Managing OCD and Anxiety: Expert Insights from Dr. Robert Zambrano

In this episode of The UpTick, I chat with Dr. Robert Zambrano, a clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioral therapist specializing in Tourette Syndrome (TS), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorders. Dr. Zambrano shares his journey from an OCD-focused practice to becoming a key figure in the treatment of Tourette's, discussing the overlap between TS and OCD and the unique therapeutic approaches he uses. 


Dr. Zambrano is a certified expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, particularly in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, and has been working with patients since 2000. He is also involved with the NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy and specializes in treating persistent tic disorders and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). His practice, Stress and Anxiety Services of New Jersey, offers specialized telehealth services for anxiety disorders.


 


Episode Highlights:
[1:25] - Dr. Zambrano shares how he unexpectedly entered the field of Tourette Syndrome through his work with OCD.
[6:14] - Discussing the overlap between Tourette Syndrome and OCD and the percentage of people with TS who also have OCD.
[10:23] - Delving into "tourettic OCD" and how it differs from standard OCD, with real-world examples from Dr. Zambrano's practice.
[14:50] - The importance of practicing therapy techniques like Habit Reversal Training (HRT) at home and integrating them into daily life.
[18:07] - Addressing anxiety in people with Tourette’s and how it can exacerbate tics.
[27:30] - Understanding cognitive therapy and the power of recognizing that we don't have to act on every thought our brain produces.
[39:22] - How to respond when others don't react kindly to tics and the importance of finding your tribe.


 


Links & Resources:


Dr. Robert Zambrano’s Website: http://www.stressandanxiety.com (http://www.stressandanxiety.com/)


 


Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.


 


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