This week is about overthinking, anxiety and self-doubt, and simple tools you can use in the moment to stop them from running your life.

Barry Michels is a legendary therapist with over 40 years in practice and co-author of The Tools with Phil Stutz. His work is built on a simple idea: understanding why you’re stuck isn’t enough, you need something you can actually do about it.

He gives us three quick techniques you can use in seconds, for when you keep putting off the things you know would make your life better, when the people closest to you start getting under your skin, and when you can’t shake the feeling that you’re not enough.

If you’ve ever known exactly what you need to do and still couldn’t make yourself do it, this one is for you.

New episodes every week. Follow on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and on Instagram at @freetherapy.

And as a reminder, we are not therapists, and while this may feel like therapy, it’s not. So if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional who can help.

00:00:00 – Intro
00:05:13 – Tool 1: Stop Avoiding What You Want
00:13:38 – Tool 2: Stop Letting People Bother You
00:22:09 – Tool 3: Stop Doubting Yourself
00:32:05 – Barry’s Terminal Diagnosis
00:40:10 – How to Help the Men Open Up