Episodes
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco's discussion emphasized the importance of distinguishing between calmness and safety, challenging the misconception that not being calm equates to danger. They covered topics such as trauma, the coexistence of anxiety with conditions like eating disorders, and the application of DARE principles to daily challenges. Michelle and Aida also shared insights on handling memories of dark times, reframing thoughts, and providing...
Published 03/08/24
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco took on the challenge of navigating panic attacks, urging listeners to embrace acceptance instead of struggling to force calmness. They delved into the concept of anxiety recovery, advocating for a shift from frenetic activity to mindful presence and a willingness to allow sensations to arise and fade without resistance. Aida and Michelle also explored the role of urges and willingness in breaking the cycle of...
Published 02/16/24
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco touched on various topics, including the challenge of seeking support for panic attacks. They emphasized the importance of community and shared insights on handling anxiety, addressing questions about depersonalization and driving. Michelle and Aida encouraged a gradual shift towards self-reliance and discussed the dynamics of thoughts in anxiety recovery. The key takeaway of this podcast episode was to accept discomfort...
Published 02/02/24
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco will guide you through understanding physical sensations associated with anxiety. They advocate for accepting discomfort, letting go of the "why" spiral, and practicing mindfulness and defusion techniques. Michelle shared a personal experience of physical discomfort, emphasizing the importance of accepting heightened states and avoiding pre-involvement. Together with Aida, they discussed the impact of sensitivity,...
Published 01/19/24
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco addressed one DARE community member's question about experiencing random adrenaline surges, attributing it to sensitization rather than panic disorder. They stressed the significance of normalization and encourage tuning in or out of sensations rather than obsessing over why they occur. Michelle and Aida also highlighted the core principle of DARE - accepting uncomfortable feelings instead of seeking to eliminate them,...
Published 01/05/24
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco discussed anxiety and how to deal with it effectively. They emphasized that anxiety is not a problem that needs to be fixed, but rather a normal human experience that can be handled with the right approach. They introduced the concept of "defusion," which involves stepping back from your thoughts and feelings and observing them without judgment. This allows you to accept anxiety as simply a part of your experience, without...
Published 12/22/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco discussed common patterns and questions related to overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. They emphasized the importance of simplifying the process and finding commonalities in individuals' struggles. This podcast episode covers topics such as the significance of accepting and allowing anxiety, and the need to challenge distorted perceptions. Michelle and Aida encouraged a proactive approach, advocating for running towards...
Published 12/08/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco talked about the nature of anxiety and how to deal with it. They explained that anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. They also emphasized the importance of understanding physical symptoms, such as jelly legs and a spinning head, during social interactions. Their discussion revolves around the misfiring of the stress response, normalizing uncomfortable bodily sensations, and...
Published 11/24/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco emphasized focusing on patterns rather than specific situations and highlight the importance of defusing anxiety through behavioral changes. They discussed the importance of accepting and allowing anxiety, rather than trying to fight it. They also talked about the different ways that people try to control anxiety, and why these methods often don't work. One of the key takeaways from this episode is that anxiety is not a...
Published 11/10/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco engaged in a lively conversation addressing questions about handling anxiety after panic attacks. They discussed the importance of not trying to force oneself back into a state of calm immediately after a panic attack and instead, expect and accept the heightened state for a while. Michelle and Aida suggested to try and implement more relaxing things in your day-to-day life and setting a goal to keep stress levels...
Published 10/20/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coach Michelle Cavanaugh addressed various questions about anxiety. Emphasizing the DARE approach, she encouraged surrendering the fight against anxiety rather than combatting it. Michelle delved into topics like exposure, bodily sensations, and the role of past experiences in anxiety, aiming to normalize discomfort and offer a broader understanding of the challenges faced by individuals. We hope you find this podcast episode helpful. Learn more about DARE...
Published 10/06/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco discussed various aspects of anxiety and panic attacks. They emphasized the importance of not trying to control anxiety but rather accepting it as a safe sensation. They encouraged building tolerance for discomfort and offered insights into managing ruminative thoughts. Michelle and Aida also touched on the concept of highly sensitive individuals and the need to trust people's ability to regulate their emotions. Overall,...
Published 09/22/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coach Michelle Cavanaugh began by saying that people often tried to find certainty or a solution to anxiety by reading books or articles, but she explained that this was not helpful. She explained that anxiety was a normal human emotion, and there was no one-size-fits-all solution. She then emphasized the importance of accepting anxiety rather than fighting it. She compared anxiety to a "whirr" that our bodies produced to alert us to danger. However, if we tried...
Published 09/08/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco talked about the importance of accepting anxiety and not engaging in the fight against it. They highlighted the concept of acceptance along with the idea that trying too hard to change thoughts can be counterproductive. They advise the audience to stop involving themselves in the looping thoughts and urges caused by anxiety and instead practice acceptance and defusion techniques to change their relationship with...
Published 08/25/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco answered numerous questions about anxiety and panic attacks. They talked about anxiety while driving, strategies to handle panic attacks, and the importance of trusting anxiety and other emotions rather than trying to eliminate them completely. Aida and Michelle also talked about the importance of growing tolerance and accepting uncertainty while facing anxiety and panic. Throughout this podcast episode, they encourage a...
Published 08/18/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco discussed the difference between "noticing" and "checking in," particularly in relation to depersonalization and anxiety. They explained that noticing involves being aware of stimuli without much brain work, while checking in is an active search for something specific, often due to heightened awareness or resistance. Aida and Michelle emphasized the importance of accepting past mistakes and being non-judgmental about...
Published 08/11/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco answered various questions and discussed experiences related to anxiety and panic attacks. They emphasized the importance of embracing anxiety and feeling safe in challenging situations. Aida and Michelle also talked about OCD and Existential Thoughts, highlighting the need to focus on feelings rather than trying to change thoughts. They also had a discussion on fear of sleeping alone and how acting safe can shift the...
Published 08/04/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco addressed various questions and concerns related to anxiety. They discussed the normalcy of heightened anxiety during health scares and emphasize the importance of understanding automatic responses to anxiety. Michelle and Aida advocate for acceptance and allowing the body's natural regulation system to work, rather than attempting to control or fight anxiety. They also touch upon topics such as self-compassion and the...
Published 07/28/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco discussed various topics related to anxiety and phobias. They explored how the DARE response can be used to tackle specific phobias, such as the fear of throwing up. They emphasized that DARE is an overall mindset and not limited to specific techniques or strategies. Michelle and Aida also talked about depersonalization, existential thoughts, engaging with anxiety and depression, and promoting positive thinking....
Published 07/21/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco talked about anxiety and the importance of having a support system. They shared their personal experiences and highlights the difficulty of effectively communicating one's needs to loved ones. They emphasized the need for support during anxious moments rather than trying to eliminate anxiety altogether. This podcast episode also touches on the issue of over-involvement and self-centeredness that can arise from anxiety...
Published 07/14/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco discussed the importance of self-compassion and how it can assist with recovery. Self-compassion plays a crucial role in the process of recovery. By cultivating self-compassion, we provide ourselves with the emotional support necessary to navigate the ups and downs of recovery. It allows us to acknowledge our pain and suffering without judgment, fostering a sense of validation and resilience. In this podcast episode,...
Published 07/07/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coach Michelle Cavanaugh was joined by Peter, a DARE Alumni, to share his personal journey of overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. Peter shared his initial skepticism about the DARE program but eventually embraced it, leading to significant improvements in his life. This podcast episode highlights the importance of accepting and allowing uncomfortable sensations and thoughts without trying to control or eliminate them. It emphasizes that recovery from anxiety...
Published 06/30/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco discussed various topics related to anxiety and panic attacks. They addressed a question about dealing with detachment from reality and emphasize the importance of accepting one's current state without putting excessive pressure on themselves to be fully present. Michelle and Aida explained that anxiety recovery involves developing an attitude of acceptance rather than solely relying on tools and techniques. This episode...
Published 06/23/23
In this podcast episode, DARE coaches Michelle Cavanaugh and Aida Beco talked about nocturnal panic attacks. They address the challenges of experiencing panic attacks at night and offer advice on how to handle them. They also touched on the importance of seeking medical advice to rule out any underlying physical causes and emphasizes the need to address factors that may contribute to anxiety, such as stress, poor sleep hygiene, and lifestyle habits. Michelle and Aida also talked about the...
Published 06/16/23