OCD Treatment More Than Behavior Therapy

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

OCD treatment is more than Behavior Therapy. It also includes a cognitive focus. This is the "C" in CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy).

When someone comes to my center for help, the cognitive side of OCD is often shared first.   For example, although OCD comes with a host of behaviors that are ritualistic and compulsive, it is the thoughts that most are more concerned about. 

These thoughts are "Obsessions" - One of the hallmarks of OCD, as I've discussed in some of my other posts.

However, there is an additional consideration beyond the obsesions and the beliefs, perspectives and attitudes that maintain anxiety for those suffering with the symptoms of OCD.  In a word, I'm talking about sensitivity.

Most people with OCD are just more sensitive than the rest.  And yet, this is not an automatic negative nor does it have anything to do with a real weakness. 

It may simply be a case of neurobiological sensitivity.  In other words, most individuals with OCD just tend to have more sensitive systems than others.  This can create a variety of experiences, such as:

- frequent minor aches, pains or ailments
- sensitivity to medications and their side effects
- struggles with certain sounds, loud noises and environmental over-stimulation
- awareness of small fluctuations, nuances and sensations within one's body

This sensitivity also can effect the emotional side of experience.  For example, those with OCD tend to be more sensitive to their emotions.  Following OCD treatment, this can result in greater awareness of one's own and other people's feelings, which can deepen the quality of relationships.

Being "sensitive" seems to come with society's strong negative connotation. And yet, this sensitivity offers the ability to take care of oneself more easily due to awareness.  It can also offer stronger positive feelings and experiences of life.

As for OCD treatment and cognitive behavioral strategies, part of the focus is on addressing how biological sensitivity impacts one's thoughts and then feelings. For example, a common struggle for those with OCD can be difficulty tolerating certain sounds, like someone's chewing or breathing.  These can often send someone with OCD "through the roof" of frustration and irritation. It is easy for those with OCD to personalize these experiences and get angry at the noisy perpetrator.  Meanwhile, this experience simply has to do with biological sensitivity.  The noisy eater is not at fault!  

With this awareness can come greater self control.  Then these sounds don't result in an OCD sufferer's controlling or angry behavior.  

Awareness and Acceptance of this biological sensitivity can go a long way.   Therefore, OCD treatment should address both, in addition to behavior therapy and cognitive therapy's focus on obsessions. 

And to all those sensitive individuals out there, remember to find the strength in your sensitivity!

All the best,

DR. APRIL 
Director of The April center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

P. S.  Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
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Anxiety Doctors Can Help You Remove Your Anxiety Bubble For Relief

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

Anxiety doctors can help you remove the anxiety bubble in which you live for long term relief.

You may be asking, "What in the world is an anxiety bubble?".

Using your imagination, consider yourself trapped in a bubble with your perception of the world, life and people around you distorted by your view through the bubble.  For those that struggle with panic attacks, social anxiety, OCD, and phobias, it should ring true that much of what you experience is colored by your anxiety or fear perspective.  For example, for those with social anxiety, anticipatory anxiety is triggered when social situations are on the calendar. Through the anxiety bubble, those with social anxiety view parties and social gatherings as frightening and threatening.

Of course, one's false beliefs also are an example of the anxiety bubble.  We learn so many false lessons from our culture, our family and our community that we tend to not have a very realistic perspective on what can hurt us.  A great example of this happens to be superstitious behavior.  From a young age, we learn that it's bad luck to break a mirror or walk under a ladder, and that if a black cat crosses our path we're in for it.  But from a reality perspective, how can these instances be anything other than what they are - broken glass, a quicker path and a feline out for a stroll.

Here is a suggestion:  For the next week, study how your anxiety bubble impacts your anxiety symptoms, such as panic attacks, OCD, phobias or social anxiety and then practice challenging these false beliefs.  


All the best,

DR APRIL 
Director of The April center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

P. S.  Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!

Anxiety Relief Spells Anxiety Support Groups?

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

For anxiety relief, anxiety support groups can be the key.

Many that come to my center share that it would be meaningful to meet others with similar anxiety symptom experiences.  This is understandable.  Struggling with anxiety can be lonely.

When I see someone enter one of my groups for the first time, it is often an amazing experience.  They are usually overcome with a feeling of community and understanding.  Finally they have connected with others who also struggle!

And it often doesn't matter what the anxiety group focuses on - whether it is panic attacks, phobias, OCD, social anxiety, etc. - people connect through their internal sensory experience of anxiety, their avoidance behaviors, the limits and lack of freedom created by their symptoms, their fear and, of course, their desire to reduce anxiety.

Another interesting discovery for many in group is identifying where they fall in the range of anxiety syndrome.  For example, some discover that they might not have as much work to do towards anxiety relief as they had originally thought.  Others discover that they have a lot of work to do, but are hopeful based on seeing and hearing others share their road towards progress and anxiety reduction.

For those of you struggling with anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorders that have never tried an anxiety support group, I can't recommend them enough.  One caveat though:  make sure the anxiety support group is led by an expert anxiety treatment therapist who practices CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy).  This is the only form of anxiety treatment that has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety.

Follow this link for more on anxiety support groups

All the best,

DR. APRIL

P.S. Don't forget to purchase your audio copy of my new anxiety reduction zen meditation !

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With Panic Attacks and Phobias, The Mind Doesn't Know What's Real

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

With panic attacks and phobias, the mind is mistaken. There generally is no real danger. However, our minds often have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.

For those who have been predisposed biologically to anxiety (meaning born wired for anxiety) it can be even more challenging at times to interpret what is a real threat and what is not.

A great example of the above is a recent article about children and teens in Italy seeing a recent popular scary movie and then struggling with panic attacks and anxiety symptoms.

Click on the link below to read article:


http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/italians-bar-children-paranormal-activity-movie/story?id=9786440

I often talk about this issue at The April Center with those who come to see me for anxiety treatment. Isn't it interesting that when watching a scary movie, our minds and then bodies can react as if we're in danger - when we're not in any danger at all! We are sitting in a comfortable chair, in a nice theater, maybe with a friend or someone we're close to, while possibly eating a tasty snack and reacting as if
under attack!

Doesn't this suggest that our minds often struggle with knowing the difference between when we are
truly in danger and when we're not?


For those with panic attacks, phobias, OCD and social anxiety, I've got a question for you. When you
are anxious, how often are you truly in terrible danger?

Anxiety is a trickster and is often based on longstanding and conditioned false beliefs. A big part of
my treatment at the April Center is in helping anxiety sufferers modify their false beliefs. This can take work, but when you change the way you think, you change the way you behave (A major tenet of CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). If you change the way you think regarding that which makes you anxious, then you can finally respond with more calm when facing that which you have feared. You can also behave with more courage than ever before!


Don't let anxiety continue to rule your mind and trick you! To correct false beliefs, you need proper tools, strategies and education to reduce your anxiety and move forward with life and happiness.

Follow this link for more on anxiety treatment

All the best,

DR. APRIL

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog in the box below for more tips and info!
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THE Meditation For Anxiety, Panic Attack and OCD Management

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

You may have tried meditation before, but have you tried this?  There is a specific meditation that can help you quickly reduce symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders, including general anxiety, panic attacks, Panic Disorder, phobias and OCD.

What is this meditation called?

ZEN




Why is this helpful for those struggling with anxiety?

First, it's very calming for the body and mind.

But mainly, Zen meditation is focused on the present moment - which when anxious you're NOT focused on!  

Your anxiety provoking thoughts are focused on the past or the future leading to the experience of being out of control and fearful.  As you respond to these thoughts (and sensations), it is typical to become even more anxious creating a snowball effect.

Life Changing For Almost Everyone

At The April Center, I teach a specific zen meditation to address anxiety that is a must-have tool for everyone struggling with any area of anxiety.  It has been life changing for almost everyone I have taught at my center.  Not only does it lead to greater calm and strength in facing anxiety, it also can modify how one addresses their mind.

I decided some time ago that I should make this special anxiety reduction zen meditation available to all of those in need - not only to those that visit my center.  So, I created a CD that can easily teach any sufferer how to use this technique to greatly reduce anxiety.

Take a look by following this link to my anxiety reduction zen meditation page.

All the best,

DR. APRIL

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog in the box below for more tips and info!
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Did Your Teacher Hand Down Anxiety? A Los Angeles Anxiety Treatment Expert Reflects

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

Teachers Can Hand Down Anxiety

Yes.  You read that right.  Even your teachers may have played an inadvertent hand in conditioning your anxiety.

A recent study suggests that teachers anxiety and lack of confidence can be transmitted to students.  Take a look at the article below by clicking on the link.

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-math26-2010jan26,0,1152085.story?track=rss

This is another reminder of what I discuss with all individuals coming to my anxiety treatment center for help - your anxiety is based on conditioning.


What is Anxiety Conditioning?


Conditioning simply means learning.  Our brain learns all sorts of things from our environment, our families, our society, our experiences in addition to what we teach it based on how we respond to specific stimuli.

This says a lot about your anxiety.  For example, your anxiety isn't personal - it is not a part of your character nor does it have anything to do with a weakness.  It is mostly a reflection of what your brain has learned (and what you have taught your brain if you've been avoiding that which makes you anxious).

The brain can be conditioned to fear many different stimuli and experiences, such as panic attacks, flying, driving, social situations, contamination, a host of other phobias and obsesions (the crux of OCD), etc..

What You've Learned Can Be Unlearned


Well, this says it all.  In fact, this is a focus at my center - Helping you unlearn false anxiety lessons.
Your anxiety is not personally-based.  It is mostly based on conditioning.

With CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) it is also extremely treatable.

This bears repeating:  Your anxiety symptoms can be unlearned!

Follow this link for more on anxiety treatment

All the best,

DR. APRIL

P. S. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog in the box below for more tips and info!

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Your Child's Self Confidence

SICK OF STRESSING ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S 
SELF-CONFIDENCE?

Great Strides In Self-Confidence . . .
“My son has experienced rapid change and has made great strides in self-confidence. Dr. April is gifted in his work with children and is an inspiration to those who are fortunate to connect with him.” – Julia Frankel, M.A., www.CoeurAlign.com


Isn’t this what you’ve been waiting for? A book that moves away from the typical, basic methods while focusing on the most effective, easiest ways to enhance your child’s self-confidence and achievement for the most gain possible.

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Do Any Of These Sound Like Your Child?:

                       -Low frustration tolerance         -Low self-esteem
                       -Lack of self-confidence           -Insecurity
                       -Anxiety                                   -Fearfulness


If you answered "YES" to any of the above issues, don't wait to buy this book!

I read the book and loved it!!...

"I read the book and loved it!! After reading Dr. April's book, I no longer feel helpless or frustrated. Instead I feel prepared because I now know how to respond to my daughter's behaviors to enhance her emotional health. I know I am helping her become a successful and well grounded adult. Dr. April's book is extremely fast and easy to read! I will definitely be recommending this ebook to all my friends who are parents."-
-Laura Flynn RD/LD, CDE, www.FitandHealthyPregnancy.com


Dr. April, anxiety/stress expert and psychologist, offers guidance that actually works, taken straight from his experience working with parents and children for over 20 years.


Why invest good time and money on activity after activity, coaching, or even counseling, if you can follow these easy tips and techniques I’ve given to manage your parental stress by easily helping your child make quick phenomenal gains?




Completely Changed My Son's Behavior . . .
“Dr. April provided a reward system that completely changed my son’s behavior for the better. It continues to give my son confidence. He even finds it fun and gets involved!”
– Fariba Songhorian, Los Angeles, CA


To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self Esteem



January 2010


From: Dr. Craig April, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Author and Featured Psychologist Cast Member on A&E's hit series OBSESSED


Author of “Stress-Free Parenting: Top Secret Strategies To Skyrocket Your Child’s Self-Esteem, Security and Success – Without Breaking The Bank!”


Dear Concerned Parent,


If you want a child brimming with self-confidence, a child with amazing social skills, strong frustration tolerance and impulse control, a child who knows their strengths, rises to the occasion to face challenges, and consistently achieves while quickly set up for future success then . . .


this might be the most important, most valuable letter you’ll ever read!


Here’s why:


In my book, I teach you my top-secret strategies based on over 20 years of working with children – first as a swim teacher and pool manager, then as a developmental researcher, then with my masters in psychology and finally for the past 12 years as a Ph.D. and licensed psychologist. Each strategy is laid out step by step in a clear, concise manner. No unnecessary filler. Just right down to it.


You won’t find these strategies in any other book because my book does not go over the same old tired information written in book after book by therapists and the like suggesting that you constantly tell your child how much you love them, how special they are and that you should praise them relentlessly.


Don’t get me wrong. These things are nice and good, but THEY DO NOT BUILD SELF-ESTEEM!


Reducing your parent stress by improving your child’s self-esteem, security and success requires my specific focused strategies that, although easy to follow, are unfortunately not being taught by others around the globe.


Not long ago, I became frustrated with seeing the same old generic information out there as I was fully aware that my methods have enabled me to reduce parent's stress and help hundreds of children improve their self-esteem while paving their road to greater happiness and achievement.


My frustration finally led me to write this book to share my strategies with as many parents as possible.


Why should you listen to me?


I’ve filled this book with my most effective strategies, tips and techniques that I’ve helped hundreds of children with for over 20 years in a variety of capacities and settings including hospitals, elementary/middle/high schools, clinics, universities, different communities and in my own private practice and treatment center.


I’ve helped hundreds of children and parents and can help you too!


All that I’ve provided in this book comes directly from the specific work I’ve done with previously stressed out parents that has led them to stress reduction, terrific results and quick turnaround for their children. I have included only that which has been most effective – and nothing else! No unnecessary filler! Why waste time?


Building your child’s confidence could take years with costly trial and error, expensive activity after activity, or weekly private-hourly sessions in therapy. I am providing you a solution with quick and easy strategies you could have in 2 minutes – for dirt cheap!


And this is an exclusive offer!


In this book you will learn the top-secret strategies that I have previously shared only with parents during private sessions they were attending in my office.


I truly doubt you’ve ever heard or read about any of my specific strategies on building self-esteem or enhancing your child’s success in other books or from others who work professionally with children.



Great Advice . . .
“I always talk to my girls about strangers and the chapter on assertiveness gave me new techniques to use. Great role playing suggestions! Great advice for the day and age we live in. Great book! An important guide for parents.” -
K. Novak, Chicago, Illinois, mother of 2

To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self-Esteem

Here are just some of the awesome 

secrets, tips and techniques this book will teach you:

*5 Special Social Skills that you alone can help your child learn that can unlock their potential for success and greater self-esteem. (page 6)

*How to change or improve almost any behavior your child currently engages in with “the most powerful behavior change plan ever!” so that they can feel more empowered, in control and able to effect change. (page 29)

*The “right” rules to follow that can boost your child's self-esteem and maintain it. (page 17)

*The essentials to helping your child master anger and why it plays a vital role in skyrocketing self-esteem, security and success. (page 21)

*Why your child has probably already been labeled and what you must do about it to help build their opportunities for self-confidence and achievement. (page 43)

*. . . and more!


To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self-Esteem

This information is priceless

“Stress-Free Parenting: Top Secret Strategies To Skyrocket Your Child’s Self-Esteem, Security and Success – Without Breaking The Bank!” is based on Dr. Craig April’s over 20 years of work with children and parents.

* “Dr. April gets paid up to $200.00 per hour for individual sessions.”

* “Dr. April has taught and spoken to parents everywhere over the years – through seminars and presentations at schools, hotels, churches, temples, restaurants, various business groups, the Screen-Actors Guild, the rotary club and at his center.”

* “Dr. April has been a trainer and supervisor for many years to interns as they move along their path to becoming licensed professionals.”

Do you really want to know why I’m offering 

this book for nowhere near what it’s worth?

There are 2 reasons:
1.) Because my goal is to simultaneously help as many parents as I can, rather than simply working with one family at a time.
2.) Because there is no cost for me to produce a hardback copy and send it. By offering this in the form of an e-book, it means you can easily download it and be reading it 2 minutes from now. Even if it’s 3:00 AM in the morning!

And the best part is you get instant access to "Stress-Free Parenting: Top Secret Strategies To Skyrocket Your Child’s Self-Esteem, Security and Success" as soon as you press the download button.

No driving to a bookstore, no searching for a book in a sea of books, no standing in line to pay for it and no drive to bring it back home.

And if you respond right away, you pay the introductory price of only $12.95! That’s only an average of 1 dollar for the next 10 days for the opportunity to reduce your parenting stress and skyrocket your child’s self-esteem, security and success –possibly for his or her entire lifetime! And you’ve got a full 60 days to try it out – risk free!

That’s right. 60 full days to read, apply my secret strategies and experience results.

Plus, if you buy Now, you’ll also get my . . .

FREE BONUS Report: Dr. April’s Top 17 Tried and True ways to build your child’s self-confidence quickly! And these are not the typical ways you’ve heard before! (The value of this list alone is worth several hundred dollars)

To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self Esteem

But wait. There’s even more.

FREE BONUS Session:
 You can schedule one free private 20-minute phone session with Dr. April to discuss any area of concern you have regarding your child. During this call, Dr. April will give you at least one great tip that you have never tried that can assist you in helping your child resolve a current problem or area of concern. (over a $70.00 value FREE!) (The basic code # to set up your appointment anytime in the 60 days following download is provided on the last page of this book).


Act Now and You’ll receive my book and these bonuses for only $12.95! But only if you act now, because this is an introductory price that will increase shortly. I can’t give my secret strategies and these great bonuses away like this for too long!

You’ll get my book “Stress-Free Parenting: Top Secret Strategies To Skyrocket Your Child’s Self-Esteem, Security and Success – Without Breaking The Bank!”, my Top 17 Tried and True Way To Build Your Child’s Self-confidence Now!, and one FREE private 20 minute phone session to schedule over the next 60 days following download.

To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self Esteem

100% Total Satisfaction

You can’t lose with this guarantee!

Based on my years of working with hundreds of parents, I am so confident you’ll benefit, that if you don’t see a huge boost in your child’s self-esteem, security and success, just contact me any time within 60 days after downloading this incredible book and I’ll refund 100% of your money, in full, with no questions asked! (just email me with “refund” in the subject line and you’ll be sent a prompt, courteous refund thanking you for being an admirable parent interested in your child’s happiness and success!) –my email address is at the bottom of this page.

Order NOW!

To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self Esteem

With SECURE ORDERING, once your credit card is approved, you will be sent a private email with a download button where you can get your copy of “Stress-Free Parenting: Top Secret Strategies To Skyrocket Your Child’s Self-Esteem, Security and Success – Without Breaking The Bank!" along with your FREE amazing Bonuses.

Instant Download!
Buy NOW - Click Your Child's Self Esteem To Get Your Copy This Minute!

Wishing you and your family all the very best,

Dr. Craig April, Ph.D.

P.S. – This e-book will soon be sold for $25.95. This current introductory price of $12.95 will only last for a short time.
So act fast! I don’t want you to miss out on this special price. You’ve got your child’s skyrocketed self-esteem, security and success to gain and absolutely nothing to lose.
To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self Esteem

Copyright 2008 - 2010, Craig April, Ph.D.  All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer:

The author has provided this book for informational purposes only. The information in this book and on this website in no way substitutes for or represents any form of treatment for psychological, emotional, behavioral and physical syndromes or disorders. Appropriate licensed professionals must directly evaluate, diagnose and treat symptoms of physical or mental health conditions.



To Buy NOW Click Your Child's Self Esteem

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dr. Craig April, Ph.D.
6404 Wilshire Blvd. #1107
Los Angeles, CA  90048

Email:  drapril@kickfear.com
310-429-1024
www.kickfear.com

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