Practical Psych

Hoarding Disorder: More Than Clutter, with Cecilia Garrett

Imagine living in a home so full of belongings that there’s barely room to walk — a space where daily life becomes unsafe and overwhelming. Hoarding Disorder affects 2–6% of the population, and it’s far more than just clutter. In this episode of Practical Psych, I speak with an expert whose first experience with hoarding came from her own childhood home. We explore what Hoarding Disorder really is, common myths, how effective treatment works, and the best ways to support a loved one who’s struggling. About my guest: Cecilia "Ceci" Garrett, MSW, LICSW, is a therapist who specializes in treating Hoarding Disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Ceci's unique personal and professional experience with hoarding informs her advocacy efforts with individuals, families, agencies, and communities. Her passion is destigmatizing Hoarding Disorder through compassionate and engaging education about the importance of mental health treatment as a vital part of addressing hoarding behaviors. Ceci’s links: * Clinical Practice and Consultation Services: https://lighteningtheloadcounseling.com [https://lighteningtheloadcounseling.com] * Non-clinical supports and resources (including family & peer support): https://pensight.com/x/cecigrrtcc [https://pensight.com/x/cecigrrtcc] Other resources mentioned in the episode: * International OCD Foundation: https://hoarding.iocdf.org/ [https://hoarding.iocdf.org/] * Anxiety & Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/hoarding-basics [https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/hoarding-basics] * Self-help book: Buried in Treasures (found at all major booksellers) How to Listen: Listen at practicalpsychpod.substack.com [http://practicalpsychpod.substack.com/]. Listen on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-psych/id1735799164]. Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rfxg4ISBrTecBG7EljW3b]. If you like the episode, please share it with a friend, share on your social media, or leave a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Please and thank you! Feel free to leave a comment or question about the episode at practicalpsychpod.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit practicalpsychpod.substack.com [https://practicalpsychpod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Unlearning the Urge to Worry, with Ben Eckstein, LCSW

If your brain loves to spiral, rehearse worst-case scenarios, or treat every decision as if it’s life or death—you're in good company. If you're worried, anxious, and overthinking, this episode is for you! Join me and my guest—an author and therapist—as we unpack the mental habits of worry and rumination that can take over our inner world. We’ll explore why these thought patterns feel so automatic, the beliefs that keep them alive, and how they quietly steal our peace and our ability to engage in problem-solving. You’ll learn how to break the cycle using practical tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and metacognitive approaches that help bring your mind back to the here and now—away from the endless parade of “what-ifs” that the mind has to offer. About my guest: Ben Eckstein, LCSW is a therapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, Anxiety, and OC-Related Disorders. Ben honed his specialty in OCD while working at McLean Hospital's OCD Institute in Boston. He's now the owner and director of Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center in Durham, North Carolina. Ben is the vice president of OCD North Carolina, the NC state affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. In addition to his clinical work, Ben is a speaker, trainer, and author. His book, Worrying is Optional: Break the Cycle of Anxiety and Rumination That Keeps You Stuck, was published in 2023. It’s available now via Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Worrying-Optional-Break-Anxiety-Rumination/dp/1648482147] or New Harbinger Publications [https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648482144/worrying-is-optional/]. How to Listen: Listen here at practicalpsychpod.substack.com [http://practicalpsychpod.substack.com/]. Listen on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-psych/id1735799164]. Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rfxg4ISBrTecBG7EljW3b]. If you like the episode, please share it with a friend, share on your social media, or leave a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Please and thank you! Feel free to leave a comment or question about the episode on Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit practicalpsychpod.substack.com [https://practicalpsychpod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Who are You? Defining the Self and the Compassionate Observer Within

At some point in your life, you’ve probably asked the question: Who am I, really? If you’re like many of the people I meet in my therapy office, your sense of self can sometimes feel clouded—obscured by your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We often fuse with our inner monologue, losing sight of the broader perspective. In the process, we may start to define ourselves through the eyes of a critic or as the product of our worst moments. In this episode, I introduce you to the “self-as-context” model from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which invites you to take an observational stance. When we can observe our thoughts with a bit of distance, we create an opening to choose how we respond, rather than react. In that space, we make room for both self-compassion and accountability. Let’s dive into what it means to become a compassionate observer of your own mind. How to Listen: * Listen at practicalpsychpod.substack.com [http://practicalpsychpod.substack.com/]. If you subscribe (it’s free!), you will get new episodes delivered to your email. * Listen on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-psych/id1735799164]. * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rfxg4ISBrTecBG7EljW3b]. If you like this episode, please share it with a friend, share on your social media, or leave a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Please and thank you! Feel free to leave a comment or question about the episode on Substack, but to comment you must first become a free subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit practicalpsychpod.substack.com [https://practicalpsychpod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Overcoming Flight Anxiety, with Captain Kyle Koukol

Flying can feel really scary, especially in light of recent events. If you are someone who “white knuckles” all your flights - or you have NEVER taken a flight - this episode is for you. Take a peak behind the cockpit door and join me as I talk to Captain Kyle Koukol, a commercial airline pilot who additionally provides education and support for anxious travelers. Even if you are NOT anxious, our conversation is an interesting window into the aviation industry. We cover all your burning questions… * How do pilots train and prepare for rare emergencies? * Is flying still safe? (Spoiler: Yes! It’s by far the safest mode of transportation) * What causes turbulence? Should I freak out? (No!) * How do pilots handle bad weather? Or mechanical issues? * Tips and strategies for handling the flight anxiety that persists even after you know the facts about flying Maybe you want to take that vacation, see new places, dip your toes in the ocean or fly with more joy and less dread. You can do it! I loved this conversation, and I hope it can help. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. How to Listen: * Listen here at practicalpsychpod.substack.com [http://practicalpsychpod.substack.com/]. If you subscribe (it’s free!), you will get new episodes delivered to your email. * Listen on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-psych/id1735799164]. * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rfxg4ISBrTecBG7EljW3b]. About my guest: Captain Kyle Koukol is an airline pilot and the founder of Dial A Pilot [https://dialapilot.com/], a service that connects nervous fliers with U.S.-based airline pilots to help them overcome their fear of flying. With more than 6,000 hours of flight time covering both domestic and international routes, he has had countless conversations with anxious passengers. These experiences fueled his passion for helping people view aviation through a pilot’s perspective. Recognizing a public need for such support, Kyle launched Dial A Pilot in May 2023. Links: Curious to learn more about Dial A Pilot? Find the website here. [http://www.dialapilot.com/] Book a call with the Dial A Pilot team [https://calendly.com/dialapilotschedule/dial-a-pilot-briefing] Join the Dial A Pilot community [https://dial-a-pilot-premium.circle.so/checkout/the-no-fear-flight-club] If you like this episode, please share it with a friend, share on your social media, or leave a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Please and thank you! Feel free to leave a comment or question about the episode here on Substack, but to comment you must first become a free subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit practicalpsychpod.substack.com [https://practicalpsychpod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Better Nights Ahead! Proven Strategies to Beat Insomnia

Wake up—time for a brand-new day! ☀️ The alarm clock sounds a lot more tolerable after a restful eight hours of sleep. But if you’ve spent the night tossing and turning, it might just be the worst sound in the world. While occasional sleeplessness happens to everyone, for some, insomnia is a relentless beast lurking in the shadows—stealing rest, night after night. In this episode of Practical Psych, we’ll dive into Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)—the gold-standard treatment for a condition that affects around 15% of adults and even more teens. You’ll discover powerful strategies to reclaim your sleep, including: ✅ Sleep Consolidation✅ Stimulus Control✅ Sleep Hygiene✅ Relaxation Training✅ Cognitive Therapy Join me as we unpack these evidence-based techniques and learn how to slay the bedtime monster—once and for all! 😴 How to Listen: Listen and subscribe for free at practicalpsychpod.substack.com [http://practicalpsychpod.substack.com/]. Listen on Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-psych/id1735799164]. Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rfxg4ISBrTecBG7EljW3b]. If you like this episode, please share it with a friend, share on your social media, or leave a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Please and thank you! Feel free to leave a comment or question about the episode on Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit practicalpsychpod.substack.com [https://practicalpsychpod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]