Listen Now

PART TWO!There is no such thing as a life free of stress! But not all stress has to be bad.A wedding, a birth, a promotion, a move or any number of exciting things can cause stress. But can your body tell the difference between good and bad stress?In today's episode Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how good stress is in fact good, yet it can also be something that happens before a major panic attack.Sounds confusing right? Don't worry, we have a licensed clinical therapist who is going to break it all down for you!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comAs always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3

There is no such thing as a life free of stress! But not all stress has to be bad.A wedding, a birth, a promotion, a move or any number of exciting things can cause stress. But can your body tell the difference between good and bad stress? In today's episode Erica and Dr. Barr discuss how good stress is in fact good, yet it can also be something that happens before a major panic attack. Sounds confusing right? Don't worry, we have a licensed clinical therapist who is going to break it all down for you!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comAs always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3

Of all the topics we will ever discuss, this might be the one that was most important in overcoming my (Erica's) anxiety. It's why we wanted to make a short series on the topic, and hopefully encourage you to get started on your relaxation practice!What are the three things you should consider when choosing a relaxation exercise?And once you've found the perfect relaxation practice, how can you turn it into a useful tool that can benefit you for the rest of your (anxiety-free) life?In part two of our series, we will discuss the three things Dr. Charles Barr, licensed clinical psychologist, thinks are most important in a relaxation practice:The Breathing KeyProgressive Muscle RelaxationGuided ImageryAnd we also touch on a variety of other relaxation methods, including: hypnosis, pressure points (acupressure), acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, Tai chi, Biofeedback, Music and Art therapy, and Aromatherapy.This is an IMPORTANT EPISODE! Relaxation is the single greatest tool to your Life Free of Anxiety!---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Resources are mentioned in today's episode:Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation AudioUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comAs always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3

Reduced Frustration? Check…More confidence in making decisions? Check...Lowered blood pressure? Check!A life free of anxiety? CHECK!!!These are just some of the surprising benefits that can come with doing breathing relaxation exercises on a regular basis.It’s why Dr. Barr and Erica encourage them on the show so much. We believe in the benefits of intentional relaxation so strongly, that Dr. Barr has made a digital copy of his relaxation exercise available for free at LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/RELAX. If you don't have a good relaxation audio, please, please, please get one.In this episode they break down exactly what other benefits you can expect from practicing regular relaxation. We also share our personal accounts of how life changing this practice was in both of our lives.---Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!---Resources are mentioned in today's episode:Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation AudioUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com---Don't forget to download your TOTALLY FREE Relaxation Audio MP3 at lifefreeofanxiety.com/RELAXAs always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3

Here it is, Dr. Barr's much love Relaxation Exercise. I can honestly say that this relaxation exercise changed my life! I can't overstate how important it is to practice relaxation.I know I used to try to pull out a relaxation exercise when I began to feel anxious, but the real secret is to practice relaxation when you're NOT feeling anxious. Get good at relaxing when you're unafraid, and you can go back to that state when fear creeps in!Combined with the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, I was able to overcome the anxiety that had plagued me for years. (And exciting news: the CHAANGE Program is back and available for you at home!)As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Meet Erica (that's me!), a client of Dr. Barr's who was able to overcome her anxiety.Erica came to Dr. Barr, after many years of seeing different therapists with no success. In only a few weeks, though, she overcame her anxiety by utilizing the tools Dr. Barr gave her.Hear Erica’s personal story of how and when anxiety took hold of her life, as well as Dr. Barr's take on medication for treating anxiety. Dr. Barr also shares other things he feels work and don’t work.If you have felt helpless and hopeless in your battle with anxiety this episode is for you.As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Meet Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist, who has specialized in anxiety disorders since 1988.You may be thinking, "lots of people are psychologists," but what sets Dr. Barr apart is his own personal experience with anxiety and how he managed to overcome it.In this episode, you'll hear Dr. Barr's personal experience with a traumatic event involving an earthquake. You'll also hear in detail the symptoms he experienced and how this natural disaster shook things up in his life, both figuratively AND  literally.As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxietyandhttps://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

In this episode Erica and Dr. Charles Barr, PhD continue their discussion on effective treatment of severe anxiety.Ever wonder how a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist treats anxiety in their office? Find out how in this episode!  Erica and Dr. Barr discuss topics such as: When is it appropriate to recommend a patient get medication?What key things do you look for to determine if someone is having true mental illness or a bout with severe anxiety?Why the difference between feelings of unreality (depersonalization) and actually losing touch with reality are so important to identify as a professional.Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

In this episode Erica and Dr Barr begin by discussing MRIs and claustrophobia. Erica recently had to get an MRI done and was able to find an incredible alternative to make the experience non-claustrophobic. Also in this episode… Ever wonder how a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist treats anxiety in their office? Erica asks Dr. Barr questions such as: When is it appropriate to recommend a patient get medication?What key things do you look for to determine if someone is having true mental illness or a bout with severe anxiety?Why the difference between feelings of unreality (depersonalization) and actually losing touch with reality are so important to identify as a professional.Also…How Dr. Barr treats those who are dealing with specific phobias… including a young woman with a dog phobia who Dr. Barr was hired to help on the show “The Dog Whisperer.” Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

It’s 2021! And wow, a lot has changed since last year's New Year episode! However you celebrated, (or, more likely, didn’t celebrate) we know that stepping into a brand new year can be a little bit intimidating with all of the unknowns, and that’s why Dr. Barr has three life changing things you can start doing this week to help with anxiety and panic attacks.These top three things are not only manageable, they are also vital to your well-being. So don’t only feed your body well in 2021, take care of your mind as well, and put into action what Erica and Dr. Barr discuss. You won’t regret it!A couple resources are mentioned in today's episode:2020 New Year Anxiety Resolutions WorksheetDr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio MP3Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com---This year, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Did you know there's a proper way to grieve? Author, radio host, and counselor Gina Pastore speaks from her own experience in this episode. If you didn't hear Part One of the conversation with Gina you can find that in last week's episode (Episode 50). Gina also shares tips on how she was able to get over the hump of her deepest, darkest grief after she suddenly lost her beloved husband eight years ago.You'll hear all of this discussed from a time sensitive perspective as we know grief feels even more devastating this year as many are forced to isolate. Be sure to listen to part one of this interview posted last week before you listen to this one to hear Frank and Gina's hilarious and beautiful love story and their time in Major League Baseball!Merry Christmas!Find Gina's Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Picking-Up-My-Shattered-Pieces/dp/0998393584Find Gina's radio show here: KKLA: https://kkla.com/radioshow/1401Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ginapastoreradio ---This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Exactly eight years ago, former major league baseball player and radio host Frank Pastore passed away in a motorcycle accident while driving home from work. Frank who played in the major leagues in the late 1980s, was at the time considered to be one of the best pitchers in the entire MLB.After his career ended, Frank went on to later become a drive time radio show host in Los Angeles, on 99.5 KKLA where he discussed current topics, politics, and theology.  His show came on right after Erica's... which is how they met!After Frank's untimely passing, his wife Gina, who married Frank at sixteen years old (yes 16!) was left to pick up her shattered pieces and start a new life as a widow. In this part 1 episode, Gina shares about her and Frank's wild elopement, their time in the major leagues, and how she's more surprised than anyone that she has managed to get through the loss of her amazing husband.We also play you a clip of the absolutely stunning thing Frank said on the air hours before his life would end... describing EXACTLY the scenario that lead to his fatal accident that same evening! If you've lost someone this year or are grieving in any way, this episode is for you.This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

We have news for you: You are under stress. We all are!In this episode, Erica and Dr. Barr cover:The sadness that comes with the holidays looking very differently these days Job insecurity due to the pandemic and the financial demands of the holidays. The loneliness of having to be away from family for the holidays Traveling safely during the pandemic The holidays look different this year for EVERYONE! It's not just you. :)This holiday season, we hope you will remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Have you been listening? Drop Erica a note at erica@lifefreeofanxiety.com and say hello! :)This episode was originally recorded LAST holiday season, so you won't hear any mention of a pandemic, but there's still a lot of good information in this episode. Continued from Episode 47, Erica and Dr. Barr continue their discussion on how to keep anxiety at bay during holiday travel.Forget the rude comments Aunt Sheila is going to make about your new blonde highlights, (she always preferred you brunette), how the heck are you even going to get to Christmas dinner in the first place?In this episode, Dr. Barr shares some incredible tips on how to battle anxiety and get through your drive or flight to your holiday destination. Oh, and don’t forget that he does this for a living! He gets people to their destinations all the time through his amazing coaching. We discuss a couple common questions, such as: Are prescriptions like Xanax the way to go? What do I do if I can’t stand the thought of the airplane door shutting and feeling trapped?How do you prepare for the inevitable stress that comes with holiday traffic, kids in the backseat insisting you play Baby Shark one more time, and who knows what else? (We've all seen Home Alone and Christmas Vacation) Find out how to get through just about any travel related anxiety in this episode!As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Forget the rude comments Aunt Sheila is going to make about your new blonde highlights, (she always preferred you brunette), how the heck are you even going to get to Christmas dinner in the first place?In this episode, Dr. Barr shares some incredible tips on how to battle anxiety and get through your drive or flight to your holiday destination. Oh, and don’t forget that he does this for a living! He gets people to their destinations all the time through his amazing coaching. We discuss a couple common questions, such as: Are prescriptions like Xanax the way to go? What do I do if I can’t stand the thought of the airplane door shutting and feeling trapped?How do you prepare for the inevitable stress that comes with holiday traffic, kids in the backseat insisting you play Baby Shark one more time, and who knows what else? (We've all seen Home Alone and Christmas Vacation) Find out how to get through just about any travel related anxiety in this episode!As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!<3Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

"Election Stress Disorder." This election season has been so incredibly stressful that there's even a new name for it! But what is election stress and what can be done about it?In this episode Erica and Dr. Charles Barr discuss what symptoms come with election stress, how to take care of yourself, what to avoid and how to cope! We feel the stress right along with you and we are here to help. Don't miss this timely episode. As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

AHHH, the holidays. The smell of fresh pine, Hallmark Christmas movie marathons, beautiful lights, and oh yeah… family gatherings and all the personalities that come with them…Dreading the holidays? You’re not alone. Pretty much everyone gets stressed out by the holidays in some way or another, whether they are on an anxiety journey or not. Whether you have an upcoming family gathering or you just need some tips on dealing with different personality types, this episode is for you! Dr. Barr and Erica share about things that have worked for them in their own families and how to practice assertiveness for yourself when necessary. And also tips on how to extend grace to yourself and to others!  We have a great feeling that this year, you’re going to gasp… actually enjoy yourself!As always, remember that...You are NOT alone.You are NOT broken.You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxietyAnd don't forget, you can find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.comUseful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at: https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety and https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxiety

Being a teacher has never been an easy, stress-free job, but throw online learning into the mix and that stress meter hits an all-time high.But this episode isn't just for teachers... this is a MUST listen episode for parents of kids in distance learning!In this Part Two episode (find Part One in Episode 43), fifth-grade teacher Danielle Roth joins us to discusses practical ways she’s learned to navigate through online learning. Dr. Barr also weighs in to answer pressing questions like:“How do I ensure that my students are getting enough stimulation through a computer screen?How can I ensure that my students are learning enough for their next grade?What about those angry parents? How do I deal with them?Join us today on the show for all of this and more!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :) 

2020 has certainly thrown us some unexpected curve balls to say the least.The effects of the pandemic are in full swing and distance learning has become one of the greatest challenges for teachers, parents and students alike.In this episode, 5th grade teacher Danielle Roth (Erica's sister- in-law) joins the discussion on how to make online learning a bit more manageable at home.Dr. Barr also weighs in from his perspective as not only a therapist, but as a Grandfather!We hope to put our arms around you today and offer you some useful advice. We know it's not easy but we are here for you and we totally get it!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Wearing a mask doesn't have to suck!For us sensitive/anxious types, wearing a mask can feel claustrophobic, smothering, or down right out of control. Turns out... if you're feeling anxious and like you can't get enough oxygen when wearing a mask, it's not all in your head--but in your breathing!Besides our "new normal" of now having to wear mask in public, there's also a new breathing technique you NEED to learn to master stress free mask wearing.Licensed clinical therapist Dr. Charles Barr and Erica give you specific tools that are good enough for the Navy Seals!Useful Links:FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!CHAANGE.com <--Join the next session of CHAANGE!Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)