Episode 11: "Hi! My Name is Control"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this fourth episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine the need for control as a response to anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how the desire to control everything can impact mental health and relationships, and learn strategies to find balance and manage control healthily.

Episode Highlights:

1. A Mind at Freeze: Understanding the Need for Control

• Control as a response to managing uncertainty and reducing anxiety.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting the urge to control as a safety mechanism.
• How controlling behaviors can lead to feeling overwhelmed and strain relationships.

Sending Out an S.O.S: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• The cycle of control and anxiety as shown in "Inside Out 2."
• How the inability to control outcomes can lead to feelings of failure and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing both the need for control and underlying emotions.

The Puck Drops Here: Techniques to Relinquish Unhealthy Control

• Practicing mindfulness to stay present and reduce the impulse to control future outcomes.
• Gradually letting go of control by starting with small steps and delegating tasks.
• Reframing control as an opportunity to build resilience and adaptability.
• Seeking therapy for personalized strategies and tools to manage anxiety and control.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a situation where you felt the need to control everything. What emotions were driving that need? How can you start to let go and trust the process, even if it’s just a little bit?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for practicing mindfulness and reframing control.
• Benefits of seeking therapy for managing anxiety and control.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at disappointment and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage disappointment and turn it into a growth opportunity.