17. Embracing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Insights from Antoinette Moody
Release Date: 01/10/2024
93. Autism, Anxiety, and OCD: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know
Fear Less
What happens when autism, anxiety, and OCD look so similar that even caring parents and professionals can’t tell what’s driving the behavior? In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack talks with Dr. Alison LaFollette, Clinical Director at about why these conditions so often overlap—and how to start separating what’s sensory, what’s anxiety, and what’s OCD. Dr. LaFollette explains the core autism criteria (social communication differences plus rigidity/routines, transitions, specific interests, and sensory sensitivities) and shares why anxiety is so common for...
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92. Finding Balance: 5 Dichotomies of Parenting an Anxious Child
Fear Less
Parenting a teen with anxiety can feel confusing, contradictory, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode Zack breaks down what he calls the five key dichotomies of parenting an anxious child—the opposing truths parents must hold at the same time in order to truly help their teen grow. From being compassionate and firm, to offering support while allowing struggle, this episode speaks directly to parents who feel stuck between “doing too much” and “not doing enough.” Drawing from years of clinical work with anxious adolescents, Zach offers practical...
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91. New Year, Less Fear: The Psychology of Change and Building Habits
Fear Less
Change is hard—especially when fear and anxiety get in the way. In this solo episode of Fear Less, our host Zack Schafer breaks down why change feels so uncomfortable and how to approach it in a realistic, sustainable way. Drawing from the Stages of Change model and insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear, Zach explains how habits form, why relapse is part of growth, and how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change. Whether you’re setting New Year intentions or feeling stuck between wanting change and fearing it, this episode offers practical guidance, reassurance, and a...
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90. Learning to Live with Anxiety: A Young Women’s Journey to Acceptance
Fear Less
What does effective anxiety treatment actually look like for teens and young adults—and how do you know when it’s time for a higher level of care? In this powerful and deeply thoughtful episode Zack speaks with River, a college student who has lived with anxiety and OCD since early childhood. River shares how her anxiety intensified through adolescence, leading to depression, self-harm, hospitalizations, and ultimately residential treatment. She walks listeners through her experience with OCD, somatic anxiety, fear of illness, and how untreated anxiety can quietly derail school,...
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89. Why Teens Are Struggling Now More than Ever: Expert Guidance for Parents Navigating Today’s Challenges
Fear Less
Why are so many teens struggling with anxiety right now—and what can parents actually do to help? In this episode, Zack speaks with psychologist Dr. Rachel Gingold, who brings nearly 30 years of experience treating adolescents and families. Together, they unpack how the COVID years disrupted social development, increased avoidance, and intensified anxiety for teens everywhere. Dr. Gingold explains why previously confident kids may now fear everyday tasks, how to recognize when anxiety is driving behavior, and why supportive challenge—not protection—is the key to rebuilding...
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88. From “Man Up” to Opening Up: A Candid Conversation on Men, Anxiety, and Fatherhood
Fear Less
In this episode Zack talks with Dr. Will White about the hidden ways men experience fear, anxiety, and major life transitions. Will shares candid stories from fatherhood, leadership, loss, and aging, while Zack reflects on overworking, anger, and becoming a father again. Together they highlight how men often express anxiety through anger, shutting down, or work—rather than naming it for what it is. They also explore healthier alternatives: men’s retreats, movement, meditation, community, and asking for help before things reach a breaking point. Will explains why nature, honest...
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87. Fear and Fatherhood Pt. 2: Reflections on Becoming A Dad for a Second Time
Fear Less
Is having another child an anxiety provoking experience? Our host Zack Shafer returns for a solo episode reflecting on the arrival of his second child, baby Meli and how becoming a parent again reshaped his understanding of fear and anxiety. He revisits the worries he had before his first child’s birth—fears about not having life perfectly organized—and how becoming a dad taught him that anxiety doesn’t disappear, but you learn you can handle uncertainty anyway. With more experience under his belt, Zack describes approaching this second birth with less panic and more presence,...
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86. Anxiety Journey: From Mountain Valley Client to Anxiety Clinician
Fear Less
What happens when a teen who once struggled with anxiety and OCD grows up to help others face those same fears? In this episode Zack welcomes former Mountain Valley client, now Child Mind Institute clinician John Wyetzner, as he shares his powerful journey from school avoidance and OCD to evidence-based recovery. This episode unpacks what Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) truly looks like, how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports values-driven change, and the vital role of community in healing. For parents and clinicians, John offers practical insights into tackling intrusive...
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85. What If It’s Not About Food? Understanding Fear and Eating Disorders
Fear Less
What if your child’s struggle with food isn’t really about food at all—but about fear? In this powerful episode of Fear Less, host Zack sits down with Libby Parker, a registered dietitian, certified eating disorder specialist, and author of Permission to Eat, to explore how fear, anxiety, and control often lie at the heart of eating disorders. Drawing on both her personal recovery and clinical expertise, Libby explains how restrictive or binge cycles develop, why they can be so difficult to break, and how compassionate, evidence-based approaches—like exposure therapy—can help young...
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84. From Avoidant to Values Driven: How ACT Helps Teens Embrace Anxiety
Fear Less
Licensed professional counselor Kelsey Irving joins Zack to demystify Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it helps teens with anxiety and OCD—especially when paired with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Kelsey breaks ACT down into parent-friendly language: accept tough thoughts and feelings without wrestling them, then commit to actions that serve your child’s values (family, school, friendships). She shares clear metaphors teens actually remember (leaves on a stream, “bring the monkey with you”) and explains “defusion” and mindfulness as practical skills that...
info_outlineIn this episode Zack interviews Antoinette Moody MA, a clinician with over a decade of experience in the mental health field and an expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Antoinette explains ACT as a therapy that involves accepting one's inner experiences to commit to living a valued life. She breaks down the acronym ACT, where 'A' stands for acceptance of internal experiences, 'C' for connecting with values, and 'T' for taking effective action towards those values. She emphasizes that ACT is about changing how one responds to internal experiences rather than the experiences themselves. This approach is particularly effective when paired with exposure response prevention therapy (ERP), commonly used in treating anxiety and OCD at Mountain Valley Treatment Center.
The episode delves into how ACT is applied in real-life situations, illustrating with examples such as dealing with the fear of vomiting (emetophobia) and the urge to eat junk food. Antoinette explains how ACT enables individuals to live their valued lives despite persistent fears or urges by accepting these feelings and committing to value-driven actions. She also introduces thought diffusion, a technique in ACT to help individuals unhook from their thoughts and respond effectively. The discussion extends to how ACT complements exposure response prevention therapy, enhancing its effectiveness by addressing its blind spots and focusing on value-driven behavior.
Antoinette shares personal insights on how ACT has impacted her life, emphasizing the importance of therapists practicing what they preach. She recommends resources like the "Happiness Trap" book and the ACT Mindfully website for those interested in learning more about ACT.
Zack’s Anxiety Hack: Zack dives into how ACT through metaphors can help you become Fear less when dealing with an “unwanted party guest” named anxiety.
Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.