We imagine overthinking as an overactive mind filled with worst-case scenarios. Sometimes that’s the case. But very often overthinking wears a much friendlier disguise. Yes, overthinking often presents itself as careful, responsible,... Read more »
When Lisa contacted me to discuss concerns with her 11-year-old daughter, Lilly (names in this example have been changed), she described her as highly anxious. Lisa’s call resonated with what I hear... Read more »
Most people have experienced an unsettling thought that appears out of nowhere, whether it’s an odd mental image, a sudden worry, or an unwanted memory. These intrusive thoughts are usually fleeting, but... Read more »
It’s common to experience a sudden thought that makes no logical sense yet triggers intense anxiety or fear. These are often irrational thoughts – ideas or mental images that aren’t based on... Read more »
For many people, difficulty concentrating is a familiar experience during periods of stress or emotional turmoil. Whether it’s the mind drifting during a conversation or zoning out in front of a screen,... Read more »
Both autistic people and those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience repetitive thoughts. Because of this, autism and OCD are often confused—by professionals, individuals, and families alike. In fact, OCD occurs in 17–37%... Read more »
Zhang, Y., Hedley, F. E., Zhang, R.-Y., & Jin, J. (2025). Toward quantitative cognitive–behavioral modeling of psychopathology: An active inference account of social anxiety disorder. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 134(4), 363–388. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000972... Read more »
Over 30 years ago, I first learned to pay attention to the space between my thoughts. It was in a book by a Tibetan Buddhist teacher. (Sad to say, I’ve forgotten his... Read more »
Procrastination and emotion dysregulation are linked because delaying tasks often serves as a way to escape negative emotions like stress, frustration, or self-doubt. Studying this connection helps us understand why some people... Read more »
Imagine your mind is like a web browser with dozens of tabs open, all playing videos or music at the same time. For many people with ADHD, this is what everyday thinking... Read more »