110. Exposure to Exposure: Dr. Emily Bilek on Building Confidence in Anxiety and OCD Treatment

110. Exposure to Exposure: Dr. Emily Bilek on Building Confidence in Anxiety and OCD Treatment

Why do so many therapists hesitate to use one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and OCD? In this episode, Zack sits down with Dr. Emily Bilek, a clinical psychologist at the University of Michigan, [https://medschool.umich.edu/profile/4080/emily-l-bilek] to explore an innovative approach to training clinicians in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Dr. Bilek shares how her work focuses not only on helping children and adolescents with anxiety and OCD, but also on improving access to evidence-based care by increasing therapist confidence and competency in delivering exposure therapy. Together, they discuss why ERP can feel counterintuitive to clinicians and how fear often becomes a barrier to implementing effective treatment. The conversation dives into Dr. Bilek's groundbreaking "Exposure to Exposure" training model, which asks therapists to face their own fears as part of learning how to deliver ERP. Drawing from research, adult learning science, and real-world clinical practice, she explains how experiential training can increase clinician confidence, improve treatment fidelity, and ultimately expand access to quality anxiety and OCD care. The episode also explores emerging innovations, including the use of AI and simulated patients to train therapists, and highlights the broader implications of exposure-based learning for suicide risk assessment, clinician development, and the future of mental health treatment. This is a must-listen episode for psychologists, social workers, counselors, trainees, and anyone passionate about evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders and OCD. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Henry Ford who was an American industrialist. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

109. The Stories We Carry: Making Meaning After Losing My Friend to Suicide

What happens when someone you love dies by suicide—and you never saw it coming? In this deeply personal and vulnerable solo episode, Zack shares the story of losing one of his closest friends to suicide during Memorial Day weekend in 2017. Through raw reflection, Zack revisits the shock, confusion, grief, and unanswered questions that followed, while offering an honest look at how that loss shaped his understanding of mental health, fear, and human connection. This episode is for anyone who has experienced the suicide of a friend, family member, teammate, or loved one, as well as those struggling to make sense of grief and loss. Zack explores the fear that often exists beneath the surface of emotional suffering, the importance of reaching out for support, and how painful experiences can eventually become part of a meaningful life story. While acknowledging the profound tragedy of suicide, he offers a message of hope: that healing is possible, that our stories are still being written, and that even in life's darkest chapters, there can be purpose, connection, and reasons to keep moving forward. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

108. Healing by Design: The Powerful Connection Between Mental Health and Nature

In this episode Zack speaks with landscape architecture experts Amy Wagenfeld and Daniel Winterbottom about the growing role of therapeutic gardens, healing landscapes, and nature-based environments in supporting mental health. Drawing from work in hospitals, prisons, refugee programs, autism centers, and healthcare campuses, the conversation explores how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can reduce anxiety, support trauma recovery, improve emotional regulation, and create opportunities for healing connection. The episode dives into the science and ancient wisdom behind nature's impact on the nervous system, including the calming effects of green spaces, water, wildlife, sensory design, and gardening itself. Amy and Daniel explain how healing environments can be tailored for individuals struggling with anxiety, PTSD, autism, burnout, and emotional overwhelm, while also offering practical ideas listeners can use in their own homes and communities. For anyone interested in mental health, wellness, gardening, landscape design, trauma healing, or the therapeutic power of nature, this episode offers an inspiring and deeply hopeful look at how reconnecting with the natural world can help people restore balance, meaning, and resilience. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Anne Frank, German-born Jewish Diarist and Holocaust Victim. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

107. Fear, Loneliness, and Finding Yourself: Why Vulnerability Feels So Scary

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging episode Zack welcomes therapist Keeleigh Mahler back to Mountain Valley Treatment Center for a candid conversation about anxiety, loneliness, vulnerability, and identity. After leaving residential treatment work to practice outpatient therapy in Washington D.C., Keeleigh reflects on burnout, personal growth, fear-driven decision making, and the emotional challenges many young adults face while trying to figure out who they really are. Together, Zack and Keeleigh explore how modern culture, social isolation, perfectionism, and fear of being misunderstood are contributing to a growing loneliness epidemic among teens and young adults. The conversation also dives into exposure therapy, authenticity, relationships, grief, self-compassion, and the courage it takes to embrace change. Keeleigh openly shares her own fears around career transitions, starting a private practice, purpose, belonging, and learning to slow down emotionally and professionally. This episode is an honest and relatable discussion for anyone struggling with anxiety, uncertainty, fear of vulnerability, or the pressure to constantly have life figured out. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Mary Morrissey of the Brave Thinking Institute to help you fear less! Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]

106. The Hidden Anxiety in Competitive Sports: A Runner's Story of OCD, Fear, and Recovery

What happens when the pressure to succeed in sports quietly turns into anxiety, perfectionism, or OCD? In this powerful episode, Zack talks with elite runner, therapist, and former Olympic Trials marathoner Dr. Cali Werner about her personal journey growing up as a high-achieving athlete while secretly battling OCD and anxiety. From compulsive pre-race rituals and overwhelming fear of failure to intrusive thoughts and perfectionism, Cali shares how mental health struggles can hide behind athletic success for years. This episode is especially valuable for parents of athletes, coaches, and young people navigating competitive sports. Cali explains the difference between healthy routines and anxiety-driven rituals, how sports pressure can amplify OCD symptoms, and why early support matters. Zack and Cali also explore topics like reassurance seeking, shame, sports psychology, exposure therapy (ERP), identity outside of athletics, and how recovery is possible even after years of struggling. A hopeful and deeply relatable conversation for families trying to support anxious teens and young adults in sports. Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from mixed martial artist and fighter Ronday Rousey to help you Fear Less! Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center. [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/]