69: Overcoming relationship anxiety through IFS Therapy with Alex Bishop

It's my pleasure to bring on Alex Bishop, a registered counsellor and IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist, onto the podcast today. Alex has struggled with Relationship OCD/Relationship Anxiety, and disorganized attachment, and can speak deeply on the experience of pushing a partner away.

In this episode, we discuss his story with overcoming ROCD, how parts work relates to relationship anxiety, the IFS model for overcoming doubts, fears, and "the ick" associated with ROCD, and some of the limitations of ERP therapy for overcoming ROCD specifically.

If you have been feeling stuck, this episode will be SO validating for you, and can help you get on the path to free yourself from the overwhelming shame and anxiety!

Find Alex over at @forloveweheal on Instagram.

Links:

• PATREON CALL w/ live Q+A: August 3rd at 10AM PST https://www.patreon.com/AnxiousLoveCoach

Time Stamps:

3:00 - Alex's experience with ROCD

16:42 - The importance of knowing your patterns when you have relationship anxiety

19:00 - How Alex used parts work/CBT

23:00 - How psychedelics can help with relationship anxiety

26:12 - Creating aliveness for yourself in your relationship

31:00 -Therapeutic routes to help with ROCD

42:50 - The causes of attraction obsessions

56:10 - Having different experiences that we label the same thing

57:50 - The limitation of ERP: Exposure and Response Prevention