Midwest Anxiety

Midwest Anxiety Mental health is a lifestyle, not a diagnosis. Life has many ups and downs. These challenges will either strengthen or deflate your character.

Each day you are challenged with situations that will either go well, not so well, or somewhere in between. At Midwest Anxiety, we believe that people are not defined by their weaknesses, but rather by their strengths. Life stressors are managed when these strengths are tapped and skills are developed to improve weaknesses. We inspire a purpose driven and meaningful life by focusing on what you can become rather than what you cannot become. Midwest Anxiety is a community based treatment program for anxiety disorders and more generalized problems involving excessive worry, anxiety, and stress reactions. We employ an interactive, action-oriented Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) approach, integrating features of behavioral modification into cognitive restructuring. Unlike traditional office-based psychotherapy, we work with people in “real life” situations in their natural environments (home, school, sporting events, etc). Instead of coming to us in a stuffy office, we come visit you in your world. We believe this “hands on” approach gives us the best opportunity to see your strengths and help you overcome your obstacles in the environments that you live in. We believe that negative emotions and behaviors are learned responses to the environment and can be unlearned. Understanding the environment helps us implement step-by-step Cognitive Behavioral strategies to modify negative patterns as they arise. Whether you struggle with procrastination, obsession or compulsion, fear or phobia, problematic relationships or communication skills, depression or anxiety, Midwest Anxiety can help you make the changes to how you think, feel, and act.

12/01/2025

Can you rank these four from most important to least important for your 2026 Fitness Goals? (Hint: the correct order is totally surprising… not what you’d think.)

Sleep • Nutrition • Hydration • Exercise 👉 Answer key is posted inside the 2026 Fitness Goals group.

JOIN THE CLUB to get in on the 2026 Fitness Goals Group 👉 midwestanxiety.com/classes/2026fitnessgoals

THIS WEEK IN MOMS12/1- When the house is loud, the kids are calling your name, dinner’s burning, the dog is barking, and...
12/01/2025

THIS WEEK IN MOMS
12/1- When the house is loud, the kids are calling your name, dinner’s burning, the dog is barking, and your brain is screaming “I can’t do this!” — that’s the moment emotional regulation matters most. In todays, MOMS we’ll talk about why moms get overwhelmed so quickly, what’s happening in your nervous system during those “everyone needs me” moments, and practical strategies you can use to stay calm, grounded, and in control.

12/2- As moms, we often feel the pressure to do it all perfectly—meals, schedules, school projects, playdates, and everything in between. But striving for perfection can lead to stress, guilt, and burnout. Today in MOMS we’ll explore the difference between perfectionism and “good enough” parenting. Together, we’ll discuss how to let go of unrealistic expectations, embrace flexibility, and celebrate the wins—big and small. Learn practical strategies to reduce pressure on yourself while still providing the love and guidance your children need.

12/3- Co-parenting can be challenging, especially when communication breaks down or conflicts arise. In MOMS today we’ll focus on building healthy, effective communication strategies with your co-parent. We’ll explore ways to stay calm, set boundaries, and keep your child’s best interests at the center. Whether you’re navigating disagreements, coordinating schedules, or managing blended family dynamics, these tools can help reduce stress and create a more cooperative parenting environment.

12/4- It’s natural for moms to feel deeply when their child is upset, anxious, or struggling—but sometimes those feelings can become overwhelming, leaving us emotionally drained or guilty. Today in MOMS we’ll explore how to support your child while maintaining your own emotional balance. We’ll talk about separating your child’s emotions from your own, recognizing triggers, and developing coping strategies that allow you to respond with empathy without losing yourself in the process.

12/5- Mornings, homework time, and unexpected meltdowns can quickly turn a peaceful household into a stressful environment. Today in MOMS we’ll focus on strategies for staying calm, grounded, and present—even when your child is frustrated or overwhelmed. We’ll explore practical tools to manage your own stress, respond effectively, and create smoother routines that reduce conflict for both you and your child.

MORE INFO ON MOMS 👉 midwestanxiety.com/classes/onlymoms

11/29/2025

HAPPY SATURDAY MORNING DONUTS!! 🍩🔥

We’re on show break until the New Year, so here’s a classic SMD throwback featuring the one and only Meg Hefferon, therapist with MWA.
This episode? We crushed Maple and S’mores donuts from Fairway Creamery, and you’ll also get to know Meg. Her favorite donut. Her time teaching in Japan. Life as a Division I athlete & coach. Her ideal clients…and more.

Hope you’re having a great weekend. You worked hard all week. Now it’s time to play hard. Let your hair down. Have some fun. JBU.

Want to work off those Saturday Morning Donuts but need some accountability and pump-me-up vibes? Join the 2026 Fitness Goals group. 💪🔥 No matter what your goals are, we’d love to have you. And BTW… we’re not waiting until 2026 to get started. We’ve already begun! Jump in with us and start today in the Club. Let’s go! 🚀

2026 Fitness Goals
Was your fitness in a 2025 slump? Your focus has been everywhere but your health? Not feeling great about yourself? Body not looking like your old fit self? Or maybe you’ve never really been “fit” and 2026 is the year you finally want to change that. You’ve got 2026 Fitness Goals.

Wherever you’re starting, we’re right there with you.

We’ve got big fitness goals for 2026, and we want to cheer you on—and we need you cheering us on too. Let’s do this together. Join the MWA fam in The Club. That’s where you’ll find a positive, accepting vibe no matter your fitness goals. 💪🔥

GET IN THE CLUB & JOIN 2026 FITNESS GOALS 👉midwestanxiety.com/classes/2026fitnessgoals

Was planning to kick this off on New Year’s Day… but why wait? GET STARTED ON YOUR 2026 FITNESS GOALS NOW! No countdown ...
11/29/2025

Was planning to kick this off on New Year’s Day… but why wait? GET STARTED ON YOUR 2026 FITNESS GOALS NOW! No countdown needed. No “fresh start” required. Just you, deciding today is the day. 2026 is coming—your goals can start before the calendar flips. Let’s gooooooooo!!!

2026 FITNESS GOALS
Was your fitness in a 2025 slump? Your focus has been everywhere but your health? Not feeling great about yourself? Body not looking like your old fit self? Or maybe you’ve never really been “fit” and 2026 is the year you finally want to change that. You’ve got 2026 Fitness Goals.

Wherever you’re starting, we’re right there with you.

We’ve got big fitness goals for 2026, and we want to cheer you on—and we need you cheering us on too. Let’s do this together. Join the MWA fam in The Club. That’s where you’ll find a positive, accepting vibe no matter your fitness goals. 💪🔥

GET IN THE CLUB & JOIN 2026 FITNESS GOALS 👉midwestanxiety.com/classes/2026fitnessgoals

11/28/2025

Gift something to your friends and family today that makes them truly “happy.” Sure, you can buy them a shirt that gives a moment of happiness—the little boost they get the second they put it on. But long-term happiness? That comes from inner work. From doing the hard stuff. The kind of work you get in a therapy office, not a clothing store.

GIFT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY LONG TERM HAPPINESS 👉midwestanxiety.com/gifttherapy

11/28/2025

Okay … I’m about to get booed off stage.�

PROBABLY CANCELED IN KC.�
But here it goes………

Be careful about getting your emotions wrapped up in the Chiefs losing yesterday. I KNOW, I KNOW — I’m being a fun-hater. Trust me, I’m not great at keeping the Chiefs from getting me too low either.

BUT I am trying to stay mindful of this:

We can’t let our emotions live and die with things outside of us. Sure, it’s natural to feel down for a bit when the Chiefs lose. But at some point, you’ve got to dig yourself out. Your happiness is NOT dependent on whether the Chiefs won yesterday. Your happiness is dependent on your ability to make yourself happy.
Don’t let the loss drag you too far down.

HERE’S THE TRUTH:�A lot of people put their happiness in external stuff. And that creates an emotional roller coaster — and NOT the fun kind of roller coaster.

11/28/2025

With so many of you turning on your Christmas lights tonight kicking off Christmas Light Season—it's the perfect time to share the one and only episode of Christmas Lights.

I love nothing more than grabbing a hot cup of coffee and driving around to look at Christmas lights. It’s one of my favorite things to do with friends and family.

Back in 2020, I had the bright idea to start a new show called Christmas Lights. The only problem? Every single year, something has come up at the end of the year that’s made filming the show impossible. And this year is no exception.

So while we’re still on our show break until January 1, we’ll be doing what we always do—driving around and enjoying the lights this Christmas Lights season. We hope you do too.

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving , I’M GIVING YOU SOMETHING THAT REALLY MATTERS. It’s not a turkey, not a pie… it’s something far more valuable.

The #1 thing I want to give you this Thanksgiving is this: “ACCEPT WHAT IS.”

Be grateful for whatever is happening in your life—whether it’s good, bad, or straight‑up ugly. When you accept what is, YOU GIVE YOURSELF THE PEACE AND COMFORT you need to get through the moment.

If your turkey didn’t work out? Love it.
If Thanksgiving is a total bust? Love it.
Whatever’s going on in this exact moment—love it anyway.

That’s my gift to you this Thanksgiving. And on this day, I’m genuinely grateful for you and the entire MWA fam. You are my mental‑health family, and I hope you feel the same way.

Thanks for riding with us.

11/26/2025

Taming Uncle Bob This Thanksgiving

We all have an Uncle Bob—someone who shows up during holidays and triggers frustration, judgment, or stress. This Thanksgiving, try a different approach: instead of focusing on what Uncle Bob shouldn’t say or do, focus on your own thoughts and feelings when he “acts up.”

The truth is, Uncle Bob isn’t the problem. He’s just being Uncle Bob. What causes tension is how his behavior triggers you. The key is to shift inward and manage your reactions rather than trying to change him.

Here’s how:

1. Let Uncle Bob be Uncle Bob
Don’t personalize his behavior. Remind yourself that his quirks are his own, not a reflection of you.�Mantra: “Uncle Bob is Uncle Bob. I’m not responsible for him.”

2. Talk to yourself
When negative thoughts or feelings arise, acknowledge them gently and redirect yourself.�Examples:
* “It’s okay. Uncle Bob can think this way. I don’t have to react.”
* “This is his perspective. I can stay calm.”

3. Lean into curiosity
Instead of resisting or arguing, get curious. Ask yourself:
* “Why might Uncle Bob think this way?”
* “What experiences shaped him?”�Curiosity reduces judgment and opens space for empathy—even for someone frustrating.

4. Set internal boundaries
You can remain present and compassionate without absorbing negativity. Techniques include:
* Deep breathing when triggered
* Choosing not to engage in arguments
* Shifting focus to enjoyable parts of the gathering

5. Reflect afterward
After the holiday, note what worked:
* “When Uncle Bob said X, I stayed calm by reminding myself Y.”�This reinforces your approach for future gatherings.

11/25/2025

EXCITED TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR by sharing more about our new music initiative, LIVE! MUSIC. Until then, enjoy performing the intro to Foo Fighters’ “Aurora.” 🤘

just LOVE. ♥️
11/25/2025

just LOVE. ♥️

11/24/2025

Good food can be good mental health—and in 2026, we’re bringing back our Fave Reviews to prove it. So let’s rewind to a visit with one of the true heavyweights of Kansas City BBQ: Joe’s KC.

When you think KC barbecue, Joe’s is always at the top of the list. And honestly, there’s no better place to for a BBQ Faves than with the BIG STUD of KC BBQ.

There’s one sandwich you have to order at Joe’s: the Z-Man. Brisket, a crispy onion ring, and provolone (or at least some kind of white cheese—I still can’t tell them apart). This legend earns every bit of its 9.6.

The French fries are seasoned beautifully with an incredible crisp. Easily a 9.4.

And because I’m never one to waste good BBQ, I wrapped things up with the rest of a Pulled Pork sandwich. Moist, flavorful, and solid at 9.1.

When you’re in KC, Joe’s isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a FAVE.

Address

Olathe, KS

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