Susannah was listening to a true crime podcast while ironing when a hostage negotiator's description of his job stopped her mid-task — and it turned out to describe almost exactly what happens in a fear spiral. In this short episode, she breaks down why the first move in a hostage negotiation is to slow everything down (not speed up), why that same counterintuitive move is actually the first and most helpful step we can take, and what it actually looks like to "put your hands in your pockets" when it feels like your mind is holding you hostage.

In this episode:

• The one thing hostage negotiators do first — and why it's the opposite of what instinct tells you
• Why urgency is the tactic, not the evidence, when it comes to intrusive thoughts
• What "your mind is holding YOU hostage" really means, and why that phrase might describe your 2am better than "anxious thought" does
• How this corresponds to Susannah's signature three-step method that she teaches clients
• Small, practical ways to slow down in the moment (without pretending it's easy)

Susannah's Free Mini Course for Moms:If you're in the thick of postpartum or early motherhood and you're wondering why anxiety and intrusive thoughts are showing up the way they are — I made something for you. Join my email list and get instant access to my free mini course, Why Is This Happening to Me?! Understanding Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts in Postpartum and Early Motherhood. Click ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ or head to ⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠ to sign up.

Want more support on your journey? Check out my signature program, Motherhood Beyond Fear, or apply to work with me 1:1 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.

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