Ken Goodman

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy /

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combine strategies of acceptance and mindfulness with behavior change strategies to increase psychological flexibility. This means connecting with the present moment fully, without judgement, instead of waging a battle within one’s mind about the future or trying to change things out of one’s control. Through analogies, metaphors and […]

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ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

The Fear and Benefits of Medication for Anxiety

Medication /

Many people are reluctant to try medication and would prefer to overcome anxiety on their own. I understand this, and in many cases, I support it. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and self-help strategies can be remarkably effective. But sometimes anxiety is so severe that therapy alone is not enough. In these cases, medication

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Medication

Top Ten Anxiety Reduction Strategies for Fear of the Coronavirus

How to Overcome Anxiety /

Top Ten Anxiety Reduction Strategies for Fear of the Coronavirus During this time of national crisis, we must manage two things simultaneously: 1) Protect ourselves from the Coronavirus, and 2) Protect ourselves from anxiety. If your anxiety, fear, and worry has been overwhelming, put these ten strategies into practice.  Media Distancing: To stop the spread

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How to Overcome Anxiety

Misophonia: When Everyday Sounds Feel Like Nails on a Chalkboard

Misophonia /

Sounds can startle us when they are loud and unexpected. But some sounds don’t scare us, they make our skin crawl. Think of the screeching feedback of a microphone. Or, if you’re old enough to remember, fingernails scraping across a chalkboard. Most people cringe at these sounds. For people with misophonia, however, ordinary everyday noises

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Misophonia

Santa’s Suggestions for Reducing Stress and Enjoying the Holidays

Holiday Stress /

If anyone knows how stressful the holiday season can be, it’s Santa Claus. Every year he manages a global delivery operation, supervises thousands of elves, handles supply-chain issues, and somehow still manages to stay cheerful. Curious about his secret, I sat down with Santa to ask how he handles holiday stress. KEN: Tell me, Santa,

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Holiday Stress

My Gut Reaction: Stress and the Brain-Gut Connection

Anxious Stomach: Gut-Brain Connection /

Ever wonder why you get “butterflies” in your stomach before doing something stressful? Or why you feel like your stomach is “tied in knots” after an argument? Researchers have identified a powerful connection between the gut and the brain that makes the gut especially susceptible to stress and other emotions. Stomach problems are one of

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Anxious Stomach: Gut-Brain Connection

What’s the Difference Between an Anxiety Disorder and Anxiety?

Anxiety Disorder Summaries /

You push the button for the fourth floor, the elevator door closes but the elevator doesn’t move. You push the button again…nothing happens. You push the button to open the elevator but the doors remain closed. How do you feel? What do you do? In the future, if you choose to take stairs and avoid

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Anxiety Disorder Summaries