Lessons in Overthinking & Obsessing

If you’re someone who overthinks everything, worries about things that haven’t even happened yet, or finds it impossible to switch off your mind, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Mollie Birney, author of How to Freefall: Feeling for Overthinkers, High Achievers, and Anxious Perfectionists, to talk about why we get stuck in our heads and how we can start to break free from the endless cycle of overthinking, worry, and trying to get everything right. Mollie describes this as mental noise - that inner voice fuelled by shame and fear, constantly analysing, second-guessing, and trying to protect us from all the things that could go wrong. What starts as a way of keeping us safe can end up keeping us stuck, exhausted, and disconnected from who we really are. We talk about why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable, how our need to control everything can leave us completely drained, and how overthinking can stop us from being present in our relationships and actually enjoying our lives. Mollie also shares how we…

Feeling a bit off, flat, unmotivated or just plain “meh”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I (Carly Ann) am sharing three simple ways to boost your mood, get your motivation moving again, and start feeling like yourself again, even when you don’t have the energy or enthusiasm to do much. No pressure to overhaul your life or suddenly become super productive. Just three practical, realistic things you can try when you’re stuck in a low-energy, low-motivation slump. Because sometimes you don’t need to find your motivation first, you just need to take one small step to help it find you. Join Break The Cycle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Why do certain situations, thoughts, sensations, or memories trigger such a strong reaction, even when you know you’re safe or that things are OK. In this episode I (Carly Ann) explore the psychology behind these powerful reactions that I know you're motivated to change Knowing this can support you to break the cycle and makes positive changes If you’ve ever wondered: • Why do I react so strongly to certain things? • Why does my body go into panic or anxiety mode so quickly? • Why am I triggered by something I know isn’t actually dangerous? • Why does my brain keep connecting certain situations with fear? • Why can’t I simply “think” my way out of the reaction? This episode is for you Join Break The Cycle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

If you have a harsh inner critic, sometimes feel anxious or pressured without knowing why, or have moments where you think, “Am I going crazy?” - this episode is perfect for you. This episode is coming straight from my week and the therapy room - the thoughts, moments, and lessons that have stayed with me and that I feel called to share with you guys this week As a therapist, I’m sharing 3 simple but powerful lessons that I hope will help give you a boost, repair the relationship with yourself, and remind you of some truths :) Join Break The Cycle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Have you ever understood something in your head, but still not felt it, believed it, or acted on it? You can know something logically. You can analyse it, rationalise it, talk it through and understand exactly what you “should” do. And yet somehow, you still feel stuck. Your emotions haven’t caught up, you just don’t quite believe what you know. Or you keep finding yourself acting in ways that don’t match what you know In this episode, we’re exploring the head-heart gap, the space between what you think and what you actually feel, believe and do. This is very common in therapy I (Carly Ann) talk about how logic alone don’t always create the change you crave I also share two practical therapy tools to help you begin closing the gap between your head and your heart If you’ve ever thought, “I know this in my head, so why can’t I just feel it or act on it?”, this episode is for you. Join Break The Cycle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join…

Do you have a harsh inner critic that makes you overthink, puts you down, or leaves you feeling bad about yourself? This episode deep dives into a therapy that can help you overcome that voice that holds you back and tells you you're not good enough. A harsh inner critic can lead to poor habits, low mood, and unrealistic standards, Through honest conversations and therapist-informed insights, I (Carly Ann) introduce Compassion-Focused Therapy and explore how developing a more compassionate relationship with ourselves can help us respond differently to difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I’m Carly Ann, a therapist, and my aim is to make Compassion-Focused Therapy accessible and relevant to everyday life — helping you understand yourself with greater compassion and less self-judgement. Join Break The Cycle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Feel Like Healing Isn’t Working? You're no on your own! Have you ever felt like your healing isn’t working, you’re going backwards, or you’re suddenly back at square one? In this episode, I (Carly Ann) explore the Cycle of Change with you, I know that understanding this model (developed by psychologists Prochaska and DiClemente) helps us understand wat to expect when you are ready (and even desperate) for change If you're feeling a bit hopeless about change or just curious, join me in this discussion. If you’re working on your mental health, healing, personal development or breaking old patterns, it can be incredibly discouraging when you experience a setback, I know. In this episode, we’ll explore change, setbacks, and feeling like you’re back at square one. If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, or wondering whether all your hard work is actually making a difference, this episode is for you. Join Break The Cycle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join…

Are you exhausted from feeling like you're living the patterns out over and over again? You know you're capable of more. You make the promises. You tell yourself this time will be different. But somehow, you keep finding yourself back in the same patterns, facing the same problems, and wondering why you can't seem to break free. That feeling of being stuck can be suffocating. Like no matter how badly you want to move forward, something keeps pulling you back In this episode, I share a powerful practice you can use today to interrupt the cycle, reconnect with yourself, and start creating momentum in a new direction. You don't have to have your entire life figured out. You just have to be willing to take the first step. The moment you choose differently, everything can begin to change. Join Break The Cycle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠ ⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Can’t stop replaying a conversation, analysing someone’s behaviour, or obsessing over what they really meant? Whether it’s an ex, a boss, a friend, or someone else in your life, relational interactions can sometimes take over your entire mind, making it hard to focus on anything else. In this episode, I’m speaking directly to the part of you that is overthinking, spiralling, checking, replaying, and searching for answers. The part of you that feels like you need to figure this person or situation out before you can finally feel okay. As a therapist who has been there too, I offer a soothing, grounding, and honest conversation to help you step out of the mental loop. This isn’t about pretending you don’t care or forcing yourself to “just move on.” It’s about understanding what’s happening, calming the obsession, and gently bringing your attention and your power back to where it belongs: with you. If this situation is consuming your thoughts and you’re ready to regain control, clarity, and emotional freedom,…

Do you find yourself staring at your phone, rewriting the same text, checking if they’ve replied, and fighting the urge to send “just one more message”? Maybe you overtext when you feel ignored, rejected, anxious, triggered, or unsure where you stand. You send the paragraph, double text, triple text, ask for reassurance, and then regret it the second you hit send. You’re not alone. And you’re not “too much.” Your nervous system is looking for relief. This podcast is for the overthinkers, the anxious texters, the people who hate waiting for a reply, and anyone who has ever thought, “Why did I send that?” I’ll share practical ways to calm yourself down, regulate those intense emotions, break the urge to text, and create space between the trigger and the message, so you can stop texting from anxiety and start responding from a calmer place. Less chasing. Less overthinking. Less regret. More calm, clarity, and control. ⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

If you find yourself getting triggered by certain people, situations at work, recurring patterns, or falling into unhealthy habits that feel completely out of character, this is for you. I’m Carly Ann, and I’ve worked with thousands of people who desperately want to change the cycle of overthinking, obsessing, and having big reactions that can feel irrational, even when you know you’re not responding the way you want to. Over the years, I’ve developed a framework that helps strengthen your ability to work with these patterns, so you can become less triggered over time and feel more in control of how you respond. And for the first time, I’m sharing that framework right here. ⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Why Do I Get Triggered So Easily? A Therapist Explains 4 Reasons Have you ever had a reaction that felt much bigger than the situation? Someone says something small, cancels plans, goes quiet or gives you criticism, and suddenly you're anxious, angry, hurt or overwhelmed. Or maybe your trigger looks more like overthinking: replaying conversations, analysing what someone meant, seeking reassurance or wondering, “Why did I react like that?” In this episode, we’ll explore what a trigger actually is and why certain situations can create such strong emotional reactions. As a therapist, I hear this regularly in the therapy room, and I'll share four key reasons behind the triggers I commonly see in therapy, including how our past experiences can influence what happens in the present. If you've ever wondered why certain people, situations or comments affect you so deeply, this episode will help you understand your reactions with more curiosity and self-compassion. Listen now to understand what's really happening…

If work has become the place where your anxiety feels the loudest, this episode is for you. Maybe Sunday evenings are just filled with dread these days, or one email can send you into hours of overthinking. Maybe you constantly question whether you're good enough, replay conversations on your drive home, worry you've said the wrong thing, or feel like you're waiting to be found out. You might tell yourself you're being too sensitive, that you should be able to cope, or that everyone else seems to handle work so much better than you do. In this episode, we're exploring why work can become such a powerful trigger for some. I talks about why your reactions often run much deeper than the job itself, how old beliefs can shape the way you experience work, pressure and success or failure. If you're lacking confidence or self-esteem at work and it's really impacting you, listen now or save for later. Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Break free from limerence, obsessive thoughts, and rumination with these calming affirmations. If you find yourself constantly thinking about someone, replaying conversations, fantasising about a relationship, or struggling to move on, these affirmations are designed to help you shift your focus back to yourself. Regular affirmation practice can help reinforce healthier thought patterns, build self-worth, increase emotional resilience, and reduce the grip of obsessive thinking. While affirmations are not a standalone treatment, they can be a powerful tool when practised alongside mindfulness, journaling, self-care, therapy, nervous system regulation, and other evidence-based approaches to healing. These affirmations are created to help you: • Reduce obsessive thoughts and rumination • Let go of unhealthy emotional attachment • Strengthen self-love and self-esteem • Feel calmer, more grounded, and emotionally balanced • Support limerence recovery and emotional healing • Create healthier relationship patterns…

Hello! Have you been getting triggered and having reactions that feel out of proportion? Maybe you snapped at someone you love, shut down, felt overwhelmed, or found yourself asking "Why did I react like that?" I don't actually like the term 'over-reacting' but sometimes we call a spade a spade. A lot of the time, our biggest emotional reactions are often about more than what's happening right now. When we're triggered, our nervous system can respond from old experiences rather than the present moment, leaving us feeling stuck in patterns we don't fully understand. In this episode, I discuss key therapy insights into these big reactions (that I know you want to change). I'll also guide you through a gentle somatic practice - a simple yet effective technique that helps you step out of automatic reactions and into the role of compassionate observer. This practice creates space between the trigger and your response, helping you reconnect with yourself, regulate your emotions, and respond with greater clarity…

This guided somatic meditation helps you gently break the habit of relying on someone else for your self-worth, happiness, or sense of security. Using body-based awareness and compassionate guidance, you'll reconnect with yourself, soothe your nervous system, and strengthen the belief that everything you need begins within you. The more you practise, the easier it becomes to feel grounded, emotionally secure, and less dependent on external validation. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Do you start overthinking or obsessing because of someone else's mood, behaviour, or attention? Does your happiness or self-worth change based on how they treat you? In this episode, I explore why this happens and we explore what it's like to live like this. Plus, I'll share a powerful journal prompt to help you reflect, reconnect with your own worth, and start taking your power back (which is what we're all about over here!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode I am sharing 3 strategies that I genuinely have practiced and discuss often in my practice, these tools draw on decades of psychological research from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These are the core intervention I use day to day in practice and across my work. When I am making a list of 3, it can be so so tough to decide what to share. I am so passionate that therapy is not a one-size-fits all, but I also appreciate this is a blog and learning is a large part of doing the work. I’m sharing three that are fresh in my mind, and that I would say I discuss fairly regularly in sessions, DMs, interviews etc ⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When we get stuck in overthinking, it's easy to believe we need to think our way out of it. But often, what we really need is to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. This somatic meditation for overthinking is a gentle invitation to step out of your busy mind and into your body. Somatic practices help regulate the nervous system by bringing awareness to what's happening inside, helping you feel more grounded, calm, and connected. This meditation is inspired by Inner Relationship Focusing, a practice that encourages you to meet your thoughts, feelings, and sensations with kindness instead of trying to change or fix them. I first discovered it while studying for my Somatic Attachment Therapy course, and I loved how simple, compassionate, and effective it felt. It's become an important part of my own practice and the way I support others. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or caught in a spiral of overthinking, I hope this meditation offers you a moment to pause, breathe, and come back to yourself. When…

If you've ever found yourself asking, "Why can't I stop overthinking?" then this episode is for you. In this episode, I break down the five most common reasons behind overthinking, obsessing, and anxiety. Understanding why your mind gets stuck in these patterns is the first step towards breaking free from them. By uncovering the root causes of overthinking, you'll be better equipped to quiet your mind, stop the constant mental loops, and regain a sense of calm and control. ⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I'm sharing a powerful 4-step therapy intervention to help you start overcoming people-pleasing today. I genuinely work through this in detail with people and it works! If you know you have a tendency to put other people's needs before your own, say yes when you really want to say no, or abandon yourself in order to keep the peace, this episode is for you. People-pleasing is often a learned survival strategy, but healing requires us to develop new ways of relating to ourselves and others. So grab a pen and paper, because this isn't just something you'll listen to, it's something you'll actively work through. I'll be guiding you through practical exercises and actionable steps that you can start implementing immediately to create lasting change. ⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

I've recorded a somatic practice for you. A somatic practice basically helps you tune into and regulate your body and nervous system. While cognitive approaches focus on changing thoughts and beliefs, somatic work addresses the stress, emotions, and automatic patterns held in the body. For me, it all about combining both that supports lasting change when it comes to overthinking, habits, and triggers. This practice is designed for anyone who struggles with people pleasing, finds themselves self-abandoning, or regularly puts the needs of others before their own. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

In today's episode, we're exploring people-pleasing and why it so often comes at the cost of losing yourself. We'll unpack what people-pleasing really is, the subtle and obvious ways it can show up, and why it often leaves us feeling anxious, worried, exhausted, and disconnected from our own needs. We'll also explore why these patterns develop, how they are often rooted in similar beliefs/experiences. Most importantly, we'll look at how you can begin to challenge these patterns so you can care deeply about others without abandoning yourself in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: • The key signs of people-pleasing and self-abandonment • How anxiety, worry, and a fear of rejection fuel people-pleasing behaviours • Why caring too much about others can lead to losing yourself • 4 Practical steps to break free from people-pleasing and build healthier boundaries Book My Signature Single Session ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

In the previous episode before this one, I spoke to those of you who feel stuck in your head and find it hard to really be in the moment. If that’s you, it’s worth going back and listening to that that too. This episode is a guided grounding meditation for you to listen to when feeling triggered, or can notice you are overthinking/spiralling. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Music: I Don't See the Branches, I See the Leaves by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/dtv/ Artist: ⁠http://chriszabriskie.com/⁠

Hello my friends, my fellow overthinkers, coming up in this episode we will talk about Of course have a chit chat about how overthinking stands in the way of your dreams, the life you desire and deserve How overthinking disconnects us from the present moment and the life happening around us Share some every day examples of what it looks like to be more in your head Share some key messages and psychoeducation that often support people to get out of their heads and back into life & what’s important to you If your overthinking is getting in the way or slowing down your ability to enjoy your life, than this is for you. Overthinking gets in the way of your potential and this conversation is all about giving you the boost, inspiration, and key principles to help you get out of your head and into the moment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Helping you cope, ground, and feel calm with powerful affirmation Are you being ignored or feeling ignored right now? If you don't know where you stand and are feeling like you're left out or forgotten right now - I have recorded some affirmations to help you feel more secure, ground yourself, and think in a more balanced way Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Are you obsessing & overthinking about being ignored? Whether you are obviously being ignored, subtly, or you're not sure, in this episode I (Carly Ann) am addressing the impact it can have on you. As usual we will have an important conversation about the experience of being ignored and what this can trigger off within us, plus I'll share the any inspiring ideas that pop in along the way that I hope will help anyone currently being or feeling ignored. I'll also share reason why it hurts so much, why some people are impacted more than others, and then we will round the episode off with four ways you can stay true to yourself when you feel ignored by one person or even a group. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Are you an overthinker that gets stuck in your head? Overthinking is often an attempt to protect us. Yet the more we wrestle with our thoughts, the more stuck we can become in cycles of worry, rumination, and self-criticism. In this guided mindfulness and self-compassion practice, you'll have the opportunity to step out of the struggle with your thoughts and cultivate a different relationship with your inner experience. Rather than trying to think your way to relief, you'll be invited to practice awareness, acceptance, and kindness toward yourself. This is an experiential episode, so you can follow along and practice in real time. If overthinking has been taking up too much space in your mind lately, this exercise offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and discover a more compassionate way of responding. Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Why can't you stop obsessing over certain thoughts, conversations, mistakes, or future scenarios? In this episode, I (Carly Ann) explore overthinking share 7 of the most common types of overthinking. Understanding your personal style of overthinking is the first step toward breaking free from obsessive thoughts and regaining control of your mind. Whether you struggle with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, worry, perfectionism, or constant overanalysis, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to help you overcome overthinking and live more fully in the present moment. In this episode, you'll learn: • What overthinking is • The 7 different types of overthinking • How each style triggers certain feelings & behaviours • Practical guidance on how to stop overthinking and reduce anxiety If you're ready to stop living in your head and start living in the moment, this episode is for you. Useful links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Keywords:…

In this episode, I’m (Carly Ann) introducing the new direction of the podcast and why I changed the name from Lessons in Self Worth to Lessons in Overthinking and Obsessing. If you struggle with overthinking, obsessive thoughts, anxious attachment, relationship anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, reassurance seeking, or feeling stuck in mental loops you can’t switch off, this ep is going to feel lovely for you Coming Up: Why this is now the podcast and place to be if you're an overthinker Different types of overthinking and obsessing How overthinking links to self-worth The emotional, behavioural, and physical impact of overthinking The core mistake people make when trying to stop overthinking A quick, more effective approach that can help take the weight and fear out of difficult thoughts today CURRENT LINKS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠⁠

Are you feeling self-conscious, anxious, or like everyone is watching you, especially in social situations? You might feel embarrassed talking at work, scared to share your opinion with friends, or nervous to talk to a stranger...That’s the spotlight effect - a common cognitive bias where you overestimate how much others notice our appearance, behaviour, mistakes, or the fact you're anxious. In this episode, I (Modern CBT Therapist & Coach, Carly Ann) discuss the spotlight effect in more detail, including more on what it is, examples you can relate to, the impact, and I explore practical strategies to overcome the spotlight effect. If you struggle with fear of judgement, awkward social moments, or replaying conversations in your head, this episode will help you give you a moment of feeling so seen - and how to break free from it. Hosted by Carly Ann, this episode is ideal for anyone interested in psychology, mental health, anxiety management, and personal development. Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly…

Changing your mindset and beginning to think in a new way is not just about learning & repeating the new thoughts. It often comes with an internal battle that no one really talks about, feeling like you are arguing with yourself. In this episode I (Carly Ann) explore what it feels like when you are trying to grow, but your mind keeps arguing with you, doubting you, or pulling you back into old patterns. You might notice two parts of you showing up at the same time. One part wants change and another part does not fully trust it yet. This inner conflict can feel confusing, frustrating, and discouraging, but it is a normal part of building self-esteem and shifting long held beliefs. I also share practical therapist informed tools and self help techniques to help you start calming that internal argument, strengthen new ways of thinking, and build more trust in yourself over time. If you are in the middle of change and it feels hard - save this ep or listen right now Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

Struggling with overwhelming thoughts, anxiety or low self-esteem? You are not alone, and this episode is here to help you take a meaningful first step towards change. In this episode, we explore Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a modern and evidence-based approach that helps you break free from negative thinking patterns, build emotional resilience and reconnect with what truly matters to you. You will learn the core principles of ACT, including acceptance, mindfulness and values-based living, so you can decide if this powerful approach is right for you. There is also a live guided practice, giving you a real and practical experience of how ACT can work in your everyday life. If you are dealing with anxiety, intrusive thoughts or low confidence, this episode offers practical tools, mental health insights and empowering strategies to support your wellbeing and personal growth. Tune in to begin changing your relationship with your thoughts and start moving forward with greater clarity and…

Do you ever say something and then have hundreds of obsessive thoughts along the line of “I was awkward” “They don’t like me” “I’ve pushed them away”? Or someone doesn't text back and you are flooded with “I’ve done something wrong”, “they’re losing interest”, or "why did I have to do that" This kind of spiral feels so real...but what actually happened might be nothing, but you have a tendency to create a massive, panful story in your mind anyway In this episode I (Carly Ann), talk about how to break this cycle and I share quite a famous method by a book I read years ago but has stuck with me. I hope you love it and find it as useful as many others around the world. Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE: Self-Worth RESET⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join my Telegram HERE⁠

If your mood can shift in an instant and you quickly get stuck in your head - listen to this today. We have thousands of thoughts every single day, but what most people don’t realise is that those thoughts often fall into predictable patterns. And these patterns matter. Because the way you think doesn’t just reflect reality, it can quietly distort it. It can change how you see situations, how you judge people, and even how you interpret yourself. And once that shift happens, everything else follows: how you feel… and what you choose to do next. In this episode, Carly Ann breaks down the exact thought patterns and the specific language that can make people feel triggered, hurt, overwhelmed, or suddenly irritated without fully understanding why. And most importantly, she shows you how to start noticing these patterns in real time and begin stepping out of them. Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE: Self-Worth RESET⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join my Telegram HERE⁠

We all experience setbacks in the form of criticism, rejection, and failure - and the reality is that some of us getting more triggered by it than others For some of you, the slight hint of failure or rejection will lead to intense worry, physical anxiety, and not feeling good enough If that reaction is getting in the way of your potential, your happiness, and your wellbeing - you need to listen to this episode It's short and sweet, it's a small clip from the most recent Self-Worth RESET

You're a good person, in fact you're probably anxious about not being a good person... And you know that you people please. You say yes when you actually mean no You say sorry for things that aren’t even your fault You go along with what others think, even if you don’t agree You over-explain yourself so people don’t judge you You put everyone else first and end up exhausted You get to be a good person and show up as your self too, and ultimately feel happier In this episode, Therapist & Coach, Carly Ann gives you 3 options that you can go ahead and put straight into practice Not only does it help you reduce people pleasing (and feel free for the BS!), but it's brilliant for self respect, happiness, and self-esteem - absolute bonus! I've put some real love into this ep based on what shows up in my practice, I hope you enjoy Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE: Self-Worth RESET⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join my Telegram HERE⁠

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, old patterns or your past seems to get in the way? You may seem confident on the outside, but inside, self-doubt, overthinking, or big emotions can take control. Many of us carry invisible wounds from childhood, times we felt unseen, unheard, or unimportant. Those old patterns can follow us into adulthood, shaping how we see ourselves, our choices, and our relationships. I believe it is our role, to reparent ourselves and be the kind of support we always craved. When we do this, we get to create a life bigger than we imagined. In this episode, Carly Ann, a psychotherapist and Somatic Coach who specialises in self-esteem and self-worth, talks about reparenting, a gentle and practical way to give yourself the care and support you may have missed as a child. It is not about blaming the past. It is about learning to be your own nurturing parent. If you have ever felt not enough, this episode is for you. Tune in and start giving yourself the love and care you have…

Are you a mum? Are you feeling worried and anxious in a way that feels out of proportion? Perhaps you have always worried or struggled with Self-Esteem, but when it comes to being a Mum it feels uncontrollable? As a Therapist that focuses on self-esteem, I very often work with Mums that doubt themselves, criticise themselves, and set expectations that lead to anxiety, low mood, and overwhelm. In this episode I share three common patterns that show up in the therapy room, in individual and group settings for Mum. These patterns can contribute to daily struggles or post natal depression / post natal anxiety If you do believe you may have clinical depression or anxiety, please do seek out support, you do not need to suffer alone Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE: Self-Worth RESET⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join my Telegram HERE⁠

Are you feeling bad about yourself, giving yourself a hard time, or struggling with self-worth? You need to listen to this, I (Carly Ann) and getting real about what makes these moments and cycles even worse. If you want to break free and embody your worthy SELF, I'm telling you what you need to hear in this episode. It's here for a boost, plus tips on how to shift your thinking. I invite you to use a mind-set shift that helps self-esteem, save this ep for later or dive straight in Links below: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE: Self-Worth RESET⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join my Telegram HERE⁠

Supporting Your Inner Child Through Rejection Rejection can hit deeper than we expect - whether it’s a major life moment or the subtle, everyday kind. If you’ve ever felt disproportionately triggered, shut down, or emotionally overwhelmed by rejection, it may be your inner child asking for care and attention. In this episode, we explore how experiences of rejection can activate old wounds and why your inner child might feel unsafe, unseen, or unworthy in those moments. This conversation is for anyone doing inner work, self-healing, or exploring inner child practices and wanting practical ways to respond with compassion instead of self-criticism. I’ll guide you through three powerful techniques you can use when rejection arises - these are simple yet supportive tools to help you reconnect, regulate, and create a sense of inner safety. The third technqiue is inspired by self-compassion therapy and can be especially effective in shifting how you react. If you’re ready to meet yourself with more kindness, soften…

Today I am speaking with a special guest, Mo Seetubtim, whose journey includes a deep passion for helping people live happier lives. You are invited to listen to a conversation where we explore personal development and steps towards being more intentional in your relationships and day-to-day life. From childhood curiosities to navigating the complexities of family dynamics, Mo shares personal stories of growth, self-awareness, and doing the work that led to a better relationship with herself and mother. You get a lovely glimpse into some of the ways Mo has improved managing daily moods, and building habits that truly well-being. The discussion touches on the challenges we all face when starting to change, the subtle ways our past influences our present, and the mindset shifts that can lead to more empathy, patience, and self-compassion. Links below: ⁠⁠⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠FREE: Self-Worth RESET⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join Newsletter⁠ ⁠Join my Telegram HERE

Why do relationships sometimes trigger anxiety, jealousy, or the feeling that you’re not enough, even when things seem fine on the surface? I’m Carly Ann, a psychotherapist and coach specialising in self-esteem and self-worth. I work with people who appear capable and self-aware on the outside, but internally struggle with self-doubt, rumination, perfectionism, or relationship anxiety. You might know you’re worthy, yet still feel patterns repeating that leave you unsettled in your connections. In this episode, I talk about how relational trauma can quietly show up in your adult relationships and anxiety. This isn’t about tips or quick fixes...it’s about noticing patterns, understanding what’s happening beneath the surface, and recognising that you’re not alone. If you’ve ever wondered “Why do I react this way in relationships?” or felt frustrated by your own responses, this episode is for you. Press play to start seeing your reactions with clarity, awareness, and a little more compassion for yourself. Links…

You trust your partner… so why does jealousy still hit? The obsessing, the overthinking, the anxiety that makes you question yourself and your relationship. In this episode, psychotherapist Carly Ann explores why even self-aware, capable people struggle with jealousy, anxious thoughts, and insecure attachment, and shares a powerful mindset shift that can change how you experience love and connection. If relationship anxiety, obsessing, or jealousy has ever held you back, this episode is for you. Links below: ⁠Work with Carly Ann⁠ ⁠FREE: Self-Worth RESET⁠ ⁠Join Newsletter

If you struggle with low self-esteem, self-doubt, or feeling not good enough, ands it impacts your anxiety and wellbeing - you’re in the right place. Honestly, a lot of people look confident and happy on the outside but privately feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, anxious attachment, perfectionism, and self-criticism. In this episode, I (Psychotherapist and Self-Esteem Specialist, Carly Ann) open up a deeper conversation about what low self-esteem really is and why it can continue showing up even when you are doing the inner work. - we look at what keeps it going. Low self-worth often isn’t just about confidence. It can be connected to deeper beliefs we carry about ourselves and the subtle patterns that keep those beliefs alive in everyday life, I will explain more in this episode. If certain situations trigger intense self-doubt, you jump to the worst conclusions about yourself, or things just feel so difficult, I think this could really help you today. I work with thoughtful, capable people who often…

⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ are all the details for The Self-Worth RESET, make sure you join up today JOIN PRIVATE TELEGRAM ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for Newsletter Hidden Gems for Anxious Minds ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Carly Ann on IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ Do you want your ex back? Or you want someone specific? If you're feeling down or anxious because you can't stop thinking about someone you like... this so for you. I was there, where you are. This is the life changing advice needed when you are in that moment of needing them, wanting them, thinking about them. It's all consuming isn't it, sometimes to the point of not being able to focus or function, which is why you want them back... that and you feel they truly are the one.

Do you care too much about what other people think? Are you constantly comparing yourself socially and feel like everyone else is more successful, more confident, more together than you? In this episode, I talk about low self-esteem and the exhausting habit of comparing yourself to colleagues, exes, friends, and other mums. From overthinking group chats and replaying conversations to scrolling social media and feeling behind, this pattern keeps you worrying, shrinking, and playing small inside your comfort zone - and this only makes worse how much you care! I share a powerful self-help technique used in therapy called Behavioural Experiments, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tool designed to help you challenge negative thoughts, test your fears in real life, and build genuine confidence and self-love. Instead of letting comparison and fear control your choices, you will learn how to step outside your comfort zone and start proving to yourself that you are enough, in four simple steps. If you are ready to stop…

These affirmations are made with love for anyone caught in the anxious avoidant trap/cycle. This community knows push and pull relationship and how anxiety provoking it is Listen to this if you need to stabilise and reclaim your sense of self These words from Carly Ann are designed to help regulate your nervous system, soften anxiety, and support attachment healing without pressure or force. Perfect for moments of overthinking, relationship anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or when you feel stuck between reaching out and pulling away. anxious avoidant attachment attachment style healing nervous system regulation relationship anxiety emotional safety & self-soothing Listen when you need calm, reassurance, and a reminder that you are safe Sign up for Hidden Gems for Anxious Minds ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Carly Ann ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠

⁠HERE⁠⁠ are all the details for The Self-Worth RESET, make sure you join up today If you are feeling not good enough and currently working on Self-Esteem, it’s very possible you get stuck in your thoughts. Perhaps overthinking what was said, worrying about a text, replaying a mistake, chasing reassurance, getting jealous, or even caring too much what someone thinks… This isn’t because you’re “too much”… it’s because your mind is ‘hooked’ and locked into the stories In this video, I’ll teach you a simple tool from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps you stop automatic thoughts from taking over - like the ones that say: • “I’m not enough” • “It’s my fault and everyone knows” • “I’m going to be abandoned” • “I’m in trouble” What if I told you, you don’t need to fight your thoughts? You don’t need actually need more reassurance? What you do need is space from the stories your mind keeps replaying on an exhausting loop This episode will help you: • Stop feeling controlled by insecurity • Reduce…

HERE are all the details for The Self-Worth RESET, make sure you join up today Are you doing the work on your low-self-esteem? If you have recently had a wake-up call that it's time to improve your self-worth, you're in the right place. In this episode, I give you three common patterns I see how up again and again in people with low self-esteem. There are clear patterns that quietly shape how we feel about ourselves, impacting our confidence at work, in relationships, and throughout daily life. My mission is to share these patterns with you so you can recognise your true worth and break free from outdated beliefs and past hurts. This journey is about reclaiming your life, living fully, and no longer letting negative experiences control your self-esteem. When you understand these specific patterns that I reveal in this episode, you gain the power to change them...and create healthier relationships, greater success at work, and a more fulfilling life overall. JOIN PRIVATE TELEGRAM ⁠HERE⁠ Sign up for Newsletter…