Summer invites us to slow down, reconnect, and gently check in with ourselves—and this month’s newsletter is here to support just that. Whether you’re exploring intrusive thoughts with curiosity, navigating big decisions around medication and pregnancy, helping your child manage anxiety tied to allergies or OCD, or simply looking for ways to feel more present with family and friends, each resource we’re sharing is a small step toward deeper connection—with yourself and with those around you.
Warmly,
Dr. Debra Kissen
In This Issue:
Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Intrusive Thoughts: Pushing them away only gives them more power. Dr. Debra Kissen shares how meeting difficult thoughts with curiosity can lead to lasting clarity and peace.
How to Prevent Anxiety and FOMO on Sunny Days: When it feels like everyone else is out living their best life, the pressure to join in can be overwhelming. Learn how to enjoy sunny days your way—without the guilt or comparison spiral.
Anxiety Meds + Pregnancy: What You Need to Know: Wondering if it’s safe to stay on medication? This expert-backed guide answers common questions to help you make the best choice for you and your baby.
10 Tips to Loosen the Grip of Tourettic OCD (aka Just Right OCD): From constant tapping to compulsive re-checking, these small-but-mighty CBT tools can help break the cycle and bring more calm to your day.
Helping Kids With Food Allergies Manage Anxiety and OCD: Not every food worry is rational. Learn how to help your child feel safe without letting fear call the shots—especially when allergies and OCD collide.
CBT Tips for Smarter Scrolling: Can’t stop doomscrolling? Jessica Campbell, MSW, shares 3 actionable strategies to help you set boundaries and regain control—without tossing your phone in a lake.
Facing Intrusive Thoughts: Why Curiosity Is More Powerful Than Avoidance
Think avoiding intrusive thoughts is the best way to deal with them? Think again. Trying to push them away can actually give them more power. Instead, facing them with curiosity can lead to lasting relief and emotional clarity. Dr Debra Kissen explains how changing your response to difficult thoughts can change everything.
Summer in Chicago feels like a gift—and with every sunny day, the pressure to make it count can creep in fast. From obsessively checking the weather to cramming your calendar full of “fun,” it’s easy to fall into a cycle of stress disguised as seasonal joy. Here are the do’s and don’ts to help you enjoy the sunshine without burning out. Learn how to plan with purpose, say no without guilt, and tune out the FOMO so you can actually savor the moments that matter.
Pregnancy & Anxiety Medication: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions
Worried about taking anxiety meds during pregnancy—or what happens if you’re already on them? You’re not the only one asking, and the answers aren’t always straightforward. These expert-backed FAQs break down what’s safe, what to watch for, and how to make the best decision for you and your baby.
Breaking Free from Just Right OCD: 10 Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
These 10 practical tips are your toolkit for loosening the grip of Tourettic OCD (aka Just Right OCD). Think of them as small-but-mighty moves to help you stop the endless tapping, adjusting, and re-doing. With the right strategies, you can retrain your brain and take your day back—one imperfect moment at a time. Because life’s too short to be ruled by the “just right” feeling.
Supporting Kids With Food Allergies, Anxiety, and OCD—Without Feeding the Fear
Kids with food allergies already have enough on their plate—anxiety and OCD don’t need to pile on. This guide helps parents spot the difference between smart caution and fear-driven habits. With tools like CBT and support from your care team, your child can feel safe, confident, and less overwhelmed by everyday food challenges.
Break the Scroll Cycle: 3 Therapist-Backed Ways to Reclaim Your Screen Time
Can’t stop scrolling—even when you really want to? You’re not alone, and there’s help that doesn’t involve tossing your phone in a lake. Jessica Campbell, MSW, breaks down 3 smart, CBT-based strategies to help you set boundaries, swap habits, and scroll with purpose. Ready to feel more in control and less glued to your screen?
