Trust & Thrive

In this solo episode, I open up about my recent OCD flare-up and thoughts that have come up. I share details of my thoughts in this episode, not to engage with them, but to simply name them and normalize these experiences.Even today, I continue to work on my relationship to these thoughts and have compassion for myself as I go through ups and downs of living with OCD.I hope this episode can remind you that recovery isn't linear and that there is hope, even on the tough days. STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com 

Nathan is a mental health specialist who transforms lives through his expertise in OCD, anxiety, tics, Tourette's, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). With extensive clinical experience across inpatient hospitals, schools, and his thriving private practice in Allen, Texas, Nathan has pioneered innovative self-directed online programs that make specialized mental health care accessible worldwide. His popular YouTube channel has reached millions, delivering evidence-based guidance with the kind of compassionate support that has made him a trusted voice in the field. When he's not working with clients, Nathan is busy breaking down barriers to mental health treatment—proving that effective care can be both deeply personal and remarkably far-reaching.In this episode, we discuss the stigma around OCD, especially the subtype of Harm OCD. We explore what Harm OCD actually is (and what it isn’t), the many ways OCD can show up beyond common stereotypes, and why so many people experience shame and confusion around their thoughts. We also talk about evidence-based treatment approaches like ERP and ACT, how to support loved ones struggling with OCD, and what it’s like showing up online as a mental health professional to reduce stigma and share more accurate information.FOLLOW NATHAN:INSTA: @ocdandanxietyonlineYOUTUBE: @ocdandanxietyonlineSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Dr. Steven C. Hayes is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno, and President of the Institute for Better Health. He is the founder of Contextual Behavioral Science, which includes Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). His work has shaped modern understandings of psychological flexibility, process-based therapy, and human cooperation through Prosocial.Author of 47 books and nearly 700 scientific articles, Dr. Hayes is among the most cited psychologists in the world. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.What a privilege to have spoken with Dr. Hayes. In this episode, we talk about all things ACT. Dr. Hayes shares about his personal experiences that inspired him to get into the field, the importance of honoring our human side and pain as therapists, along with the ways ACT relates to our everyday human experiences. This was a real treat - hope you enjoy!FOLLOW DR. HAYES:INSTA: @drstevenchayesWEBSITE: https://stevenchayes.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

300 episodes!!! In this special 300th episode of Trust & Thrive, I take a step back to reflect on the journey so far - from the very first recording and IG post (on an account that wasn't even @trustandthrive at the time) to where we are today. I share lessons I've learned, and how leaning into uncertainty has been both terrifying and rewarding...leading to this amazing community.I share my gratitude for this incredible community that has supported, listened, and grown with me over the past 7+ years. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or recently joined, I'm so happy you're here.Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here's to 300 more episode and more!STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com 

In this solo episode, I share my experience starting out as a therapist a few years ago, including memories of my very first session during internship, the feelings of anxiety, and the pressure I felt to “have it all together.” I talk about my own mental health struggles, and how I've worked through feelings of shame around this...now viewing them as part of what makes me the therapist I am.I open vulnerably about what it means to me to be therapist and a human in the room, and how our struggles can shape the way we show up with others.Almost to the 300th episode!!STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com 

In this episode, I dive deep into the part of OCD that is not too often discussed: mental compulsions. Many of us are familiar with physical rituals like checking or handwashing...that being said, mental compulsions can be just as exhausting, and even harder to notice.I go into detail about what mental compulsions can look like and share examples, including mental checking, neutralizing thoughts, analyzing, reassurance-seeking in your head, rumination, and more. I’ll also share specific examples to help you recognize when OCD shows up in these subtle ways, and why noticing and identifying them is a key step in recovery. I also share how mental compulsions can show up in Pure O OCD specifically. Whether you live with OCD yourself, support someone who does, or simply want to learn more about it, I hope this episode can be an introduction to this side of OCD that is not discussed enough. You are not alone. STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com 

In this episode, I share more about Relationship OCD (ROCD) and how social media can fuel the cycle of comparison, doubt, and intrusive thoughts. From seeing engagement posts to scrolling through "perfect" couple photos, social media can create pressure that can send many into ROCD spirals, leading to rumination and reassurance-seeking.As a Swiftie since her debut album, I share my excitement about the news of Taylor and Travis getting engaged, while also unpacking how public figures and certain images of love can intensify ROCD themes. I hold space for acknowledging how difficult it can be to live with ROCD, while providing hope for those who feel alone and isolated in the cycle...adding in the importance of self-compassion when we are caught up in the cycle.Feature on the Unbothered Podcast: Living with Relationship OCDSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com 

In this episode, I open up about what it can feel like to live with OCD, sharing personal experiences and giving visuals that bring the struggles to life. I also talk about the difference between OCD and generalized anxiety disorder, and the wide spectrum of ways OCD can manifest. This solo episode is a reminder that OCD doesn’t always look the same from person to person, and that what I share is only a small portion of my experience. As always, this episode/my podcast/content is not a replacement for therapy or professional support. You are not alone.STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com 

In this episode, I share how important it is to acknowledge the nuances of one's mental health and how OCD, anxiety, depression, whatever it is you are going through can look different for everyone and manifest differently for each person.I hope this episode can remind you that your experience does not need to match someone else's to be valid and real. I hope you can hold some compassion for yourself, even when others can't. I see you and honor your experience...and I'm so glad you're here.STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com 

Emily Nader is a Lebanese-American Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), licensed in Texas and Arizona. Through her online private practice, she works with adults in their 20s–40s who’ve spent years people-pleasing, feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, and losing touch with their authenticity in life and relationships. She’s also a dog mom to two chocolate labs, a travel lover, and deeply proud to be a daughter of immigrants.With years of experience supporting clients through anxiety, low self-worth, relationship challenges, and cultural nuance, Emily brings a warm, honest, and deeply validating presence to her work. She’s passionate about helping adults stop shrinking just to keep the peace, and start showing up fully in their lives and relationships.In this episode, we unpack the deeper roots of people-pleasing, often shaped by early experiences in unsafe or unpredictable environments. We explore how survival strategies like staying quiet, over-accommodating, or shutting down during conflict can follow us into adulthood, even when they no longer serve us.We reframe guilt that shows up when we start honoring our needs, and talk about how to offer compassion to the parts of us that learned to keep the peace. For anyone who has learned to abandon themselves, we hope this episode can remind you you're not alone and lean into self-trust. FOLLOW EMILY:INSTA: @empathywithemTIKOK: @empathywithemWEBSITE: http://www.empathywithem.comSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com