Today's guest is licensed psychologist Dr. Elizabeth McMahon who has been exploring and successfully treating anxiety disorders for over 40 years and has used virtual reality (VR) with clients since 2010. She has become an instrumental voice for this on-trend and effective modality and has authored many pieces on these topics, most notably are Virtual Reality Therapy for Anxiety: A Guide for Therapists & the self-help workbook, Overcoming Anxiety and Panic interactive guide. These tools offer detailed, evidence-based direction for those struggling with anxiety & ample case studies & specific applied examples for clinicians. She also contributes to Psychology Today & PESI.com. She graciously shares her time with us to discuss her anxiety model & treatment process including using VR for exposures that are safe and wildly effective. A true, passionate pioneer helping those with anxiety find relief and a life worthwhile.

Dr. McMahon's books are available on Amazon*:
https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Anxiety-Panic-interactive-guide/dp/0979640806
Other Elizabeth McMahon Resources:
Website: https://www.elizabeth-mcmahon.com/therapist-resources
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/overcoming-anxiety-and-panic
PESI: https://catalog.pesi.com/item/virtual-reality-vr-anxiety-phobia-treatment-guide-vr-practical-rapid-effective-exposure-therapy-78551?
Society for Virtual Reality Therapy: https://www.svrt.org/
VR & Eating Disorder Treatment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34048622/
*I have no financial or business affiliation with Dr. McMahon or Amazon.

Square, or box breathing is a simple way to practice breathing as a reset or anxiety reducing skill. Follow a simple cadence or make it your own with inhales and exhales - follow the prompts to a mindful breath adventure!

For more podcasts, videos & daily skills:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Relax your sympathetic nervous system, ground, increase focus or reset with a visualization that directs your attention inward to a center anchor.


For more podcasts, videos & daily skills:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

'C' is a 15-year-old brain cancer warrior. Struggling with physical and medical complications since 10, she got the daunting diagnosis behind all the suffering at 12 – she had brain cancer. Already dealing with anxiety through childhood, anxiety became exacerbated during the next few years on her treatment path. She and her family searched furtively for years for a correct diagnosis - not accepting that her symptoms were only anxiety and GI issues. She inspires as an advocate for medical accountability and as holder of hope on her beautiful & complicated recovery path.

For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Borrowing from Chakra points, or energy centers in the body, this body scan focuses inward, allowing progressive relaxation through body regions using color imagery.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Panic Disorder is a clinical disorder with an often-debilitating set of symptoms that affect the mind & body. Panic can be treated with a combination of professional support, education & skills and sometimes medication. Learn 2 Stages to approaching panic including a review of 4 Sensory Cues and preventive, reactive and post-care regulation and tolerance skills.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

A soothing visualization to capture thoughts or worries and send them off into the horizon with your breath-propelled hot air balloon. Learn to visualize, let go and chill the mind.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Wouldn't it be great to conduct your thoughts when they are ill-timed, harmful, don't serve you in the moment or when thoughts complicate sleep. This podcast provides an introduction into passive & deliberate thoughts and how to build awareness, label and shift thoughts using an anchor. These brain reps build strength over time in conducting thoughts with control.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Discussion about the timing and efficacy of using medication for anxiety management. Identifying providers, assessing for functioning, severity and lethality and how & when to use behavioral interventions included. A good informative first step approach.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

A Meditation that reduces stress by visualizing life stressors & aspects of social, cultural, emotional and familial life being dropped off life petals from a flower. It begins with a quick body scan and ends in a soothing release leaving you simply human. Merely To Be. To Be Human. After all, you're only human!


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Enjoy a whimsical visit to the farm finding young goats in coats. A quick, calming distraction or sleep prep visualization for all ages.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Breathing, sensory awareness, Yoga Nidra and focus meditation are sampled in this quick practice.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Untraditional visualization/meditation walking you through the body organs including heart, lungs and stomach to find an internal calm and chill the mind.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Learn how to be aware of thought looping by using Check the Facts & What if Thinking tool to reduce thought clutter & recognize patterns of thinking that waste energy and create mind confetti.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Using colors, casual breathe and body awareness, this quick visualization can relax the nervous system and reduce anxiety.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Brain Gym are simple movements for the body to improve focus & concentration & reduce anxiety.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.

Sensory Grounding, physical grounding and narrator grounding introduced with examples & benefit explored.


For more podcasts, videos & more:
Web: https://caiserodemchale.com
Youtube: brainfreeze@4521
Email: caiserodemchale@gmail.com

Your Host: Caise Rode McHale, MSSA, LISW-S
The Hull Institute | Northeast Ohio

Brainfreeze podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not meant to replace mental health or other professional health care services. Mental health treatment and recovery requires assessment by a mental health professional. Please consult with your care providers before engaging in new methods of care. The use of information provided in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.

Mental Health emergencies please go to your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 or 988 on your phone. Mobile Crisis can also be helpful: text 4hope to 741741.