October Newsletter: Confront Fear Triggers to Conquer Anxiety

Hello, Light On Anxiety Community!

In today’s world, we often hear the term “trigger warning” as a way to protect ourselves from distressing content. While there are times when avoiding unnecessary negativity can be helpful, it’s equally important to challenge ourselves to face discomfort head-on.

This month, we’re focusing on the power of confronting our fear triggers instead of running from them. By leaning into discomfort, we give our brains a chance to recognize how strong and resilient we truly are. Through this process, our lives expand, and anxiety no longer dictates what we can or cannot do.

In this edition of our newsletter, we encourage you to step into your challenge zone and reclaim your power by facing your fears. Together, let’s discover just how much we’re truly capable of.

Warmly,

Dr. Debra Kissen

CEO & Founder, Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Centers

Understanding Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD)

As National Coming Out Day approaches on October 11th, we’re sharing a valuable resource to help understand Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD). SO-OCD involves intrusive thoughts about one’s sexual orientation that can lead to anxiety and distress. Read the article or watch the video to learn how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help manage these intrusive doubts.

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Surgeon General’s Warning: Stress and Anxiety Rampant Among Modern-Day Parent

The Surgeon General's warning highlights a growing mental health crisis among parents, emphasizing the unique stressors of today's fast-paced world. In this article written by Dr. Debra Kissen, she offers insights into how parents can develop essential emotional regulation and stress management skills. By implementing these strategies, you can foster a more joyful parenting journey and create a supportive environment for your children.

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Fear of Death and Practicing Dying

As we enter Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Debra Kissen explores the heavy emotions that often accompany health scares and the fear of death. While awaiting her mammogram results, Kissen reflects on the anxiety that can consume us and the importance of embracing the present moment instead of succumbing to catastrophic thoughts. This article serves as a reminder to approach life with mindfulness and resilience, especially during challenging times.

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What Halloween Teaches Us About Playing with vs. Running From Anxiety

October’s thrills offer more than just spooky fun—they also teach us about managing anxiety. In her latest article, Dr. Debra Kissen explores how Halloween's playful scares can help us understand and face our fears in real life. Learn how to identify anxiety’s false alarms and use these moments to grow stronger, just like we do with Halloween’s harmless frights.

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Navigating the Maze of School Anxiety & Refusal with Expert Dr. Debra Kissen

How to Help Your Child Process Complicated World Events

As we navigate a world filled with complex events, it’s essential to support our children’s emotional health. We encourage you to watch this enlightening webinar featuring Dr. Debra Kissen, where she shares practical tips for helping children manage anxiety. From fostering open conversations to providing gradual exposure to fears, she equips parents with the tools needed to create a supportive environment.

WATCH WEBINAR

The Anxiety Busting Workbook for Kids

This workbook is more than just a tool; it’s an interactive experience for helping children understand and overcome their fears. Designed for parents and providers alike, this workbook uses fun games and activities rooted in CBT to help kids transform anxious thoughts into confidence. Whether your child is nervous about a birthday party tomorrow or in two weeks, these exercises help them build skills at their own pace—making each step toward bravery both approachable and enjoyable.

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Join Us for the Opening of Our Newest Office in Naperville!

We invite all of the Light On Anxiety community to join us for our grand opening and ribbon cutting for our newest office in Naperville on October 24, from 4:30 - 6:30 PM. We will be serving up drinks & bites, along with Naperville town leaders for our ribbon cutting ceremony. So please join us and meet our therapists and team who are here to help Naperville through anxiety! Please RSVP to lynnelevey@lightonanxiety.com.