Anxiety Help: The Struggle Switch by Dr. Russ Harris (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Dr. Russ Harris discusses this concept, “The Struggle Switch” describing a switch in our brain that occurs when an uncomfortable emotion, painful memory, or painful feeling comes up. He gives the example of anxiety. When anxiety shows up, our struggle switch goes on trying to figure out how to get rid of our anxiety. The panic continues as our anxiety grows and grows. Perhaps, new feelings follow due to our struggle with the anxiety like anger, sadness, guilt, etc. Because of the struggle switch, our emotions become amplified which sometimes pulls us into self defeating behaviors.
So how do we switch off the struggle switch? When the struggle switch is turned off, when uncomfortable feelings arise instead of struggling with it, we simply do not. We acknowledge it and invest it into meaningful life enhancing activities such as spending time with our family and friends. These emotions then tend not to get amplified by other emotions which allows it to move freely through our bodies.
Watch the full video here! –> https://youtu.be/rCp1l16GCXI
Next Steps & Resources:
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us to schedule an appointment 512-537-0922. Or, book a session online through – Schedule an appointment now.
What online counseling options do I have?
For the past decade we have excelled at online therapy, tele-therapy and phone counseling. We have seen couples online and conducted Sex Therapy online through video platforms. Everything can be completed online including your intake, first session all the way through graduation! You can even find a Respark Therapist or Coach and book your first session online without having to pick up the phone. Many of our clients love online therapy as there are so many pros! Learn more about our online couples therapy, online individual therapy and online Sex Therapy process here.
What is Respark all about?
We have therapists throughout all of Texas and Colorado. We offer the best couples therapy and sex therapy because our team had 200+ hours of training post graduate. Many of them are already certified or about to become certified sex therapists. We have therapists trained in trauma, EMDR, eating disorders and Health at Every Size informed.
I want to become a sex therapist or sexual health professional, how do I do that?
Check out our podcast with Respark Founder, Heather McPherson at Practice Outside the Lines.
I want to become a certified sex therapist or certified sex coach or educator?
We also started one of the largest sexual health training organizations in the country. Check out Sexual Health Alliance for sexuality certification programs.
I need additional support around growing my sexual health focused practice as a sex therapist, sex coach or sexuality professional. Where can I find more information?
We started Practice Outside the Lines to support new and seasoned sexuality professionals learn how to start and grow a sexual health focused business.
Additional resources
Gretta Duleba offers helpful tips to calm down during stressful times.