On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack interviews therapist Phil Miller, who specializes in couples counseling, family therapy, and individual therapy, practicing just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan. The discussion highlights the most common issue in couples therapy: communication breakdowns, often described as a lack of connection or difficulty understanding each other’s perspectives. Miller, trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), emphasizes helping couples access deeper emotions and longings to rebuild trust and intimacy. He notes that while most clients are married, he also works with premarital couples and families, addressing challenges like post-marriage adjustments and the emotional complexities of living together, which can feel overwhelming even after the honeymoon phase.

The podcast also explores individual therapy, with Miller addressing men’s mental health, a key focus during Mental Health Awareness Month (this was recorded in May). Common issues for men include emotional communication struggles, anxiety, perfectionism, and pornography addiction, often compounded by societal expectations to suppress emotions. Miller, who has personal experience with anxiety, underscores the importance of therapy for therapists, destigmatizing mental health care. He discusses the challenges of fatherhood, its impact on mental health, and the power of presence in relationships and parenting. Additionally, they touch on systemic barriers like state-specific licensing for therapists, which complicates access to care, and the critical role of empathy and support in addressing severe mental health crises, such as suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the importance of community and connection.

In this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack interviews Chrissy Hodges, a certified peer and family support specialist and author of Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Chrissy shares her personal journey with OCD, focusing on her experience with Pure OCD, which involves intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions without visible physical rituals.

Connect with Chrissie here: chrissiehodges.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Modern Day Overthinker Podcast, host Collin Strajack returns after a transformative hiatus to share his journey through OCD treatment. After months of debilitating intrusive thoughts and isolation, Collin opens up about his 60-day residential treatment in Wisconsin, where he tackled his OCD with exposure response prevention (ERP) therapy. From chaotic yet bonding moments with fellow patients to finding solace in comedy as therapy, Collin reflects on his path to recovery. Now back home, he discusses balancing work, ongoing therapy, and personal growth while challenging the grip OCD once had on his life. With gratitude for his supportive family, friends, and recovery community, Collin delivers an honest, inspiring update on facing fears head-on and reclaiming his values.

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, host Collin Strajack talks with guest Bailee Huethert about personal struggles and recovery, particularly in the context of addiction.

Bailee shares her journey into recovery, which began unexpectedly during a work trip away from familiar support structures, leading her to her first recovery meeting. She delves into the challenges of recovery, emphasizing the difference between mere abstinence and true recovery, a distinction highlighted by her father's insights.

A significant part of the conversation focuses on Bailee's battles with mental health issues, including severe depression diagnosed from a young age, and her complex relationship with her mother, which feeds into her complex PTSD. She discusses the importance of support systems and being truthful in therapeutic settings to truly benefit from them.

Bailee and Collin also touch upon lighter topics, such as gaming and living arrangements, providing a break from the more intense themes of addiction and recovery. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on personal relationships and the commonality of coping mechanisms that people often adopt in stressful times.

Towards the end of the podcast, there's a shift towards a discussion of faith and spirituality. Bailee expresses a nuanced view on organized religion, suggesting that while it does not currently meet her needs, she recognizes its value for others and does not completely close off the possibility of it playing a role in her future.

Overall, this episode of the podcast offers a deep dive into the challenges and nuances of personal recovery and mental health, balanced with everyday realities and a touch of humor, providing a comprehensive and relatable discussion for listeners.

For all the links:
www.moderndayoverthinker.com

In a candid and heartfelt episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack opens up about his recent struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression, shedding light on the inner turmoil that led to a hiatus from the podcast. Collin delves into the challenging OCD loops that trapped him, detailing the compulsive behaviors that disrupted his ability to post episodes and the mental battles that ensued. Despite significant personal achievements, such as receiving a promotion at work and deepening his faith, Collin faced overwhelming anxiety that led him to consider serious measures for his mental health.

Collin's story is one of resilience in the face of mental health challenges. He discusses his journey with therapy, the importance of not avoiding problems, and how his OCD, termed the "doubt disorder," impacts his life by attacking his values and causing him to question his actions and thoughts. This episode is a frank discussion about the reality of living with OCD, including the intrusive thoughts and compulsions that characterize the disorder, and the constant battle with self-doubt and the fear of not being good enough.

Throughout the episode, Collin emphasizes the importance of seeking help, the power of small victories, and the role of faith and community in his recovery process. He shares his experiences with substance abuse recovery, the significance of fellowship, and how being open and vulnerable has helped him connect with others. Collin also explores his passion for comedy as a form of expression and healing, the impact of his mental health on his relationships and self-image, and his decision to try ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as a new avenue for treatment.

The podcast episode is not just a personal narrative but a message of hope and encouragement for others facing similar struggles. Collin encourages listeners to reach out for help, to set small, achievable goals, and to remember that dark periods do not last forever. He highlights the importance of community, checking in with oneself and others, and continuing to pursue one's passions and goals despite the challenges posed by mental health issues.

This podcast description was written by AI, not me. -Collin

I hope you enjoyed this episode and if just one person got some hope from it, that's a win for me.

www.moderndayoverthinker.com for all the links

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, Collin welcomes Zane Landin, a fellow mental health advocate, to discuss a range of topics including mental health, the power of storytelling, and the importance of vulnerability, particularly among men.

Zane shares his journey from graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication to becoming a passionate storyteller and mental health advocate. He recounts his experience meeting President Biden, his work with various mental health organizations, and his diagnosis with major depressive disorder, emphasizing the significance of having a diagnosis for understanding and treating mental health conditions.

The conversation also delves into the nuances of men's mental health, challenging stereotypes and calling for a more nuanced understanding of masculinity and vulnerability. Zane and Collin discuss the challenges and rewards of advocating for mental health, sharing personal stories and insights on navigating life as individuals deeply involved in mental health advocacy.

Keep up with Zane Landin here:

https://www.instagram.com/zanelandin/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zane-landin-b2417a187/

Celtic Honey is a traveling independent performer specializing in burlesque, draglesque, Kung Fu. She also guests at anime and comic cons and holds panels on props, Avatar, body painting and makeup, and the most important topic, consent.

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, Collin sits down with the multifaceted performer and artist, Celtic Honey Celtic, known for her captivating presence in the realms of burlesque, cosplay, and beyond. Celtic Honey opens up about her journey into the world of performance art, highlighting her passion for cosplay, her experiences as a burlesque performer, and her dedication to advocating for mental health and consent culture within the creative community. Through her story, we explore the therapeutic power of art, the challenges of maintaining balance amidst burnout, and the importance of embracing one's authentic self. Join us as Celtic Honey shares insights into her creative process, the significance of therapy in her life, and her mission to empower others through her work and advocacy. 

Celtic's many links: https://linktr.ee/celtichoney

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with special guest Cody Fournier, a licensed independent clinical social worker LICSW who currently works with NOCD (www.treatmyocd.com), a platform dedicated to helping people treat their OCD. Our conversation traverses a range of poignant and educational topics, offering invaluable insights for anyone touched by OCD.

We start by exploring the roots of Cody's interest in OCD, tracing back to his personal journey of losing his mother to substance abuse and how this traumatic experience ignited his own OCD. Cody candidly shares his experiences with changing subtypes of OCD and the common misconceptions that surround this often-misunderstood disorder.

A significant portion of our talk is dedicated to discussing Harm OCD, a lesser-known subtype, and how OCD tends to attack what we value most. Cody's passion shines through as he explains why he loves working as an OCD therapist, especially in the current landscape of OCD awareness in 2024. We also delve into the challenges of being incorrectly diagnosed, the phenomenon of high-functioning individuals who hide their OCD and anxiety, and the intricacies of explaining one's OCD to others. Cody shares his journey of specializing in OCD therapy and the profound satisfaction he feels witnessing the progress of his patients through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.

As we navigate the conversation, Cody offers practical advice on managing and treating OCD, emphasizing the importance of confronting short-term discomfort in therapy for long-term gain. We also touch upon the critical topics of addiction, avoidance, and how external stressors can heighten OCD symptoms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand more about OCD, from those living with the disorder to loved ones seeking to support them, and even mental health professionals looking to deepen their knowledge. Join us as we unpack the complexities of OCD with Cody Fournier. 

Learn more about Cody here: 
https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/my-path-to-treating-ocd-began-as-a-teenager

Follow him here:
https://www.instagram.com/codyfournier.ocd/

Find treatment and resources for OCD here: https://www.treatmyocd.com/