond the tragedy of the accident and the young lives lost, one thing kept standing out to me throughout the show:
- [Raising Kids in a Scary World: How to Help Children Feel Safe Without Pretending Everything Is Safe](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/raising-kids-in-a-scary-world/): Between school shooting headlines, pandemic fallout, immigration raids, airline crashes, wars, natural disasters, and nonstop social media exposure, today’s children are growing up in a world that can feel overwhelmingly scary.
- [Why Less Screen Time Is Becoming More Attractive in Dating](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/why-less-screen-time-is-becoming-more-attractive-in-dating/): If you’ve noticed a shift in what people are looking for in dating, you’re not imagining it. Less screen time could be the answer.
- [Why You Pretend Not to See Someone You Know in Public](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/why-you-pretend-not-to-see-someone-you-know-in-public/): You’re walking down the street. You spot someone you know.
- [Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): A CBT-Based Training Guide](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/prolonged-grief-disorder-pgd-a-cbt-based-training-guide/): Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)
- [CBT for Career Anxiety: A Practical Guide to Feeling Better at Work](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/cbt-for-career-anxiety-a-practical-guide-to-feeling-better-at-work/): Career anxiety is real—and it doesn’t just come from having “too much to do.” It comes from how your brain is interpreting and responding to your work environment.
- [Is AI Helping You Communicate Better at Work — or Helping You Avoid It?](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/is-ai-helping-you-communicate-better-at-work-or-helping-you-avoid-it/): If you have ever opened ChatGPT before sending a difficult email or text at work, you are not alone.
- [Why Familiar Nature Sounds May Help You Feel Better, Faster](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-familiar-nature-sounds-may-help-you-feel-better-faster/): In fact, new research suggests that something much simpler may be enough: listening to nature sounds — especially ones that feel familiar to you.
- [When Muscle Pain and Anxiety Team Up: How to Break the Myofascial Pain Cycle](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/when-muscle-pain-and-anxiety-team-up-how-to-break-the-myofascial-pain-cycle/): This is especially true with myofascial pain.
- [Friction Maxxing: Why Making Life a Little Harder Can Help You Feel Better](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/friction-maxxing-why-making-life-a-little-harder-can-help-you-feel-better/): You’ve probably heard a lot about making life easier—automating tasks, streamlining routines, minimizing effort wherever possible. And while convenience has its place, there’s a growing conversation around something that sounds counterintuitive at first: friction maxxing.
- [SSRIs: What Your Anxiety Gets Wrong (and How to Set Yourself Up for Success)](https://lightonanxiety.com/medication-for-anxiety/ssris-what-your-anxiety-gets-wrong-and-how-to-set-yourself-up-for-success/): Starting an SSRI can bring up almost as much anxiety as the symptoms you’re trying to treat.
- [Turn Therapy Into a Brain Training Adventure: Tools, Action Oriented Exercises, and a Little Fun Along the Way](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/turn-therapy-into-a-brain-training-adventure-tools-action-oriented-exercises-and-a-little-fun-along-the-way/): At Light On Anxiety, we believe therapy should feel active, engaging, and empowering — not passive. That’s why we’ve created something we’re really excited about: our Brain Training Stations.
- [Ghosting Isn’t Just for Dating Anymore: When Friendships Disappear Without a Word](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/ghosting-isnt-just-for-dating-anymore-when-friendships-disappear-without-a-word/): If you’ve been on the receiving end of friendship ghosting, you’re not imagining it—it does seem to be happening more often.
- [When the Kitchen Heats Up: 5 Ways to Stay Calm During a Busy Shift](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/when-the-kitchen-heats-up-5-ways-to-stay-calm-during-a-busy-shift/): Your brain is wired to treat urgency like danger—but most moments during a shift aren’t emergencies, even if they feel that way.
- [Recognizing the Signs of Burnout — and How to Start Moving Forward](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/recognizing-the-signs-of-burnout-and-how-to-start-moving-forward/): Burnout doesn’t usually happen overnight. It tends to build slowly, often disguised as “just a busy season” or “a rough few weeks.” Over time, however, the brain can start to believe that effort is futile. When that happens, motivation drops, energy drains, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming.
- [Why Checkout Lines Make You Want to Buy Things You Don’t Need (And How to Resist)](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-checkout-lines-make-you-want-to-buy-things-you-dont-need-and-how-to-resist/): You walk into a store planning to buy one or two things. Then you find yourself standing in the checkout line, and suddenly the candy bars, lip balm, magazines, and mini gadgets start calling your name.
- [Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy: How to Choose What Works Best for You](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/online-therapy-vs-in-person-therapy-how-to-choose-what-works-best-for-you/): Over the past several years, teletherapy has transformed the way people access mental health care. What once felt like a niche option has now become a mainstream pathway for getting support. For many people, online therapy removes barriers and makes it easier than ever to begin the process of healing.
- [Indoor Gardening for Mental Health: How Growing Something Small Can Lift Your Mood](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/indoor-gardening-for-mental-health-how-growing-something-small-can-lift-your-mood/): Indoor gardening offers a quiet but meaningful way to reconnect with growth, progress, and hope. Even something as small as tending a windowsill herb garden or nurturing a single houseplant can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
- [Soft Socializing: Why It’s Catching On — and Why You Might Actually Need It](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/soft-socializing-why-its-catching-on-and-why-you-might-actually-need-it/): You’ve probably heard the term “soft socializing” — low-pressure gatherings designed to make meeting people feel less awkward, less intimidating, and more doable. Think structured mixers, guided conversation nights, hobby-based meetups, or events where someone gently facilitates interaction instead of leaving you to fend for yourself in a crowded room.
- [When Seizures Aren’t Epilepsy: How CBT Can Help with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/when-seizures-arent-epilepsy-how-cbt-can-help-with-psychogenic-non-epileptic-seizures-pnes/): Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are episodes that look like epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, they are linked to psychological distress, trauma, stress, or overwhelming emotional states.
- [Tourette’s, Stress, and Public Misunderstanding: What You Need to Know](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/tourettes-stress-and-public-misunderstanding-what-you-need-to-know/): When a person with Tourette’s syndrome (TS) experiences vocal tics in a high-pressure public setting, the reaction is often swift — and not always informed. Moments that are neurologically driven can be misinterpreted as intentional, aggressive, or attention-seeking. That misunderstanding adds an unnecessary layer of pain to an already complex condition.
- [ARFID FAQs: What Parents Need to Know About Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/arfid-faqs-what-parents-need-to-know-about-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder/): ARFID stands for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
- [Mental Health Chatbots: Helpful or Harmful or Both?](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/mental-health-chatbots-helpful-or-harmful-or-both/): Over the past few years, mental health chatbots have gone from something novel to something many people use regularly. More and more people are turning to apps and AI tools for emotional support, mood tracking, or even cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises.
- [When Self-Discipline Backfires: The Hidden Cost of Always Being “On”](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/when-self-discipline-backfires-the-hidden-cost-of-always-being-on/): Self-discipline is usually celebrated. Wake up early. Push harder. Stay focused. Don’t quit.
- [Dr. Debra Kissen on Teen Anxiety, Technology, and Letting Go of Control](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/dr-debra-kissen-on-teen-anxiety-technology-and-letting-go-of-control/): Clinical psychologist Dr. Debra Kissen, CEO and founder of Light on Anxiety, discusses her background and how a panic attack in college helped shape her focus on evidence-based treatment for anxiety, panic, OCD, and intrusive thoughts. She describes her earlier perfectionism and people-pleasing, her preference for practical approaches over open-ended psychodynamic therapy, and how working closely with anxious clients has left her inspired by human resilience and transformation. The conversation explores how smartphones, social media, and constant stimulation wire teen brains toward immediacy and reduce tolerance for uncertainty.
- [How to Motivate Your Child to Move Past Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/how-to-motivate-your-child-to-move-past-anxiety/): When your child is anxious, you already know they’re capable of more.
- [ADHD + Anxiety in Kids: Why It’s So Confusing — and What Actually Helps](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/adhd-anxiety-in-kids-why-its-so-confusing-and-what-actually-helps/): If you’re parenting a child with both ADHD + anxiety, you may feel like you’re constantly trying to solve a mystery.
- [Why “Cringe” Has So Much Power Over Gen Z](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/why-cringe-has-so-much-power-over-gen-z/): If you spend any time around Gen Z — as a parent, clinician, teacher, or employer — you’ve probably noticed how loaded the word “cringe” is. It’s not just an insult or a meme. It’s a warning label.
- [Why More Young Adults Are Thinking Twice About Starting a Family (And It’s Not Just About Money)](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/why-more-young-adults-are-thinking-twice-about-starting-a-family-and-its-not-just-about-money/): For a long time, starting a family was treated as a given. Something you did because that’s what adulthood looked like. You didn’t necessarily ask whether you had the emotional bandwidth, the support system, or the mental energy to do it well. You just… did it.
- [Should You Read the Epstein Files? A Mental Health–Informed Way to Decide](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/should-you-read-the-epstein-files-a-mental-health-informed-way-to-decide/): Lately, many people are asking the same uneasy question: should I read the Epstein files, or protect myself from them?
- [Exercise and Mental Health: Why Movement Can Be Powerful for Anxiety and Depression](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/exercise-and-mental-health-why-movement-can-be-powerful-for-anxiety-and-depression/): If you’ve ever gone for a walk on a stressful day and noticed your mind feels a little clearer afterward, you’re not imagining it. A growing body of research continues to show what many people experience firsthand: aerobic exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- [Micro-cations vs. Big Trips: Which Kind of Break Does Your Brain Actually Need?](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/micro-cations-vs-big-trips-which-kind-of-break-does-your-brain-actually-need/): The issue often isn’t that you didn’t take enough time off. It’s that the kind of break you chose didn’t match what your brain actually needs.
- [AI Psychosis: When a Helpful Tool Starts Replacing Real Life Growth](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/ai-psychosis-when-a-helpful-tool-starts-replacing-real-life-growth/): AI psychosis is not a formal diagnosis. It’s a term increasingly used to describe a pattern where a person becomes psychologically over-reliant on AI for emotional regulation, validation, meaning-making, or decision-making — to the point that real-world relationships, challenges, and feedback feel intolerable or threatening.
- [Less Stress, More Fun: A Parent-Friendly Guide to Snow Days](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/less-stress-more-fun-a-parent-friendly-guide-to-snow-days/): Snow days can look cozy from the outside, but for many families they quickly become stressful. Kids are dysregulated. Routines are gone. Screens become the default. And parents find themselves spending the day nagging, negotiating, and feeling irritable — while also feeling guilty for wanting a break.
- [Weighted Blankets: Helpful Sleep Tool or Sensory Overload?](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/weighted-blankets-helpful-sleep-tool-or-sensory-overload/): Weighted blankets have exploded in popularity over the last few years, often marketed as a cure-all for anxiety, insomnia, and restless sleep. For some people, they truly are a game changer. For others, they feel suffocating, claustrophobic, or just plain uncomfortable.
- [Aura Farming: What It Is, Why Kids Love It, and When to Pay Attention](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/aura-farming-what-it-is-why-kids-love-it-and-when-to-pay-attention/): If you’ve heard your child say someone is “aura farming” and felt instantly confused, you’re not alone. Like many Gen Alpha and Gen Z terms, aura farming sounds odd at first — but underneath it is something very familiar: how kids think about confidence, presence, and social status in a highly performative world.
- [Navigating the Storm: Understanding and Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)](https://lightonanxiety.com/medication-for-anxiety/navigating-the-storm-understanding-and-treating-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/): If this sounds familiar, it may be more than “bad PMS.” It may be Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD.
- [The Loneliness Epidemic and the Quiet Disappearance of “Third Places”](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/the-loneliness-epidemic-and-the-quiet-disappearance-of-third-places/): Loneliness has quietly become one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. Despite being more digitally connected than ever, many people report feeling more isolated, disconnected, and unseen. At the same time, the physical spaces that once helped knit communities together — what sociologists call “third places” — are steadily disappearing.
- [The Calm Limit: A Smarter Way to Tidy Without Burning Out](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/the-calm-limit-a-smarter-way-to-tidy-without-burning-out/): Most people think of cleaning and organizing as productivity tasks or moral obligations. But in reality, your living space has a direct impact on emotional regulation. When clutter crosses your personal “calm limit,” your brain reads the environment as unsafe or overwhelming and sends out a subtle danger signal.
- [Why Is It So Hard to “Shut Your Brain Off” at Night With ADHD?](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/why-is-it-so-hard-to-shut-your-brain-off-at-night-with-adhd/): If you have ADHD, bedtime can feel like the moment your brain decides to throw a late-night party. Thoughts race. Ideas pop up out of nowhere. To-do lists replay on a loop. You’re exhausted—but your mind is wide awake.
- [Why Single-Tasking May Be the Reset Your Brain Has Been Asking For](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-single-tasking-may-be-the-reset-your-brain-has-been-asking-for/): Single-tasking is quietly becoming the next mindfulness shift. Not as a productivity trick, but as a way to calm an overstimulated brain, reduce anxiety, and actually get more meaningful work done with less strain.
- [Relationship OCD: When Doubt Hijacks Your Relationship](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/relationship-ocd-when-doubt-hijacks-your-relationship/): Most people have occasional doubts in relationships. Relationship OCD is different.
- [Does Parenting Ever Get Easier? An Honest, Brain-Based Answer for Parents](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/does-parenting-ever-get-easier-an-honest-brain-based-answer-for-parents/): So… does parenting get easier?
- [Scrolling, Checking, and Controlling: When Social Media Triggers Dating Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/scrolling-checking-and-controlling-when-social-media-triggers-dating-anxiety/): Often, what looks like a “social media boundary issue” is actually dating anxiety trying to manage vulnerability.
- [The “Start Low, Go Slow” Approach to Anxiety Medication](https://lightonanxiety.com/medication-for-anxiety/the-start-low-go-slow-approach-to-anxiety-medication/): If you’re feeling nervous about starting medication for anxiety, you’re not alone. Many people worry about side effects, losing control, or “what this medication might do to me.” The good news is that there’s a very intentional, gentle way doctors usually start anxiety medications—designed specifically with sensitive, anxious nervous systems in mind.
- [The Brain’s Reward System](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/the-brains-reward-system/): Parents often notice that certain activities seem to light their child up instantly, while others take far more effort or motivation. This isn’t about willpower or personality alone. It has a lot to do with how a child’s brain is wired to notice, repeat, and learn from experiences through its reward system.
- [Play Your Way Past Picky Eating – A Fun Activity Book for Kids with Picky Eating or ARFID](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/play-your-way-past-picky-eating-a-fun-activity-book-for-kids-with-picky-eating-or-arfid/): If picky eating has started to feel stressful, limiting, or full of battles, you are in the right place. This book is not about forcing bites or “just trying harder.” It is about helping your child’s brain and body learn that food is safe, manageable, and even fun again.
- [The 30-Day Brain Rot Challenge: Rewire Your Brain for Action](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/the-30-day-brain-rot-challenge-rewire-your-brain-for-action/): “Brain rot” isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but it’s a very real brain state many people are living in. It’s that foggy, stuck, low-energy mode where motivation disappears, focus fades, and your brain would rather shut down than engage. You may know exactly what you need to do — and still feel oddly unable to start.
- [New Year, New You 2026: Is It Time for a Mindless Scrolling Elimination Diet?](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/new-year-new-you-2026-is-it-time-for-a-mindless-scrolling-elimination-diet/): Mindless scrolling has become the modern version of junk food for the brain. It feels soothing in the moment, but it rarely leaves you feeling nourished, restored, or truly reset.
- [CBT and Exposure Therapy: Quick Facts](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/cbt-and-exposure-therapy-quick-facts/): CBT and exposure therapy are effective because they don’t just manage anxiety—they retrain the brain’s alarm system. Decades of research show this approach helps people feel freer, more confident, and less controlled by fear.
- [Why “Admin Night” Works: How Doing Life Tasks Together Can Lighten Your Mental Load](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-admin-night-works-how-doing-life-tasks-together-can-lighten-your-mental-load/): That’s why the “admin night” trend has struck a nerve. The idea is simple: invite friends over, sit around a table together, put out some snacks, and tackle the small but pesky to-dos you’ve been avoiding. No heavy work. No pressure to be productive superheroes. Just clearing mental clutter—together.
- [The Neuroscience of Motivation: Why You Feel Stuck (and How to Get Unstuck)](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/the-neuroscience-of-motivation-why-you-feel-stuck-and-how-to-get-unstuck/): If you feel unmotivated, flat, or stuck lately, you might be telling yourself some version of this story:I’m lazy. I’m burned out. I should be doing better than this.
- [From Everyday Stress to an Anxiety Disorder: 10 Signs Anxiety May Be Taking Over](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/from-everyday-stress-to-an-anxiety-disorder-10-signs-anxiety-may-be-taking-over/): Stress is part of being human. Deadlines, parenting, relationships, health concerns, big life decisions — anxiety often shows up during challenging moments to help you pay attention and stay safe.
- [Narcissism Around the World — What the Latest Science Says and How You Can Grow Beyond Self-Focus](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/narcissism-around-the-world-what-the-latest-science-says-and-how-you-can-grow-beyond-self-focus/): A major new study from Michigan State University’s Department of Psychology suggests that narcissism isn’t just an American phenomenon — it’s a universal personality trait that shows up across cultures around the world.
- [Why Is It So Hard to Sleep at Your Parents’ House? How to Get Better Rest When You’re Back Home](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-is-it-so-hard-to-sleep-at-your-parents-house-how-to-get-better-rest-when-youre-back-home/): For many people, returning to their family home—especially around the holidays—comes with a strange surprise: sleep suddenly becomes harder. Even if the bed is comfortable, the house is quiet, and nothing is “wrong,” your brain may refuse to settle.
- [Why AI Intimacy Feels So Easy — and Why Your Brain Still Needs Real People](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/why-ai-intimacy-feels-so-easy-and-why-your-brain-still-needs-real-people/): Your brain is wired to seek connection that feels safe, predictable, and relieving. AI offers a version of intimacy that is always available, always attuned, and never asks you to stretch, compromise, or tolerate discomfort. In that way, AI intimacy is a lot like emotional junk food.
- [Why “Good Enough” Is Better for Your Mental Health Than Perfect](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-good-enough-is-better-for-your-mental-health-than-perfect/): Satisficing is a decision-making strategy that means choosing “good enough” rather than “perfect.” It doesn’t mean you stop caring or lower your values. It means you balance effort, productivity, and well-being instead of chasing an impossible standard.
- [Insta CBT: Quick, Fun Ways to Add Cognitive Reappraisal, Exposures, Behavioral Activation, and Big Conversations Into Your Therapeutic Work](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/insta-cbt-quick-fun-ways-to-add-cognitive-reappraisal-exposures-behavioral-activation-and-big-conversations-into-your-therapeutic-work/): Insta CBT is about bringing these micro-moments into everyday life and into the therapy room. It’s CBT that is quick, flexible, and easy to apply on the spot. No worksheets required. No long explanations. Just real-time practice that helps people build emotional resilience.
- [CBT and Medication for PMDD: How to Find Relief and Reclaim Your Month](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/cbt-and-medication-for-pmdd-how-to-find-relief-and-reclaim-your-month/): Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is more than a tough week before your period. For many, it brings intense mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and physical discomfort that disrupt daily functioning and relationships. When your brain and body feel hijacked by symptoms month after month, it can feel confusing, overwhelming, and unfair.
- [Autistic Burnout: What It Is, How It Feels, and How to Get Your Energy Back](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/autistic-burnout-what-it-is-how-it-feels-and-how-to-get-your-energy-back/): Autistic Burnout is more than being stressed or tired. It’s a deep kind of exhaustion that affects your body, your emotions, your thinking, and your day-to-day functioning. It often shows up after long periods of masking, pushing through sensory overwhelm, managing major life changes, or simply trying to keep up in environments that aren’t built with autistic needs in mind.
- [Small But Powerful Morning Habits That Make Your Whole Day Better](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/small-but-powerful-morning-habits-that-make-your-whole-day-better/): Many people think a good morning routine has to be elaborate. You picture journaling, meditating, an early workout, or a perfectly curated skincare routine. But the truth is, the small, almost invisible habits can make the biggest difference in how grounded, calm, and energized you feel.
- [ERP for Scrupulosity: Reclaiming Your Spiritual Life From OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/erp-for-scrupulosity-reclaiming-your-spiritual-life-from-ocd/): Scrupulosity can feel like being trapped between your desire for a meaningful spiritual life and a mind that constantly warns you that you are doing it wrong, not enough, or not purely enough. People often describe feeling confused about what is truly part of their faith and what is actually OCD in disguise. It can be painful, exhausting, and at times isolating.
- [ADHD Burnout: Why It Happens and How to Recharge Your Battery](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/adhd-burnout-why-it-happens-and-how-to-recharge-your-battery/): Another important part of ADHD burnout prevention is externalizing as much mental load as possible. Timers, visual schedules, body doubling, calendar reminders, and simple, repeatable routines are not “crutches.” They are tools that protect your energy. ADHD brains thrive when the environment is set up to do some of the heavy lifting.
- [CBT Treatment for Social Phobia: Understanding the Fear of Judgment and Learning to Show Up Confidently](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/cbt-treatment-for-social-phobia-understanding-the-fear-of-judgment-and-learning-to-show-up-confidently/): Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, centers on one core fear: the fear of being judged. People with social anxiety often assume others are evaluating them, noticing their flaws, or deciding something negative about them. The body reacts as if these judgments are catastrophic — as if one mistake could lead to rejection.
- [Holiday Family Meal Survival Toolkit](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/holiday-family-meal-survival-toolkit/): Holiday family meals are wonderful… until they aren’t.
- [Living With Misophonia: Why Certain Sounds Feel Unbearable and How to Rewire Your Response](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/living-with-misophonia-why-certain-sounds-feel-unbearable-and-how-to-rewire-your-response/): Misophonia has entered the public conversation more in recent years, yet so many people who live with it still feel misunderstood. When certain everyday sounds spark a surge of distress, anger, panic, or the urge to flee, it’s easy for others to dismiss the experience as irritability or being overly sensitive. But misophonia is real, and the suffering that comes with it is real too. Much of that suffering is amplified when the people around you don’t believe you or assume you are simply being difficult.
- [Understanding PANDAS/PANS](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/understanding-pandas-pans/): When a child suddenly begins showing severe anxiety, OCD-like symptoms, tics, or dramatic behavioral changes, it can feel frightening and confusing for everyone involved. Many parents describe it as their child “changing overnight,” with no clear explanation. One possible explanation you may encounter is PANDAS or PANS. These conditions are still being researched and debated, which adds to the uncertainty families often feel. This guide will help you understand what PANDAS/PANS are, why diagnoses can be controversial, how symptoms appear, and what treatment options exist.
- [Help for Scrupulosity: Rediscovering Morality That Comes From Meaning, Not Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/help-for-scrupulosity-rediscovering-morality-that-comes-from-meaning-not-anxiety/): Scrupulosity can feel like being trapped inside an internal courtroom, constantly evaluating whether you’ve been “good enough,” “moral enough,” or “spiritual enough.” While the content is religious or moral in nature, the engine underneath is OCD: intrusive thoughts, intense distress, and compulsive attempts to achieve certainty or avoid imagined harm. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, helps you step out of fear-based morality and reconnect with the deeper values that genuinely matter to you.
- [Tourettic OCD vs. Tourette Syndrome: Understanding the Difference, Getting the Right Assessment, and Finding the Best Treatment Path](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/tourettic-ocd-vs-tourette-syndrome-understanding-the-difference-getting-the-right-assessment-and-finding-the-best-treatment-path/): Dr. Mansueto and colleagues proposed a helpful category called Tourettic OCD (TOCD). This isn’t an official diagnosis in the DSM, but a clinical description that captures what many people actually experience: a blend of OCD and tic features.
- [Ten Things You’d Be Surprised to Learn About Just Right OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/ten-things-youd-be-surprised-to-learn-about-just-right-ocd/): Just Right OCD is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where the core issue isn’t fear of danger but the intense internal sense that something feels off, uneven, incomplete, or not quite right. Many people misunderstand this subtype or mistake it for perfectionism, quirks, or personality traits. Here are ten surprising things that can help clarify what’s really going on and how to get relief.
- [CBT For Kleptomania: Understanding Stealing Urges Through the Lens of Habit Loops and Tics](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/cbt-for-kleptomania-understanding-stealing-urges-through-the-lens-of-habit-loops-and-tics/): Kleptomania can feel confusing, frightening, and deeply shame-inducing. Many people describe the urge to steal as coming “out of nowhere,” almost like a reflex they don’t fully understand. You may know you don’t want to steal. You may know it doesn’t align with your values. And yet the urge arrives, fast and forceful, and acting on it brings a momentary sense of relief that quickly turns into distress.
- [Top Tips for Managing Family Stress Over the Holidays](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/top-tips-for-managing-family-stress-over-the-holidays/): The holidays may be wrapped in twinkle lights, but they also bring tighter quarters, bigger emotions, and old family dynamics that seem to thaw out right alongside the frozen pies. If you’ve ever wondered why you can feel like your adult self one moment and a teenager trapped in old patterns the next, you’re not alone. The holiday season is a perfect formula for family stress. More people under one roof, heightened expectations, less personal space, more comparison moments, and long-standing roles everyone slides back into without realizing it.
- [Managing Loneliness During the Holidays](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/managing-loneliness-during-the-holidays/): The holiday season is often portrayed as a time when everyone is surrounded by love, laughter, and togetherness. But if you are feeling lonely, it can seem like the entire world is wrapped in warm fuzzy moments straight out of a Hallmark movie while you are the one person struggling. In reality, loneliness around the holidays is incredibly common. Rates of depression often rise this time of year, in part because so many people compare their real lives to an imagined ideal that doesn’t actually exist.
- [Square Breathing: A Simple Way to Calm Your Body and Brain](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/square-breathing-a-simple-way-to-calm-your-body-and-brain/): If you’ve ever wished for a quick, portable way to calm your mind and settle your body, square breathing might just become your new go-to skill. It’s simple, grounding, and easy for both kids and adults to use — and when you pair it with the Square Breathing Pop-It tool, it becomes a fun and engaging sensory exercise that helps calm settle in faster.
- [Understanding Insomnia: What You Need to Know and How to Find the Help You Deserve](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/understanding-insomnia-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-to-find-real-relie/): If you are lying awake at night wondering why sleep feels harder than it should, you are not alone. Insomnia is one of the most common concerns people bring to Light On Anxiety, and it affects far more than just your nights. Your mood, focus, relationships, and quality of life can all take a hit when sleep stops cooperating. The good news is that insomnia is highly treatable once you understand what drives it and what actually works to improve it.
- [When One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Adapting CBT and ERP for Autistic Individuals with Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/when-one-size-doesnt-fit-all-adapting-cbt-and-erp-for-autistic-individuals-with-anxiety-2/): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are gold-standard treatments for anxiety. But like any powerful tool, they work best when tailored to the individual using them. For autistic individuals, traditional CBT and ERP techniques can still be highly effective—but only when adapted with care, patience, and deep respect for neurodiversity.
- [What I Learned From Failing My Way Forward As a Founder](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/what-i-learned-from-failing-my-way-forward-as-a-founder/): Back in graduate school, I started a company called Extreme Professional Makeovers. The idea was to help people rebuild their resumes and navigate career choices. I thought it was brilliant. The only problem: I had no money, no marketing knowledge, and no real plan beyond hanging flyers around campus. I ended up with exactly one client. One. I finally realized the business wasn’t failing because the idea was bad, but because my bandwidth and resources were nowhere near what were needed.
- [Why Becoming a Mother Changes How You See Your Own Mom](https://lightonanxiety.com/why-becoming-a-mother-changes-how-you-see-your-own-mom/): When Kylie Jenner recently said on Khloe Kardashian’s podcast that becoming a mother “changed my whole relationship with my mom,” many people felt an instant recognition. It’s a common experience, but one we don’t talk about enough. Parenthood doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It pulls up memories, reshapes assumptions, and gives you a brand-new vantage point from which to understand your own childhood.
- [Rules to Keep Gifting Stress-Free This Year](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/rules-to-keep-gifting-stress-free-this-year/): For something meant to bring joy, holiday gifting can create a surprising amount of stress. Between financial pressure, time crunches, and the fear of picking the “wrong” gift, what starts as a gesture of love can easily turn into a source of dread.
- [CBT for Dog Phobia: How to Overcome Fear of Dogs and Reclaim Calm](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/cbt-for-dog-phobia-how-to-overcome-fear-of-dogs-and-reclaim-calm/): Dog phobia — also known as cynophobia — is one of the most common animal fears. For those who experience it, the anxiety can be intense. Even seeing a dog across the street or hearing one bark can trigger panic, avoidance, or racing thoughts.
- [The Dangers of “Us vs. Them” Thinking](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/the-dangers-of-us-vs-them-thinking/): You’ve probably noticed it — the constant “us vs. them” language that seems to dominate politics, social media, and even everyday conversations lately. Whether it’s about ideology, identity, or just how people see the world, dividing lines are everywhere.
- [Orbiting: When Curiosity Turns Into Avoidance](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/orbiting-when-curiosity-turns-into-avoidance/): That’s orbiting.
- [Dancing With Uncertainty: Finding Freedom From Relationship OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/dancing-with-uncertainty-finding-freedom-from-relationship-ocd/): If you’ve ever found yourself analyzing your relationship from every possible angle — wondering “What if I’m with the wrong person?”, “What if I don’t really love them enough?”, or “What if I stay and regret it forever?” — you’re not alone. These thoughts can be painful, confusing, and deeply consuming. And while everyone occasionally questions their relationship, for those struggling with Relationship OCD (ROCD), the doubt becomes all-encompassing.
- [How to Calm Your Baby (and Yourself)](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/how-to-calm-your-baby-and-yourself/): Just like adults, babies have unique temperaments. Some are naturally mellow and adaptable, while others are more sensitive to changes in routine, sound, or touch. On any given day, your baby’s mood can be influenced by factors such as:
- [ERP for Emotional Contamination OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/erp-for-emotional-contamination-ocd/): Emotional contamination OCD centers around the fear that exposure to another person, object, or environment associated with negative qualities will somehow corrupt or “taint” one’s internal world.
- [Freedom From Perfectionism: Practicing Imperfection One Small Step at a Time](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/freedom-from-perfectionism-practicing-imperfection-one-small-step-at-a-time/): Perfectionism is sneaky. It can look like high standards, dedication, or attention to detail — but underneath, it’s often driven by anxiety. The belief that if I get it just right, I’ll finally feel calm or safe.
- [Why Kids Find “67” So Funny — and What It Says About the Future of Humor](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/why-kids-find-67-so-funny-and-what-it-says-about-the-future-of-humor/): What adults call “brain rot,” kids experience as liberation. It’s humor that’s deliberately illogical, anti-narrative, and hyper-speed. It’s the punchline without the setup, the meme before meaning.
- [Rest Guilt: When Your Body’s Ready to Stop but Your Mind Won’t Let You](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/rest-guilt-when-your-bodys-ready-to-stop-but-your-mind-wont-let-you/): Welcome to rest guilt — that uneasy, twitchy feeling that you haven’t “earned” a break.
- [When Hair Loss Hurts More Than Skin Deep: The Emotional Toll of Alopecia Areata](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/when-hair-loss-hurts-more-than-skin-deep-the-emotional-toll-of-alopecia-areata/): For many people, hair is more than just hair. It’s identity, confidence, and self-expression all rolled into one. So when alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss — enters the picture, it can bring a wave of emotions that go far beyond the surface.
- [When Suicidal Ideation Is A Mental Compulsion](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/when-suicidal-ideation-is-a-mental-compulsion/): In these moments, suicidal ideation can feel like an escape hatch thought:
- [Pregnancy and Anxiety: When Expecting Feels Overwhelming](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/pregnancy-and-anxiety-when-expecting-feels-overwhelming/): Pregnancy is often described as a magical, glowing time — but let’s be real: it’s also one of the most anxiety-producing life stages there is.
- [How CBT Can Help You Move Past Trauma](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/how-cbt-can-also-help-you-reprocess-trauma/): If you’ve spent any time on mental health TikTok or in therapy circles, you’ve probably heard of EMDR — short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s often talked about as the gold-standard trauma treatment. And while EMDR can absolutely be powerful and effective, it’s not the only path to healing from painful or overwhelming memories.
- [Why Fall Makes Us Feel So Good](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/why-fall-makes-us-feel-so-good/): There’s something about fall that makes many of us exhale a little deeper and settle into a more comfortable rhythm. After the high-energy buzz of summer, autumn often feels like a welcome reset button for our minds and bodies.
- [How To Turn a Walk Into Your Anxiety-Busting Superpower](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/how-to-turn-a-walk-into-your-anxiety-busting-superpower/): That’s why something as simple as going for a walk can be such a powerful reset. Walking doesn’t just get you moving and breathing fresh air — it changes the way your brain processes the world around you through something scientists call “optical flow.”
- [The Science Behind Anxiety: What’s Really Going On?](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/the-science-behind-anxiety-whats-really-going-on/): In moments of pressure—an upcoming exam, a difficult conversation, or a big life change—you might notice your heart racing, your breath catching, or your palms sweating. These are familiar signs of our body’s “fight-or-flight” alarm system. While occasional anxiety is a natural and adaptive response, for many it becomes persistent, intense, and unhelpful. At Light on Anxiety, we believe that understanding what’s happening “under the hood” is one of the first steps toward reclaiming control.
- [Why Do Clowns Scare Us? Understanding & Treating Coulrophobia (Clown Phobia)](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/why-do-clowns-scare-us-understanding-treating-coulrophobia-clown-phobia/): Clowns are supposed to make us laugh—but for many, they do just the opposite. Coulrophobia, or fear of clowns, is surprisingly common. In fact, clowns often rank alongside snakes and heights as one of the top “classic” fears.
- [Can Meditation Help Lower Blood Pressure?](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/can-meditation-help-lower-blood-pressure/): When you think of meditation, you might picture sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, quietly breathing. But meditation is much more than a relaxation trick—it’s attentional training for your brain. And one of its many benefits? Supporting healthier blood pressure levels.
- [Masking Autism: What It Is and Why It’s Exhausting](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/masking-autism-what-it-is-and-why-its-exhausting/): If you’ve ever felt like you were playing a role just to get through school, work, or social events, you may have experienced masking. For autistic individuals, masking means covering up their natural way of communicating, moving, or experiencing the world in order to fit into neurotypical expectations.
- [The Psychology of Disney Adults: Why Grown-Ups Still Find Magic in the Mouse](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/the-psychology-of-disney-adults-why-grown-ups-still-find-magic-in-the-mouse/): If you’ve spent time online recently, you’ve probably heard of Disney Adults—grown-ups who devote serious time, energy, and even money to Disney fandom and theme parks. They’re sometimes celebrated, sometimes mocked, and always misunderstood.
- [Is Social Media Shrinking Your Memory and Attention Span?](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/is-social-media-shrinking-your-memory-and-attention-span/): We live in an age where our brains are constantly pulled in a dozen directions at once. A quick scroll here, a notification there—it adds up. While social media can be fun and connecting, your brain may be paying a hidden price when it comes to memory and attention span.
- [How to Build Real Self-Esteem](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/how-to-build-real-self-esteem/): So many of us fall into the trap of thinking: If I just tell myself to feel more confident, I’ll magically believe it. But self-esteem doesn’t grow from pep talks or wishful thinking. In fact, trying to “force” confidence can backfire, making you feel even more insecure when it doesn’t stick.
- [From Power Struggles to Balanced Use: Helping Your Tween Build a Healthy Relationship with Screens](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/from-power-struggles-to-balanced-use-helping-your-tween-build-a-healthy-relationship-with-screens/): If you’ve ever found yourself in a shouting match with your tween about putting down their phone or tablet, you’re not alone. Screens are one of the most common battlegrounds between parents and kids today. But constant power struggles rarely get us where we want to go—kids may comply for a moment, only to sneak their devices later or binge when they’re finally “free.”
- [Why Do We Fixate on Doomsday Predictions?](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/why-do-we-fixate-on-doomsday-predictions/): Every few years, a new prediction about the “end of days” captures attention. The latest claims the rapture will occur on September 23–24. While these dates inevitably come and go, the fascination remains. Why are we so drawn to doomsday narratives—and what can CBT teach us about breaking free from their grip?
- [Do You Sleep in a High-Stress Position? What Your Sleep Posture Says About Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/do-you-sleep-in-a-high-stress-position-what-your-sleep-posture-says-about-anxiety/): You’ve probably heard of “resting face,” but have you ever thought about your “resting sleep position” or "sleep posture"? A recent viral TikTok showed four so-called “high stress” sleep positions:
- [Sexual Fantasies Are More Common Than You Think](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/sexual-fantasies-are-more-common-than-you-think/): When it comes to sex, many of us keep our inner worlds a secret. But here’s the truth: sexual fantasies are incredibly common. In fact, to be a sexual person is to have fantasies—it’s part of how the brain creates arousal, novelty, and excitement.
- [An Introduction to Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Simple Vagus Nerve Exercises](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/an-introduction-to-heart-rate-variability-hrv-and-simple-vagus-nerve-exercises/): When your body feels calm, focused, and resilient, it’s not just luck—it’s your nervous system doing its job. One way scientists measure how well your nervous system is balancing stress and recovery is through Heart Rate Variability (HRV).
- [Breaking Out of Echo Chambers: How Connection Heals & Strengthens Your Brain](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/breaking-out-of-echo-chambers-how-connection-heals-strengthens-your-brain/): Echo chambers amplify fear. When we only hear our own views repeated, our brains grow more rigid and the world feels more dangerous.
- [When Violence Shakes Us: Finding Connection, Healing, and Growth Amid Polarization](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/when-violence-shakes-us-finding-connection-healing-and-growth-amid-polarization/): If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, it’s hard to ignore a troubling pattern: violence between groups is on the rise. Whether it’s political rallies turning hostile, online debates spilling into threats, or tragic acts of mass violence, we’re living in a time when polarization is not just dividing us — it’s harming us.
- [10 Common ChatGPT Searches — and What They Reveal About Humanity](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/top-10-chatgpt-searches-and-what-this-says-about-humanity/): Based on research and surveys of AI use, here are 10 of the most common categories of questions people bring to ChatGPT — and what they reveal about our longings, our anxieties, and the universal needs we keep trying to meet.
- [Small Talk vs. Big Talk: Stepping Outside Your Social Comfort Zone](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/small-talk-vs-big-talk-stepping-outside-your-social-comfort-zone/): Most of us have a “social comfort zone.” Some people thrive on light, casual conversations with strangers but clam up when it’s time to share something vulnerable. Others dread small talk but feel right at home diving into big-picture questions and heartfelt stories.
- [10 Tips To Help Teens Move Through Grief](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/10-tips-to-help-teens-move-through-grief/): Grief is one of the hardest things you’ll ever face—and it’s also one of the most human. Whether you’re grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a friendship, a breakup, or even a big change like moving schools, grief is the process your mind and body go through to help you heal.
- [Cracking the Code: Understanding the Chicago High School Application Process](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/cracking-the-code-understanding-the-chicago-high-school-application-process/): If you’re a parent or teen navigating the Chicago High School application process, you may feel like you’ve stepped into a world with its own secret language: “SEHS,” “Catholic test,” “GoCPS,” “Tier 4.” Chicago’s high school application process can be dizzying, stressful, and packed with acronyms. Here’s a primer to help you understand what your adolescent clients (or your own family) are talking about, and why this process feels so overwhelming.
- [Crushing Sports Anxiety: Why Practicing Imperfection Is the Key to Peak Performance](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/crushing-sports-anxiety-why-practicing-imperfection-is-the-key-to-peak-performance-2/): ERP is a gold-standard therapy for anxiety, and it works beautifully for sports anxiety and the yips—because it retrains your brain to tolerate uncertainty, imperfection, and fear of failure.
- [Future Tripping: How to Stop Living in the “What Ifs”](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/future-tripping-how-to-stop-living-in-the-what-ifs/): Future tripping is a mental habit where your brain leaps ahead and imagines worst-case scenarios, endless “what ifs,” or a future you can’t possibly predict. Instead of staying grounded in today, your mind takes you on a detour into the unknown—usually with anxiety riding in the front seat.
- [What Is Your Anxiety Spirit Animal? 🐾](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/what-is-your-anxiety-spirit-animal-%f0%9f%90%be/): Anxiety can feel like a lot of different things—sometimes it’s a racing heartbeat, other times it’s the sense that everyone is watching you, or the urge to retreat into your safe space. The truth is, anxiety doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. That’s why we created our Anxiety Spirit Animal Quiz—a playful way to uncover how anxiety shows up in your life, and what tools can help you manage it.
- [OCD vs OCPD: What’s the Difference?](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/ocd-vs-ocpd-whats-the-difference/): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) sound almost identical, but they are not the same thing. While they both involve perfectionism, control, and anxiety, they show up very differently in daily life—and require very different treatment approaches.
- [Top CBT Tips to Bust Shame](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/top-cbt-tips-to-bust-shame/): Shame can feel like one of the heaviest emotions we carry. Unlike guilt, which tells us “I did something wrong,” shame whispers “I am wrong.” At its core, shame stems from the fear of being fundamentally flawed, broken, or unworthy in some irreparable way. It’s the voice that insists you are unlovable, inadequate, or not enough.
- [Understanding and Treating Somatic OCD with “Eye Popping” Fears](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/understanding-and-treating-somatic-ocd-with-eye-popping-fears/): For most people, the thought of their eyeball “popping out” might sound unusual or even silly. But for someone struggling with Somatic OCD—a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder that latches onto body sensations—this fear can feel terrifying and all-consuming.
- [Learning to Accept Your Parents’ Limitations](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/learning-to-accept-your-parents-limitations/): Let’s be real: no parent is perfect. Sometimes, it feels like your parents just don’t get it. Maybe they’re too strict, too distracted, too protective, or just not wired in a way that matches what you wish you had. It can be frustrating — especially as you start to carve out your own independence.
- [How to Make Friends in College: 10 Tips for Surviving the Awkward but Essential “Getting to Know You” Phase](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/how-to-make-friends-in-college-10-tips-for-surviving-the-awkward-but-essential-getting-to-know-you-phase/): Heading off to college? Among the packing lists, dorm room décor, and goodbye hugs, one big question might be sitting in the back of your mind: “How do I make new friends?”
- [What Kids Really Mean When They Say They’re “Crashing Out”](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/what-kids-really-mean-when-they-say-theyre-crashing-out/): “Crashing out” has become a shorthand way for many kids and teens to describe the feeling of hitting an emotional wall. For many young people, originally, when the phrase first started being used, it was a verbal warning flare that they could not take much more. If the current situation continued at the same pressure and pace, a panic attack might not be far behind.
- [What Not to Say When Your Child Is in Meltdown Mode — And Why](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/what-not-to-say-when-your-child-is-in-meltdown-mode-and-why/): When your child is in full meltdown mode, it can feel like an emotional hurricane. Heart racing, tears streaming, volume rising — and you’re just trying to keep your own cool while figuring out what to do next.
- [Coping Cards for Managing College Stress](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/let-it-flow-coping-cards-for-college-life/): Transitioning to college can be exciting — and overwhelming. New routines, new people, new challenges — it’s a lot for any brain to process. Recently, I worked with a client who was feeling the weight of this big change, and together we created a set of “coping cards” to help her remember an important truth:
- [ Adjustment Disorder: Navigating Back-to-School Transitions with Resilience](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/adjustment-disorder-navigating-back-to-school-transitions-with-resilience/): As summer winds down and the back-to-school season ramps up, many individuals—both students and parents—find themselves riding an emotional rollercoaster. Excitement and anticipation often mix with stress, uncertainty, and even sadness. For some, these emotional responses can feel overwhelming and persist longer than expected. This may be a sign of Adjustment Disorder.
- [Crushing Sports Anxiety: Why Practicing Imperfection Is the Key to Peak Performance](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/crushing-sports-anxiety-why-practicing-imperfection-is-the-key-to-peak-performance/): ERP is a gold-standard therapy for anxiety, and it works beautifully for sports anxiety and the yips—because it retrains your brain to tolerate uncertainty, imperfection, and fear of failure.
- [Is It Relationship OCD or Just a Bad Relationship?](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/is-it-relationship-ocd-or-just-a-bad-relationship/): You’ve asked your friends. You’ve Googled it at 2 AM. You’ve even made a pro-and-con list about your partner’s chewing habits. And yet, you still can’t shake the feeling: Am I in the right relationship? If you’re trapped in a never-ending loop of “What if I don’t really love them?” or “What if someone better is out there?” it might not be your partner that’s the problem—it might be Relationship OCD.
- [Transform Unhealthy Communication Patterns in Your Relationship—Even Without Couples Therapy](https://lightonanxiety.com/transform-unhealthy-communication-patterns-in-your-relationship-even-without-couples-therapy/): Below are 5 powerful, practical CBT/DBT strategies to help you break free from unhealthy communication loops—and how one of my clients, “Jamie,” used these tools to transform her marriage from reactive to respectful.
- [Parenting Anxious Children: Simple Strategies That Actually Work](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/parenting-anxious-children-simple-strategies-that-actually-work/): Raising a child with anxiety can feel like walking a tightrope. One moment you’re trying to soothe their fears; the next, you’re wondering if you’re accidentally making them less resilient and able to cope with the thrills and spill of life. If you’ve ever found yourself googling “parenting anxious children” at 2 AM while your child struggles to fall asleep (again), you’re not alone—and there is a path forward.
- [Break the Cycle: How to Face Vomit Phobia and Reclaim Your Calm](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/break-the-cycle-how-to-face-vomit-phobia-and-reclaim-your-calm/): For many people, the fear of vomiting—also known as emetophobia—can feel all-consuming. It starts with a tiny flicker: What if I get nauseous? That flicker can grow into a blazing panic, hijacking your body and mind. Ironically, the very fear of vomiting can make you feel nauseous… which reinforces the fear… which makes the nausea worse… and so the vicious cycle continues.
- [When Food Allergies Trigger Anxiety and OCD: How to Help Your Child Find Freedom](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/when-food-allergies-trigger-anxiety-and-ocd-how-to-help-your-child-find-freedom/): For families managing food allergies, staying vigilant is a must. But sometimes, the very behaviors that keep your child safe can spiral into anxiety—or even obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- [Frequently Asked Questions About Medication for Anxiety During Pregnancy](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/frequently-asked-questions-about-medication-for-anxiety-during-pregnancy/): Pregnancy can bring a whirlwind of emotions—joy, excitement, and sometimes anxiety. For individuals who have experienced anxiety before pregnancy or who develop anxiety during pregnancy, deciding whether to use medication can feel overwhelming. At Light On Anxiety, we believe in providing clear, compassionate, evidence-based information so you can make empowered choices for your mental health and your baby’s well-being.
- [What Not to Say During a Panic Attack—And What Actually Helps Instead](https://lightonanxiety.com/workplace-career-stress/what-not-to-say-during-a-panic-attack-and-what-actually-helps-instead/): If you've ever watched someone go through a panic attack—or been there yourself—you know how overwhelming, scary, and confusing it can be. The racing heart, the shortness of breath, the sense that something terrible is about to happen… even if logically you know you're safe, your body and brain are sounding a full-blown alarm.
- [How to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself) for the Conversation About Divorce: What the Research—and Real Life—Tell Us](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/how-to-prepare-your-child-and-yourself-for-the-conversation-about-divorce-what-the-research-and-real-life-tell-us/): “What kind of therapeutic support should we have in place before telling our child about our divorce?”It’s a question we hear often—and it’s a wise one.
- [Ego-dystonic Thoughts Are Not Dangerous](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/ego-dystonic-thoughts-are-not-dangerous/): If you've ever been caught off guard by a thought that feels completely out of character, you're not alone. These are known as ego-dystonic thoughts — intrusive ideas that clash with your core values and sense of self.
- [Feeling Trapped in Your Head: How ERP Can Help You Break Free from Existential OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/feeling-trapped-in-your-head-how-erp-can-help-you-break-free-from-existential-ocd/): For many struggling with Existential OCD, the anxiety doesn’t show up as fear of contamination or harming a loved one—it shows up as an overwhelming, all-consuming need to make sense of life itself.
- [10 Anxiety-Reducing Tips for Navigating Life Transitions](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/10-anxiety-reducing-tips-for-navigating-life-transitions/): Life is full of transitions—some expected, others sudden—but all can stir up anxiety. Whether your child is heading off to college, starting at a new school, going away to camp, or simply adjusting to the slower pace of an unstructured summer, life transitions can bring unease. No matter your age or stage of life, these shifts can bring a mix of anticipation, anxiety, and uncertainty. 
- [The Cost of Untreated Panic](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/the-cost-of-untreated-panic/): Panic symptoms—racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath—can feel terrifying, especially when they strike without warning. It’s only natural to want to avoid situations that might trigger those sensations.
- [How To Move Through & Past Panic](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/how-to-move-through-past-panic/): When it comes to panic thoughts, most of us fall into one of two camps: either we try to run away from them as fast as we can… or we end up clinging to them so tightly we forget the rest of the world even exists. But what if there’s a third way?
- [It’s Only A False Alarm: Your Brain On Panic](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/its-only-a-false-alarm-your-brain-on-panic/): Have you ever set off a smoke detector while cooking? Maybe you were flipping French toast for a surprise breakfast or heating up an after-school snack when—BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!—the alarm screamed through the house. You weren’t in danger, but the smoke detector didn’t know that. It was just doing its job: detecting potential threats, even when it got a little overzealous.
- [False Attraction OCD: When Doubt Feels Like Desire](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/false-attraction-ocd-when-doubt-feels-like-desire/): If you’ve ever been blindsided by a thought like “What if I’m attracted to that person and I shouldn’t be?” or “Did I just like that? What does that mean about me?”, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. You may be experiencing a form of OCD known as False Attraction OCD (sometimes also called Sexual Orientation OCD, Relationship OCD, or simply Intrusive Attraction Obsessions).
- [Helping Children with Food Allergies Manage Anxiety and OCD](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/helping-children-with-food-allergies-manage-anxiety-and-ocd/): For children with food allergies, safety is non-negotiable — and understandably so. A single bite of the wrong food can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences. As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children. We read every label, ask every restaurant question, and double-check every snack at school.
- [Raising Engaged, Inspired Kids (Without Losing the Tech Battle)](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/raising-engaged-inspired-kids-without-losing-the-tech-battle/): You want to raise a child who is connected—to their values, their community, their curiosity—not just to WiFi. But in today’s screen-saturated world, the line between “staying connected” and “losing touch” gets blurry fast. And nothing will shut a kid down quicker than, “Get off your phone!” yelled from behind your own glowing screen.
- [10 Fun Ways to Train Your Brain, Enhance Your Attention and Improve Processing Speed](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/10-fun-ways-to-train-your-brain-and-improve-processing-speed/): Have you ever wished your brain had a “faster Wi-Fi connection”? If it feels like you're buffering in real-time—taking longer to understand, respond, or complete tasks—you’re not alone. The good news? You can absolutely improve your processing speed with the power of neuroplasticity.
- [Dog Phobia Explained: 10 Surprising Facts and How to Treat It](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/dog-phobia-explained-10-surprising-facts-and-how-to-treat-it/): When you think of dog phobias, you might picture someone simply "not liking dogs." But the truth is, dog phobia — known clinically as cynophobia — is a real and often intense fear that can significantly disrupt a person’s daily life. And there’s a lot about it that might surprise you!
- [Somatic OCD: When Normal Sensations Get Weird](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/somatic-ocd-when-normal-sensations-get-weird/): But for individuals struggling with Somatic OCD — particularly those hyper-focused on vision or the awareness of thinking — these moments don’t just pass. They stick. They grow louder, feel weirder, and can eventually hijack day-to-day living.
- [Accept, Don’t Attack Intrusive Thoughts: The Surprising Path to Peace of Mind](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/accept-dont-attack-intrusive-thoughts-the-surprising-path-to-peace-of-mind/): What if the key to freedom from intrusive thoughts isn’t fighting them—but accepting them? We know: that sounds counterintuitive. If a thought is distressing, shouldn’t you try to get rid of it? Not exactly. As you’ll see, the harder you wrestle with intrusive thoughts, the more entangled you become. The way out? Acceptance.
- [Playing With Intrusive Thoughts](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/playing-with-intrusive-thoughts/): We know—playfulness and intrusive thoughts don’t usually go together. But hear us out. When intrusive thoughts show up, your brain sounds the alarm: “This is serious! Pay attention!” But what if instead of reacting with panic, you responded with a raised eyebrow, a chuckle, or even a little creativity?
- [Why You Should Explore (Not Avoid) Intrusive Thoughts](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/why-you-should-explore-not-avoid-intrusive-thoughts/): Most people with intrusive thoughts want them gone—yesterday. It’s natural to want to push away something that feels disturbing or out of character. But here’s the paradox: the harder you try to escape intrusive thoughts, the more they dig in. Instead of running, what if you paused to explore?
- [15 Mindfulness Tools to Stay Grounded When Intrusive Thoughts Show Up](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/15-mindfulness-tools-to-stay-grounded-when-intrusive-thoughts-show-up/): You don’t have to eliminate intrusive thoughts to live a meaningful, connected life. Intrusive thoughts love to hijack your attention, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow them. The key isn’t to silence them—it’s to refocus on what matters.
- [Mindfulness Training for Harm OCD & Intrusive Thoughts: How To Reclaim Your Focus](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/mindfulness-training-for-harm-ocd-intrusive-thoughts-how-to-reclaim-your-focus/): Intrusive thoughts have a way of pulling us out of the present moment and into a whirlwind of mental noise—doubt, fear, guilt, and "what if" spirals. If you've ever felt like your mind is running the show (and not in a good way), you're not alone.
- [Living Together for the Long Haul: A Real-World Guide to Making Love Last](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/living-together-for-the-long-haul-a-real-world-guide-to-making-love-last/): Long-term love isn’t just about good chemistry or finding your soulmate. It’s about developing some real-deal grown-up skills. After working with countless couples and reflecting on my own experience, I’ve come to believe there are seven essential relationship strengths that help couples not just survive, but thrive—despite the inevitable bumps along the way.
- [Thinking About Medication? Here Are the Top 10 Questions Clients Ask — and How We Answer Them](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/thinking-about-medication-here-are-the-top-10-questions-clients-ask-and-how-we-answer-them/): At Light On Anxiety, we know that deciding whether to add medication to your treatment plan is a big, personal decision. Maybe you’ve been trying therapy and wondering if medication could help take the edge off your anxiety or lift the fog of depression. Maybe you’re nervous about side effects or worried it means things are “really bad.” You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to have questions. Here are the 10 most common questions our clients ask when considering psychotropic medication, along with how we talk through them together:
- [When Being Around Someone Feels Unbearable: Emotional Contamination OCD or Misophonia?](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/when-being-around-someone-feels-unbearable-emotional-contamination-ocd-or-misophonia/): What do you do when your child says they can’t sit near their sibling… not because they’re fighting, but because their body feels overwhelmed and flooded just being in the same room? For some, this may be a sign of Emotional Contamination OCD—a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where a person begins to associate another person (often a sibling or parent) with psychological “contamination.” Just being near the triggering person can cause distress, anxiety, and a powerful urge to avoid or perform rituals (washing, erasing, undoing, etc.) to feel “clean” again.
- [Top Tips to Proactively Address Your Mental Health This Summer](https://lightonanxiety.com/mental-health/top-tips-to-proactively-address-your-mental-health-this-summer/): Summer has a way of whispering, “You deserve a break.” And it’s true—we all need space to rest. But too often, that whisper turns into a full mental health shutdown: skipped therapy sessions, postponed appointments, and a slow drift away from the routines that help us feel our best.
- [What To Do When OCD Says Someone In Your Life Is “Contaminated”](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/what-to-do-when-ocd-says-someone-in-your-life-is-contaminated/): This isn’t just a personality clash or a phase of teen irritability. It could be Emotional Contamination OCD, a lesser-known but deeply distressing form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. And while it might look like rejection or hostility on the outside, what’s really happening is a battle inside your teen’s brain—a false alarm system telling them that someone in their life is unsafe or “bad” to be around.
- [How To Break Free from Procrastination](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/how-to-break-free-from-procrastination/): When we avoid hard stuff, it temporarily feels better—but it wires our brain to see that task as dangerous. That means more anxiety next time we face it. It’s a vicious loop: anxiety triggers procrastination, which worsens the anxiety, which leads to—you guessed it—more avoidance.
- [Dear ChatGPT, Can You See Me? The Limits of AI in Healing Anxiety and Emotional Pain](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/dear-chatgpt-can-you-see-me-the-limits-of-ai-in-healing-anxiety-and-emotional-pain/): So, if you’re using ChatGPT or any other form of tech-based self-help—amazing. Truly. Keep going. Let it be part of your healing toolkit.
- [When One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Adapting CBT and ERP for Autistic Individuals with Anxiety](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/when-one-size-doesnt-fit-all-adapting-cbt-and-erp-for-autistic-individuals-with-anxiety/): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are gold-standard treatments for anxiety. But like any powerful tool, they work best when tailored to the individual using them. For autistic individuals, traditional CBT and ERP techniques can still be highly effective—but only when adapted with care, patience, and deep respect for neurodiversity.
- [Free Tool: Screen Reset Worksheet](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/free-tool-screen-addiction-tracking-form/): If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for your phone without thinking—only to look up hours later and wonder where the time went—you’re not alone. In today’s tech-saturated world, screen time can quickly shift from a tool to a trap. That’s where the Screen Reset Worksheet below comes in. Behavior tracking isn’t about perfection or punishment—it’s about noticing. It’s about slowing things down just enough to choose how you want to spend your time, rather than letting habits choose for you.Here’s why it works—and how to make the most of your worksheet:
- [Let Your Body Sleep: How CBT-I Helps You Get Out of Your Own Way and Get the Rest You Deserve](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/let-your-body-sleep-how-cbt-i-helps-you-get-out-of-your-own-way-and-get-the-rest-you-deserve/): Enter CBT-I, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. This gold-standard, evidence-based treatment has helped thousands reclaim their nights by retraining their brain and body to work together—rather than against each other—when it comes to sleep.
- [Rewiring Your Relationship with Technology: How CBT Helps You Take Back Control from Screen Addiction](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/rewiring-your-relationship-with-technology-how-cbt-helps-you-take-back-control-from-screen-addiction/): Technology is an incredible tool—until it starts feeling like it's using you more than you’re using it. Many individuals, especially teens and young adults, find themselves stuck in a loop: reaching for screens reflexively, zoning out for hours, and then feeling drained and disconnected.
- [Screen Addiction: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How Families Can Reclaim Balance](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/screen-addiction-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-and-how-families-can-reclaim-balance/): "Screen addiction" is a term that gets tossed around often—especially by parents concerned about their child’s relationship with technology. While it’s not an official clinical diagnosis, it's a phrase many families use to describe what feels like an all-consuming dependence on phones, video games, or social media.
- [Shrink the Noise: How “Worry Time” Can Help You Regain Control of Your Mind](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/shrink-the-noise-how-worry-time-can-help-you-regain-control-of-your-mind/): Do you ever feel like your worries are buzzing in the background all day long—like an endless mental notification you can’t turn off? You’re not alone. In my recent segment on the CBS News Mental Health Minute, I discussed a powerful CBT tool called Worry Time—a simple yet effective strategy to shrink your anxiety down to a manageable size.
- [Post Neuropsychological Evaluation Support: Next Steps For Families in Navigating School Accommodations](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/post-neuropsychological-evaluation-support-next-steps-for-families-in-navigating-school-accommodations/): When a child or teen is struggling in school—whether due to attention difficulties, learning challenges, anxiety, or other neurodevelopmental concerns—parents often turn to neuropsychological evaluations to better understand their child's strengths and areas of need. These assessments provide critical insight into cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning, offering tailored recommendations for school-based accommodations.
- [Finding the Right Level of Anxiety & OCD Treatment](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/finding-the-right-level-of-treatment-for-anxiety-ocd-when-to-choose-traditional-outpatient-intensive-outpatient-treatment-iop-php-or-residential/): Choosing the right level of care for anxiety, OCD, or related concerns can feel overwhelming. You want a treatment plan that offers the support you need while allowing for as much independent functioning as possible. At Light On Anxiety, we believe in applying the least restrictive treatment approach that still enables meaningful progress and long-term success.
- [Brain Gym Fun: Creative Mental Strength Training Exercises to Boost Memory & Processing Speed](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/brain-gym-fun-creative-mental-strength-training-exercises-to-boost-memory-processing-speed/): Your brain is like a muscle—the more you challenge it, the stronger it gets! Just like physical exercise improves endurance and strength, mental workouts can enhance your memory, focus, and processing speed. Whether you're looking to stay sharp, boost cognitive agility, or just have fun stretching your mind, these Brain Gym activities will help keep your thinking fast and flexible.
- [How to Break Free from the Compulsive Over-Doing Cycle and Find True Satisfaction](https://lightonanxiety.com/ocd/how-to-break-free-from-the-compulsive-over-doing-cycle-and-find-true-satisfaction/): We all know the phrase “too much of a good thing,” but when it comes to certain behaviors—like reading, learning, eating sweets, or even exercising—it can feel confusing to know where the line is between healthy enjoyment and compulsive overdoing. After all, isn’t it good to have passions? Shouldn’t we lean into the things that bring us pleasure?
- [School Refusal Due to Anxiety: A Psychological Emergency That Demands Immediate Action](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/school-refusal-due-to-anxiety-why-its-a-clinical-emergency-and-how-to-respond/): Why? Because school refusal means your child is no longer functioning, and loss of functioning — especially during key developmental years — places them at high risk for a cascade of long-term negative outcomes, including:
- [When It’s Not the Right Time for Therapy: How Parent-Only Treatment Can Create Lasting Change](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/when-its-not-the-right-time-for-therapy-how-parent-only-treatment-can-create-lasting-change/): As parents, it’s only natural to want to get your child the help they need as soon as possible. When your child is struggling with anxiety, avoidance, or big emotions, starting therapy can feel like the obvious next step. But what happens if your child isn’t ready to engage? What if they’re showing up to sessions but staying silent, refusing to participate in exposures, or simply shutting down?
- [Top Tips to Help Your Child Sleep Through the Night in Their Own Bed](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/top-tips-to-help-your-child-sleep-through-the-night-in-their-own-bed/): If your child is waking up in the middle of the night and turning to you for comfort rather than self-soothing, you are not alone. Many parents struggle with how to gently and effectively help their children learn to sleep through the night independently. The good news? With a structured plan, consistency, and confidence in your child’s ability to self-regulate, you can support them in developing the skills to fall asleep—and stay asleep—on their own.
- [When Does Your Child Need School 504 Plan or IEP? A Parent’s Guide to Proactively Securing School Accommodations](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/when-does-your-child-need-school-504-plan-or-iep-a-parents-guide-to-proactively-securing-school-accommodations/): When Does Your Child Need a 504 Plan or IEP? A Parent’s Guide to Proactively Securing School Support
- [Breaking Free from Skin Picking: How CBT, HRT, and COMB Can Help You Rewire Your Brain](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/breaking-free-from-skin-picking-how-cbt-hrt-and-comb-can-help-you-rewire-your-brain/): If you struggle with skin picking, you’re not alone. Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), like skin picking (dermatillomania), hair pulling (trichotillomania), and nail biting, affect millions of people. These behaviors can feel automatic, making it hard to stop—even when you really want to.
- [How CBT Can Complement Medical Treatment for Narcolepsy](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/how-cbt-can-complement-medical-treatment-for-narcolepsy/): For those living with narcolepsy, managing symptoms often involves a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. While medications can help regulate wakefulness, they are not a cure, and many individuals continue to struggle with fatigue, brain fog, disrupted nighttime sleep, and the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition. This is where Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be a powerful complement to medical treatment, helping individuals regain a sense of control and improve their overall quality of life.
- [Beyond the Screen: 10 Fun & Easy Ways to Connect as a Family](https://lightonanxiety.com/relationships/beyond-the-screen-10-fun-easy-ways-to-connect-as-a-family/): And yet, somehow, screens still seem to creep back in. The truth is, while setting limits on screen time is important, it’s much more effective to replace screen time with engaging, real-life alternatives. Kids—and adults—are drawn to screens because they’re fun, stimulating, and easy. But here’s the secret: real life will always win out. The problem? It just takes a little more effort to get there.
- [Understanding Your Child’s Unique Brain: The Power of a Neuropsychological Evaluation](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/a-user-manual-for-your-mind-the-value-of-a-neuropsychological-evaluation/): As a parent, it’s natural to feel a wave of emotions when considering a neuropsychological evaluation for your child. You might worry about what the results will say, what a diagnosis could mean, or whether a label might limit their potential. But what if a neuropsych evaluation is less about labels and more about accessing a user manual for your child’s mind—one that could help them navigate life with greater ease and confidence?
- [Rewiring Your Relationship with Pain: How CBT Can Help You Live a Meaningful Life](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/rewiring-your-relationship-with-pain-how-cbt-can-help-you-live-a-meaningful-life/): Chronic pain can feel like an unwelcome passenger, always present and dictating how you experience life. It’s understandable to want to fight it, push it away, or desperately seek relief. But what if, instead of engaging in an exhausting battle against pain, you could learn how to relate to it differently?
- [Overcoming Parental Anxiety and Finding Joy in Parenting With Dr. Debra Kissen](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/overcoming-parental-anxiety-and-finding-joy-in-parenting-with-dr-debra-kissen/): Parenting is often described as one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences, but for many parents, worry and anxiety overshadow the joy. Why does it feel so difficult to stay calm and make clear decisions, especially when your child is distressed? How can you maintain your emotional and mental well-being during parenting challenges?
- [The Anxiety Busting Workbook for Kids](https://lightonanxiety.com/children-teens/the-anxiety-busting-workbook-for-kids/): If your child struggles with anxiety, rest assured that you aren’t alone. Children face a number of anxiety-inducing challenges—from school to extracurricular activities to making friends. The good news is that kids can learn to turn their overly anxious thoughts into curiosity, determination, and bravery. In this author Q&A Dr. Debra Kissen shares tips and insights from her latest workbook for kids.
- [Embracing Uncertainty: How CBT and ERP Can Help You Break Free from the Fear of the Unknown](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/embracing-uncertainty-how-cbt-and-erp-can-help-you-break-free-from-the-fear-of-the-unknown/): One of the most fundamental truths in life is that uncertainty is inevitable. Yet, for many, the inability to predict or control the future feels intolerable. If you struggle with a fear of uncertainty, you may find yourself trapped in a cycle of compulsions—constantly seeking reassurance, overanalyzing situations, or avoiding uncertainty altogether. While these strategies might bring temporary relief, they ultimately reinforce the belief that you cannot handle the unknown, making uncertainty feel even more threatening over time.
- [Overcoming Fear of Flying: 10 Tips to Help You Take to the Skies With Confidence](https://lightonanxiety.com/anxiety-disorders/overcoming-fear-of-flying-10-tips-to-help-you-take-to-the-skies-with-confidence/): Recent tragic airplane accidents have left many feeling anxious about flying. While it’s natural to experience some apprehension, a true flying phobia can keep you from showing up for important moments in your life—whether that’s attending your daughter’s out-of-town wedding, making it to a crucial work meeting, or finally taking the vacation of your dreams. If your fear of flying is holding you back, here are ten practical strategies to help you move past your anxiety and regain your freedom.
- [Turning Failed New Year’s Resolutions Into Wins: How to Build Habits That Last](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/turning-failed-new-years-resolutions-into-wins-how-to-build-habits-that-last/): Let’s explore how to turn those failed resolutions into meaningful, lasting habits—with real client success stories to show how small steps can lead to big wins.
- [Helping Your Child Learn to Swallow Pills: Tips to Make Medication Easier](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/helping-your-child-learn-to-swallow-pills-tips-to-make-medication-easier/): For many children, the idea of swallowing a pill can feel intimidating or even impossible. However, with patience, encouragement, and practice, most children can learn this valuable skill. Whether your child needs medication for short-term treatment or a chronic condition, mastering pill-swallowing can reduce stress and make taking medicine much more manageable.
- [Goodbye TikTok, Hello Instagram? Why Banning TikTok is Only the Tip of the Social Media Iceberg](https://lightonanxiety.com/parenting-support-coaching/goodbye-tiktok-hello-instagram-why-banning-tiktok-is-only-the-tip-of-the-social-media-iceberg/): As parents, we might feel a twinge of relief when we hear talk of TikTok being banned. After all, we’ve seen our kids spend hours glued to their screens, endlessly scrolling on social media. But let’s be clear—this isn’t about parents’ dislike of the app. The discussions surrounding banning TikTok are driven by broader issues, including concerns about privacy, security, and international policy.
- [Coping with Secondary Trauma: Navigating Empathy and Uncertainty During the California Fires](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/coping-with-secondary-trauma-navigating-empathy-and-uncertainty-during-the-california-fires/): The recent California fires have been a heartbreaking tragedy, leaving many of us grappling with feelings of helplessness and sorrow as we witness the devastating toll on lives, homes, and communities. For those of us fortunate enough not to be directly affected, the pain we feel from the sidelines is a natural human response. We are wired for empathy, and it’s common to experience the suffering of others as though it were our own.
- [Understanding Fear of Flying: The Surprising Nuances and How CBT Can Help](https://lightonanxiety.com/cbt-treatment/understanding-fear-of-flying-the-surprising-nuances-and-how-cbt-can-help/): When you think of a fear of flying, the most common image that likely comes to mind is someone terrified of the plane crashing. While this is one possible core fear, fear of flying is far more nuanced than people often realize. To offer effective Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment, it is essential to first uncover the unique core fear driving the individual’s anxiety.
- [How to Procrastinate Less & Accomplish More](https://lightonanxiety.com/stress-management-self-help/how-to-procrastinate-less-accomplish-more/): When overwhelmed, many of us fall back on behaviors that feel comforting in the moment but ultimately keep us stuck. Which of these resonate with you?