Dr. Cristina A Scatigno, Psyd, Boulder Anxiety Psychologist

01/14/2026

01/13/2026

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard, evidence based treatment for OCD.

ERP works by helping people gradually face feared thoughts, images, urges, or situations while learning to resist compulsions. Over time, this process helps retrain the brain, reduce anxiety, and weaken OCD’s grip.

ERP is not about forcing fear or “just facing it.” It is structured, collaborative, and done at a pace that is thoughtful and intentional. With the right support, ERP helps people build tolerance for uncertainty and reclaim their lives from OCD.

Learn more about ERP and evidence based OCD treatment at www.iocdf.org/treatment 💙

01/11/2026

01/11/2026

12/24/2025

One of the most common myths pushed by anti-trans activists is the idea that affirming parents “turn” their children trans.

That isn’t how it works.

Parents don’t make a child trans by loving them.
We don’t create identity by believing our kids.
We don’t invent who our children are by listening.

Affirmation is not persuasion.
It’s recognition.

Every good parent already understands this in a thousand other ways.

When a child shows an early love for art, we don’t accuse parents of pushing an agenda because they buy sketchbooks and hang drawings on the fridge.
When a kid lives for the soccer field or the dance studio, we don’t say their parents forced them to be athletes.
When a child insists they hate dresses, or love trucks, or feel most like themselves with short hair or long hair, we don’t panic about “indoctrination.”

We notice who they are.
And we respond with support.

Gender is no different.

Affirming a trans or gender-expansive child doesn’t cause anything.
It doesn’t change a child’s identity.
It doesn’t override biology, personality, or reality.

What it does change is safety.

Affirmation tells a child:
“I see you.”
“I believe you.”
“You are not broken.”
“You don’t have to pretend to be someone else to be loved.”

Parents who affirm aren’t steering their kids toward an outcome.
We’re walking alongside them as they figure out who they already are.

And the truth is this:
Kids who are supported aren’t being led astray—
they’re being allowed to breathe.

The real danger isn’t affirmation.
The danger is forcing a child to live a lie to make adults more comfortable.

At Real Mama Bears, we choose love over fear.
Listening over control.
And the radical idea that children deserve to be known—not managed.

Because good parenting has never been about shaping kids into who we want them to be.

It’s always been about helping them become who they already are.

12/24/2025

Great tips this holiday season

One of the questions parents ask me most this time of year is, "Dr. Becky, how do I answer when my kid looks at me and says, 'is Santa...real?" So I wrote a free article on exactly what you can say: https://bit.ly/4sjbwrN

And always remember: the best person to make any given decision for your family is you. You are the sturdy leader of your family and it’s up to you to decide how much, or how little, Santa is involved in your holiday celebrations.

12/09/2025

Another great parenting article! This one for teens

12/09/2025

Great parenting tips

12/05/2025

Health anxiety can turn the tiniest sensation into a full-body alarm 🚨and that can feel so scary.

But here’s the truth I want you to hold gently today: a sensation isn’t the same as a threat. Your brain is doing what anxious brains do… it’s scanning, interpreting, trying to protect you. And we can teach it a calmer, kinder way. 🧠💕⁠

When a symptom pops up, try pausing before reacting.
Ask yourself: Is this fear talking… or fact? 🤔

So often, the intensity you feel isn’t danger, it’s anxiety amplifying the volume. And with practice, you can lower that volume and respond with more wisdom and less urgency. 🌿

Your body isn’t failing you, it’s communicating. And you’re learning how to listen in a steadier, more compassionate way. ❤️

What helps you pause instead of spiraling when a sensation feels scary?

12/04/2025

Compulsive avoidance is definitely something I see frequently and is often not recognized as a compulsion.

Reduce OCD severity significantly in just 10 weeks on average. Schedule a FREE phone call with team, and we'll connect you with a licensed OCD Therapist.

12/04/2025

Great tips!

Depression can feel heavy, confusing, and unbelievably discouraging, but there are simple, compassionate tools that can help you get through the day. ❤️⁠

You don’t have to push, hustle, or “fix” everything at once. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is soften your expectations, speak to yourself gently, and take the tiniest next step. Baby steps count. Rest counts. Kindness counts. ✨

When you move toward your values, even in the smallest ways, you build a life that isn’t ruled by fear or hopelessness. And little by little, your brain learns a new rhythm. 🌱

If today feels heavy, let this be your reminder: your effort matters… and you deserve every ounce of compassion you give to everyone else. 💕⁠

What’s one small, doable step you can take today that aligns with your values?

12/01/2025

https://theconversation.com/writing-builds-resilience-by-changing-your-brain-helping-you-face-everyday-challenges-265188
Good evidence behind one of our interventions.

Resilience is often presented as feats of bravery and endurance. But everyday practices like journaling, drafting a text or even writing a to-do list are manifestations of a capacity to adapt.