Fear Less

In this heartfelt episode Zack sits down with former Mountain Valley resident Izzy Carosi, who courageously shares her journey through anxiety, depression, and the perfectionism that once consumed her. From the outside, Izzy appeared to have it all—strong academics, athletic talent, and a vibrant personality—but beneath the surface, she struggled with crippling anxiety and perfectionism. Her path led her to Mountain Valley Treatment Center, [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/] where she experienced both a painful early departure and a powerful return. In her honest retelling, Izzy opens up about learning to accept help, understanding attachment and perfectionism, and rediscovering her authentic self—"Little Izzy"—through vulnerability and self-compassion. Soon to be a psychology student at Wake Forest University, Izzy reflects on how her experience in residential treatment taught her to build balance, develop emotional resilience, and embrace her worth beyond achievements. She offers valuable insights for both young people navigating mental health challenges and parents supporting them, including how to re-enter home and school life after treatment, and how to stay grounded in a world that often rewards overachievement. Whether you're a parent of a teen wrestling with anxiety or a young person struggling to find your way, Izzy’s story is a beacon of honesty, hope, and healing. Zacks Anxiety Hack: Zack shares a heartfelt quote from Amy Julia Becker. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/].

In this episode Zack is joined by Brittany Little, LCSW, clinical director at Moosilauke Counseling Solutions [https://www.moosilaukecs.com/] and former therapist at Mountain Valley Treatment Center. Brittany shares her deep expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how it can be a transformative tool for teens struggling with anxiety, OCD, and emotional dysregulation. While often associated with borderline personality disorder, Brittany explains how DBT’s practical, skills-based approach is incredibly useful for adolescents with intense emotions—even before they're ready for exposure therapy. Topics covered include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, as well as how DBT lays a crucial foundation for long-term healing. Brittany also explores how DBT offers powerful tools for both parents and clinicians, not just clients. From validating a teen’s emotional experiences without reinforcing compulsive behaviors, to learning how to effectively communicate through emotional intensity, this episode provides a framework of hope and clarity for families navigating complex mental health challenges. Whether you’re a parent of a teen in crisis or a clinician looking for fresh ways to support anxious adolescents, this conversation highlights why DBT is more than just a therapy—it’s a life skill set for the whole family. Zack’s Anxiety Hack- In this episode Zack shares an inspiring quote from Steven King. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/].

In this compelling episode Zack is joined once again by clinical psychologist Dr. Roberto Olivardia [https://www.mcleanhospital.org/profile/roberto-olivardia] to explore body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)—a deeply misunderstood and often overlooked condition, especially in adolescent boys and young men. Dr. Olivardia, co-author of The Adonis Complex, shares his decades of clinical and research experience in working with individuals who struggle with distorted body image, anxiety, and co-occurring disorders like OCD and depression. He breaks down how BDD presents, the dangerous cultural messages that fuel it, and why it often goes undiagnosed in young men. For parents of teens grappling with anxiety, appearance preoccupations, or seeking cosmetic procedures as a solution, this episode offers both a clinical roadmap and emotional insight. Dr. Olivardia discusses the risks of cosmetic surgeries, treatment options including ERP and SSRIs, and the importance of challenging rigid appearance-based beliefs. He emphasizes that recovery is possible—with the right support, education, and structured treatment. If you’re a parent looking for hope and direction for your teen dealing with body image anxiety, this episode is a must-listen. Zack’s Hack- In this episode Zack shares an inspiring quote from Henry Ford. Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/].

In this episode of Fear Less, Zack talks with licensed therapist Elian Beattie, the owner of Insights Group, an outpatient therapy practice in Rye, New Hampshire. Elian specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders, and shares her rare expertise in addressing both OCD and disordered eating at the same time—something many treatment providers avoid. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how these two conditions often overlap, from perfectionism and control to compulsive behaviors around food and body image. Elian breaks down how both disorders can be identified, assessed, and treated with evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Whether you're a parent concerned about your teen’s mental health, someone who struggles with rigid food rules and anxiety, or a clinician who sees these overlapping conditions, this episode offers real hope and practical guidance. Elian also shares a powerful story of helping a young athlete recover through social reconnection, challenging food fears, and building values-based resilience. If you’re looking for answers about OCD, eating disorders, or how to find the right kind of help, this conversation will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action. Zack’s Anxiety Hack: Zack shares a quote from Salvador Dali that can help you fear less! Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/].  Elian Beattie's outpatient practice website: https://insightsgroup.net/ [https://insightsgroup.net/]

In this episode Zack welcomes Dee Franklin, [https://www.cbtftl.com/] a licensed mental health counselor, to explore the striking overlap between eating disorders (ED) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Drawing from her decades of clinical experience and a widely-discussed article she co-authored, Dr. Franklin shares how many eating disorder behaviors—like ritualized eating patterns, perfectionism, and sensory avoidance—mirror the core functional mechanisms of OCD. Together, she and Zach dive into the controversial but increasingly accepted view that ED and OCD may not be as separate as traditionally thought, and how treatment models that embrace this overlap can lead to more effective, sustainable outcomes.   The conversation weaves personal insights, clinical strategies, and a deep respect for interdisciplinary work—especially between occupational therapy and psychology. Dee also introduces listeners to ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), highlighting the role of interoceptive exposure and graduated sensory challenges in treatment. With warmth and intellectual rigor, this episode challenges listeners—whether clinicians, parents, or those in recovery—to reconsider how we define and treat disordered eating through a functional, process-based lens. It’s a compelling call to rethink the categories and embrace treatments that meet patients where they are, both physically and emotionally.   Zack’s Anxiety Hack: Zack shares a quote from Marcus Aurelius that can help you fear less!   Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center [https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/].