Conscious Living Counseling & Education Center

08/04/2025

https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/10-must-listen-podcasts-for-people-with-ocd?psafe_param=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NOCD_PM_US&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14264737132&gbraid=0AAAAADEWRhZx68SsYPfMRG0THgRNnaxLb&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMHEBhC-ARIsABua5iQeAFBx1cjlZaVrPXr9RGg4Y9XuPRozsLgpWIF-N93sbpnZUpCyK8oaAnrkEALw_wcB

Accurate representations of your experience can be life-changing. That’s especially true for those experiences that are commonly misunderstood or

07/22/2025

Red flag signs for “autoimmune OCD” could include (sub)acute onset, unusual age of onset, atypical presentation of OCS with neuropsychiatric features (e.g., disproportionate cognitive deficits) or accompanying neurological symptoms (e.g., movement disorders), autonomic dysfunction, treatment resistance, associations of symptom onset with infections such as group A streptococcus, comorbid autoimmune diseases or malignancies. Clinical investigations may also reveal alterations such as increased levels of anti-basal ganglia or dopamine receptor antibodies or inflammatory changes in the basal ganglia in neuroimaging. Based on these red flag signs, the criteria for a possible, probable, and definite autoimmune OCD subtype are proposed.

Another nationwide study from Sweden in 30,082 patients with OCD demonstrated a significant correlation with different autoimmune disorders: Individuals with OCD had a 43% increased risk of any autoimmune disorders
//www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01700-4

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly disabling mental illness that can be divided into frequent primary and rarer organic secondary forms. Its association with secondary autoimmune triggers was introduced through the discovery of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated w...

07/14/2025

Are you a creative professional or entrepreneur who also has ADHD?

Whether you have a diagnosis or suspect you have ADHD, you’re probably very aware that you think differently.

As a creative professional, thinking differently is a good thing! When your brain is working its magic, you’re an idea-generating powerhouse.

Are you a creative professional or entrepreneur who also has ADHD? Whether you have a diagnosis or suspect you have ADHD, you’re probably very aware that y...

07/13/2025

Understanding the role of counseling in recovery is challenging. Finding the right help for anxiety seems like it should be easier. There is research that lists gold standards (the most effective treatments based on the anxiety concerns), but some professionals don't receive training in these approaches. And over-specialization can lead to failures in treatment with complex issues. Also, the word "holistic" literally can mean anything. What happens is that people looking for help often fall between the cracks in a medical system that is overcrowded, expensive, and ineffective. How do you navigate it? In starting to work with a provider, put your head up and your shoulders back and advocate! PAY ATTENTION TO HOW YOU FEEL. Did they ask lots of questions so they understand your situation? Start with these questions: What's your theory on what's happening? What does current research say about my situation? What are the differentials that you will rule out? What are the other interventions that I should include in my work with you? How can we make this process more cost-effective for me? These are 100% rational, logical, common-sense questions.

07/09/2025

Together, Dr. Wentz and Dr. Henderson explore full thyroid panel testing, the impact of gut health on thyroid medication absorption, the autoimmune mechanisms behind Hashimoto’s, and why early intervention can sometimes reverse the need for lifelong medication. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking deeper answers in their thyroid healing - a common root of anxiety for those struggling with Hashimoto's.

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Brittany Henderson, a board-certified endocrinologist and foun...

07/08/2025

Life can feel very confusing when we tie ourselves into knots. Unraveling our personal needs can be tricky some days. Modern mental health strategies offer so much more than talk therapy. People are craving connection, yes, but so often they are craving more - true strategies to navigate a modern world. A world where the basics of health are even more critical. Additionally, the ability to process and organize complex information, emotions, and needs is required.

06/30/2025

When you feel terrible, it's tricky to find your way out. Adding new skills and strategies may seem overwhelming. The longer I practice in the medical realm, the clearer it becomes that simplified strategies work best in 80% of patients. However, our medical system isn't designed to teach these skills, and the world of self-health is exceptionally complicated and noisy. When you get lost in the noise - go back to the basics (1) a medical support structure you trust (2) nutrition and hydration (3) knowing whats real both internally and externally (4) keep decisions simple and one step at a time (5) engage at the deepest level in your life daily (6) love and enjoy people (7) movement (8) prioritize sleep (9) metabolic health - teaching yourself to think and move in a state of minimal effort. You'll solve other puzzles as you move forward.

06/27/2025

Brain health is the foundation of mental health.

06/25/2025

In working with many medical issues that are contributing factors to anxiety conditions, I thoroughly enjoy connecting patients with helpful resources. If you have a resource you love, I want to hear about it. Your research can be shared and help others.

Here are four of my favorite resources for patients in the areas of thyroid health, ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), POTS, and MRT (Menopause Replacement Therapy).

1. Thyroid Pharmacist website - so much here - if you struggle with autoimmune, this site is a must
2. The Menopause Association Society - patient education - then go to videos
3. Mecfsroadmap website - so much good stuff here!
4. Potsuk website - easy to navigate, informative website.

What online resources can you share with others? Maybe you've heard of something or have a loved one who loves a website? Let us know!

06/24/2025

Hey, things are changing. There are numerous opportunities and challenges. However, our minds need to take ALL this in at a pace that we can incorporate and absorb. Are you struggling with this? Check out the new book - Healing the Modern Brain by Dr. Drew Ramsey.

06/21/2025

Interesting stuff.

Most people give little thought to breathing, but could it hold secrets about their health?

06/19/2025

Nathaniel Branden's writing on self-esteem remains timeless. This is one of his best quotes. It captures why it's so essential to learn how to set reasonable goals and get frequent wins. Many people are walking around with fake plans and unrealistic goals that don't align with the nature of life and reasonable effort to achieve outstanding outcomes over time. They are left feeling defeated, drained, and unprotected. You can accomplish a significant number of wins and support yourself well! It's a learnable skill.