Anxiety, OCD, and 180° Transformations: Jennie Ketcham Crooks’ Story
"A lot of the things that we do in response to anxiety is not actually helpful in making anxiety go away." - Jennie Ketcham Crooks
Hello, friends! In today’s post, Jennie Ketcham Crooks, founder of the West Coast Anxiety Clinic and a top expert in anxiety and OCD, shares her personal journey from struggling with anxiety, addiction, and trauma to becoming a leader in mental health. You'll find practical tips and relatable stories, all about resilience, self-compassion, and finding joy, even in tough times.
Anxiety, OCD, and 180° Transformations: Jennie Ketcham Crooks' Story
Jennie Ketcham Crooks' journey from the adult entertainment industry to becoming a respected anxiety and OCD specialist is a testament to the power of transformation and resilience. Her story offers hope and inspiration to those struggling with anxiety and life transitions.
From Adult Industry to Anxiety Expert
At 26, Jennie found herself trapped in a career she wanted to leave but felt unable to escape. She recalls, "I was so concerned about how I would be perceived if I tried to leave the adult business and I just stayed in"
This experience gave her firsthand insight into how anxiety can keep people stuck in unwanted situations.
The Turning Point
Jennie's participation in Dr. Drew's rehab show marked the beginning of her transformation. She shares, "I couldn't drink Jack Daniels or use illicit drugs and people started calling me Jenny and I had no idea who that identity was outside of this one that I created"
This experience forced her to confront her anxiety and fears about change.
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Jennie's battle with anxiety was deeply personal. She faced common fears that many can relate to:
"What if I fail? What if I'm rejected? What if I apply for a ... position and they laugh at me because the past eight years of my life have been devoted to things that are not necessarily transferable into hosting at a restaurant?"
From Patient to Practitioner
Jennie's personal experiences with anxiety became the foundation for her career in mental health. As a medical social worker, she recognized anxiety symptoms in patients that others had missed, leading her to specialize in anxiety and OCD treatment.
Founding West Coast Anxiety Clinic
Despite her success as a therapist, Jennie still grappled with self-doubt. However, inspired by her clients' courage, she took a leap of faith and founded the West Coast Anxiety Clinic. She explains:
"Every day in session, I asked people to do things that terrify them... I really took a cue from my clients and took a leap"
Key Takeaways for Overcoming Anxiety and OCD
Identify anxiety-driven behaviors: Jennie advises, "Look at what are the behaviors that you're doing when you feel yourself feeling anxious"
Challenge avoidance: She emphasizes, "A lot of the things that we do in response to anxiety is not actually helpful in making anxiety go away"
Seek professional help: Jennie encourages, "If you find that you are struggling to either create a plan to make those changes or it's so intense that you just can't do it, contact a therapist"
Embrace change: Jennie's story shows that dramatic life changes are possible, no matter your starting point.
Find inspiration in others: Let the courage of those around you motivate your own growth.
Jennie Ketcham Crooks' journey reminds us that our past doesn't define our future. With determination, support, and the right tools, anyone can overcome anxiety and OCD to achieve remarkable transformations.
About Jennie
Jennie Ketcham Crooks is the founder of the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, a clinical licensed social worker, and an anxiety and OCD specialist. Before starting the West Coast Anxiety Clinic, she was the Director of Clinical Education at Seattle Anxiety Specialists and before that, the lead medical social worker at the Polyclinic. Jennie has been involved in research at the University of Washington, a guest lecturer at Harvard University, and appeared on several popular television shows from Headline News, The View, and Oprah. She’s also been on Dr. Drew’s podcast.
Join us on Fulfillment Therapy, where you'll find healing, wellness, and the tools needed to live a life you can't wait to wake up to. Together, we can create positive ripples of change and help others ignite their lives with lasting joy and fulfillment.
Thanks for listening and shine boldly and brightly, my friends! 🔥
*Want to learn more? Check out our podcast episode on Anxiety and Transformations below!
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