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.
Our collection of articles, blogs, and videos has been carefully selected with you in mind.Β Our recommended resources are here to help you obtain greater clarity and guidance on how to obtain freedom from anxiety.Β
βWhat kind of therapeutic support should we have in place before telling our child about our...
If you’ve ever been caught off guard by a thought that feels completely out of character,...
For many struggling with Existential OCD, the anxiety doesnβt show up as fear of contamination or...
Life is full of transitionsβsome expected, others suddenβbut all can stir up anxiety. Whether your child...
Panic symptomsβracing heart, dizziness, shortness of breathβcan feel terrifying, especially when they strike without warning. Itβs...
When it comes to panic thoughts, most of us fall into one of two camps: either...
Have you ever set off a smoke detector while cooking? Maybe you were flipping French toast...
If youβve ever been blindsided by a thought like βWhat if Iβm attracted to that person...
For children with food allergies, safety is non-negotiable β and understandably so. A single bite of...
Break Free from Intrusive Thoughts: Real Tools from Real Therapists
Are intrusive thoughts interfering with your peace of mind or your sense of self? You're not alone. At Light On Anxiety, they have seen countless clients struggle with Egodystonic Thoughtsβdisturbing mental content that feels alien, unwanted, and at odds with a person's values and identity.
Dr. Debra Kissen and her co-authors wrote Break Free From Intrusive Thoughts to offer compassionate guidance, evidence-based tools, and empowering education for anyone wrestling with these types of thoughts. Whether itβs taboo, irrational, or distressing mental content, what matters most is not having the thoughtsβbut how we respond to them.
In this video, Dr. Kissen explains:
Why Egodystonic Thoughts can feel so alarming
How our book helps readers build a healthier, more accepting relationship with their minds
β¨ This book is for individuals seeking relief, understanding, and actionable tools to take back control of their mental spaceβand live in alignment with their values.
More than just a resource, this book is a practical companion. You can use it as a daily tool to shift your relationship with intrusive thoughts, reduce shame, and develop coping strategies rooted in compassion and clarity. With each chapter, youβll be one step closer to reclaiming your mental freedom and breaking freeβfor good.
π Get your copy of Break Free From Intrusive Thoughts: https://lightonanxiety.com/books/break-free-from-intrusive-thoughts
π Learn more about Light On Anxiety: [https://lightonanxiety.com
π Subscribe for more content on mental wellness, anxiety relief, and compassionate psychology.
#MentalHealth #MentalWellness #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone #IntrusiveThoughts #EgodystonicThoughts #OCDRecovery #PureO #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #CBT #TherapistTools #Psychoeducation #AnxietyRelief #BreakFreeFromIntrusiveThoughts #LightOnAnxiety #drdebrakissen
What are Egodystonic Thoughts?
π§ "Why am I having this thought?"
βDoes this mean something is wrong with me?β
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 β intrusive ideas that clash with your core values and sense of self.
Dr. Debra Kissen breaks down what ego-dystonic thoughts are, why they occur, and how understanding them can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.
At Light On Anxiety, we treat these types of intrusive thoughts with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) β a research-backed approach that helps reduce the power and distress of these unwanted thoughts over time.
π Ready to take the first step toward understanding and managing intrusive thoughts? Our compassionate team is here to support you.
βοΈ Light On Anxiety
π©ββοΈ CBT Treatment for Anxiety and Mental Health
π Six Locations in Chicago
π 312.508.3645
π² [email protected]
#EgoDystonicThoughts #IntrusiveThoughts #ERP #ExposureTherapy #AnxietyRelief #CBTTherapy #LightOnAnxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #ChicagoTherapist #naperchamber
Meet Alex Chafin
To schedule an appointment with Light On Anxiety, visit https://lightonanxiety.com/getting-started/
Alex is a Licensed Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky.
Alex has spent time working in an emergency room setting where she solidified her expertise in crisis intervention and therapeutic assessment. Alex utilizes trauma-informed care. Additionally, has worked with individuals diagnosed with autism and their families, where she gained a keen understanding of family systems and neurodivergent functioning.
Alex utilizes evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing mindfulness and client strengths to create a safe and empowering space for all clients. She believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationshipβwhere trust, collaboration, and transparency give clients the opportunity to take control of their lives. Alex harnesses core mindfulness skills by encouraging clients to remain in the moment and focus on the present. She believes that each individual is capable and deserving of living within their most authentic self.
Alexβs focus areas include Anxiety, Adolescent/Child Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Panic Disorder, PTSD/Trauma, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Family Counseling, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Disordered Eating, Womenβs Health, and LGTBQIA+ Community.
A native of North Carolina, Alex loves the beach and summertime. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, binge-watching the latest TV series, cuddling with her fur baby (Sophie), and indulging in delicious food.
On October 11, 2018, ADAA held a Twitter chat under the title #SocialAnxietyADAA. ADAA members Debra...
If you find yourself frequently telling lies, you may be wondering if this is something to...
Question: How can I work on my constant over-thinking and catastrophizing? Light On Anxiety Answer: The...
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At Light On Anxiety, we understand that mental health is a complex interplay of biological and psychological factors. That's why we offer CBT therapy services, medication management and neuropsychological testing solutions within one seamless organization. No more bouncing around the healthcare system, dealing with fragmentation, wait-lists, and lack of care coordination. Our goal is to provide a seamless experience so you can get back to living your best life, which is what we all deserve.
