The OCD & Anxiety Podcast

Epizode

• When OCD Turns Decisions Into Traps 13.06.2026 9min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 This episode explores how OCD amplifies uncertainty and turns everyday choices into paralyzing thought loops. Robert James explains why seeking 100% certainty backfires and offers a clear approach: accept uncertainty, make the best decision you can, commit, and learn from the outcome Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    
• The Most Confusing Part of OCD Recovery 10.06.2026 9min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Robert James explores a common and confusing phase in OCD recovery: when doing the right things and feeling a bit better can trigger a sudden increase in intrusive thoughts and anxiety. He explains why this spike can actually signal progress and not failure. Learn practical tips to stay the course—recommit to acceptance, non-resistance, and self-compassion—understand the normal ups and downs, and when to seek extra support to keep moving forward Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• OCD and Regret: When the Past Becomes a Compulsion 06.06.2026 8min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explores how nostalgia can turn into rumination for people with OCD, pulling them into repetitive ‘what if’ thinking and regret. He explains how low mood and anxiety distort memories and create convincing but incomplete stories about the past. Robert offers practical guidance to notice the urge to replay decisions, resist solving the past, and gently return to the present through presence, acceptance, and small actions that move life forward Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.
• OCD Rumination: When Thinking Becomes the Trap 03.06.2026 16min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains how rumination — thinking about your thinking — traps people with OCD and prevents lasting certainty. He offers practical strategies to break the cycle by returning to the body and action: movement, conversation, flow activities, and taking small steps even when you don't feel ready Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• The Limiting Beliefs That Keep OCD Alive 30.05.2026 13min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explores how OCD and anxiety can create limiting beliefs that feel like facts—stories such as "I can't cope" or "I'll always be stuck." He explains why arguing with those thoughts often keeps you trapped and how writing them down can create distance. Instead of seeking certainty, the episode emphasizes taking small, meaningful actions and gentle exposure to disprove negative narratives and rebuild confidence. Practical steps and real-world behavior are presented as the way to loosen OCD's grip and become the author of your own story Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.        
• Not Ready, Still Moving: OCD, Anxiety and the Next Step 27.05.2026 12min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Robert James recounts running the La Bottega mountain race while wrestling with anxiety, doubt, and exhaustion. He draws parallels between the race and living with OCD and anxiety, emphasizing taking the next step, accepting discomfort, and moving toward what matters despite uncertainty. The episode offers practical encouragement and mentions support options for those wanting help Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.      
• OCD Whack-a-Mole: Stop Chasing Certainty 23.05.2026 7min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Robert James explains how OCD tricks us into an endless game of chasing certainty—like whack-a-mole—keeping anxiety and compulsions alive. He offers practical tools: ask whether a worry is probable or merely possible, reframe extreme thoughts by acknowledging improbability without demanding 100% proof, and use short postponement to tolerate uncertainty as a form of exposure. These simple strategies create breathing room, reduce compulsive checking, and help loosen OCD’s hold so you can get on with your life Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    
• Stop Fighting OCD: Why Resistance Keeps You Stuck 20.05.2026 8min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains how fighting OCD—anger, resentment and self-judgment—often strengthens it, creating a second layer that keeps people stuck. He outlines why acceptance and self-compassion, rather than resistance, help calm the nervous system and create space to recover, with practical encouragement to loosen the struggle and move forward Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• When Recovery Means Living Bigger Than Anxiety 16.05.2026 13min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James steps back from technique-focused tips to explore recovery beyond symptom management, sharing his preparation for the La Bottega al-Bac trail race as a way to reconnect with values, challenge, nature and movement. He reflects on allowing anxiety to accompany you rather than center your story, and how choosing meaningful action—despite discomfort and doubt—can help rebuild a life bigger than OCD and anxiety Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    
• When Caring Becomes a Burden: Hyper‑Responsibility OCD Explained 13.05.2026 12min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains hyper‑responsibility OCD — when caring, conscience and a desire to do the right thing become hijacked by fear, pressure and compulsions. He describes common signs (over‑checking, replaying conversations, apologizing and second‑guessing), why it feels justified, and how it drains your life. Robert offers practical steps to spot the difference between genuine care and fear‑driven responsibility, tolerate discomfort through exposure, practise self‑compassion, and rebuild a healthier, values‑led way of being Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• Is ChatGPT Making Your OCD Worse? 09.05.2026 11min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode, Robert James discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT can unintentionally reinforce OCD by becoming an easy source of reassurance. He explains how seeking certainty from chatbots can strengthen compulsive patterns and offers practical strategies—such as pausing for 24 hours, reviewing chat history, and redirecting attention—to use AI responsibly and reduce compulsive checking. Robert also mentions his 12-week program and community support for those seeking extra help Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• This Is Why OCD Feels Impossible to Switch Off 07.05.2026 12min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explores why OCD makes it hard to truly switch off even when nothing is wrong, explaining how anxiety, mental compulsions, and the need for certainty keep the nervous system activated. He offers practical guidance on stepping back from mental checking, allowing uncertainty, and refocusing attention to build confidence and reclaim control from OCD Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.      
• When Love Feels Uncertain: My Battle with Relationship OCD 02.05.2026 10min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James shares his personal struggle with Relationship OCD, explaining how persistent doubt and overthinking sabotaged his relationships and how he found a way out. He outlines practical tips—like suspending judgment, postponing relationship analysis, and practicing presence—and mentions free community resources and a 12-week program to help listeners reclaim their relationships Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    
• When Your Mind Betrays You: Understanding Harm OCD 29.04.2026 17min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains harm OCD and why sudden, distressing thoughts about hurting people you love say nothing about your character. He explores how the urge to analyze or seek certainty fuels the problem and why the horror of the thought actually shows how much you care. Robert offers practical steps to stop the compulsive checking: notice the thought without engaging, return to your values, allow uncertainty, and slowly reclaim normal activities. He also mentions supportive community options and a 12‑week program for those who want guided help Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• The OCD Memory Loop: Why Reviewing Makes It Worse 25.04.2026 13min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In episode 606 Robert James explains why repeatedly replaying past memories strengthens OCD’s doubt instead of providing clarity, drawing on research and personal experience to show how reviewing makes memories fuzzier and anxiety worse. He outlines practical steps to break the cycle: notice the urge to review, allow some uncertainty without acting on it, return attention to the present, and gradually build tolerance to reduce OCD’s hold on your life Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    
• Why OCD Makes You Overthink for Hours (And How to Break the Cycle) 22.04.2026 15min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Robert James explains why overthinking is often the compulsion in OCD, how the nervous system keeps you trapped in repetitive thoughts, and why more thinking never brings lasting relief. He offers practical strategies—coming into the body, postponement, and values-focused action—to tolerate uncertainty, break the rumination cycle, and reconnect with what matters Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• When Thinking Becomes the Compulsion - Overcoming Pure O Rumination 18.04.2026 13min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains how obsessive thinking can itself become the compulsion in pure OCD, why rumination feels urgent, and how mental compulsions reinforce the cycle. He shares practical tools—grounding into the body, slowing down, using values for motivation, and postponing rumination—to help you spot, tolerate, and let go of unhelpful thinking patterns Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    
• Why You Can’t Relax: OCD’s Hidden Fuel 15.04.2026 13min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Host Robert James explores a hidden driver of OCD: the ongoing inner vigilance of scanning, checking and trying to work things out. He explains why this constant activation happens and walks through five practical shifts to weaken that cycle — stop making relaxation the goal, notice activation without reacting, reduce inner checking, cut micro-compulsions, and build a life bigger than monitoring. The episode also mentions Robert’s 12-week program, a free starter course and community at robertjamescoaching.com for listeners who want more support Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  
• Escaping Existential OCD 11.04.2026 13min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 In this episode Robert James explains existential OCD: how normal philosophical questions can become overwhelming obsessions that drive rumination, anxiety, and avoidance. He shares personal experience and practical strategies—pausing instead of compulsively searching for certainty, allowing uncomfortable feelings, using real-life exposure, and refocusing on values—to reduce the power of these thoughts. If you want more support, Robert mentions a 12-week program to help break free and points listeners to his website for a free discovery call Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.
• The Present-Moment Superpower: Stop Rumination and Beat OCD 08.04.2026 10min

  Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Join the Free Robert James Coaching Community & Get Access to the Free Starter Course - Follow the Link Below: https://robert-james-coaching-ocd.circle.so/join?invitation_token=4051add931af92458ee166eda25ccdad45545107-24505897-ed26-43d7-84a2-0ebd8b269363 Robert James explains a practical, easy-to-use approach to reduce rumination and manage intrusive thoughts by training present-moment awareness. He outlines why passive activities fuel anxiety, how active engagement and flow help, and a three-step practice—acknowledge, tolerate, refocus—to bring attention back to the now. Short strategies, meditation tips, and daily actions are offered to help reclaim attention and lessen OCD-related worry Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.