How to Release Obsessive Thoughts: Rumination, OCD, and Fear | Being Well Podcast

In this episode of Being Well, ‪@RickHanson‬ and I delve into one of the questions we're asked most frequently: how we can let go of obsessive and intrusive thoughts. We explore why we tend to get trapped in certain thoughts, the negative effects of rumination, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We also discuss facing our fears, which allows us to get close enough to a problem that we can do something about it…without getting so close that we become overwhelmed by it.

Key Topics:
0:00 Introduction
1:15 What is rumination?
4:55 Why we get stuck in certain thoughts
8:05 Two kinds of obsessive thoughts
10:55 The brains attempt to problem solve
13:35 Assessing a hypothetical client
20:25 We all have weird thoughts
25:40 Feeling the hypothetical outcome, or completing the gestalt
30:55 Rick completing a gestalt on psychedelics
33:10 Balancing closeness and distance
39:00 Exaggerating the obsession vs. thought suppression
42:10 Widening your view and surrendering to the worst
48:00 Another hypothetical case study
56:30 Doing good in the world
59:50 Recap

Rumination Workshop from Rick! Join Rick on April 22nd for a 1-day, live online workshop where you'll learn how to identify rumination when it comes up and get out of negative cycles in your head compassionately and effectively. Use coupon code BeingWell20 for 20% off! https://www.rickhanson.net/rumination

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Who Am I: I'm Forrest, the co-author of Resilient (https://amzn.to/3iXLerD) and host of the Being Well Podcast (https://apple.co/38ufGG0). I'm making videos focused on simplifying psychology, mental health, and personal growth.

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🌍 https://www.forresthanson.com
📸   / f.hanson