Blog

Announcing the first annual 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk

Posted on April 4, 2018April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

I am extremely excited to share that the OCD Foundation of Pennsylvania will be hosting Pittsburgh's first annual 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk on June 3rd at 7:45am. The walk will be taking place along the beautiful Eliza Furnace Trail. Come out for...Read More

You Can Handle So Much More Than You Realize

Posted on March 23, 2018April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

We all have things we avoid. And there are many things that are completely reasonable, and entirely possible, to avoid (sunburn, dark alleys, and head cheese come to mind). But occasionally we may find ourselves avoiding things that are more intrinsic parts of life,...Read More

Video Games and Mental Health

Posted on February 8, 2018April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

Video game usage is getting more attention in the mental health world these days, with the World Health Organization now considering a diagnosis for Video Game Disorder. For those interested, here’s the latest story… http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/27/health/video-game-disorder-who/index.html As a therapist who happens...Read More

Are You Running Away From Something or Moving Towards Something?

Posted on January 8, 2018April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

When we worry about something, we are focusing all of our mental energy on something in life we don’t like (something we want to get away from). This can sometimes be helpful when there is something we can do to...Read More

2 Obstacles Commonly Encountered in OCD and Anxiety Treatment (Video)

Posted on November 17, 2017April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLI2Zc9HM5w

Holiday Public Service Announcement (from your wise mind)

Posted on November 3, 2017April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

Attention. This is a public service announcement from your wise mind, reminding you of what happens every year around this time. You know what I’m talking about. The holidays. Every year, you go in with the best intentions, ready for...Read More

Living Life? or Living in your Head?

Posted on October 20, 2017April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

A defining characteristic of mental health struggles is that they can cause us to become stuck in our heads. But what does that mean exactly, “to be stuck in one’s head?” If you’re like many people, it’s probably become so natural to...Read More

What Not To Say To Someone with OCD (And What To Say)

Posted on October 6, 2017April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

Having OCD can make the typical day feel like a mountain climb. Uncomfortable emotions like fear, guilt, and disgust are experienced in response to everyday tasks, and the extensive rituals performed to deal with these feelings can take over one's life. So it doesn't help matters when disclosing one's...Read More

Danger Learning vs. Safety Learning: They’re Actually 2 Different Things

Posted on September 22, 2017April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

Not all learning occurs the same way. Take the way our brains decide what is safe vs. what is dangerous. These two processes could not be any more different. Here's the quick rundown. Danger Learning It’s a good thing our brains can...Read More

Book Review: The Happiness Trap

Posted on September 8, 2017April 23, 2018 by Michael Parker, LCSW

The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris is a great book for people struggling with OCD, Social Anxiety, and/or general stress and worry. The author, Russ Harris, builds the case against our obsession with trying to feel “happy” at all times. He suggests that our avoidance of...Read More