Hey there, welcome to Therapy Connections, the podcast where real therapists break down the highlights of what we discuss in therapy, offering skills, education, and ideas on how to feel better. While this isn’t a substitute for traditional therapy, it can certainly serve as a helpful tool for refreshing and learning between sessions. Thanks for tuning in!

What Are Intrusive Thoughts?

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the topic of intrusive thoughts. But what exactly are intrusive thoughts? Well, they’re those pesky, repetitive thoughts that just won’t leave you alone. They can feel obsessive, relentless, and downright bothersome. You know, the kind of thoughts that keep coming back no matter how hard you try to shake them off.

Differentiating Intrusive Thoughts from “Squirrel Moments”

Now, you might be wondering, how do intrusive thoughts differ from your typical “squirrel moment”? You know, those fleeting distractions that come and go in an instant. Well, the key difference is persistence. Intrusive thoughts linger, they stick around, looping in your mind like a broken record, while squirrel moments are more fleeting and easily replaced by the next shiny thing that grabs your attention.

Positive vs. Negative Intrusive Thoughts

But here’s an interesting twist: not all intrusive thoughts are negative. In fact, some can be quite positive or even comfortable. Take, for example, those excited thoughts about a new hobby or upcoming video game release. While these thoughts may be welcome, they can still be intrusive if they dominate your mind and distract you from other important things.

Techniques for Managing Intrusive Thoughts

So, what do we do when faced with intrusive thoughts that just won’t quit? One technique that’s been gaining traction is the simple act of writing them down. By putting pen to paper and repeatedly writing out the intrusive thought, its power over you can start to diminish. It’s like deflating a balloon; with each repetition, the thought loses some of its intensity.

Challenging Beliefs and Dismantling Intrusive Thoughts

But writing it down is just the beginning. We also need to challenge the underlying beliefs that fuel these intrusive thoughts. Are they really as catastrophic as they seem? Or are we blowing them out of proportion? By examining the root cause of our intrusive thoughts, we can start to dismantle them piece by piece.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Of course, tackling intrusive thoughts isn’t easy, and it certainly takes time and practice. But with persistence and the right techniques, we can learn to manage them more effectively. So, whether you’re writing them down, challenging their validity, or simply practicing mindfulness, remember that you have the power to take control of your thoughts.