The Toxic Cha Cha with OCD and Anxiety Disorders

OCD

The Toxic Cha Cha with OCD and Anxiety Disorders

Every time you ruminate, avoid, or seek reassurance, you're stepping into a toxic dance with your anxiety. Here's how to stop — and how to become your own greatest strength.

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Katie Hummel, LCSW
••2 min read

Dear anyone and everyone reading this who struggles with OCD (in any subtype) or anxiety disorders (such as panic, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, relationships, and more) —

I'm going to try to make this post as straightforward as possible.

Let's refer to your anxiety and/or OCD as Mike Tyson.

Would you ever get into a fistfight with Mike Tyson? Probably not! Why? Because he would absolutely defeat you, me, and anyone else who dared to challenge him.

Now that we've established that, consider this: why are you getting into a toxic dance with him daily?

Yes, you — the one reading this.

Every single time you ruminate, engage in protective behaviors to prevent bad outcomes, avoid situations, seek reassurance, or tell yourself everything is fine, you are challenging your emotional brain — Mike Tyson — to a fight.

And who do you think wins every time?

If you are reading this, you likely already know the answer: Mike wins.

So How Do You Escape This Dance?

This fight — what I like to call the Toxic Cha Cha — keeps you stuck in a cycle that feels impossible to break. But it isn't.

One of the most effective ways to break this cycle is to interrupt the compulsion. The compulsion is the response to the fear.

Sounds easy? Nope. I understand that it's not — but it is 100% possible.

I don't want you to give up.

I've been honored to work with individuals who are now thriving, able to accept their anxiety or OCD without letting it control them any longer. People who once felt completely owned by their fears, who now move through the world with a freedom they didn't think was possible.

You Don't Have to Keep Dancing

If you're interested in learning more about Mike Tyson (a.k.a. OCD or anxiety disorders), the Toxic Cha Cha, and what I like to call the Psychic Baba — all fun and meaningful ways to understand and work with OCD and anxiety — you might be in the right place.

I would be honored to work with you and help you navigate these challenges, ultimately enabling you to thrive and become your own greatest strength.

Reach out and schedule a session. You don't have to keep dancing with Mike.

Explore Topics

#ocd#anxiety#erp#compulsions#avoidance#therapy#cbt
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Written by

Katie Hummel, LCSW

Content creator and writer sharing insights and stories.

Ready to take the next step?

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I offer a free 45-minute consultation — no pressure, no commitment. Just a chance to see if we're a good fit.