Mental Health Blog: Anxiety, OCD & PTSD Resources

Practical, clinically informed articles on anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and evidence-based treatment from the psychologists at CABT in Bryn Mawr, PA. Our team writes for patients, families, and anyone looking to better understand their mental health — covering everything from how CBT and ERP work, to recognizing symptoms, to what to expect from therapy in the greater Philadelphia area.

Dr. Steven Tsao Dr. Steven Tsao

Faith or Fear: Understanding Scrupulosity OCD

If you constantly feel like you're not devout enough, not good enough, or one mistake away from being a bad person, scrupulosity OCD may be turning your own values against you. CABT therapist Steven Tsao explains what it is, how it shows up, and what actually helps.

Read More
Dr. David Yusko Dr. David Yusko

Pride Month & PTSD Awareness

LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected by trauma — and significantly more likely to develop PTSD than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. CABT's clinicians explain why, what PTSD looks like in this community, and how evidence-based treatment can help.

Read More
Dr. Shannon Murphy Dr. Shannon Murphy

Mother's Day Spotlight: Perinatal OCD

Intrusive thoughts about your baby are more common than you think — but when they become consuming and hard to control, it may be perinatal OCD. Dr. Shannon Murphy of CABT explains what perinatal OCD looks like, how it differs from normal new-parent anxiety, and what evidence-based treatment involves.

Read More
Dr. Catherin Schuler Dr. Catherin Schuler

Anxiety Disorders & Women

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder during their lifetime, yet this gap is rarely talked about. CABT therapist Catherine Schuler breaks down the research on women and anxiety, and what evidence-based treatment looks like.

Read More
Dr. Christina DiChiara Dr. Christina DiChiara

Trauma Exposure vs. PTSD: What's the Difference?

Most people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD, but the two are often confused. CABT psychologist Dr. Christina DiChiara explains the crucial difference between trauma exposure and PTSD, what natural recovery looks like, and when professional treatment is needed.

Read More
Dr. Evan Vida Dr. Evan Vida

How CABT Therapists Use Therapy Skills in Their Own Lives

What happens when therapists actually practice what they preach? CABT's clinicians, including psychologists and therapists specializing in anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and emetophobia, share how they personally use therapy skills like mindfulness, radical acceptance, and exposure in their everyday lives.

Read More
Dr. Christina DiChiara Dr. Christina DiChiara

Personal Spring Cleaning: Renewing Your Focus on Mental Health and Wellness

Spring is the perfect time to turn attention inward and refresh your commitment to mental health and wellness. Dr. Christina DiChiara shares five practical ways to embrace the season's spirit of renewal, from spending time in nature and practicing mindfulness to nurturing your body, cultivating gratitude, and knowing when to seek support.

Read More
Guest User Guest User

How to Help a Loved One with Anxiety: Navigating Family Involvement and Accommodation

When a loved one struggles with anxiety or OCD, the instinct to help can sometimes make things harder, without anyone realizing it. This post breaks down the difference between supportive behavior and family accommodation, explains how well-intentioned responses can reinforce anxiety over time, and offers practical strategies for helping a loved one build resilience without colluding with their fear.

Read More
Dr. Evan Vida Dr. Evan Vida

Demystifying Therapy: What Should I Expect for my first CBT Session?

Starting therapy can feel intimidating when you don't know what to expect. This post walks you through exactly what happens in a first CBT session at CABT, from the questions your therapist will ask to how treatment goals get set, so the first step feels a little less daunting.

Read More
Dr. Evan Vida Dr. Evan Vida

Maintaining Therapy Gains: A Guide to Sustained Mental Health

Completing therapy is a major achievement, but the work doesn't stop when sessions end. This post covers how to hold onto the progress you made in CBT, what to do when anxiety or OCD symptoms start to creep back, and the strategies that make the difference between lasting recovery and starting over.

Read More