In episode 419 I chat with Saraa D. Lee who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. Saraa is a therapist (LCSW) at Soul Spa Psychotherapy and is an OCD and Trauma specialist. We discuss her story, traumatic experiences in her childhood, her obsessions and compulsions, not getting a diagnosis, her therapy journey, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/saraa-419  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 418 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specialises in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss OCD in times of crisis, the terms of blood lust and guilt thrill, character indictment OCD, feeling bad because you’re not giving any attention to a crisis, or focusing too much on a crisis because it triggers OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/phillipson-418  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 417 I chat with Jesse Birnbaum and Sandy Robinson who have kindly agreed to share their OCD stories with us.  We discuss their OCD stories, living with OCD and chronic illnesses, going through therapy, self-compassion, setting up their special interest group for OCD and chronic illness, their experience of support groups, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jesse-and-sandy-417  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 416 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy.  We talk about The OCD Camp, positive emotions and experiences as triggers, Jonny’s personal experiences with this, perfectionism of experience, shame around positive emotions and experiences, therapy around this issue, he gives theme examples, self-compassion, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jonny-416  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

Hi all,  The OCD Camp UK is now open for applications. The camp is open to UK residents over 18 years of age (there is no upper age limit). It's 3 days of fun, community and learning OCD skills in nature.  If this sounds interesting to you, you can find out all the info and how to apply here: https://www.integrativecentreforocd.co.uk/the-ocd-camp. Applications close on the 25th January. Thanks for your support. 

In episode 415 I chat with Jack who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.  We discuss his story, somatic themed OCD, contamination themed OCD, going through grief, ADHD, pure O, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jack-415  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 414 I chat with Duke who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. Duke is a spoken word poet.  We discuss his story, his compulsions, drinking to cope, pOCD, real event themed OCD, a suicide attempt, getting treatment, therapy groups, how OCD targets numbers for him, Duke shares two spoken word pieces, we discuss type one diabetes, and how OCD latches onto his diabetes, the things that have helped him, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/duke-414  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 413 I chat with Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a Peer Support specialist, founder of OCD Gamechangers, and Author of ‘Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder’. Chrissie was awarded the hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference in San Fran. We discuss what's new with her, Chrissie’s OCD research, shame and OCD, themes of OCD and their relationship to shame, the question of do themes matter, shame as a barrier to treatment, shame around taboo intrusive thoughts, and much more. Hope it helps.    Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chrissie-413  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this midweek special episode I chat with licensed psychologist Dr Katia Moritz of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  We talk about OCD and the holiday season, when excitement becomes a trigger for OCD, making values based choices, therapy homework over the holidays, how family can support their loved ones during the holidays, and much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-11  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 412 I chat with Laura who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her story, relationship themed OCD, going inpatient, getting misdiagnosed, getting effective therapy for OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the inner critic, compassion focused therapy (CFT), and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/laura-412  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 411 I chat with Ben Eckstein (LCSW). Ben is a therapist in Durham, North Carolina, specialising in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. Ben founded his therapy centre Bull City Anxiety, and recently published a book called, ‘Worrying is optional’.  We discuss what is rumination, building awareness of when ruminating, keeping a log of rumination, working with rumination in therapy, the difference between OCD and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ben-411 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 410 I chat with Benjamin who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.  We discuss his story, sexual intrusive thoughts, existential themed OCD, going into an eating disorder rehab facility, suicidal thoughts, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), finding help in mixed martial arts, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/benjamin-410  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this midweek special episode I chat with Dr Jon Hoffman of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida, and Dr Amirsaman Sajad, a neuroscientist at Vanderbilt University.  We discuss what is neuroscience, the difference between brain and mind, what goes on in the brain of OCD, how can neuroscience improve therapy for OCD, the importance of psychotherapy and neuroscience working together, why some people don’t have confidence in science and research, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-10  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 409 I chat with Olivia Bamber, Mairéad Ruane, and Shaun Flores. This conversation was recorded live at The OCD Action conference.  You will hear the OCD Action CEO Leigh Wallbank at the start introducing the panel. Thank you to Leigh, Cara, Eden and the rest of the OCD Action team for making it possible. I ask my panel guests about road blocks to recovery, dealing with the highs and lows of recovery, what made their therapy effective, how they found the strength to keep trying with therapy, advice for those feeling unsure or undeserving of treatment, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ocd-action-409 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 408 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy.  We discuss an update with Jonny, the concept of acceptance from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), what do we mean by acceptance, resentment as a compulsion, acceptance misconceptions, blocks to acceptance and navigating them, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jonny-408 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 407 I interviewed Kimberley Quinlan. Kim is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats people with OCD and related disorders, Eating Disorders and Body Focused Repetitive Disorders. She runs her own podcast called Your Anxiety Toolkit. She also runs CBTschool.com.  We discuss an update on her, what is meditation, meditation compared to mindfulness, resistances and blocks to meditation, Kim guides us through an OCD informed meditation, the basics of meditation, compassion, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/kim-407 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 406 I chat with Abi who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her story, sexual intrusive thoughts, compulsive prayer, scrupulosity, emetophobia, trichotillomania, an eating disorder, what’s helped her, support from her partner, intimacy and intrusive thoughts, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/abi-406 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this midweek special episode I chat with Dr Dee Franklin of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida, and Dr David Tolin is the Founder and Director of the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living.  We discuss their therapy journey, what is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, overlapping symptoms with OCD, high levels of anxiety, how PTSD and OCD interact with therapy, when the OCD latches onto the trauma, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-9  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 405 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specialises in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss the things Steve wants you to know about OCD recovery, including why the OCD topics are irrelevant, we need to show the brain that the topic is meaningless, why we shouldn’t use memory to prove the OCD topic is irrelevant, the topics of OCD are only made relevant by the emotion behind it, people with OCD are not fearful people (generally speaking) they are fearful of a small amount of specific worries only. Steve then answers questions from some of the listeners of the show. He answers whether he has OCD or not, superstition and metaphysical OCD, clarification on Steve’s comment about an OCD god, dealing with the fear of death, ways to unhook from OCD thoughts, dealing with obsessing about emotional numbness, are OCD and addiction related, how to deal with intrusive thoughts in everyday moments, how much therapy homework should I do, why am I not getting better from exposures I.e. I’m still obsessing, sensorimotor OCD around the anus, magical thinking around OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/steven-405  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. This podcast episode is available as a video recording on our Patreon. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the other benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 404 I chat with Pernell Taylor who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.  We discuss his story, OCD staring (Peripheral Vision / Visual Tourettic OCD), sexual orientation themed OCD, relationship themed OCD, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), advocating, support groups, managing OCD in his relationship, mindfulness, faith, masculinity, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/pernell-404  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 403 I chat with Hannah Leib. Hannah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her OCD story, worries around her Dad, an eating disorder, getting a diagnosis and therapy, starting a support group initiative at college, becoming a therapist, domestic violence, working with OCD in children and adolescents, school anxiety, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/hannah-403  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 402 I chat with Melissa Mose. Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats OCD. Melissa is president of the IOCDF affiliate OCD SoCal. We discuss her therapy story, what is Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS), the idea of parts of us, merging IFS with exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), OCD being a cluster of parts, thinking about parts of self during exposures, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/melissa-402  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 401 I chat with Nicholas who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.  We discuss his story, his early childhood experiences, substance use, worries about choking, suicidal themed OCD, peadophile themed OCD, going through exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), group therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nicholas-401 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this midweek special episode I chat with licensed psychologists Dr Katia Moritz and Dr Wilfredo Rivera-Perez of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  We discuss what is suicide, some differences between being suicidal and experiencing suicidal OCD, when people experience both suicidal OCD or harm OCD and being actually suicidal, co-occurring disorders that may increase the risk for suicide, the importance of assessment, safety plans, suicidal ideation vs intention, protective factors, what to look out for as family members, and much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-8  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 400 Nami (my wife) chats with me (Stuart, the host of the podcast) about my experience and learnings from the podcast over the last 400 episodes.  We discuss and reflect on the last 400 episodes, what episodes and concepts have stood out to me, my original hopes for the podcast, how the podcast has influenced me, what topics I hope to cover in the future, what I would put on a billboard, what I would tell my 7 year old self, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/stuart-400  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 399 I chat with Logan who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.  We discuss his story, relationship OCD, ADHD, therapy, how boredom played into the OCD, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/logan-399  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 398 I chat with Dr. Maggie Perry. Maggie is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Denver, Colorado and the founder of Relatable Health.  We discuss an update on her, mood disorders, how mood disorders affect OCD and vice versa, working with mood disorders alongside OCD, how to adjust therapy for the two disorders, behavioural activation, negative core beliefs, group therapy for OCD and mood, guilt, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/maggie-398  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 397 I chat with Dr Anthony Pinto (Ph.D). Anthony is Director of the Northwell Health OCD Center at Zucker Hillside Hospital on Long Island in NY, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Pinto has an extensive publication record, with over 100 manuscripts/chapters on obsessive compulsive disorder and related conditions, particularly obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). He is a leading authority on OCPD and co-edited a comprehensive book on the subject (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2020). He is the lead author of the self-rated Family Accommodation Scale for OCD, which is being used worldwide. He serves on the International OCD Foundation Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board. Obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a chronic maladaptive pattern of excessive perfectionism, preoccupation with orderliness/detail, and need for control over one’s environment that frequently co-occurs with OCD and can complicate its treatment. Despite its prevalence, many clinicians are not aware of how to treat OCPD. Dr. Pinto shares with us the core features of OCPD, how the condition impacts functioning, and explains how it can be differentiated from OCD. He also focuses on cognitive behavioural therapy interventions for the maladaptive traits and behaviours of OCPD. As well as navigating therapy for OCD while also having OCPD. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/pinto-397  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this midweek special episode I chat with licensed psychologists Dr Michele Bechor and Dr Ciana Mickolus of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  We discuss their stories, a team approach to OCD treatment, what’s it like working in a big multidisciplinary team, the benefits for clients and for staff, a day in the life at NBI, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-7  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 396 I chat with Dr Jesse Spiegel and Dr Sarah A. Haider. Jesse and Sarah are licensed clinical psychologists working with OCD.  We discuss their therapy stories, why exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) doesn’t work sometimes, including intensity, frequency, and duration. We also cover asking clients to tell on themselves, psychoeducation, checking for small compulsions that interrupt ERP, mental compulsions, how much homework is ideal, uncertainty, reassurance, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jesse-and-sarah-396 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 395 I chat with Hannah who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss harm worries around her children, hit and run themed OCD, finding a therapist who is an specialist in OCD, her core fears, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), doing ERP while raising kids, medication, support groups, OCD and faith, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/hannah-395  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 394 I chat with Will who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.  We have been shortlisted for mental health podcast of the year at the Mental Health Blog Awards. Please vote for the podcast if you get time. Please skip through until you get to the 'podcast of the year' category, and select my the podcast: https://s.surveyplanet.com/18rbm4yd Thanks We discuss his story, growing up in a toxic environment, intrusive thoughts, confessing as a compulsion, perfectionism, being active duty in the US military, identity struggles, a bad relationship with alcohol, pOCD, relationship themed OCD, sexual orientation themed OCD, suicidal themed OCD, harm themed OCD, a fear of crossing bridges, health anxiety, being hyper-fixated on sleep, his journey to finding suitable therapy, peer support, intensive outpatient therapy program, masculinity, developing self-compassion, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/will-394  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

We have been shortlisted for mental health podcast of the year at the Mental Health Blog Awards. Please vote for the podcast if you get time. Please skip through until you get to the 'podcast of the year' category, and select the podcast: https://s.surveyplanet.com/18rbm4yd Thanks In episode 393 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy.  We discuss our new OCD centre, we talk about 9 barriers to OCD recovery, including using exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) with the agenda of controlling symptoms, automatic compulsions, secondary spikes, intense feelings, difficulties with urge surfing, shame, unworkable beliefs, core fears, and systemic issues. But more importantly some ideas on how to overcome these barriers. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jonny-say-393  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast  Our OCD centre, The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy: https://www.integrativecentreforocd.co.uk/  

In episode 392 I chat with 6 members of an OCD support group. The support group members on the show were Bri, Bridget, Cassie, Joe, Kim, Steve, and Dr Lauren Wadsworth.  We discuss what is the group about, what’s it like being in an OCD support group, the benefits of being in an OCD support group, they share some nice memories of being in the group, setting goals within the group, managing challenges in the group, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ocd-support-group-392  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this midweek special episode I chat with Ethan Smith, and Dr Jonathan Hoffman of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  We discuss aha moments, Ethan’s story and aha moment, aha moments of all kinds, pseudo aha moments, the catalysts for an aha moment, whether people need them, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-6  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 391 I chat with Katryna who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. We discuss her OCD story, masking symptoms, self harm, OCD themes including: harm, symmetry, existential, suicidal, relationship. We talk about compulsively tapping and blinking, panic, her dog Oliver who helped her a lot, how taking mind altering substances triggered an OCD theme, a traumatic event (attempted kidnapping) triggering harm OCD, the use of humour in therapy, doing intensive outpatient therapy, NOCD, group therapy, depersonalisation and derealisation, and much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/katryna-391 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 390 I chat with Kevin Ashworth. Kevin is the clinical director & senior clinician at the Northwest Anxiety Institute.  We discuss his therapy story, helping parents help kids and teens with OCD, helping with parental shame and guilt, psychoeducating parents on OCD, reducing accommodations, the therapeutic program SPACE which stands for supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions, having Mum, Dad or care giver in the therapy room, dealing with conflict between child and parent, how much should parents remind kids of therapy homework, the importance of humour, learning to be miserable on purpose, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/kevin-390  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 389 I chat with Lauren Rosen. Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and founder of The Center for the Obsessive Mind. We discuss her OCD story, what is mindfulness, some benefits of mindfulness, learning to let go of the question, making space for and accepting the presence of feelings, techniques and practices of mindfulness, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/lauren-389  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 388 I chat with Sara who has kindly shared her story with us.  We discuss her story, themes of OCD: sexual orientation, harm, existential, and relationship. We talk about panic disorder, depersonalisation, depression, substance use, getting diagnosed, dialectal behaviour therapy (DBT), intrusive thoughts, death anxiety, compassion for her younger self, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sara-388  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In this midweek special episode I chat with Dr Jonathan Hoffman and Dr Katia Moritz of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  We discuss the analogy Cracking the nut, who cracks the nut (case), working with tough cases of OCD, getting treatment ready, what makes OCD harder for someone, frustration tolerance, comorbidities, getting families and loved ones involved in the treatment process, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-5   The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 387 I chat with Emily Hemendinger. Emily is clinical director of the OCD Program at the University of Colorado Health Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic.  We discuss what’s new with her, what is executive functioning, how OCD can effect executive functioning, how impaired executive functioning can impact people’s quality of life, things that can help, decision making, how exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) comes into play with decision making, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/emily-387  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. This podcast episode is available as a video recording on our Patreon. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the other benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 386 I chat with Kelley Franke. Kelley is Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and founder of the Center for OCD.  We discuss Kelley’s OCD story, experiencing 3 major deaths in a short period of time and how this affected her OCD, existential themed OCD, a suicide attempt, becoming a therapist, how OCD impacted her parenting, advocating for people experiencing OCD, how her approach to OCD has changed in recent years, what matters most to her in the world of OCD right now, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/kelley-386  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. This podcast episode is available as a video recording on our Patreon. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the other benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 385 I chat with Madelaine Sanfilippo. Madelaine is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in the state of California and Head of Groups at The Center for Anxiety and OCD. We discuss her OCD story, what is a group, how does group therapy differ from individual therapy, the benefits of group therapy, when is group therapy right for you, the flow and process of group therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) within a group therapy setting, who wouldn’t be suitable for group therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/madelaine-385  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. This podcast episode is available as a video recording on our Patreon. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the other benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 383 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss what it means to live within the variability of being human, being authentic, being centred, autonomy, assertiveness, and why this can all be important in OCD therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/steven-384  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. This podcast episode is available as a video recording on our Patreon. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the other benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this midweek special episode I chat with Dr Katia Moritz of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida, and advocates Ethan Smith and Kyle King.  In this episode we discuss Ethan and Kyle’s OCD story, their recovery process, stories from their therapy sessions, Katia’s thoughts from her perspective, they all share mutual stories from their therapy processes, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-4  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/ Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 383 I chat with Reed Amber who has kindly shared her story with us. Reed is a Sex Educator, Sex Worker and co-founder of ComeCurious and host of the award-winning F**ks Given podcast.  We discuss her story, needing to have order in her life, relying on drugs to cope, resistance to therapy, health anxiety, IBS, depersonalisation and derealisation, making peace with the shadow parts of herself, intrusive thoughts and images, OCD and sex, the inner compassionate voice, facing her fears, panic attacks, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/reed-383 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. This podcast episode is available as a video recording on our Patreon. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the other benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 382 I chat with Professor David Veale and Dr Rob Willson (PhD). David is a consultant psychiatrist specialising in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Rob is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. We discuss an update on them, what is health anxiety, the episodic nature of health anxiety, the similarities and differences between health anxiety and OCD, death anxiety, the 2nd edition of their book Overcoming Health Anxiety, some of the worries and safety behaviours within health anxiety, compassion focused therapy (CFT), exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/david-and-rob-382  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 381 I chat with Rich Gallagher. Rich is a therapist (LMFT) based in Ithaca, NY. He is the author of numerous self-help books including The Anxiety Journal (Rockridge Press, 2022), Stress-Free Small Talk (Rockridge Press, 2019), How to Tell Anyone Anything (AMACOM/HarperCollins, 2009), and many others. We discuss Rich’s therapy journey and OCD story, disgust-based OCD, the neurobiology of disgust and what this means for exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), adapting ERP for disgust, a judicious use of safety behaviours, good vs bad safety behaviours, where to start when everything feels contaminated, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/rich-381  For the month of May, NOCD is offering a reduced rate of $100 USD per session, available to a limited number of new members, to help more people receive life-changing treatment. To get started and access this opportunity while it’s available, schedule a free call with the NOCD team today at learn.nocd.com/OCDStories.  Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 380 I chat with Dr Sam Greenblatt. Sam is a licensed clinical psychologist.  We discuss what is new with him, OCD metaphors, what therapy for OCD can change, the difference between pain and suffering, reducing suffering, intensity, duration, frequency, and content. As well as much more. Hope it helps.    Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sam-380  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. For the month of May 2023, NOCD is offering a reduced rate of $100 USD per session, available to a limited number of new members, to help more people receive life-changing treatment. To get started and access this opportunity while it’s available, schedule a free call with the NOCD team today at learn.nocd.com/OCDStories. Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 379 I chat with Nate Gruner. Nate is a staff Behavioral Therapist at McLean OCD institute.  I chat with Nate about functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), the history of FAP, what is FAP, the 5 rules of FAP, why FAP may be helpful for people with OCD, content vs process, the principles of awareness, courage and love. Nate shares some client examples where he has used FAP with OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nate-379  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. This podcast episode is available as a video recording on our Patreon. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the other benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In this midweek special episode I chat with Dr Jonathan Hoffman and Dr Katia Moritz of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  In this episode we discuss what goes on behind the scenes of an OCD treatment centre, how the NBI team work together, what an average day looks like, how the clinic operates, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-3 The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/

In episode 378 I chat with Eva Surawy Stepney. Eva is a research student studying for her PhD at the University of Sheffield. Her thesis title is, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the foundations of ‘evidence-based’ practice in British Psychology, 1948-1990. I chat with Eva about the history of intrusive thoughts. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/eva-388 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 377 I chat with Mike Heady. Mike (LCPC) is the Co-Owner & Co-Director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland where he has specialized in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, and related conditions for the last 16-years. He is a faculty member of the IOCDF’s Training Institute and is a regular presenter at annual conferences for the IOCDF and ADAA.  We discuss what’s new with him, what is inference-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT), the name change from inference-based therapy (IBT) to I-CBT, what I-CBT therapy looks like for OCD, inferential confusion, doubt, the concept of reality sensing, can I-CBT be integrated with exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), vulnerable self themes, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/mike-377  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 376 I chat with Ellen who has kindly shared her story with us.  We discuss pocd, intrusive thoughts, self harm, experiencing sexual abuse as a child, going to inpatient and residential treatment, sexual intimacy while having intrusive thoughts, a suicide attempt, getting an OCD diagnosis, arousal non-concordance, shame, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion, the idea of hope, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ellen-376 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 375 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specialises in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss why all OCD spikes are created equal, the different spikes themes Steve has found that may respond differently to therapy, we talk about certain themes of OCD: olfactory obsessions, metaphysical contamination, responsibility, just right, relationship, existential, and OCD staring. Steve shares his proof of an OCD god (this is a joke), ‘PTSD’ from the initial onset of OCD, and more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/steve-375 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In this midweek special episode I chat with Dr Jonathan Hoffman and Dr Dee Franklin of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  In this episode we discuss what are eating disorders, are eating disorders OCD?, the overlap in criteria in the diagnostical statistical manual for mental disorders (DSM-V), how can viewing eating disorders as OCD help with treatment, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a fear of swallowing and choking, when emotional intensity feels too intense to do exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), dealing with a harsh inner critic, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-2  The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/ Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 374 I chat with Dr Jeremy Peterman. Jeremy is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and co-director at the Marin center for anxiety and behavioral therapy.  We discuss what is emetophobia, phobia or OCD or both?, client therapy examples, trauma and emetophobia, the worries and compulsions that go along with emetophobia, the treatment for emetophobia, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Jeremy gives a lot of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) examples, we discuss values, disgust, shame and self-compassion, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jeremy-374 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 373 I chat with SJ who has kindly shared their story with us.  We discuss their early OCD experiences, nightmares, SJ details many of their compulsions including praying, counting, organising visually, finding good numerical patterns, patterns of 3, restricting food, as well as more. We also discuss trichotillomania (hair pulling), intrusive thoughts around animals, online support groups, starting therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sj-373  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 372 I chat with Jeff who has kindly shared his story with us.  We discuss his story, getting a diagnosis, emetophobia, his role as a mental health counselor, suicidal themed OCD, peadophile themed OCD, sexual orientation themed OCD, depression, somatic themed OCD, worrying about panic, relationship themed OCD, meditation, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jeff-372 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 371 I chat with Dr Michael Greenberg. Michael is a clinical psychologist who specialises in Rumination-Focused ERP.  We discuss what is Malan’s model of OCD, the triangle of conflict and the triangle of the person, he shares why this model is not parent shaming, why nothing real is ideal and that’s ok, how Malan’s ideas can inform exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), why OCD themes change from Michael’s view of Malan’s work, the concept of splitting, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/michael-371  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 370 I chat with Kristen Bailey who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her OCD story, how a panic attack triggered OCD, obsessing over hearing songs, harm intrusive thoughts, the fear of going crazy, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), doing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion focused therapy (CFT), dealing with sneaky compulsions, learning to accept her internal experiences, seeing relapses as teachers, resistance to self compassion, shame, obsessions vs mental compulsions, and much more. Hope it helps.      Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/kristen-370 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In this midweek special episode I chat with Dr Jonathan Hoffman and Dr Katia Moritz who run the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida.  In this episode we discuss why are we working together, what is OCD?, a discussion around this and the varying views that came up, what are obsessions and compulsions, common themes, is there a difference between obsessions and intrusive thoughts, the idea of experiential acceptance, preventative OCD treatment, some ways to view OCD, how their view of has changed of OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nbi-1 The midweek special episodes which go out at the end of the month on a Wednesday are made possible by and in partnership with the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in Florida. I will be interviewing different members of their clinical team on a range of topics. NBI specialise in treatment and programs for anxiety, OCD, comorbidities, and complex cases. They also offer an intensive outpatient program, and a residential program called the NBI Ranch: A supportive living experience that complements intensive treatment for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. To find out more about their intensive outpatient services, or the NBI ranch, as well as to read some of their free information online about OCD via their blog, click here to find out more: https://www.nbiweston.com/  Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 369 I chat with Nathan Peterson. Nathan is an OCD specialist who practices in Allen, Texas. He works with OCD, anxiety, tics and Tourettes, and BFRB’s such as hair pulling and skin picking. He has a YouTube channel where he posts weekly videos about OCD and other anxiety related disorders. We discuss an update on him and his YouTube channel, what is emotional contamination themed OCD, magical thinking, some of the obsessions and compulsions of this theme, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) ideas and examples, working through resistance to treatment, how family and partners can support their loved one with this theme, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.      Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nathan-369   The podcast is made possible by NOCD and JS Health vitamins.  NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories JS Health’s vitamin formulas are solution-focused, meaning they are designed to target your main health concerns and support a whole range of wellness goals. Get 15% off their entire range at www.jshealthvitamins.com and use the code OCDSTORIES at checkout. Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 368 I chat Michael Schramm who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story.  We discuss his story, his earliest OCD memory, his varying OCD worries in childhood, getting his OCD diagnosis, getting into advocacy for OCD, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), what’s helped him the most recently, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/michael-368  The podcast is made possible by NOCD and JS Health vitamins.  NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories JS Health’s vitamin formulas are solution-focused, meaning they are designed to target your main health concerns and support a whole range of wellness goals. Get 15% off their entire range at https://jshealthvitamins.com/collections/all-vitamins?utm_source=Podcasts&utm_medium=OCDStories and use the code OCDSTORIES at checkout. Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 367 I chat with Dr Chad LeJeune. Chad is a professor of psychology at the University of San Francisco, and author of the books The worry trap, and more recently, “Pure O" OCD: Letting Go of Obsessive Thoughts with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We discuss what is Pure O, what is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), his book, when does a thought become an obsession, skills to defuse from sticky thoughts, his acronym LLAMP and how it can help, how to learn ACT skills so that they are remembered, learning to let go of fighting with horrible disturbing thoughts, discovering your values and how to live by them, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chad-367 The podcast is made possible by NOCD and JS Health vitamins.  NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories JS Health’s vitamin formulas are solution-focused, meaning they are designed to target your main health concerns and support a whole range of wellness goals. Get 15% off their entire range at www.jshealthvitamins.com and use the code OCDSTORIES at checkout. Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 366 I chat with Dr Michael Greenberg. Michael is a clinical psychologist who specialises in Rumination-Focused ERP.  In this episode we discuss Integrating psychoanalytical and behavioural perspectives, OCD and attachment theory, the fear of losing attachment, Malan’s model of OCD, unacknowledged normal healthy feelings, we both share a couple examples from our own lives, healthy aggression, and at the end we talk about rumination. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/michael-366 The podcast is made possible by NOCD and JS Health vitamins.  NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories JS Health’s vitamin formulas are solution-focused, meaning they are designed to target your main health concerns and support a whole range of wellness goals. Get 15% off their entire range at www.jshealthvitamins.com and use the code OCDSTORIES at checkout. Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 365 I chat with Nils who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  We discuss Nil’s OCD story, including OCD themes: Hit and run OCD, contamination OCD with HIV fears, harm OCD, relationship OCD, and peadophile themed OCD. We discuss what helped him, seeing 9-10 psychologists and psychiatrists who didn’t identify OCD, Nils is a medical doctor (GP) so we discuss how he is helping his patients with OCD now, finding a therapist that could help him, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nils-365  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join our Patreon to see the video versions of the podcast ad-free and other perks: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast

In episode 364 I chat with Jenny who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  We discuss her OCD story including themes false memory OCD and relationship OCD. Jenny shares her experience of Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), depression, how her fiancé responds in a helpful way to her OCD, and so much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jenny-364  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 363 I interviewed Lydia who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. In this episode we discuss her story, including OCD themes: religious, relationship, somatic, contamination, peadophile, and health anxiety. Lydia talks about dermatillomania (skin picking), chronic pain, breath work, surfing, pilates, her faith, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/lydia-363  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 362 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based therapist.  We discuss what he learned at the Sigmund Freud museum, secondary spikes in OCD with examples, recycling resistance, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) skills for secondary spikes, a theory on why the brain is doing this, and we discuss depression. Some secondary spikes discussed: Obsession switches form, analysing the technique, switches from a core fear of threat to a core fear of unhappiness, what if this isn’t OCD?, resentment, interactions with sensations. And much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jonny-362 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 361 I chat with Dr Patricia Zurita Ona. Patricia is director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center and adjunct professor at the Wright Institute. She is the author of several books including 'Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder'.  We discuss what is borderline personality disorder (BPD) and super-feelers, what it’s like being a super-feeler, what is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), the 6 micro-skills Patricia teaches, emotional noise vs emotional awareness, OCD and super-feelers, she details some of the micro-skills, attachment, compassion, being a super-feeler while doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/patricia-361 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 360 I interviewed Penny who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. In this episode we discuss her story, sexual orientation themed OCD, relationship themed OCD, figuring out it’s OCD, getting married, Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), working on issues in the relationship without OCD blowing them out of proportion, yoga, a reading of something she wrote, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/penny-360  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 359 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specialises in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss what's new with Steve, the top 6 emotions often involved in OCD: anxiety, guilt, shame, depression, anger, and disgust. He discusses depersonalisation/derealisation (DPDR) and shares his experience of it, plus other emotions such as not having feelings, resentment, and desperation. Showing irrelevance to the brain voice, having an urge and impulse, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/steve-359 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 358 I interviewed Jess who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. In this episode we discuss her story, her themes of OCD, her earliest memory of OCD, religious obsessions, health obsessions, some of the difficult experiences that exacerbated her OCD, relationship obsessions, the different therapies she did, figuring out her identity, medication, using NOCD therapy, creating notecards as reminders for therapy, how Jess deals with rumination, and much more. Hope that helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jess-358 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 357 I interviewed Brooke who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. In this episode we discuss her story and journey through therapy, medication, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), panic, control and OCD, relationship themed OCD, over exercising as a punishment, developing intrusive thoughts around her therapist, having a psychotic episode, self harming, getting a bipolar 2 diagnosis, her son having OCD, and much more. Hope that helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/brooke-357   The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 356 I interviewed Dr Amy Mariaskin. Amy is a licensed clinical psychologist and director at The Nashville OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center.  In this episode we discuss her new book, ways OCD can affect intimacy, when taboo intrusive thoughts interrupt sex, issues with orgasms, sexual kinks and fantasies and how these may trigger OCD, obsessively worrying about getting pregnant, over analysing the quantity of sex in a relationship, groinal and other bodily stuff, when sex is a compulsion, contamination worries and sex, medication, relating to sexuality again after years of OCD affecting it, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/amy-356 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 355 I interviewed Psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher (Anxiety Josh). We discuss his therapy story and mental health journey including OCD, what is anxiety, adrenaline and cortisol, panic attacks, wilful tolerance, meerkat mode, OCD taboo intrusive thoughts, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/anxiety-josh-355  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 354 I interviewed Chris who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. We discuss his OCD Story, depression, how seeing a therapist that didn’t understand OCD triggered his OCD, panic attacks, not being able to get a question out of his mind, seeing an old therapist again who noticed it was OCD, sexual orientation OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), rumination, the inner critic, what helped him, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion, and much more.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chris-354/  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 353 I interviewed Jon Hershfield. Jon is a psychotherapist and the director of The Center for OCD and Anxiety, at Sheppard Pratt. He is the author of six OCD books. We discuss what's new with Jon, his new book, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), OCD and BPD, common overlaps in traits, causes of BPD, how BPD may complicate therapy for OCD and how to navigate this, Dialectical behaviour Therapy (DBT), words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jon-353  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 352 I invited 18 past guests to share their words of wisdom or hope with you to celebrate reaching 5 million downloads since 2015. Thank you to all my past guests for sharing their stories or expertise, and thank you to you for listening or spreading the show with others. I hope this episode educates and inspires.  Therapists and advocates on this episode (in order) are: Dr Jon Abramowitz, Sheryl Paul, Sheva Rajaee, Laura Johnson, Jenna Overbaugh, Dr Michael Greenberg, Jonny Say, Margaret Sisson, Dr Steven Phillipson, Kimberley Quinlan, Alejandro Ibarra, Dr Michael Twohig, Dr Patricia Zurita Ona, Dr Sam Greenblatt, Chrissie Hodges, Aaron Harvey, Dr Amy Mariaskin, and Sean Shinnock.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/5-million-352  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 351 I interviewed Dr Robert Hudak. Robert is a psychiatrist, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the university of Pittsburgh.  We discuss his therapy story, what is schizophrenia, what is psychosis, he defines what hallucinations and delusions are, how to differentiate between an obsession and a delusion, how exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) is modified for OCD when the person also has a schizophrenia diagnosis, medication, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/robert-351  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 350 I interviewed Charlene Colwell. Charlene is a therapist who uses Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) and Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS - level 1 trained) for OCD.  We discuss her therapy story, what is IFS, how IFS maps the mind, another way to view OCD, how IFS may be helpful for OCD, using IFS alongside ERP, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/charlene-350  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 349 I chat with Anna Geldard who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  We discuss some of her childhood mental health experiences, school anxiety, how OCD affected her work, she details some of her specific OCD experiences, depression, medication, postnatal/postpartum experiences of OCD, getting diagnosed, getting therapy, harm themed OCD, a relapse, hit and run themed OCD, getting therapy again, going inpatient, feeling suicidal, how menopause may have exacerbated some of her mental health symptoms,  hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/anna-349  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 348 I chat with Shaun Flores who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  We discuss his story, how a dream triggered OCD in a big way, sexual orientation themed OCD, suicidal themed OCD, harm themed OCD, ADHD, some of the possible reasons why people of colour are under represented in the OCD community, how he’s doing now, his advocacy, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/shaun-248 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 347 I interviewed Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a Peer Support specialist, founder of OCD Gamechangers, and Author of ‘Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder’. Chrissie was awarded the hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference in San Fran. We discuss some of the physical symptoms of OCD, worrying about telling her therapist about the physical symptoms that were manifesting for her, the groinal, compulsions around these bodily sensations, disgust and shame, when checking compulsions make you feel and think you acted on a worry, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chrissie-247  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 346 I chat with Dr Patricia Zurita Ona. Patricia is director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center and adjunct professor at the Wright Institute. She is the author of several books including her new book ‘Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors: Do Things Your Way, Be Yourself, and Live a Purposeful Life’. We discuss what are perfectionistic, and high achieving behaviours, fears of being a failure and not being good enough, what perfectionism can look like in relationships and friendships, harnessing the power of perfectionism without losing yourself, checking in with what matters, how these things have impacted Patricia’s life, choosing to show up to what matters in your life, her new book, finding your own rhythms, values based decisions, OCD and perfectionism, how these traits can impact exposure and response (ERP) therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/patricia-246  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 345 I chat with Dr Sam Greenblatt. Sam is a licensed clinical psychologist. We discuss an update on his past relapse, his fire metaphor, processing the trauma of OCD, meta OCD, PTSD and OCD, identity and OCD, the idea of perceived fragility, loss and grief around OCD, figuring out what is normative, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/greenblatt-345  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 344 I chat with Courtney Newman who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  We discuss her story, going to therapy, learning what OCD is, mental compulsions, harm worries around her family, covid related contamination worries, having a clean world and a dirty world, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/courtney-344  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 343 I chat with Robert Fox. Rob is a therapist (LMHC) practicing in Woburn, USA. He specialises in internal family systems and EMDR therapy.  We discuss what is internal family systems (IFS), the idea of parts of us, feeling feelings, the positive intention of our parts, the idea that OCD is a sign post to something deeper that needs healing or attention, pushing down feelings in childhood, case examples and examples from his own life, caring for the parts of ourselves, expressing and witnessing emotions, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/rob-fox-343  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 342 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specialises in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss why sleep is the hostage of anxiety, desperation around sleep, what is sleep and the stages of sleep, how sleep medication, alcohol, and benzodiazepines can affect sleep quality, using sleep as avoidance, insomnia, sleep as an independent system, how trying to sleep may be causing a lack of it, what Steve doesn’t like about the CBT sleep hygiene approach, Steve’s approach to helping his clients sleep, why sleep shouldn’t be the goal, getting an OCD spike at night, OCD in our dreams, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/steve-phillipson-sleep-342  This episode is supported by Cambridge University Press and Dr Lynne Drummond’s new book “Everything you need to know about OCD”. Get 20% off Lynne’s new book at cambridge.org/EverythingOCD. Simply use discount code OCDStories20 at checkout.  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 341 I chat Dr Lynne Drummond. Lynne is an honorary consultant psychiatrist at south west London and St George's NHS Trust, and visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire. We discuss her therapy story, her new book “Everything you need to know about OCD”, the stigma around OCD, raising awareness around OCD, a historical view of how OCD has been viewed, working with patients who have struggled with treatment in the past, how Lynne and her team were able to help these patients, medication, how Lynne explains exposure and response prevention (ERP), optimising ERP, living with uncertainty, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/lynne-drummond-341 Get 20% off Lynne’s new book at cambridge.org/EverythingOCD. Simply use discount code OCDStories20 at checkout.  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 340 I chat with Liam who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  We discuss his story, pedophile themed OCD (pOCD), violent intrusive thoughts, attending a support group, grief and loss, learning to see OCD not as a bully, his therapy journey and what he learned, setting up his own OCD support group, a suicide attempt, advocating about OCD at his work, and so much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/liam-340 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 339 I chat to Dr Heather Sequeira. Heather is a consultant psychologist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We discuss her therapy story, trauma and OCD, what is post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), what is complex or developmental trauma, what’s going on in the brain with trauma, disgust in trauma and OCD, doubt and uncertainty, treating OCD and trauma together, the role of compassion, when the OCD theme directly links to the trauma, focusing on what we want to do now, shame around the freeze response, and much more. Hope helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/heather-339  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 338 I chat ​Dr Jordan Levy and Dr Tatyana Mestechkina. Both Jordan and Tatyana are licensed clinical psychologists who treat OCD.  We discuss their therapy story, we chat about the thought of what if this is not OCD and other thoughts that get in the way of therapy, such as, What if this time is different? What if I’m doing therapy the wrong way? What if this is the piece of “evidence” that leads my therapist to think this isn’t OCD after all? What if these thoughts are bad, and I’m a bad person for having them and letting them be there? What if my therapist doesn’t know what they’re talking about? We discuss how to navigate the thoughts, the back door spike, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jordan-and-tatyana-338  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 337 I chat with Geoff who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  We discuss his story, depression, spending 20 years with a traditional psychoanalyst who did not help or recognise OCD within him, the red flags of this therapy for OCD, realising that there are different schools or types of therapy, and the trauma caused by this particular therapy relationship for Geoff, eventually finding some more helpful therapists, getting a cancer diagnosis, we discuss ethics in therapy, what’s helped him in his journey, doing movement therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/geoff-337  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 336 I chat with Lily Bailey about her new book ‘When I See Blue’. Lily also wrote the book called, ‘Because We Are Bad’.  We discuss her new book, Lily reads us a section of chapter 1 from her book, how the main character was inspired by some of Lily’s own story, the themes of OCD the main character Ben experiences, why Lily wrote more back story for Ben including other struggles, we discuss trauma and OCD, what she hopes readers will get from the book, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/lily-bailey-336 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 335 I chat with Traci who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  We discuss her story, misophonia, perfectionism, religious scrupulosity, starting with therapy, ADHD, sexual intrusive thoughts, unwanted arousal, groinal, needing to get therapy perfect, rumination, and so much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/traci-335 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 333 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based psychotherapist.  We discuss how he’s doing, Jonny’s mental health and how he practices self-compassion daily, we discuss shame around intrusive thoughts and in doing compulsions, the inner critic, self-compassion and how it can help, building up psychological flexibility skills before exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), values based exposure, dropping anchor, a compassionate approach to ERP, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jonny-say-334  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 333 I chat with Dr Roberto Olivardia. Roberto is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. He also maintains a private psychotherapy practice. We discuss his therapy story, and personal story with ADHD, the school system and ADHD, what ADHD is, the comorbidity of OCD and ADHD together, how ADHD can feed into OCD, common OCD themes he sees with ADHD, how ADHD can undermine therapy for OCD if untreated, shame in ADHD and OCD, making accommodations for ADHD to enhance OCD treatment, medication for ADHD, why ADHD gets undiagnosed in OCD and more so in women, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/roberto-olivardia-333 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 332 I chat with Kim and Jack Vincenty who have kindly agreed to share their story, from the perspective of mother and son.  We discuss Jack’s story, Kim’s story as the parent, moral scrupulosity, being surrounded by triggers, going through multiple rounds of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), going to Colorado to do his biggest exposure, depression, where Jack’s at now, we discuss their new not-for-profit JACK, spreading ERP in Puerto Rico, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/kim-and-jack-332  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In this special midweek episode of the podcast which was recorded at the OCD in Society event recently. I chat with these 3 OCD advocates and artists about who they are, what their creative expression for OCD is, dealing with imposter syndrome and self doubt, the benefits of creative expression, how art can help spread information about OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ocd-in-society-live The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 331 I chat with Amanda Arulanandam who has kindly agreed to share her story.  We talk about her story, growing up catholic, sexual intrusive thoughts, fears of sinning, seeking help from her priest, some of her compulsions, hitting rock bottom and considering suicide, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), how her grandmother helped her, her grandmother’s own struggles, what else helps her, and much more.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/amanda-331 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 330 I chat with Dr Amita Jassi. Amita is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Service for Children and Young People (South London and Maudsley NHS Trust).  We discuss her therapy story, adapting OCD therapy for people with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), she shares what ASD is, how rigid thinking in ASD can impact treatment, bringing in special interests into therapy, tracking feelings without the use of a 0-10 scale, disentangling what is OCD vs what is ASD in terms of symptoms, how the family members can help their loved ones with autism and OCD. We then change topics to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), she shares what it is, the lack of insight in BDD, where BDD comes from, the unrealistic expectations/representations of beauty in the media, the therapy for BDD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) for BDD and how it differs from ERP for OCD, bringing compassion in, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/amita-330 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 329 I chat Maya Tadross who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. We discuss her OCD story, being in residential treatment, her experiences of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), managing OCD alongside studying, living by her values, we talk about perfectionism, OCD symptoms changing form, her well being priorities, getting an ADHD diagnosis later in life, her experience of ADHD and how OCD masked it for her, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/maya-329 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 328 I chat with Dr Russ Harris. Russ is a medical practitioner, author of the international best-selling self-help book ‘The Happiness Trap’ (as well as nine others), and is a world-renowned trainer of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).  We discuss his book The Happiness Trap, the new second edition of the book, how ACT can help reduce rumination, Russ’s view of rumination, noticing and interrupting rumination during an exposure, he discusses the exercise dropping anchor, he guides us through dropping anchor live on the podcast, learning to make space for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, we discuss learning to urge surf, how to stop techniques becoming compulsions, Russ shares personal examples of himself putting some of this into practice, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/russ-harris-328 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 327 I chat with Elise who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her story, her OCD themes, we chat about mental compulsions, compassion, the problem with comparing recovery journeys, learning to manage her workload, her advocacy brand OCDOPUS, being an advocate, when family don’t understand, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/elise-327 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 326 I chat with Geoff who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.  In this episode we discuss his OCD story, harm obsessions, postnatal harm obsessions, working through grief for his brother, suicidal themed OCD worries, his compulsions, his advocacy in New Zealand, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/geoff-326 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 325 I chat with Jessica Serber. Jessica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as the founder of Mindful CBT California. In this episode we discuss her therapy story, being a sibling of someone with OCD, how she supported her sister, how Jessica brings mindfulness into the therapy room, working with mindfulness sticking points, she shares an ice cube exercise for learning to tolerate discomfort and uncertainty, we discuss self-compassion, self punishment, an exercise for self-compassion, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jessica-serber-325 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 324 I chat with Pamela who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her OCD story, stress in childhood, growing up in a religious upbringing, getting a diagnosis, trichotillomania, depression and PTSD, her compulsions and worries, medication and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/pamela-324 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 323 I chat with Meredith who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her OCD story, sexual orientation theme, medication, the tough time she had going to a general inpatient facility, how OCD symptoms were impacting her relationships, support groups, creating a bespoke support system, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), how her family learned not to reassure her when she was compulsively asking, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for her depression, exercise and meditation, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/meredith-323 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 322 I chat with Dr Clarissa Ong, and Dr Michael Twohig. Clarissa obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical/Counselling Psychology at Utah State University and is currently completing her post-doctoral training at the Center for Anxiety Disorders at Boston University and CBTeam. Michael (Ph.D.) is a licensed psychologist in the state of Utah and a Professor of Psychology at Utah State University, where he co-runs the ACT Research Group (with Dr. Levin).  We discuss perfectionism, their new book ‘The Anxious Perfectionist’, what you’ll find in their book, the research behind the book, learning to use perfectionism when it’s helpful and learning to be more flexible with perfectionism when it’s not helpful, how perfectionism can interfere with therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) for finding the balance with perfectionism, and more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/anxious-perfectionist-322 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 321 I chat with Jenna Overbaugh. Jenna is a therapist who specialises in OCD, and is the clinical marketing director over at NOCD.  We discuss Jenna’s OCD story, postpartum OCD, how the US healthcare system could do more to recognise postpartum OCD, how her husband helped her, Jenna shares some of her intrusive thoughts, and some of her exposures (Exposure and Response Prevention - ERP), we discuss what Jenna wants you to know about OCD, finding time for exposures when you also have to raise a child, working at NOCD, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jenna-overbaugh-321 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 320 I chat with Alexandra Reynolds who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her story, themes: contamination, relationship, health and taboo, we talk about her experiences of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), we discuss complex trauma (cPTSD) and doing a separate trauma therapy for it, her attachment style, how cPTSD affected her relationships, her attachment style in her relationship and working through this, disassociating in therapy, postpartum OCD, her experience of group therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/alexandra-reynolds-320  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 319 I chat with Taylor Glendenning who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her story, hit and run themed OCD, her other themes including violence and harm, some of her compulsions, her therapy journey, what’s she learned in therapy, medication, the benefit of going to therapy multiple times a week for her, developing the skill of distress tolerance, words of hope, feeling shame, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/taylor-glendenning-319  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 318 therapist Jonny Say interviews Stuart about his OCD research. Stuart's research used data from the University of Roehampton’s ETHOS project. We discuss the motivation for this research, what is humanistic counselling, the research and what was found, what humanistic (and person-centred) counselling can learn from CBT, and what CBT can learn from humanistic counselling, hopes for the research, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/stuarts-research-318 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 317 I chat with Sheryl Paul and Sheva Rajaee. Sheryl is a counselor informed by Jungian depth psychology, and author of the book The wisdom of anxiety. Sheva is a psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other related anxiety disorders, and author of the book Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic. We discuss what is love, why settling for a partner is ok, highly sensitive people in love, what it means to be in a romantic relationship, ways of dealing with rOCD, learning to listen to the wise mind over the anxious mind, explaining to friends that it’s OCD and not normal relationship concerns, sharing relationship OCD with your partner without hurting their feelings, self-esteem and self-love, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sheryl-and-sheva-317 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 316 I chat with Dr Sophie Suri who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her OCD story, trauma from the loss of her parents, health and harm themes, starting therapy, her experience of trauma, starting to see triggers as opportunities to practice her therapy skills, Sophie shares some of the most helpful strategies she learned in therapy, her future research, and the book she’s writing, finding her purpose and why, we discuss intuition, what else helped her in her journey, and more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-sophie-316 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 315 I chat with Annie Anderson who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss her OCD story, relationship OCD, we discuss her religion (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and how this played into her OCD, worries about her partners physical features and whether she felt in love, opening up to get help, a breakthrough she had, existential worries, finding effective therapy, what was helpful for her in therapy, her experience of group therapy over zoom, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-annie-315 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 314 I chat with Robert Fox. Rob is a therapist (LMHC) practicing in Woburn, USA. He specialises in internal family systems and EMDR therapy.  We discuss his own OCD story, shame, internal family systems therapy, we discuss the idea of parts of ourselves, OCD as a protective part of us which may be possibly protecting exiled parts of us, what are exiled parts, he gives examples of IFS in action, we discuss anger, self-compassion, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/robert-fox-314 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 313 I chat with Dr David Burns. David is a psychiatrist, and is currently Adjunct Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He is the author of the best-selling book, Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, as well as many other books, including the more recent book Feeling Great. David also developed the therapy TEAM-CBT.  We discuss his therapy story, his own journey with anxiety, he tells plenty of stories to illustrate this, we discuss motivation for doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), he gives client case examples, the hidden emotion model, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-david-burns-313 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 312 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss what is character indictment, the varied emotions behind OCD, confessing as a common compulsion of this theme, a different way to look at the concept of being a good or bad person, feeling like you don’t deserve nice things, what the brains trying to do with OCD, how we demonstrate to the brain we are safe, Steve gives examples of character indictment OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-steven-phillipson-312 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 311 I chat with Dr Sam Greenblatt. Sam is a licensed clinical psychologist. We discuss his own OCD setback and the learnings he got from it, we discuss the fear of being cancelled, cancel culture more generally, how the worry of cancel culture started with the ‘me too’ movement, how some people’s OCD has latched on to this, using exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) for this worry, we discuss the importance of focusing on the uncertainty not the themes, we then discuss pornography over utilisation to cope with OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-sam-greenblatt-311 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 310 I chat with Sam who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  We discuss her story, a sexual assault that came before the OCD, worrying about getting an STI, pedophile themed OCD (pOCD), her compulsions, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), medication and self stigma, what else helps her, where she’s at now, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-sam-310 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 309 I chat with Emily Hemendinger. Emily is a lead OCD therapist at the University of Colorado Health Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic.  We discuss her therapy story and mental health story including OCD and an eating disorder, cognitive flexibility, cognitive remediation therapy, working on perfectionism, social anxiety, social media and tips for the mindful use of it, and much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/emily-hemendinger-309 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 308 I chat with Angel Brown who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  We discuss her story, harm intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, health anxiety, her compulsions, fear of going crazy, doing exposure and response prevention (ERP), helping her family understand how to support her, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-angel-308 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 307 I chat with Eva Surawy Stepney. Eva is a research student studying for her PhD at the University of Sheffield. Her thesis title is, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the foundations of ‘evidence-based’ practice in British Psychology, 1948-1990. In this episode we discuss who she is and her PhD research, her article 'guilty obsessions', the history of OCD, the history of psychoanalysis and the development of other psychotherapies such as ERP, the importance of Sigmund Freud to the early development of the conceptualisation of OCD, what separates OCD from phobias, how other emotions like guilt, doubt and disgust can be drivers of OCD, how Freud originally said this but how mainstream psychiatry focused only on fear until in more recent years where the research is showing that other emotions play a role too, we discuss the idea of trauma and potential links to OCD, the history of ERP, and the conference 'OCD in Society'. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/eva-guilty-obsessions-307 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 306 I chat with Dr Eli Lebowitz. Eli created the treatment approach SPACE which stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions. SPACE is a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems. Eli is director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. We discuss his therapy story, why he focused on helping families of people with OCD, what is SPACE, the negative consequences of accommodation, what SPACE consists of, the two core elements of SPACE which are to respond in a supportive manner and reduce accommodation, he gives case examples, sticking points in SPACE and ways to overcome them, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-eli-lebowitz-306 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 305 I chat with Sidney Aburi who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  We discuss his OCD story, intrusive thoughts around religion, avoiding school, the severity of his compulsions, worrying about leaving his country, studying abroad, suicidal themed OCD, sexual orientation themed OCD, his journey of finding effective therapy, panic, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-sidney-aburi-305 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 304 I chat with Katie Strang. Katie is a therapist, who advocates on Instagram through the account OCD Illustrated. We discuss her OCD story, her themes, going to inpatient care, social anxiety, learning to take her symptoms less seriously, how she structures ERP now after therapy, we discuss how friends and family reducing accommodation can make OCD better, the value in connecting with people who have other symptoms than your own, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-katie-strang-304  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 303 I chat with Tapio Antere. Tapio is an aspiring film director from Finland. He has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  We discuss his story, sexual orientation themed OCD, health anxiety, gender identity themed OCD, going to inpatient treatment, meditation, having friends with OCD and sharing humour in tough times, how he views intrusive thoughts, words of hope, his core fear, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-tapio-antere-303  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 302 I chat with Dr Amy Mariaskin. Amy is a licensed clinical psychologist and director at The Nashville OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center.  We get an update on Amy, Thriving in relationships with OCD, her book, attachment in relationships, relationship themed OCD, the importance of relationships, OCD and friendships, developing exposures to face OCD and strengthen relationships, values and committed action towards our values, disclosing OCD, and more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-amy-mariaskin-302 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 301 I chat with Lucy who has kindly agreed to share her story. In this episode we talk about her story, developing an eating disorder, going to residential treatment, using substances, the effects and trauma from abusive relationships including sexual assault, suicidal themed OCD, somatic OCD, harm themed OCD, some of her compulsions, getting diagnosed, her experience of doing exposure and response prevention (ERP), worrying about coronavirus and moral scrupulosity, obsessing over medication, the powerful moments in therapy that resonated with her, the trauma of OCD, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-lucy-301 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In this special episode, Aaron Harvey interviews Crystal Anderson. Aaron chats with Crystal about her story, violent intrusive thoughts, going to inpatient treatment, getting diagnosed in her thirties, how her themes change week to week, getting intrusive thoughts about her dog, sexual orientation and existential themed OCD, they talk about race and culture and how this can impact access to care and community, they discuss advocacy, when people use the term “I’m so OCD”, depression, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/aaron-harvey-crystal-anderson Thanks to OCDPeers for sponsoring this week's special edition of the podcast. To find out about their peer support groups for OCD, and to meet others head to www.ocdpeers.com

In episode 300 I took some time to reflect on the last 6 years and 300 episodes. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for listening, and to acknowledge where the shows been, and where’s it’s going.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/stuart-300 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

Dr Patrick McGrath head of clinical services at NOCD interviews Dr Alec Pollard Founding Director of the Center for OCD & Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD).  In this episode they talk about Alec’s therapy story, what areas of OCD have his interest currently, developing an approach to help families of loved ones who refuse therapy, developing his OCD institute in St Louis, why it’s exposure and response prevention (ERP) not exposure therapy, the importance of the RP of ERP, the influence of Joseph Wolpe to OCD therapy, how anger inhibits anxiety, panic disorder, learning to adapt to uncertainty, and much more. Hope that helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/mcgrath-pollard The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 299 I chat with Justin Hughes. Justin is a licensed professional counsellor in Dallas, Texas who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In this episode I chat with Justin about some of the barriers that get in the way of Christians seeking treatment, he share’s some relevant scripture, why OCD is not a spiritual problem, seeing a therapist regardless of their own faith, the concept of common grace, we discuss miracles, uncertainty and Christianity, doing exposure and response prevention (ERP) without crossing the client’s religious and personal values, dealing with the guilt and shame of having had certain intrusive thoughts, speaking with family member’s who are hesitant about therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/justin-hughes-299 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In this episode peer support specialist Chrissie Hodges interviews Chance McNeely.  Chrissie chats with Chance about his story, how culture can develop/influence themes, childhood trauma, their upbringings, struggling to speak up as children, self-compassion, trauma from OCD, shame, peer support, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chrissie-hodges-chance-mcneely Thanks to OCDPeers for sponsoring this week's special edition of the podcast. To find out about their peer support groups for OCD, and to meet others head to www.ocdpeers.com

In episode 298 I interviewed Dr Jason Krompinger. Jason is a clinical psychologist at the OCD institute at McLean hospital. I chat with Jason about his therapy story, case formulation vs diagnosis, barriers to accessing exposure and response prevention (ERP), perfectionism, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), we discuss the role of the ‘self’, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jason-krompinger-298 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In this special edition of The OCD Stories former guest and OCD advocate Catherine Benfield interviews Steve Brumwell. Steve is a writer and director, he is currently working on his short film about OCD called ‘Waving’. In this episode they discuss Steve’s story, hiding the disorder, how a documentary helped him understand what was going on, they discuss harm intrusive thoughts, becoming a parent, self-harm, how his OCD interfered with some of his therapy, men’s mental health, they talk about his short film ‘Waving’, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/catherine-benfield-steve-brumwell The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 297 I interviewed Kimberley Quinlan. Kim is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats people with OCD and related disorders, Eating Disorders and Body Focused Repetitive Disorders. She runs her own podcast called Your Anxiety Toolkit. She also runs CBTschool.com.  In this episode we talk about her new book ‘The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD’, the roadblocks to self-compassion, applying self-compassion to Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), some of the exercises and practices in the book, why Jon Hershfield wrote the foreword to the book, Kim guides us through a self-compassion practice, how self-compassion can help you lean into fear, setting boundaries as an act of self-compassion, feeling like you don’t deserve compassion, we discuss self-criticism, when Kim has had to practice self-compassion for herself recently, and much more. Hope it helps.    Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/kim-quinlan-compassion-297 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

Full episode out this Sunday. We discuss her new book 'The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD: Lean into Your Fear, Manage Difficult Emotions, and Focus On Recovery'. Kimberley's new book: https://amzn.to/3kSiUd2  Disclaimer - this podcast is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek treatment from a trained professional. 

In episode 296 I interviewed Dr Nicola Petrocchi. Nicola is a licensed CBT psychotherapist based in Rome, Adjunct Professor of Psychology at John Cabot University (Rome) and student counsellor. We discuss his therapy story, what is compassion-focused therapy (CFT), the evolutionary view of the mind, how CFT fits in with other therapies, his study: what it is, what it found. We talk about viewing OCD from a compassionate lens, the science behind compassion, we discuss different types of guilt, different exercises in CFT, working with the inner critical voice, we discuss some of the resistances to doing CFT, and much more. Hope it helps.    Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nicola-petrocchi-cft-296 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 295 I interviewed Jamie Lewis who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. I chat with Jamie about his story, building up the courage to speak to a doctor, pure O, somatic OCD, relationship OCD, perfectionism, derealisation, working with Dr Steven Phillipson, we talk about Steve’s podcast episode 'brain voice vs gatekeeper voice', peer support, the concept of irrelevance, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-jamie-295 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 294 I interviewed Jon Hershfield. Jon is a psychotherapist and the director of The Center for OCD and Anxiety, at Sheppard Pratt. He is the author of six OCD books, including his most recent book the 2nd edition of, “The mindfulness workbook for OCD”. I chat with Jon about what’s new with him, what is false memory OCD, real event OCD, the problem with compulsively reviewing memories or thoughts, how this theme of OCD links into moral scrupulosity, some of the compulsions linked to this theme, dealing with the uncertainty, rumination, when you’re worried to go to therapy, mindfulness around this theme, why the difference between a false memory or a real one doesn’t matter and why we shouldn’t try to figure it out, why drinking alcohol can make OCD worse, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jon-hershfield-false-memory-294 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 293 I interviewed Micah Howe who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. I chat with Micah about his OCD story, growing up as an evangelical Christian, his early memories of anxiety, fears of perfection, worries of offending people, how OCD impacted his faith, hoarding behaviours, scrupulosity, health anxiety, the process of getting therapy, advocacy, medication, setting up an IOCDF affiliate in IOWA, words of hope, and much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-micah-howe-293 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 292 I interviewed Nathan Peterson. Nathan is an OCD specialist who practices in Allen, Texas. He works with OCD, anxiety, tics and Tourettes, and BFRB’s such as hair pulling and skin picking. He has a YouTube channel where he posts weekly videos about OCD and other anxiety related disorders. I chat with Nathan about his therapy journey, the difference between doing an exposure (ERP) vs. being exposed, examining the day ahead to find opportunities for proactive ERP and identifying compulsions, why it’s important to actively do ERP vs being exposed, the importance of reducing compulsions to help our brains learn new information around the things we worry about, ideas for sticking to ERP homework, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nathan-peterson-292 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 290 I interviewed Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss two of the most common spike themes of OCD: What if this never goes away, and how do I know this is OCD and not an authentic concern?, he normalises the process of OCD and the emotions that fuel it, the mistakes some people make in their recovery mindset, when OCD pops up in your mind when you wake, we discuss the idea of irrelevance, the recovery mindset, he shares plenty of examples and illustrations, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-steven-phillipson-290 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 289 I interviewed Malia who has kindly agreed to share her story. I chat with Malia about her story, her earliest OCD memory, emetophobia, somatic obsessions, medication, how the themes of OCD changed over the years, postpartum OCD, depersonalisation/derealisation, feeling guilty because of the thoughts, going through intensive outpatient treatment, how her husband also meet with other family members for OCD support, how her mindset of OCD has changed, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-malia-289 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 288 I interview Dr Elizabeth Forrester. Liz is a consultant clinical psychologist in London. I chat with Liz about her therapy story, her research into rumination, normalising intrusive thoughts, the difference between thinking and thought, the process of rumination, examples of rumination, healthy vs unhealthy distraction, what actually is exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-liz-forrester-288 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 287 I interviewed Saleha Hansbhai who has kindly agreed to share her story. I chat with Saleha about her story, her earliest OCD memory, violent intrusive thoughts, religious themed OCD, seeking reassurance, checking, confessing, getting multiple incorrect diagnoses, having suicidal thoughts, medication, later on experiencing suicidal themed OCD, getting hospitalised, eventually getting the right diagnosis, starting Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), going to the IOCDF conference, meeting others with OCD, relapsing, how her father now uses her experience to educate others in the Muslim community who are suffering, why she shares her story, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-saleha-287 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 286 I interviewed Marion Maw who has kindly agreed to share her family story and advocacy in New Zealand. In this episode I chat with Marion about her daughter's OCD story, and her parent story, moral worries (scrupulosity), getting therapy for her daughter, what she learned as a parent of a child experiencing OCD, sharing common feelings together, getting started in advocacy, the advocacy initiatives she’s involved with in New Zealand, how she uses her unique experience to advocate, her experience of advocating, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-marion-286 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 285 I interviewed Dr Michael Greenberg. Michael is a licensed clinical psychologist. In this episode I chat with Michael about his reflections on his first episode, Michael’s articles, what is somatic/sensorimotor OCD, depersonalisation/derealisation, how rumination can maintain somatic symptoms, the difference between awareness and attention, he reads his exercise from the article 'how to stop paying attention', the 6 things that get in the way when trying not to ruminate, how he treats somatic OCD, removing analysis and avoidance, we discuss mindfulness and why it may not be good for OCD in Michael’s opinion, practicing reducing rumination, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-michael-greenberg-285 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

This is a live interview I did with Catherine Benfield at the OCD Action conference. We discuss her story, maternal OCD, getting support from her husband, starting her advocacy journey, raising awareness of perinatal OCD among midwives, working on kindness and self-compassion because of the way she felt about herself, her blog Taming Olivia, changing the perception of OCD, becoming an executive producer on a short film about OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.  Find out more about Catherine: Catherine’s first appearance on the podcast: https://theocdstories.com/episode/catherine-benfield-perinatal-and-postnatal-ocd-ep114/ and her second appearance: https://theocdstories.com/episode/catherine-benfield-stigma-reduction-the-bbc-ocd-ep154/ Taming Olivia blog - https://www.tamingolivia.com/ Resources mentioned: Find out more about OCD Action - https://ocdaction.org.uk/ Living with perinatal OCD - Journal of Midwifery https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/bjom.2018.26.11.700 Ruji Rahman podcast episode - https://theocdstories.com/episode/ruji-rahman-cbt-compassion-and-uncertainty-ep156/ Maternal OCD charity - https://maternalocd.org/ Ethan Smith on the podcast - https://theocdstories.com/episode/ethan-smith-if-i-can-then-you-can-too-ep118/ Functional Analytic Psychotherapy episode - https://theocdstories.com/episode/nate-gruner-283/ The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 284 I interviewed Gen Skeja who has kindly agreed to share his story. I chat with Gen about his story, sexual intrusive thoughts, sexual orientation OCD, moving abroad to avoid the thoughts, finding out about OCD, reading about OCD, interviewing therapists to find a good match, panic attacks, the process of therapy, and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-gen-284 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 283 I interviewed Nate Gruner. Nate is a staff Behavioral Therapist at McLean OCD institute. We talk about his therapy story, what is functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), the interpersonal aspects of therapy, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, how FAP can be useful for OCD, he gives client in-session examples, using FAP, ACT and ERP together, doing exposures to build intimacy, we discuss clinically relevant behaviours (CRBs), and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nate-gruner-283 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 282 I interviewed Dr Michael Twohig, Dr Patricia Zurita Ona and Jonny Say. Michael is a licensed psychologist and researcher, Patricia is a clinical psychologist, and Jonny is an integrative counsellor. In this episode I chat with Michael, Patricia and Jonny about their backgrounds and what brought them to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), where ACT adds value to OCD treatment, how they use ACT alongside exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), we discuss the compulsion of rumination and how ACT can target it, how ACT targets other difficult emotions that can go alongside OCD, how ACT can work on other issues alongside OCD, how values can be useful to guiding life decisions, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/act-for-ocd-282 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories  

In episode 281 I interviewed Dr Sam Greenblatt. Sam is a licensed clinical psychologist. I chat with Sam about the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the habituation model of ERP, why habituation isn’t always needed, what is the inhibitory learning theory model of ERP, why has it improved on the habituation model, how inhibitory learning theory looks in a therapy session, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sam-greenblatt-281 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 280 I interviewed Brian Sullivan who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  I chat with Brian about his story, divorce, bullying, depression, medication, suicidal ideation, working with the wrong therapist, then finding a helpful therapist, hospitalisation and how Brian found that helpful, what Brian has learned in therapy about OCD and life, going back to studying, we talk about Asexuality, words of hope, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-brian-280

In episode 279 I chat with Sheryl Paul. Sheryl is a counselor informed by Jungian depth psychology, and author of the book The wisdom of anxiety. In this episode we chat about her story, transitions such as marriage, birth, death and the anxiety they can bring. We discuss the highly sensitive person, we talk a lot about relationship anxiety, we explore differing views of OCD and the integration of certain therapies with CBT, we discuss a Jungian view of OCD, the spirituality and beauty of ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and facing fear as an innate human skill, the timetable of healing, emptiness, the Jungian idea of gathering gold, and much more more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sheryl-paul-279 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 278 I chat with Eeva Edds. Eeva is a licensed professional counselor. In this episode, we talk about her therapy story, what is caregiver burnout, how to prevent caregiver burnout, self-care, understanding your loved one’s experience of OCD, understanding accommodation, how the loved one can help the person with OCD, self-compassion, values, and much more more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/eeva-edds-278 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 277 I interviewed Kyle who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  In this episode, we talk about his story, health/contamination worries, panic attacks, work stress, worries of harm coming to his kids, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference Based Therapy (IBT), what else helps him, opening up to his wife, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and much more more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-kyle-277 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 276 I interviewed Rachel Huber. Rachel has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  In this episode, we talk about her OCD story, maternal (Postpartum) OCD, worrying about the health and safety of her children, her therapy journey, and much more more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-rachel-276 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 275 I interviewed Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. In this episode, we talk about his thinking around the brain voice vs gatekeeper voice, knowing the difference between the brain voice and the gatekeeper voice, we do a role play using one of the areas that cause me anxiety, he uses this role play to demonstrate the brain voice vs the gatekeeper voice, the idea of writing the headline with the gatekeeper, the paradox of anxiety, self-compassion for the brain voice, and much more more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-phillipson-brain-voice-gatekeeper-voice-275 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 274 I interviewed Shai Friendland. Shai is a clinical psychologist in Johannesburg, South Africa. He specialising in the treatment of OCD. In this episode we talk about his OCD story, contamination worries, what led him to become a psychologist, we talk about OCD in South Africa, increasing advocacy in the country, living with uncertainty, words of hope, and much more more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/shai-friedland-274 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 273 I interviewed Dr Michael Twohig. Michael is the co-director of the USU ACT Research Group, a licensed psychologist in the state of Utah, and a Professor of Psychology at Utah State University. In this episode I chat with Michael about his research and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) story, his experience of training under Dr Steven Hayes, what is ACT, why he studied ACT initially as a sole intervention for OCD and what he found, he breakdowns the 8 session ACT protocol he used in his research, we talk about psychological flexibility and why it’s important, we talk about cognitive defusion, integrating ACT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), how bringing in values into therapy can helpful, some of the metaphors he likes for OCD, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/michael-twohig-273 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 272 I interview Elke Atzpodien. Elke shared her story in episode 102 back in 2017, and she has come on to give us an update. In this episode I chat with Elke about an update on her story, her experiences of Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), group therapy, support groups, meeting Margot her therapy buddy, mixing exposure homework with valued activities, stopping asking for reassurance, how her husband had also suffered and decided to go to therapy to help process the 20 years of experiencing OCD in the home, her peer support training, stigma and self stigma, dealing with OCD during supporting her father through cancer treatment, the ideas of OCD treatment that helped her, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/elke-272 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 271 I interview Dr Ben Sedley. Ben is a clinical psychologist from New Zealand. He has authored two books, and runs a private practice called ACT Wellington. In this episode I chat with Ben about his therapy journey, what is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), how Relational Frame Theory (RFT) underpins ACT, how ACT can be useful for OCD, Ben gives examples of how ACT enhances ERP, ACT’s view of suffering, we talk about grief and OCD, his and Lisa Coyne’s book ‘Stuff that’s loud’ an ACT book for teens with OCD, his book ‘Stuff that sucks’, the importance of listening to teens, the ACT metaphors Ben likes, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ben-sedley-271 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 270 I chat with Laura Johnson. Laura is the creator of OCD Doodles and has kindly agreed to share her story with us. In this episode I chat with Laura about her story, her earliest experience, existential and superstitious worries, how as a kid seeing a school shooting on TV triggered worries of harm coming to her family, how OCD impacted her family as a child, contamination worries, relationship worries, drinking alcohol to self-medicate, seeking help, taking medication, her treatment journey from getting the wrong types of therapy, her negative experiences of working with a coach, finally getting therapy with a qualified therapist experienced in OCD, feeling guilty around harm OCD, parenting while dealing with OCD, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/laura-johnson-ocd-doodles-270 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 269 I chat with Dr. Michael J. Greenberg. Michael is a licensed clinical psychologist.  He is the director of OCD Associates, a practice specializing in Rumination-Focused ERP. In this episode I chat with Michael about why rumination is a compulsion, rumination focused exposure and response prevention (RF-ERP), how his approach to treating OCD doesn’t fit with the habituation model of ERP but how it’s closer to the inhibitory learning model approach, he gives examples how he does ERP, how and why he focuses on getting his client’s anxiety close to zero before doing an ERP exercise, why he focuses on eliminating rumination first before physical compulsions, the difference between thinking normally and ruminating, noticing when you are ruminating, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-michael-greenberg-269 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 268 I chat with Neil Hemmer. Neil is a therapist with a masters in social work, and has plenty of personal experience with OCD. He has kindly agreed to share his story with us.  In this episode I chat with Neil about his story, his early memories, contamination OCD, he gives his candid account of intrusive thoughts, his faith, religious OCD, medication, self medicating with alcohol, relationship OCD, obsessive worries about having sexually assaulted someone, harm OCD, suicidal ideation, hitting rock bottom, addiction and OCD, going inpatient for OCD and addiction, smart recovery for addiction, writing scripts in exposure and response prevention theory (ERP), he shares some graphic stories of his clients in the aim to give hope, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-neil-hemmer-268 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 267 I chat with  Lou who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. In this episode I chat with Lou about her story, ruminating, reassurance seeking, not feeling good enough, self medicating at a young age with alcohol and drugs, how the birth of her first child triggered an OCD episode, peadophile themed OCD (pOCD), worries of her and others harming her baby (postpartum OCD/maternal OCD), feeling like a bad person, getting therapy, dealing with anger, discovering Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), eventually deciding to take medication and her experiences, the various triggers around her children, telling her husband something wasn’t feeling right, a fear of upsetting people, the OCD camp, what else helps her with her well being, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-lou-267 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 266 I chat with Dr Jonathan Abramowitz. Jonathan is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC specializing in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He is also Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina. And author of several bookings including Getting over OCD, and The family guide to getting over OCD.  In this episode I chat with Jon about why he wrote this book, how the family system plays into OCD and vice versa, he writes the book from two perspectives: one, the loved one with OCD wants to get better, and two, the loved one with OCD doesn’t want to do treatment, we discuss family accommodation and why it’s not helpful, how to stop accommodating your loved one, we discuss treatment refusal (when someone refuses to get help), we discuss the difference between a reward and a bribe for children, setting boundaries, how to get family life back on track even if a loved one refuses to get help, how to listen to and talk to your loved one with OCD, what areas of OCD research Jon is excited by, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/the-family-guide-to-getting-over-ocd-266 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Thank you for listening to this week’s podcast. If you enjoy The OCD Stories and would like to support us with a one time tip/donation please go to theocdstories.com/support. All tips, no matter how large or small are greatly appreciated.

In episode 265 I chat with Chance McNeely who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. In this episode I chat with Chance about his OCD story, themes - sexual orientation OCD, harm OCD, relationship OCD, pedophile OCD, growing up in an anxious household, compulsively overthinking things, finding out about intrusive thoughts, peer support, self-compassion as his saving grace, becoming a certified peer, working for OCD Peers, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-chance-mcneely-265 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. NOCD are now in the UK. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 264 I chat with Mike Vatter who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. Mike is on the board of OCD Jacksonville. In this episode I chat with Mike about his OCD story, things having to be just right, panic attacks, hitting breaking point, pulling hair, how his first therapist thought he didn’t have OCD, how a hit and run OCD episode helped him get an OCD diagnosis, using humour to make it easier, meeting his biological parents, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-mike-vatter-264 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. NOCD are now in the UK. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 263 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. In this episode I chat with Steven about what is somatic (sensorimotor) OCD, neutral obsessions, obsessions and compulsions of this theme, how depersonalisation/derealisation may be a subset of this theme, how certain personality styles may play into this theme, how often he sees this theme in his private practice, he gives case examples, the focus of therapy for this theme, examples of exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), why Steve gets his patients to record each therapy session, what he wishes he knew when he started his journey in therapy, Steve’s biggest life influences, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-steven-phillipson-somatic-ocd-263 The podcast is made possible by and sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 262 I chat with Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a certified peer and family support specialist in Colorado, and co-founder of OCDPeers.com. Chrissie was awarded the hero award by the IOCDF for her advocacy work.  In this episode I chat with Chrissie about what’s new with her and her work, what’s new with the OCD Gamechangers, what is (certified) peer support, what it is not, what does a peer conversation look like, how peer support can support the therapy process, what is OCD peers, the most attended group topics at OCD peers, what Chrissie has learned about OCD in the last 12 months, her learnings about advocacy, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chrissie-hodges-peer-support-for-ocd-262 This episode is sponsored by OCD Jacksonville and Natural Life. Shop the Fearless collection of apparel and gifts here https://www.naturallife.com/collections/fearless-giveback-collection. Use code “FEARLESS” at the checkout for 20% off the Fearless range. To find out more about OCD Jacksonville click here: https://ocdjacksonville.com/

In episode 261 I chat with Elizabeth who has kindly agreed to share her story. In this episode I chat with Liz about her story, her experiences growing up including the death of her dad, and school bullying, her experiences with OCD, the fear of being judged, contamination worries, getting a diagnosis, hit and run OCD, what’s been helping her, her journey of finding the right treatment fit, dealing with the discomfort of seeking help, the experience of telling her family about her experiences, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-elizabeth-261 This episode is sponsored by OCD Jacksonville and Natural Life. Shop the Fearless collection of apparel and gifts here https://www.naturallife.com/collections/fearless-giveback-collection. Use code “FEARLESS” at the checkout for 20% off the Fearless range. To find out more about OCD Jacksonville click here: https://ocdjacksonville.com/

In episode 260 I chat with Ashley Annestedt and Felipe. Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in OCD, Anxiety, and Neurobehavioral Disorders. Ashley is the founder of Beyond Borders CBT. She is joined by Felipe Malaco de Oliveira a former client from Brazil who has agreed to share his story.  In this episode I chat with Ashley and Felipe about what is beyond borders CBT and why set it up, Felipe’s OCD story, sexual orientation OCD, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), living with uncertainty, a relapse after the birth of his son, postnatal violent and sexual intrusive thoughts, OCD and Brazil, Ashley’s take on Felipe’s therapy, opening up to his wife about OCD, increasing the global access to ERP, and much much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ashley-and-felipe-beyond-borders-cbt-260 This episode is sponsored by OCD Jacksonville and Natural Life. Shop the Fearless collection of apparel and gifts here https://www.naturallife.com/collections/fearless-giveback-collection. Use code “FEARLESS” at the checkout for 20% off the Fearless range. To find out more about OCD Jacksonville click here: https://ocdjacksonville.com/

In episode 259 I chat with Jon Hershfield. Jon is a psychotherapist and the director of The Center for OCD and Anxiety, at Sheppard Pratt. He is the author six OCD books, including his most recent book the 2nd edition of “The mindfulness workbook for OCD”, and his upcoming book “The OCD Workbook for Teens”. In this episode I chat with Jon about what’s new with him, The mindfulness workbook for OCD, what the book about, what’s new with this 2nd edition, Jon’s personal experiences with meditation and mindfulness, why he broke the book down by themes. We discuss The OCD workbook for teens, what it’s about, Sean Shinnock’s illustrations in the book, exercises in the book, how he works with teens, staying in the present moment, dealing with uncertainty, living joyfully, and much much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jon-hershfield-mindfulness-workbook-for-ocd-259 This episode is sponsored by OCD Jacksonville and Natural Life. Shop the Fearless collection of apparel and gifts here https://www.naturallife.com/collections/fearless-giveback-collection. Use code “FEARLESS” at the checkout for 20% off the Fearless range. To find out more about OCD Jacksonville click here: https://ocdjacksonville.com/

In episode 258 I chat with Dr Jonathan Hoffman. Jon is a licensed psychologist in the states of Florida, New York, and Utah. He is Chief Clinical Officer of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI) in South Florida, and director and founder of the NBI ranch residential program. He is author of the book Stuck: Asperger's Syndrome and Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors. In this episode I chat with Jon about what he’s been up to, what is Autism Spectrum Disorder, where OCD and ASD can overlap, Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors, how Covid has impacted people with ASD and OCD, exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD with ASD modifications, the NBI ranch, words of advice on getting the most out of your therapist, advice for parent and families, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-258

In episode 257 I chat with Stefan Batorijs. Stefan is an Integrative Psychotherapist and founder of Nature and therapy UK. He is an associate Lecturer at Plymouth University, where he teaches the role of Nature and benefits of natural immersion for mental health and recovery from trauma on the clinical psychology doctorate programme. In this episode I chat with Stefan about why he became a therapist specifically doing ecotherapy, his relationship with nature, what is Shinrin Yoku, the benefits of being in nature and practicing Shinrin Yoku, Stefan shares some examples of working therapeutically with individuals in nature, why Shinrin Yoku and ecotherapy can be deep serious work, being prepared when going out in nature, appreciating nature close to home, start small and build up, anxiety and the woods, nature as a restorative environment, advice for people in cities, what Stefan wants you to know about nature, and much much more.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/stefan-batorijs-shinrin-yokuand-ecotherapy-257

In episode 256 I chat with Dr Sam Greenblatt. Sam specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD and other anxiety disorders. Sam works at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. In this episode I chat with Sam about what got him into therapy, why some other therapies may not work for OCD, fully embracing the uncertainty of Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), the importance of not white knuckling through exposures, inhibitory learning theory to explain how ERP works, why anxiety doesn’t always need to go down to see improvements in ERP, the back door spike, treat the problem not the symptoms, being mindful of the wording we use in therapy, and much much more.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-sam-greenblatt-frequent-reasons-therapy-doesnt-work-and-how-to-improve-it-256

In episode 255 I chat with Dr Patricia Zurita Ona. Patricia is director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center and host of the Playing It Safe podcast. She is the author of several books including “The ACT Workbook for Teens with OCD” and her new book “Living Beyond OCD Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Workbook for Adults”.  In this episode I chat with Patricia about what is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), what is Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), facing ones fears in service of what matters to them, blending ACT and ERP, her acronym W.I.S.E. M.O.V.E.S. and how she uses it with her clients, misconceptions about ACT, a values based exposure menu, inhibitory learning theory as a way to understand how ERP works, she gives plenty of OCD theme examples, and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-patricia-zurita-ona-wise-moves-in-act-based-erp

In this special 5-year anniversary episode I share my thoughts on the evolution of the podcast, my own journey with the show, my wish for you the listener, future direction of the show, and of course a thanks to you for listening to the podcast. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/5-years Thanks for listening, Stu

In episode 254 I chat with Stephen Johns who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. In this episode I chat with Stephen about his story: violent, sexual orientation and self harm/suicidal intrusive thoughts, getting ineffective treatment, eventually finding a therapist that helped, working hard in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), he goes into details into the lengths he went with his compulsions, his medications, how the suicide of one of his favourite musicians triggered a relapse for him, how perfectionism impacted his therapy, how the experience of OCD taught him to slow down in his life, words of hope and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-stephen-johns-254

In episode 253 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. In this episode I chat with Steven about when other people are the focus of one’s obsessions, he sets up the episode by explaining his view of OCD for context, Dr Phillipson gives a lot of different therapy examples across many themes, how people’s OCD themes involve others, advice and words of hope for the partners and family members who may be the recipient of one’s obsessions, some of the compulsions that may be paired with these obsessional themes, misophonia, I ask him 3 questions about himself and his therapy practice at the end and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-steven-phillipson-when-ocd-involves-others-253

In episode 252 I chat with Dr Michael Greenberg. Michael is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In this episode I chat with Michael about his OCD journey, the line between obsession and compulsion, what is rumination, why rumination is a compulsion, advice on stopping rumination, the idea of a core fear in OCD, the importance of understanding the core fear, how understanding the idea that OCD is a strategy to keep you safe allows you to start to let it go, how rumination may be the core of OCD, the idea of letting go of rumination when scared, how to stop ruminating about ruminating, the issues that may get in the way of stopping rumination, why it matters how we talk about OCD, words of hope and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-michael-greenberg-rumination-is-a-compulsion-252 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 251 I chat with Ashley Annestedt. Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in OCD, Anxiety, and Neurobehavioral Disorders. Ashley is licensed to provide therapy in 6 US states, and the founder of Beyond Borders CBT. In this episode I chat with Ashley about what’s new with her, teletherapy, when teletherapy may be useful, how it can help people do exposures where they are triggered, tips for getting the most out of teletherapy, when teletherapy may not be right, using the interactive features of video therapy platforms, tips for therapists transitioning to teletherapy, what to prepare before your first teletherapy session so that is runs smoothly, words of hope, and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ashley-annestedt-teletherapy-for-ocd-251 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 250 I chat with Justin Hughes. Justin is a licensed professional counsellor in Dallas, Texas who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In this episode I chat with Justin about his therapy story, how faith/spirituality and therapy can work together, when OCD shakes someone’s faith, Christian scriptures around fear, worry and uncertainty, working with shame from the taboo nature of intrusive thoughts, living with uncertainty, words of hope, and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/justin-hughes-faith-spirituality-religion-ocd-therapy-250 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 249 I chat with Dr Ivy Ruths. Ivy is a licensed psychologist and licensed specialist in school psychology specializing in treating anxiety, depressive, and OCD-related disorders. In this episode I chat with Ivy about why she got into working with people with OCD, living by ones values, the therapeutic relationship, Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), the importance of doing therapy homework, living with uncertainty, motivation in therapy, words of hope and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-ivy-ruths-therapy-for-ocd-249 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 248 I chat with Katy Marciniak who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. In this episode I chat with Katy about her OCD story, how seeing a school shooting on TV triggered her harm worries, googling symptoms and finding relief in what she found, going to get professional help, relationship worries that focused on her marriage, finding an OCD specialist and how that helped her, learning to face the things she was avoiding for years, working on a fear of getting pregnant, the process of recovery, how her husband helps her, working hard at self compassion, words of hope and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-katy-marciniak-248 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 247 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. In this episode I chat with Steve about why some people get more from Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) quicker than others, what is ERP and why it works, what are some common reasons that complicate the success of ERP, he gives plenty of OCD theme examples, when the need to do therapy right can become a secondary obsession itself, the idea of irrelevance, how the therapeutic relationship can affect treatment outcomes, the importance of homework, the importance of doing response prevention when doing exposures, why it’s ok if you don’t get anxious when doing an exposure, mental compulsions, educating significant others, an ideal mindset for doing ERP, why starting too high up the ERP hierarchy may not be a good thing, why building on success in therapy is helpful, how desperation and control can interfere with therapy, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-steven-phillipson-things-that-complicate-the-success-of-erp-247 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 246 I chat with Jaclyn Steinmann who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. In this episode I chat with Jaclyn about her OCD story, suicidal themed obsessions, reassurance seeking, harm obsessions, sexual orientation obsessions, maternal harm obsessions, the different therapies she’s tried, finding Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP), doing ERP with NOCD, the experience of doing teletherapy, how helpful she found ERP, deciding to go on medication for OCD, continuing therapy with a different therapist, what else Jaclyn does to support her mental well being, reducing caffeine and sugar, an existential upbringing, words of hope, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-jaclyn-steinmann-246 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 245 I chat with Pete Weiss. Pete is a therapist who specialises in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as other mental health disorders. He is the co-founder of camp DCO, an annual OCD wilderness camp. Pete is a graduate of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), and is currently a doctoral candidate at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles, where he is working on integrating behavior therapy and contemporary psychoanalytic theory. In this episode we discuss why as a CBT therapist of many years he decided to train in contemporary psychoanalysis, Pete explains his progression of understanding, he uses examples to explain his thinking, how differing levels of trauma may have an input on some peoples OCD, the idea “committee of the mind”, Pete’s perspective on Sigmund Freud’s view of OCD, nature and nurture as influences on OCD, how running his OCD camp influenced him to approach OCD relationally, shame in OCD, connecting with others as a way to process shame, empathy in OCD treatment, the idea around a core fear of death and loneliness, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/Contemporary-psychoanalysis-and-CBT-is-integration-possible-245 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 244 I chat with Meg and Matt who have kindly agreed to share their story from the point of view of husband and wife. In this episode we discuss Meg’s OCD story, losing a friend to suicide, contamination and harm worries, having the support of her dog, also getting worries around her dog, finding out it was OCD, going for inpatient treatment, talking with others with OCD, medication, how she never believed she could get to where she has got to, Matt’s story, how Matt supports Meg, how Meg focused on therapy while also being a new parent, relationship boundaries around OCD, words of advice for partners, words of hope and much much more. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/Story-meg-and-matt-244 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 243 I chat with Ian Johnson. Ian kindly shares his OCD story with us. In this episode I talk with Ian about his OCD story, homosexual and relationship themed OCD, his childhood experiences, feeling suicidal, playing professional basketball while experiencing OCD, superstitious thinking, getting therapy, opening up and talking about his pain with a therapist, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), words of wisdom for athletes with OCD, feeling connected with others with OCD, mindfulness, his book The bounce and the echo, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/Story-Ian-Johnson-243 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 242 I chat with Dr Amy Mariaskin. Amy is a licensed clinical psychologist and director at The Nashville OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center.  In this episode I chat with Amy about what OCD looks like in 4-8 year olds, compulsions and obsessions, animism - inanimate objects having personalities, how 4-8 year olds conceptualise OCD, looking out for autism spectrum disorder, how OCD can impact other areas of this age groups lives, how Amy explains OCD to these kids, how therapy for children with OCD differs from adults, talking back to OCD, making exposures fun, utilising play in therapy, calling exposures bravery challenges, homework and rewards, getting parents and carers involved, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-amy-mariaskin-4-8-year-olds-with-ocd-242 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 241 I chat with Izzy Mather who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  In this episode I chat with Izzy about her story, intrusive thoughts around abuse, false memory OCD, getting therapy through the NHS, her compulsions, relapse, her first panic attack, getting ineffective therapy for OCD privately, starting medication, seeing a psychiatrist, getting therapy again on the NHS, changing medications with the doctor during pregnancy, understanding how her brain was working to better understand OCD, starting exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), how family members can help those with OCD, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-izzy-mather-241 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 240 I chat with John Tessitore from the JCK foundation who has kindly agreed to share his and his foundation’s story with us.  In this episode I chat with John about his OCD story, depression, religious, sexual and suicidal themed intrusive thoughts, meeting someone else with OCD, dealing with the suicide of a close friend, going through CBT therapy, starting the JCK foundation and the work he does with the foundation, leading with love, helping de-stigmatise mental health in schools, starting the JCK clinic in Uganda, words of hope for people with OCD, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/john-tessitore-leading-with-love-jck-foundation-240 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Get some limited time only The OCD Stories x Draw Your Monster merch: https://teespring.com/monster-bus (100% profits goes to Riley's Wish Foundation)

In episode 239 I have Dr Patrick McGrath head of clinical services at NOCD, and Margaret Sisson founder of the not-for-profit Riley’s Wish, which she started to honour the memory of her son Riley, who was a passionate advocate for people with OCD and addiction.  In this episode I chat with Margaret and Patrick about who they are, why they are passionate about helping people with OCD and substance use, how common OCD and substance use is, stigma of substance use, symptoms of addiction, treating addiction along with OCD, what inpatient treatment may look like for OCD and substance use, ideas for when you are afraid to tell your therapist about substance use, harm reduction or abstinence, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics anonymous, SMART recovery, things to consider with medication, words of hope, words of hope/advice for family members of people affected by this and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/Margaret-and-Patrick-ocd-and-substance-use-239 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 238 I have Kimberley Quinlan. Kimberley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats people with OCD and related disorders, Eating Disorders and Body Focused Repetitive Disorders. She runs her own podcast called Your Anxiety Toolkit. She also runs CBTschool.com.  In this episode I chat with Kim about sex and OCD. I asked her many questions I got from some of the listeners of the show. We talk about when OCD impacts your ability to connect with your partner, sexual  intrusive thoughts and anxiety’s impacts on sexual expression, why it may be difficult to enjoy sex, working through intrusive thoughts that interfere with sex, avoidance of sexual intercourse because of obsessions, cognitive distortions around sex, influence of porn, worrying about pregnancy during sex, contamination worries, sexually transmitted disease worries, when sex can be a compulsion, medications possibly affecting sex, letting go of extra expectations of what sex should be like, how to relate and create a better relationship to sexuality, how partners can help, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/kimberley-quinlan-ocd-and-sex-238 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 237 I chat with Dr Emily O’Leary. Emily is a Clinical Psychologist and the founder of four psychology clinics, including The OCD Clinic Brisbane and Anxiety House.  In this episode we chat about her therapy story, her research, bringing humour and authenticity into the treatment of OCD, metacognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), ERP sticking points/challenges, OCD content vs OCD process, avoiding pitfalls of circular arguments, when you and your child has OCD, living with uncertainty, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-emily-oleary-thoughts-that-seem-mad-bad-and-dangerous-237 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 236 I chat with Tori Chavira who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. In this episode Tori shares her OCD story, opening up about her sexuality, contamination and harm worries, obsessions about driving, avoidance of driving, resistance to therapy, getting therapy, group therapy, her first session, mindset towards recovery, and much much more.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-tori-chavira-236/ The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 235 I chat with Molly and Cali Gambrel. Who have kindly agreed to share their OCD story from the point of view of mother and daughter. And to talk about their book “Practice being brave”.  In this episode I chat with Molly and Cali about Cali’s story, getting therapy, Cali’s first therapy session, Molly’s parental worries, naming her OCD, what Cali liked about therapy, what Molly learned about OCD and parenting, what Molly does that helps Cali, their book, words of hope, and much much more.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-molly-cali-235/ The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 234 I chat with Thomas Smalley. Thomas won the IOCDF’s hero award in 2019 for his OCD advocacy. He has kindly agreed to share his OCD story. In this episode I chat with Thomas about his OCD story, his advocacy, getting therapy, dealing with shame, tracking progress in therapy, his experience of teletherapy, how physical exercise and faith were helpful outlets for him, finding his identity after he got his time back from compulsions, dealing with stigma, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-thomas-smalley-234/ The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

This is audiobook is a children’s OCD storybook called “Blink, Blink, Clop, Clop” by Dr Katia Moritz. This audiobook was produced by and for The OCD Stories podcast with kind permission from Dr Katia Moritz. Special thanks to the voice over artists: Henrietta the chicken  = Dr Elizabeth McIngvale Daisy the cow and Maybelle the cow = Natalie Rubenstein Snort the pig, other pigs, and Farmer Brown = Ethan Smith Biscuit the horse and Trotter the horse = Dr Steven Poskar O.C.Flea and Hoot the owl = Dr Jonathan Hoffman Nervous little chick = Nami Ralph Tips for fighting O.C.Flea = Dr Fugen Neziroglu Narration = Stuart Ralph If you want to buy a print copy of “Blink, Blink, Clop, Clop” you can do so here: https://amzn.to/2Oc052Z You can listen to the audiobook on the podcast, or on our website: https://theocdstories.com/episode/blink-blink-clop-clop For more OCD resources please visit: https://theocdstories.com/resources/ Hope it helps Stu

This is an introduction to the audiobook of the children’s OCD storybook called “Blink, Blink, Clop, Clop” by Dr Katia Moritz released on The OCD Stories podcast. This audiobook was produced by and for The OCD Stories podcast with kind permission from Dr Katia Moritz. You can listen to the audiobook on the podcast, or on our website: https://theocdstories.com/episode/blink-blink-clop-clop Special thanks to the voice over artists: Henrietta the chicken  = Dr Elizabeth McIngvale Daisy the cow and Maybelle the cow = Natalie Rubenstein Snort the pig, other pigs, and Farmer Brown = Ethan Smith Biscuit the horse and Trotter the horse = Dr Steven Poskar O.C.Flea and Hoot the owl = Dr Jonathan Hoffman Nervous little chick = Nami Ralph Tips for fighting O.C.Flea = Dr Fugen Neziroglu Narration = Stuart Ralph If you want to buy a print copy of “Blink, Blink, Clop, Clop” you can do so here: https://amzn.to/2Oc052Z For more OCD resources please visit: https://theocdstories.com/resources/ Hope it helps Stu

In episode 233 of the podcast I speak with Dr Lauren Wadsworth. Lauren is a licensed clinical psychologist specialising in treating people with OCD and related disorders.  We discuss her therapy story, what is peadophile themed OCD (pOCD), how common are these worries, types of obsessions and compulsions, the groinal response, intrusive images, ERP for this theme, mental compulsions, shame, how it can affect people’s sex lives, how families can help their loved ones with OCD, words of wisdom for living with uncertainty, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/dr-lauren-wadsworth-pocd-233 The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 232 of the podcast I have Sophie who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. I chat with Sophie about her OCD story, perinatal OCD, intrusive harm thoughts around her child, her compulsions, reaching out for help, the importance of finding help from professionals who understand OCD, the power of speaking up, how getting a diagnosis was the best thing that ever happened to her, doing research, getting CBT therapy, learning to be dismissive of the thoughts, her advocacy, words of hope, and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-sophie-232/ The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 231 I chat with Dr Reid Wilson. Reid is a licensed psychologist and director at the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center in North Carolina. Reid is the author of many books including ‘Stopping the noise in your head’.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/reid-wilson-8-principles-231/ The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 230 I chat with Nora Shalaway Carpenter who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. We talk about OCD and pregnancy, and we talk about her book “The edge of anything”, as well as much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-nora-shalaway-carpenter The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 229 I chat with Alegra Kastens. Alegra is an associate Marriage and family therapist specialising in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. Alegra is also an OCD advocate, and a blogger on Psychology Today. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/alegra-kastens-5-roadblocks-to-acceptance-in-the-treatment-of-OCD-229/ The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 228 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Mary-Lyn Kieffer. Mary-Lyn Director at Made of Millions Canada who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-mary-lyn-kieffer

In episode 227 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Sam Jones. Sam has kindly agreed to share his story with us. Hope it helps.  The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-sam-jones  

In episode 226 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Amanda Petrik-Gardner. Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who specialises in OCD, anxiety and related disorders. Amanda is author of the book “An OCD Exposure Coloring Book: Coloring Exposures for Sexual, Harming, Relationship, Religious, and Scrupulous Intrusive Thoughts”. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/amanda-petrik-gardner-colouring-in-taboo-ocd-themes

In episode 225 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Aaron Harvey. Aaron is the founder of MadeofMillions.com a not-for-profit that brings together sufferers, advocates, and professionals on a mission to change how the world perceives mental health. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/aaron-harvey-no-one-told-me

In episode 224 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a Mental Health Advocate & Public Speaker, Peer Support Coach, Author of 'Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder'. Chrissie was awarded the hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference in San Fran. https://theocdstories.com/podcast/chrissie-hodges-trauma-of-ocd  

In episode 223 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Stacey Kuhl Wochner. Stacey is director of OCD Specialists a private psychotherapy practice, treating adolescents and adults with OCD and related disorders. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/stacey-kuhl-wochner-real-event-ocd

In this special episode of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jon Hershfield. Jon is a psychotherapist who specialises in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He is the author five OCD books, including his most recent book “Overcoming Harm OCD”. I got Jon on the show to address some questions around the Coronavirus and moral scrupulosity OCD. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jon-hershfield-coronavirus-covid-19-moral-scrupulosity-ocd

In episode 222 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Chris and Jodi Langellotti who have kindly agreed to share their OCD story from the point of view of husband and wife.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/chris-and-jodi-langellotti-two-sides-of-one-story The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their therapy plans (and to book a free call) head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 221 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. He co-founded the first Support group for OCD sufferers in the New York area in 1987. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-the-therapeutic-relationship

In episode 220 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Patrick McGrath. Patrick is head of clinical services at NOCD. Patrick is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board and the Conference Planning Committee of the International OCD Foundation, as well as author of “The OCD Answer Book: Professional Answers to More Than 250 Top Questions about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder”. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-patrick-mcgrath-answers-to-top-OCD-questions The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their therapy plans (and to book a free call) head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 219 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Nathalie Maragoni. Nathalie is an associate marriage and family therapist specialising in Cognitive-Behavioural therapy for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and other anxiety and OC-related disorders. Nathalie has also be an OCD advocate under the name Mindonfire_OCD on instagram for many years. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/nathalie-maragoni-ocd-therapy-for-children-young-people-and-adults The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their therapy plans head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Here are two bonus mini-podcasts I recorded with two people at NOCD: https://theocdstories.com/nocd-bonus/

In episode 218 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Sheva Rajaee. Sheva is a psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other related anxiety disorders. Sheva did a Ted Talk called “Addicted to the answer – anxiety in the age of information“ which made up the core of our first podcast together. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/sheva-rajaee-relationship-themed-ocd The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their therapy plans head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Here are two bonus mini-podcasts I recorded with two people at NOCD: https://theocdstories.com/nocd-bonus/  

In this special episode of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Jonathan Grayson. Jon has been specializing in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for more than 40 years and is the author of Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jon-grayson-coronavirus-covid-19-ocd/

In episode 217 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Celin Gelgec. Celin is a Clinical Psychologist and director at the Melbourne Wellbeing Group. She is the author of the book “Treating OCD - a clinician's guide to getting unstuck". Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-celin-gelgec-getting-unstuck-from-ocd The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their therapy plans head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 216 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Pete Roberts who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. Pete is the author of the book 'Unknown Forces the heartfelt story of a man struggling with mental health and his battle to live a normal life'. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-pete-roberts

In episode 215 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Madasen McGrath who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-madasen-mcgrath 3rd annual gamechangers is in less than a week (info + tickets): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-ocd-gamechangers-tickets-82657196901

Find out more about the OCD Gamechangers 2020 event In episode 214 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Mike Heady. Mike is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and associate director at The Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/mike-heady-dating-with-ocd

Find out more about the OCD Gamechangers 2020 event In episode 213 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Bryan Piatt who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. Bryan is a producer over at KARE 11 News, and co-founder of the Refresh Network, a mental health media platform.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-bryan-piatt

In episode 212 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Stephen Smith who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. Stephen is the founder and CEO of NOCD. The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their treatment plans head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-stephen-smith-nocd-founder

In episode 211 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Jonathan Grayson and Bob Cianfrone. Jon has been specializing in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for more than 40 years and is the author of Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He is on the podcast today to talk about the OCD subtype around the fear of going 'crazy', and is joined by Bob to share his experience.  The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their treatment plans head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jon-grayson-and-bob-cianfrone-a-fear-of-going-crazy

On the podcast today I have Natasha Daniels. Natasha is a child and teen therapist. Creator of atparentingsurvival.com a website and podcast dedicated to helping families and parents understand and support their children with OCD and anxiety.  The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their treatment plans head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/natasha-daniels-parenting-children-and-teens-with-ocd/

The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD and their treatment plans head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories  In episode 209 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Nicole Falcone who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story and poetry with us.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-nicole-falcone

In episode 208 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Ryan Glode. Ryan is a licenced mental health counselor at RICBT a group psychotherapy practice specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He is the president and founder of OCD Rhode Island, an Official Affiliate of the IOCDF.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/ryan-glode-family-accommodation-in-ocd-treatment

In episode 207 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Amy Diener who has kindly shared her story with us. We talk about her OCD story, mental health in Asia and her art. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-amy-diener

In episode 206 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Patricia Zurita Ona. Patricia is director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center and adjunct professor at the Wright Institute. She is the author of several books including Escaping the Emotional Roller Coaster, and her new book “The ACT Workbook for Teens with OCD: Unhook Yourself and Live Life to the Full”. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-patricia-zurita-ona-act-and-erp-for-teens-with-ocd

In episode 205 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Jonathan Grayson. Jon with his wife, Cathy founded the LA treatment centre for anxiety and OCD. Jon has been working with people with OCD for 35 years and is the author of Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He founded the support group GOAL and is also known for his idea virtual camping. He is on the podcast today to talk about a subtype called OCD staring, and is joined by Sarah to share her experience. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jon-grayson-and-sarah-ocd-staring

In episode 204 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Karina Dach. Karina is a licensed therapist in Colorado, and Florida. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/karina-dach-postpartum-ocd

In episode 203 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Dr Sally Winston. Sally co-founded The Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland in 1992. She is co-author of “Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts”, and co-author of the new book “Needing to Know for Sure: A CBT-Based Guide to Overcoming Compulsive Checking and Reassurance Seeking”. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-sally-winston-compulsive-checking-and-reassurance-seeking

In episode 202 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Dr Josh Spitalnick. Josh is a licensed psychologist, owner and clinical director at the Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, an outpatient clinic. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-josh-spitalnick-ocd-in-children-and-its-treatment

In episode 201 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Chris Trondsen. Chris is psychotherapist at the Gateway institute, an OCD and anxiety treatment center. He currently serves as the Vice President of the IOCDF Southern California Affiliate - OCD So Cal, leading efforts in OCD awareness and education in the local community. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/chris-trondsen-shares-his-story-advocacy-and-becoming-a-therapist Support this show

Episode 200 is here. The timing is perfect, as we broke 2 million downloads last night. Thank you so much for being on this journey with the show. It’s been a long and rewarding 4 years. I hope the podcast continues to support and inspire you in your recovery. I appreciate you!  Support this show In episode 200 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. He co-founded the first Support group for OCD sufferers in the New York area in 1987. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-exposure-and-response-prevention

In episode 199 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Jayme Valdez. Jayme is the owner of Clearview OCD Counseling, a private psychotherapy practice just outside Boston. Jayme is a licensed mental health counselor and serves on the Board of Directors for OCD Massachusetts and OCD Rhode Island.  Shownotes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/jayme-valdez-pedophilia-themed-ocd

In episode 198 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Lori Johnson. Lori is a therapist based in the Denver area who specialises in OCD, anxiety and addiction. Lori runs a private practice called In Focus Counselling. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/lori-johnson-family-support-and-boundaries

In episode 197 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Jon Hershfield. Jon is a psychotherapist who specialises in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. We talk about what is existential themed OCD, common obsessions and compulsions, ERP for this theme, how families can support their loved one with OCD, and much much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jon-hershfield-existential-themed-ocd

In episode 196 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Lucy Clark from Mind Food, and Jess about her experience with mental health gardening. Mind Food is a not-for-profit that runs nature based courses that support people to manage & improve their mental wellbeing. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/lucy-and-jess-mental-health-gardening

In episode 195 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Jon Hershfield and Shala Nicely. Jon and Shala are both therapists who specialise in OCD. They co-wrote a book called “Everyday mindfulness for OCD: Tips, Tricks, and Skills for Living Joyfully”.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jon-hershfield-shala-nicely-meditation-and-mindfulness-for-people-with-ocd

In episode 194 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Dr Charles Brady. Charles is the director of the OCD and anxiety program at the Lindner Center of HOPE; vice-president at OCD Midwest an IOCDF affiliate, associate professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioural neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati college of medicine. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-charles-brady-suicidal-themed-ocd

In episode 193 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with the creators of the advocacy initiative A Penny for Your Intrusive Thoughts, who I will refer to as C and D. We chat about their OCD stories, their project: A Penny for Your Intrusive Thoughts, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/a-penny-for-your-intrusive-thoughts

In episode 192 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Zoe Homonoff who has kindly agreed to share her story with us. We talk about her OCD story, getting a diagnosis, CBT, DBT, self-care: knitting and socialising, sharing her story, her blog, erasing stigma, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-zoe-homonoff/

In episode 191 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Dr Josh Spitalnick. Josh is a licensed psychologist, owner and clinical director at the Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, an outpatient clinic. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-josh-spitalnick-health-anxiety

In episode 190 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with James Hervey who has kindly agreed to share his story with us. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-james-hervey

In episode 189 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Mara Wilson. Mara is an actor who was in films such as Matilda and Mrs Doubtfire, she is also a writer, and OCD advocate. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/mara-wilsons-ocd-story

In episode 188 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Dr Michelle Witkin. Michelle is a licensed psychologist who specialises in working with children, teens, and adults with anxiety disorders. She has a special interest in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. We talk about siblings and OCD. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-michelle-witkin-siblings-and-ocd  

In episode 187 of The OCD Stories podcast I share Dr Steven Phillipson audio of his article on "Choice". Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. He writes "In both the treatment of OCD and in living a disciplined life, there is no word more important than “choice.” Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-choice-audiobook

In episode 186 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Shmuel Fischler. Shmuel is the owner and lead clinician at CBT Baltimore. We talk about religious themed OCD, and Scrupulosity. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/shmuel-fischler-religious-ocd-and-scrupulosity

In episode 185 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Lily Bailey, in front of an audience at the IOCDF conference in Austin. Lily is a model, OCD advocate and author of the book "Because we are bad: OCD and a girl lost in thought".   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/lily-bailey-live-from-austin

In episode 184 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Amy Mariaskin. Amy is a licenced clinical psychologist and director at The Nashville OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center. We talk about gender identity themed OCD, sometimes referred to as trans OCD or transgender OCD. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-amy-mariaskin-gender-identity-themed-ocd  

In episode 183 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. In this episode Steven talks about magical thinking and thought-action fusion. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-magical-thinking-in-ocd  

In episode 182 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. We talk about two tail spikes in OCD. Hope it helps!  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-two-tail-spikes-in-ocd

In episode 181 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Kimberley Quinlan. Kimberley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats people with OCD and related disorders. In this episode we talk about self-love. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/kimberley-quinlan-lets-talk-about-self-love

In episode 180 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Charles Mansueto. Charles is the founder and director of the Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington. He currently serves on the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board for the IOCDF. Shote notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-charles-mansueto-ocd-treatment

In episode 179 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Lisa Coyne. Lisa is an assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and is a senior clinical consultant at the Child and Adolescent OCD Institute at McLean Hospital. Lisa is the founder of the New England Centre for OCD and anxiety. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/category/podcast/dr-lisa-coyne-act-and-erp-for-children-and-adolescents

Disclaimer - This podcast is for exploratory purposes only. The Bergen format is still being studied, and the success rate against weekly therapy is yet to be tested. If you are in therapy with a licensed therapist who understands OCD, and is using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) you have the best treatment backed by decades of robust science whether you do that 1 hour a week, or in 3-week intensive. In episode 178 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Chad Brandt. Chad is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in treating anxiety based disorders. He works at the Houston OCD program. We talk about his experience of being a therapist on the Bergen format, facing scary things and why you are normal. Hope it helps!  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-chad-brandt-bergen-format

In episode 177 of The OCD Stories podcast I was at the OCD Action conference in London, and I interviewed anyone who wanted to answer the questions "What's your one bit of advice for those with OCD?" and "What words of hope do you have for those with OCD?". On today's episode I share the answers to the second question. Hope it helps. This episode is sponsored by UNSTUCK: an OCD Kids Movie. Check out the website for information on how to rent the film. And if you are a therapist you can buy the film to show to all your clients, UNSTUCK have given us a code to use when purchasing the film for your practice, use code APR19UNS to get 20% off. Visit https://www.ocdkidsmovie.com/ to find out more! Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/category/podcast/what-words-of-hope-do-you-have-for-those-with-ocd

In episode 176 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Max Hawker. Max has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us, and talk about his new book “Rory Hobble and the Voyage to Haligogen" which features  a character with OCD. This episode is sponsored by UNSTUCK: an OCD Kids Movie. Check out the website for information on how to rent the film. And if you are a therapist you can buy the film to show to all your clients, UNSTUCK have given us a code to use when purchasing the film for your practice, use code APR19UNS to get 20% off. Visit https://www.ocdkidsmovie.com/ to find out more! To support Max and get a copy of his book "Rory Hobble and the Voyage to Haligogen" visit this link https://unbound.com/books/rory-hobble-and-the-voyage-to-haligogen/ to find out more and use code "OCDACTION20" to get 20% off. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-max-hawker-rory-hobble-and-the-voyage-to-haligogen

In episode 175 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Mary Torres. Mary is a licensed mental health counsellor based in south of Seattle where she runs her private practice Cornerstone OCD and anxiety. Hope it helps.  This episode is sponsored by UNSTUCK: an OCD Kids Movie. Check out the website for information on how to rent the film. And if you are a therapist you can buy the film to show to all your clients, UNSTUCK have given us a code to use when purchasing the film for your practice, use code APR19UNS to get 20% off. Visit https://www.ocdkidsmovie.com/ to find out more! Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/mary-torres-erp-in-groups

In episode 174 of The OCD Stories podcast I was at the OCD Action conference in London, and I interview anyone who wanted to answer the questions "What's your one bit of advice for those with OCD?" and "What words of hope do you have for those with OCD?". On today's episode I share the answers to the first question. Hope it helps. Today’s episode is sponsored by Riley’s Wish. To find out more including Riley's story, to find resources or make a donation please visit RileysWish.com. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/whats-your-one-bit-of-advice-for-those-with-ocd

In episode 173 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Rose Cartwright. Rose is a writer and author of the book “PURE”, which is now a channel 4 comedy-drama series. Rose is also a director over at intrusivethoughts.org, and Madeofmillions.com. Today’s episode is sponsored by Riley’s Wish. To find out more visit RileysWish.com. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/rose-cartwright-pure-the-tv-show

In episode 172 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Jayme Valdez. Jayme is the owner of Clearview OCD Counseling, a private psychotherapy practice just outside Boston. Jayme is a licensed mental health counselor and serves on the Board of Directors for OCD Massachusetts and OCD Rhode Island. Jayme is particularly interested in providing inclusive treatment for all persons living with OCD, including those with substance use disorders, self-harming behaviors, suicidality, as well as those in the LGBTQ, Persons of Color and other underserved communities. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jayme-valdez-addiction-taboo-ocd-themes-erp-and-act

In episode 171 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Mark-Ameen Johnson. Mark has kindly agreed to share his OCD story, and his advocacy work. In this episode I chat with Mark about his OCD story, CBT, scrupulosity, his advocacy in sexual orientation OCD, OCD is OCD, words of hope, and much much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-mark-ameen-johnson

In episode 170 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Dr Jonathan Hoffman. Jon is a licensed psychologist in the states of Florida, New York, and Utah. He is Clinical Director of the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI), which he co-founded with Dr. Katia Moritz. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jonathan-hoffman-ocd-comorbidities

Disclaimer - This podcast is for exploratory purposes only. The Bergen format is still being studied, and the success rate against weekly therapy is yet to be tested. If you are in therapy with a licensed therapist who understands OCD, and is using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) you have the best treatment backed by decades of robust science whether you do that 1 hour a week, or in 3-week intensive. In episode 169 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Gerd Kvale and Bjarne Hansen, both professors and psychologists at the University of Bergen and at Haukeland University Hospital Bergen, Norway. They have created the Bergen OCD treatment format. Show note: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/gerd-kvale-and-bjarne-hansen-the-bergen-ocd-format

In episode 168 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Karina Dach. Karina is a licensed therapist in Colorado, and Florida. We talk about her therapy story, how she applies exposure therapy in her own life, advice for someone starting ERP, staying consistent with exposure therapy after therapy, dealing with difficult emotions, acknowledging your progress, living with uncertainty, creative exposure exercises, what is parent training, support groups, being in nature, and much much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/karina-dach-compassion-respect-and-humor-in-ocd-treatment

In episode 167 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Matt Shoobridge. Matt hosts his own radio show on mental health called 'Mind over matter'. He has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-matt-shoobridge This week's episode is sponsored by Huddle.care. To find out more (and get a discount for 2 months) check out huddle.care/ocd

"Search and Destroy avoidance" In this episode I chat with Maggie about her therapy story, huddle.care, how playing baseball inspired huddle.care, we talk about the inner workings of OCD, anxiety, social anxiety and panic, we discuss shame, and guilt, ERP, group therapy, teletherapy and Maggie's words of hope. Hope it helps.  Find out more about huddle.care/ocd Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-maggie-perry-huddle-care-group-therapy-and-teletherapy

In episode 165 of The OCD Stories podcast I interview Sean Shinnock. Sean is an artist, advocate, and creator of the monster initiative, with Draw your monster being a project under that umbrella. He has kindly agreed to talk with us again about hope, vulnerability, OCD advocacy and so much more. Hope it helps.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/sean-shinnock-hope-vulnerability-and-ocd-advocacy

In episode 164 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Morgan Rondinelli and Molly Fishback to talk about their initiative Not Alone Notes. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/not-alone-notes-morgan-rondinelli-and-molly-fishback

In this episode I chat with Steven about altered states of consciousness (ASC) which can occur after heavy usage of cannabis, or magic mushrooms (Psilocybin). We discuss how this lesser known symptom of OCD can manifest itself, and how to recover from it using CBT. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-altered-states-of-consciousness-and-ocd

In this episode of The OCD Stories podcast I talk with clinical psychologist Dr Steven Phillipson about teletherapy for OCD. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-teletherapy-for-ocd

In episode 161 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a Mental Health Advocate & Public Speaker, Peer Support Coach, Author of 'Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder'. Chrissie was awarded the hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference in San Fran. Gamechanger's tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocd-gamechangers-the-emotional-side-tickets-54807755472 Journal of hope: https://fundrazr.com/d1SbI4?ref=fb_97sTgb_ab_6ZuHCJT7DNc6ZuHCJT7DNc Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/chrissie-hodges-gamechangers-2019  

In episode 160 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Joan Davidson. Joan is a licensed psychologist and author of the book “daring to challenge OCD: overcome your fear of treatment and take control of your life using ERP”. In this episode I chat with Joan about ERP. She answers many questions that were submitted by the listeners a while back. We hope you find this episode useful in answering some of your ERP questions. Hope it helps.  Show notes for (Ep160) part 2 here: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/your-erp-questions-answered-part-2-with-dr-joan-davidson Part 1 of Your ERP questions answered - with Shala Nicely

In episode 159 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Alex Culafi. Alex has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-alex-culafi

In episode 158 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jonny Say. Jonny is a mindfulness teacher and has been practicing mindfulness and meditation for over 17 years. He is currently training as a psychotherapist. Jonny also has lived experience with OCD. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jonny-say-ocd-mindfulness-and-compassion/

In episode 157 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Sean Shinnock. Sean is an artist, advocate, and creator of The Monster Initiative, with Draw Your Monster being one of the projects. He has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/sean-shinnock-ocd-story-the-monster-initiative

In episode 156 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Ruji Rahman. Ruji is a London based CBT therapist. As well as being a psychotherapist Ruji herself has lived experience with OCD. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/ruji-rahman-cbt-compassion-and-uncertainty

In episode 155 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Katia Moritz. Katia is a Clinical Director of the NeuroBehavioral Institute in Florida and is a licensed psychologist who treats OCD. She also wrote the children’s OCD book “blink, blink, clop, clop”. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-katia-moritz-the-core-of-ocd-treatment

In episode 154 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Catherine Benfield for the second time. Catherine runs the blog Taming Olivia, where she blogs about her experiences with OCD, focusing on perinatal and postnatal OCD, as well as advocates hard for the destigmatisation of OCD. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/catherine-benfield-stigma-reduction-the-bbc-and-ocd

In episode 153 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jon Hershfield. Jon is a psychotherapist who specialises in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. He is the author four books and in this episode he talks about his new book “Overcoming Harm OCD: Mindfulness and CBT Tools for Coping with Unwanted Violent Thoughts". Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jon-hershfield-overcoming-harm-ocd    

In episode 152 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jo Edge. Jo has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-jo-edge/

In episode 151 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Russ Harris. Russ is a medical practitioner, author of the international best-selling book ‘The Happiness Trap’, and is an world-renowned trainer of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-russ-harris-the-happiness-trap

In episode 150 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jessica Emily. Jessica is the creator of LittlesLady.com, and she’s kindly agreed to share her OCD and mental health story with us. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/jessica-emily-littlest-lady-redefining-trauma-ocd

In episode 149 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Elvis Gomes. He was on episode 15 where he shared his OCD story and talked about his experience on the TV show Switzerland’s Got Talent. He is now studying for his PhD at Queen Mary University of London. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/elvis-gomes-understanding-experiences-of-ocd

In episode 148 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Kim Vincenty. Kim is Vice president of OCD Jacksonville, an IOCDF affiliate. She has worked alongside the clothing brand Natural life to create the fearless collection, a range of products that target stigma and fear of anxiety disorders - as well as raise money for OCD Jacksonville. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/kim-vincenty-a-worried-mother-does-better-research-than-the-fbi

In episode 147 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Robin Roblee-Strauss who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story, and talk about his film “What if?”. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-robin-roblee-strauss-what-if

In episode 146 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed 5 members of staff and volunteers from the charity OCD Action about when OCD affects you at work. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/when-ocd-affects-you-at-work-with-charity-ocd-action

In episode 145 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed David Murphy who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. In this episode I chat with David about his OCD story, his recovery journey, OCD in Ireland, getting the right treatment, the importance of seeing a qualified therapist who understands OCD, mindfulness and meditation, being in nature, exercise and connecting with others. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-david-murphy/

In episode 144 of The OCD Stories podcast my guest interviewer (Jess) interviewed Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a Mental Health Advocate & Public Speaker, Peer Support Coach, Author of 'Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder'. Chrissie was awarded the Hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/chrissie-hodges-and-jess-discuss-ocd

In episode 143 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Lori Johnson. Lori is a therapist based in the Denver area who specialises in OCD, anxiety and addiction. Lori runs a private practice called In Focus Counselling. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/lori-johnson-ocd-and-substance-use-disorders

In episode 142 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Ashley Annestedt. Ashley is a  Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in OCD, Anxiety, and Neurobehavioral Disorders. Ashley is licensed to provide therapy in 6 US states. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/ashley-annestedt-treatment-ready

In episode 141 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Alejandro Ibarra. Alejandro is a psychologist from Seville, in Spain. He specialises in treating OCD, and if you speak Spanish you may recognise him from his wonderful youtube channel where he talks about OCD and OCD treatment. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/alejandro-ibarra-ocd-treatment-tratamiento-de-toc

In episode 140 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Kevin Putman. Kevin is known for his advocacy work with RUN OCD a grassroots movement motivated to educate, support and raise awareness about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. As part of this Kevin ran ping pong tournaments called Ping Pong 4 OCD at the IOCDF conferences and other events. In 2015 he won the hero award from the IOCDF.   Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-kevin-putman-run-ocd

In episode 139 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Michelle Massi. Michelle is a therapist specialising in the treatment of OCD, and anxiety disorders. As well as working in private practice, Michelle also works at the UCLA OCD Adult Intensive Treatment Program. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/michelle-massi-erp-self-compassion-and-common-humanity

In episode 138 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Lucy Danser and Sam Ross about their OCD stories, their plays and creativity. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/edinburgh-fringe-festival-ocd-and-creativity 

In episode 137 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed my friend Eliot who attended and supported The OCD Camp. At the camp he got to spend 48hrs with many people with OCD. As he's someone who doesn't have OCD I wanted to get him on to find out his take on OCD, and people with OCD after getting to know many people with OCD. We also discuss his own mental health, how people can break down stigma, and his words of hope. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/category/podcast/what-this-person-without-ocd-wants-you-to-know  

In episode 136 of the podcast I chat with Dr Patrick McGrath about treating OCD and addiction together, virtual reality, mindfulness, why it's ok to be uncomfortable, ERP, how families can get involved in treatment, and much much more.  Hope it helps. Show notes:  http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-patrick-mcgrath-its-ok-to-be-uncomfortable All the best, Stu 

In episode 135 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Anna Foster. Anna is a presenter for BBC radio Newcastle. She shares her OCD story for the first time. It's a heartfelt and honest conversation. Hope it helps.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-anna-foster Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

Thank you... http://theocdstories.com/podcast

In episode 134 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Aaron Harvey. Aaron is the founder of the wonderful IntrusiveThoughts.org a not for profit website that brings together sufferers, advocates, professionals and loved ones of people with OCD in order to save lives. Aaron shares his OCD story in an honest and open way. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/aaron-harvey-intrusive-thoughts Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

Here is the final instalment of a 3 part mini series on my reflections, and learnings from the IOCDF conference in Washington, DC.  Hope it helps. Stu  http://theocdstories.com/podcast

In episode 133 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Kimberley Quinlan. In this episode I chat with Kimberley about how OCD can affect people's sex lives, giving yourself permission to be imperfect, why it's a beautiful day to do hard things, social anxiety, honouring your pain, self-love and much much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/kimberley-quinlan-its-a-beautiful-day-to-do-hard-things Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

Here is the second instalment of a 3 part mini series on my reflections, and learnings from the IOCDF conference in Washington, DC.  Hope it helps. Stu  http://theocdstories.com/podcast

Here is the first instalment of a 3 part mini series on my reflections, and learnings from the IOCDF conference in Washington, DC.  Hope it helps. Stu  http://theocdstories.com/podcast

In episode 132 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Solome Tibebu. Solome shares her OCD story, and her initiative Anxiety in Teens. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-solome-tibebu-anxiety-in-teens Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 131 I chat with Sheva about her OCD story, superstition in relation to OCD, avoidance, acceptance around unanswered questions, why the two words “So What” are the most powerful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/sheva-rajaee-some-questions-cant-be-answered Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 130 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Jonathan Abramowitz for the second time about his book "Getting over OCD" and I ask him some listener questions. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jonathan-abramowitz-living-the-cbt-lifestyle Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 129 of the podcast I chat with Dr Jenny Yip about her OCD story including postpartum OCD. Her experience as an OCD therapist, the role families can play in recovery and much much more. Hope it helps!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jenny-yip-ocd-treatment Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In this episode 128 I chat with Dr Kevin Chapman about the importance of understanding the role culture plays in the effectiveness of OCD treatment. Hope it helps!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-kevin-chapman-recognising-culture-in-the-effective-treatment-of-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 127 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Spenser Gabin. In this story edition of the podcast Spenser shares his OCD story. Hope it helps!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-spenser-gabin Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 126 of The OCD Stories podcast I had a second conversation with Harris Goldberg who is a scriptwriter and director in Hollywood. We discuss the topics of relapse, stress and much much more. Hope it helps!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/harris-goldberg-relapse-stress-and-recovery Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 125 of The OCD Stories podcast I had a conversation with Kirsten Pagacz who is the author of the book “Leaving the OCD circus”. Hope it helps!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/kirsten-pagacz-leaving-the-ocd-circus Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 124 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed 6 of the campers who attended the first UK OCD camp, to find out more about their experiences and what they learned. Hope it helps!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/the-ocd-camp-my-conversation-with-6-campers Interested in The OCD Camp? Check out TheOCDCamp.com All the best, Stu

Disclaimer - This episode is not a replacement for medical advice. When making choices around medication please speak to a psychiatrist.  In episode 123 of The OCD Stories podcast I chatted Dr David Sherman. David is a psychiatrist practicing in New York City for around 15 years, and for much of that time he was also an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Centre. He has kindly agreed to come on the show to answer your questions around medication. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-david-sherman-medication Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 122 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Shala Nicely. We chat about her new book "Is Fred in the Refrigerator?", and discuss some of the learnings from the book. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/shala-nicely-is-fred-in-the-refrigerator-taming-ocd-and-reclaiming-my-life Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 121 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Richard Taylor. In this story edition of the podcast I chat with Richard about his OCD story, and his recovery journey. He shares some wonderful wisdom and hope for those struggling with OCD. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-richard-taylor Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 120 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. We talk about what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) actually is, what Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is and how they differ. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-what-actually-is-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 119 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Rose Cartwright. Rose is a writer and author of the book “Pure” published under the surname Bretécher, which is now a Channel 4 drama series. Rose is also a director over at intrusivethoughts.org. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/rose-cartwright-pure Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 118 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Ethan Smith. Ethan is a professional Writer/Director/Producer. Ethan is a national ambassador for the charity the IOCDF. We talk about his OCD story, his recovery and what helped him. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/ethan-smith-if-i-can-then-you-can-too Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 117 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Marco Maggioni. Marco Kindly agreed to share his story with us. In this episode I chat with Marco about his OCD story, his recovery journey, how meditation has played a role in his recovery, tips for meditating, letting thoughts be, and the importance of kindness and compassion. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-marco-maggioni Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 116 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Fred Penzel for the second time. We discuss how to succeed in OCD treatment covering many recovery focused topics. Hope it helps. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-fred-penzel-succeeding-in-your-ocd-treatment Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 115 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Margaret Sisson. Margaret founded the charity Riley’s Wish which helps sufferers of OCD and addiction. The charity was started in honour and memory of her son Riley, who was a passionate advocate for people with OCD and addiction. Hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/margaret-sisson-ocd-addiction-rileys-wish-foundation Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 114 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Catherine Benfield. Catherine runs the blog Taming Olivia, where she blogs about her experiences with OCD, focusing on perinatal and postnatal OCD. Hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/catherine-benfield-perinatal-and-postnatal-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu

In episode 113 I got Dr Jonathan Grayson on the show for the second time to talk about OCD recovery, treatment resistance and to answer listener questions. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jonathan-grayson-freedom-from-obsessive-compulsive-disorder Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 112 I interviewed Lillie Fergus. This is the first part in a long series of OCD stories, where I interview people with OCD about their recovery journey. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/story-lillie-fergus Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 111 I interviewed Dr Edna Foa. Edna is a Professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. She has devoted her academic career to study the psychopathology and treatment of anxiety disorders, primarily obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social phobia. In 2010 TIME magazine named Edna one of their 100 most influential people in the world. In 2011 she was awarded the Outstanding Career Achievement Award by the IOCDF. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-edna-foa-the-treatment-research-and-history-of-ocd-recovery Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 110 I was interviewed by a good friend and fellow podcaster Lawrence Neal. Lawrence asked me questions about running The OCD Stories, what I learned from my guests, what it's like training in therapy, my hopes for the show, The OCD Camp and the biggest opportunity for OCD therapists. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/stuart-ralph-behind-the-scenes-of-the-ocd-stories Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 109 I interviewed Dr Jonathan Abramowitz. Jonathan is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC specializing in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He is also Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina. Jonathan has written two self-help books and published over 250 scientific articles, books, and book chapters. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jonathan-abramowitz-getting-over-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 108 I interviewed Chrissie Hodges. In this interview Chrissie answered some listener questions about OCD recovery. We also chat about her OCD Gamechangers event in March. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/chrissie-hodges-ocd-gamechangers-ep108 Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 107 I interviewed Dr Kevin Chapman. Kevin is a Licensed Psychologist in Kentucky. He specialises in the treatment of anxiety disorders using CBT, and ERP for OCD. Kevin is on the board of the nOCD app and is the sports psychologist for Louisville City Football Club. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-kevin-chapman-having-grit-in-ocd-recovery Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 106 I interviewed Dr Steven Phillipson for the second time. In this episode with Steven we discuss how ERP works, developing a champion mindset in recovery, the power of choice, living by your values, Viktor Frankl, the phrase “If I’m not choosing it, let it be!”, and staying centred in emotional turmoil. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-how-erp-works-and-the-power-of-choice Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 105 I interviewed Peter Weiss. Pete is an OCD therapist based in Seattle. He has been co-running camps for kids and adults with OCD for 10 years. He was one of the therapists in the 2013 documentary Extreme OCD Camp. Pete is helping me set up a camp for adults with OCD in the UK. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/peter-weiss-camping-nature-and-ocd Camp - TheOCDCamp.com Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 104 I interviewed Dr Elizabeth McIngvale. Liz is the founder of the not for profit Peace of Mind foundation which is dedicated to serving the OCD community. She has a Phd in social work and is assistant professor at Baylor university. At the age of 17 she became the national spokesperson for the international OCD foundation. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-elizabeth-mcingvale-peace-of-mind Camp - TheOCDCamp.com Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> All the best, Stu 

In episode 103 I wanted to take the time to share with you my plans for 2018. I find that you guys help me shape the show, so I want to be more transparent with you. In this episode I talk about the new site (not built yet), why I decided to shut down my personal YouTube channel, my aims to do more face to face meet ups with listeners around the world, The OCD Camp, guests and doing more with Patreon. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/2018 Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 101 I interviewed Elke. Elke is a scientist for a biotech company and we know each other from Patreon where I have had the privilege of getting to know her and her story over the last year. On the podcast she shares her OCD story, and how she made progress in her recovery. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/elke-recovering-from-contamination-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 101 I interviewed Dr Ashley Smith about OCD recovery, treatment and CBT. We also chatted about personal development and overcoming the feeling of shame. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-ashley-smith-cbt-ocd-recovery-and-a-blind-quest Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 100 I took the opportunity to thank you all sincerely for your support over the last two years, and reflect on the growth of The OCD Stories. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/thank-you Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 99 I interviewed Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. He co-founded the first CBT/Support group for OCD sufferers in the New York area in 1987. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy.Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-steven-phillipson-recovery-from-thinking-the-unthinkable Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 98 I interviewed Emily Byrnes. Emily is a teacher and poet. Her new book “A strangely wrapped gift” is a collection of poems including some on OCD and mental health. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/emily-byrnes-a-strangely-wrapped-gift Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 96 I interviewed Zoe Gillis. Zoe is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who runs nature and mindfulness wilderness retreats. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/zoe-gillis-disconnect-to-reconnect Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 94 I interviewed Shannon Shy.Shannon is the president of the board of directors for the IOCDF and an OCD peer support specialist. We talk about Shannon's story and overcoming OCD. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/shannon-shy-overcoming-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 93 I interviewed Kimberley Quinlan. Kimberley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats people with OCD and eating disorders. We talk about dealing with OCD and an eating disorder. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/kimberley-quinlan-ocd-and-eating-disorders Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 92 I interviewed Kimberley Quinlan. Kimberley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats people with OCD and related disorders. We talk about the idea of radical acceptance. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/kimberley-quinlan-badass-radical-acceptance-for-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 91 I interviewed Aneela Kumar. Aneela is the inspiration for HabitAware. The company behind “Keen” a smart bracelet that gently vibrates when you start to pick, pull or bite, to draw your attention to the unconscious habit. Aneela has had trichotillomania for 20+ years. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/aneela-kumar-trichotillomania-and-the-keen-smart-bracelet Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 90 I interviewed Jon Hershfield and Shala Nicely. Jon Hershfield and Shala Nicely talked about their new book “Everyday mindfulness for OCD: Tips, Tricks, and Skills for Living Joyfully”. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/jon-hershfield-and-shala-nicely-everyday-mindfulness-for-ocd This week's episode is sponsored by the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland. If you are in the Baltimore area and are looking for treatment head over to anxietyandstress.com. Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

Disclaimer - this episode is for exploratory purposes only, and not medical advice. Please seek the advice of a licensed medical professional when considering any medical treatment. In episode 89 I interviewed Dr Courtney Paré. Courtney is a naturopathic doctor who specialises in the treatment of mental health conditions, with a focus on anxiety and OCD. Courtney explains what homeopathy is, how it can work with SSRIs, the importance of therapy, being self-compassionate and mindful. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-courtney-pare-homeopathy-and-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 88 I interviewed Jon Hershfield. Jon is a pyschotherapist based in Maryland who specialises in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. He is the author of three books “The mindfulness workbook for OCD” and “When a family member has OCD”. This episode is dedicated to supporting and helping family members of those with OCD. To one, support themselves, and two, support their loved ones with OCD more effectively.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/jon-hershfield-when-a-family-member-has-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 87 I interviewed Ryan Dumont. Ryan is an OCD wellness advocate, CEO of Dumont Innovative Technologies, and the author of the forthcoming book, “The Missing Peace: A Patient’s Guide to Recovery”. Enjoy.   Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/ryan-dumont-the-missing-peace-a-patients-guide-to-recovery This week's episode is sponsored by CBT Solutions. They are based in Maryland. Find out more here -CBTBaltimore.com Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 86 I interviewed Sheva Rajaee. Sheva is a psychotherapist at the OCD Center of Los Angeles. We talk about how not to let information cause anxiety, living with uncertainty and many OCD related topics. Enjoy.   Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/sheva-rajaee-ocd-and-anxiety-in-the-age-of-information This week's episode is sponsored by The Gateway Institute. They have locations in Orange County, San Francisco and Phoenix. Find out more here - GatewayOCD.com  Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 85 of the podcast I talk with Jeff Bell and Shala Nicely about their online course Thriving with OCD: four keys out when locked in doubt. Enjoy.   Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/the-beyond-the-doubt-course Get 25% off Jeff and Shala's course exclusive for The OCD Stories listeners: Find out more >> Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 84 of the podcast I interview Chrissie Hodges for the second time in two weeks, as a part two of our interview on Pure O and OCD recovery. Enjoy.   Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/chrissie-hodges-pure-o-part-2 The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 83 I chat with Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a mental health advocate, peer support coach and she raises awareness around Pure O. We cover Pure O and many other topics. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/chrissie-hodges-pure-o-part-1 Ep83 is sponsored by theocdclinics.com (Locations: Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio/Austin metro areas)  The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 82 I interviewed Dr Ariz Rojas. Dr Rojas is a licensed psychologist in the Division of Tics, OCD, and Related Disorders in the Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. We talk about childhood OCD, ERP for kids and other childhood related OCD topics.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-ariz-rojas-treating-childhood-ocd The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 81 I did my first face to face interview. UNSTUCK is a documentary about childhood OCD, with the unique angle of the kids as the experts. Kelly Anderson and Chris Baier started this project two years ago to shed some much needed light on how OCD affects children, and how they can recover. In this episode I chat with Chris, and his two daughters Vanessa and Charlotte. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/unstuck-a-family-that-fights-ocd-together-beats-ocd-together The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 80 I share my experience of the IOCDF conference in San Francisco. I talk about the two podcasts I recorded in person (a first for me), and some of the things I learned from the conference. I had a wonderful time, and met so many lovely people. The spirit of the conference was inspiring, and hopeful.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/my-experience-of-the-iocdf-conference-in-san-fran Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 77 of the podcast I chat with Harris Goldberg. Harris is a writer, producer and director, having worked on several Hollywood hits. In 2007 he wrote and directed the film Numb, which was a biopic about his mental health experiences. We talk about OCD, depersonalisation and mental health in Hollywood. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/harris-goldberg-ocd-in-hollywood The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 76 of the podcast I chat with Kimberley Quinlan about her podcast "Your anxiety toolkit", her approach to therapy, and she answers your questions about OCD recovery. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/kimberley-quinlan-your-anxiety-toolkit The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 75 of the podcast I chat with Mark Freeman about his new book "The Mind workout". We discuss his book, and various insights from it. Enjoy!   Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/mark-freeman-the-mind-workout To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 72 of the podcast I interview Olivia Bamber from the charity OCD Action. Olivia is the media and communications officer for the charity. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/ocd-charities-ocd-action The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 70 of the podcast I interviewed Jeff and Ethan from the International OCD Foundation. I ask them how the IOCDF can be of service to you, and how you can be of service to them. Enjoy!  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/ocd-charities-the-iocdf Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 68 of the podcast I interviewed Shala Nicely.I got Shala on the show to answer some of your ERP questions. I asked the community what their ERP questions were. 36 people answered, with a collective 78 questions. This is part one in answering these questions. Enjoy! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/your-erp-questions-answered-part-1-with-shala-nicely Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 67 of the podcast I interviewed Professor Paul Gilbert. We talk about how compassion can improve mental health, and help with Exposures. Enjoy.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/professor-paul-gilbert-compassion-and-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 66 of the podcast I interviewed Epifania Rita Gallinata. We talk about her OCD story, her recovery and her advice for taking your life back from OCD.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/epifania-rita-gallina-taking-back-your-life-through-erp Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> The OCD Stories book: http://theocdstories.com/book To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 64 of the podcast I interview Donald Robertson. Donald is a therapist and author. We talk about the origins of CBT, stoicism and OCD recovery. Donald shares some great advice. Hope it helps! This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/donald-robertson-ocd-and-stoicism To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 63 of the podcast I interviewed Dr Allen Weg. I talked with Allen about using story telling in the treatment of OCD. Hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-allen-weg-ocd-treatment-through-storytelling This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 62 of the podcast I interviewed Eric Kupers. I talked with Eric about a philosophical piece of writing he did called "The Dharma of OCD". Hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/eric-kupers-the-dharma-of-ocd This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

Welcome to the Wednesday story edition of The OCD Stories podcast. In this storytime edition I read Eric's OCD story.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/storytime-my-40-year-journey-with-OCD This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>  

In episode 61 of the podcast I interviewed Adam Shaw. Adam shares his OCD story, and talks about his book "Pulling the trigger" and charity "The Shaw Mind Foundation". Hope it helps! This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/adam-shaw-pulling-the-trigger-ocd-recovery To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

Welcome to the Wednesday story edition of The OCD Stories podcast. In this storytime edition I read Morgan's OCD story.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/storytime-on-avoiding-writing-this-essay This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 60 of the podcast I interviewed Liz Atkin. Liz talks about her experience with compulsive skin picking, her 1 minute charcoal drawings and recovery tips. Hope it helps! This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/liz-atkin-from-compulsive-skin-picking-to-compulsive-charcoal To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 59 of the podcast I interviewed therapist Rob Willson. Rob has written many books on OCD and BDD, and offers lots of great advice for both overcoming OCD and BDD. Hope it helps! This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/rob-willson-overcoming-ocd-and-bdd To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 58 of the podcast I have compiled some of my guests recent answers to the question "What would you tell someone with OCD you meet in an elevator (30 second elevator ride)?". Hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/their-one-piece-of-advice This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

Welcome to the Wednesday story edition of The OCD Stories podcast. In this storytime edition I read PJ's OCD story.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/storytime-february-fifteenth This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

Welcome to the Wednesday story edition of The OCD Stories podcast. In this storytime edition I read Louise's OCD story.  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/storytime-from-contamination-ocd-to-the-bbc This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 55 of the podcast I interviewed research and psychiatrist David Veale. David has added a lot to the research field of OCD and had some great answers to my questions. I hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/professor-david-veale-ocd-psychiatry-and-research This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 54 of the podcast I interviewed Alison Dotson. Alison is an OCD advocate and author of the book “Being me with OCD: How I learned to obsess less and live my life”. I hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/alison-dotson-being-me-with-ocd This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 53 of the podcast I read out Sofi's OCD story. I share what I found inspiring about it, and what we can learn to use in our own recovery from OCD. I hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/ocd-storytime-it-all-started-when-i-was-3-years-old This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 52 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed YouTuber (Shalom Aleichem) and OCD blogger Katlyn Nicole on her journey of recovery from OCD for the second time. I hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/kat-nicole-ocd-1-year-on This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

This is a mini episode made up of some of the answers to the question "what advice do you have for people to live an amazing life?". I hope you find this helpful and inspiring to your OCD recovery. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/advice-for-an-amazing-life This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

In episode 49 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Kieron O'Connor. Kieron is a key researcher behind Inference Based Therapy (IBA) which he created to treat OCD. He shares the principles behind the therapy and insight into OCD. I hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/kieron-oconnor-inference-based-therapy This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 48 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Stephen Smith. Stephen is the co-founder of the app nOCD. On this epsiode he shares with us the new features of the app and also some advice. I hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/stephen-smith-treat-my-ocd This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 46 of The OCD Stories podcast I was interviewed by Chetna of The East Bay Behavior Therapy Center. Chetna asked me some great questions about recovery, OCD, what the behind the scenes of The OCD Stories looks like and motivation. I hope it helps! Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/a-day-in-the-life-of-stuart-ralph This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 45 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Jonathan Grayson. We chat about virtual camping, ERP, motivation in recovery and much much more. I hope it helps!  Show notes: theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-jonathan-grayson-ocd-recovery-uncertainty-and-virtual-camping This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 43 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Becky Beaton. We discuss motivation in recovery, approaching treatment from many angles and mindfulness, among much much more. Enjoy. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-becky-beaton-hoarding-trauma-and-ocd This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 42 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Reid Wilson. We chat about his approach to treating OCD. He offers some brilliant advice, for dealing with OCD.  Show notes - http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-reid-wilson-stopping-the-noise-in-your-head This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 41 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Shala Nicely. You guys sent in some great questions which I asked Shala. Topics include sleep, starting ERP, mental checking and much much more.   Show notes - http://theocdstories.com/podcast/shala-nicely-answers-your-ocd-recovery-questions This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 39 of the podcast I chat with OCD UK CEO Ashley Fulwood. Ashley shares some great advice for challenging OCD.  Show notes - http://theocdstories.com/podcast/ashley-fulwood-ocd-uk/ This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 38 of the podcast I chat with Morgan Rondinelli. Morgan is an OCD advocate and blogger. We talk about her recovery, what helped her and ERP therapy. Hope it helps...  Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/morgan-rondinelli-my-ocd-voice This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 36 of the podcast I chat with Duncan CJ. Duncan is the host of the Spirit Pig podcast. He interviews people all over the world about fulfilment. He doesn't have OCD but I wanted to get him on the show to share his advice for living a fulfilled life. Hope it helps...  This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

DISCLAIMER - This is an exploratory interview into the potential of psychedelics as a treatment for OCD. This is NOT a how to guide. If you take psychedelics, you do so at your own risk.  In episode 35 of the podcast I chat with comedian Adam Strauss about his use of psychedelics as a potential treatment for OCD. We discuss the legality of it all and the future potential. Adam also shares the importance of acceptance and ACT.  Hope it helps.   This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

In episode 34 of the podcast I chat with Julia Gottwald. Julia is researching Adolescent OCD. We discuss why teenagers with OCD are different from adults with OCD. We look at why teenagers with OCD could have a different treatment plan from adults. This is an interesting and inspiring conversation about OCD and OCD research. Hope it helps.   Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team

In episode 33 of the podcast I chat with Jeff Bell, author of two books on OCD. Jeff shares his great advice for recovery from OCD, including the importance of purpose and service. We talk about his book "When in doubt, make belief". Hope it helps.   This podcast is also brought to you by nOCD: http://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team  

I may have a sore throat but I didn't want to let that stop me from sharing something. Recovery from OCD is possible. I hope this mini-episode inspires you.  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>  

Download the nOCD app (free): http://m.treatmyocd.com/ocdstories In episode 30 of The OCD Stories podcast I talked with Stephen Smith. Stephen co-founded the app nOCD. The app tracks and measures obsessions and compulsions. It's a great app and is free -check it out. Stephen also shares some great advice from his own OCD journey. Enjoy.  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 29 of The OCD Stories podcast I talked with Catlin A. Palmer. Catlin is part native American. We discuss his culture and how this impacted his mental health. Catlin is a life coach with a background in social work. He talks about his battles with Pure O, depression and social anxiety. We also discuss addiction, and how to overcome it. Enjoy. To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 28 of the podcast I discuss some of the OCD books that I've read, in the hopes it helps you decide your next book for your recovery!  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>

In episode 27 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Guy Doron. I first interviewed Guy in January for episode 5. Guy is one of the leading researchers in relationship OCD (rOCD), and along with his team he his uncovering important information about this subtype of OCD. He has recently co-created an app for ROCD recovery. This episode offers general OCD advice, so don't worry if you don't suffer with ROCD. OCD is OCD. To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>  

In episode 26 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Ed Renshaw. Ed first wrote his OCD story for the website in 2015. I've since got to know Ed well, and wanted to get him on the show to share his journey and inspiration with you. Enjoy... To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>  

In episode 25 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Andy. Andy is an artist, photographer and the illustrator behind the popular OCD Instagram account OCD Maestro. Enjoy... To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 24 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Lily Bailey. Lily is a model and author. I interviewed her in episode 12 of the podcast to hear her story, and find what helped her in her journey. In this episode we  talk about her new book "Because we are bad: OCD and a girl lost in thought".  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 22 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Mary. Mary was featured in the book "Daring to challenge OCD", and has some wonderful advice to share. Enjoy... To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 20 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Chad LeJeune. Chad is a professor of psychology at the University of San Francisco. He has more than 20 years experience treating people with anxiety problems. Chad is also the author of the book “The Worry Trap” which is reviewed at 4.9 stars out of 5. To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 19 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Eric Kupers. Eric is Associate Professor, at Cal State University East Bay, in the Department of Theatre. He is also Dance Co-Director, at the Dandelion Dance theater. We talk about his recovery, medication, EMDR and relationships.  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 18 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Katie d'Ath. Katie is an author and OCD therapist. We talk about CBT, sleep, diet and exercise as well as much much more. Enjoy...  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

Disclaimer - this episode is for exploratory purposes only, and not medical advice. Please seek the advice of a licensed medical professional when considering any medical treatment. In episode 17 of the podcast I interviewed Dr Courtney Paré. Courtney specialises in naturopathic medicine, and has had her own battles with OCD. She shares her advice for getting better form OCD naturally.  Enjoy...  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 15 of the podcast I interviewed Elvis Gomes. Elvis is a singer songwriter and 2015 performed his song "Let me go" on Switzerland's Got Talent. We talk about his recovery, his song and the alternative recovery methods. Enjoy...  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 14 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Joan Davidson. Joan is author of the book “Daring to challenge OCD: overcome your fear of treatment and take control of your life using ERP” Show notes: http://www.theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-joan-davidson-daring-to-challenge-ocd Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>

In episode 13 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Fred Penzel. Fred is a psychologist and founding member of the International OCD Foundation. He has authored a book on OCD and one on Trichotillomania. Show notes: http://theocdstories.com/podcast/dr-fred-penzel-on-homosexual-ocd-bdd-zen Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>

In episode 12 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Lily Bailey. Lily is a writer and model. She is the author of the book Because we are bad: OCD and a girl lost in thought.  Show notes: Lily's OCD story (1:25) Lily's experiential approach to treatment and CBT (3:10) Psychotherapy (7:00) ACT for OCD (9:00) Advice for those struggling with ERP (14:00) Lily's OCD turning point (17:00) Why Lily made lists (19:40) Lily and religious OCD (22:00) About the book Because we are bad (28:00) Lily's one piece of advice (31:20) What Lily would have on her billboard (32:40) Find out more about Chris and Kelly: Lily on Twitter - @LilyBaileyUK Lily's book: Because we are bad: OCD and A Girl Lost In Thought (Amazon & Canbury Press) Resources mentioned: Ashley on Twitter To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>  

In episode 11 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jeff Bell & Shala Nicely. Jeff and Shala have a personal and professional journey with OCD, and have come together to create Beyond The Doubt. Show notes: Shala & Jeff's OCD story (2:10) What worked other then ERP/CBT? (14:20) The importance of meaning (17:10) Seeing the Universe as friendly (22:45) Power of personal responsibility (26:30) How to deal with dull looming anxiety (38:00) “The only way to effectively manage uncertainty, is to embrace uncertainty?” (32:30) Advice for conquering ERP (41:40) The ultimate goal for OCD recovery (46:30) Shala's advice for changing careers and becoming a therapist (49:20) The purpose behind BeyondTheDoubt.com (56:30) The one piece of advice (59:30) What Jeff and Shala would have on their billboard (1:01:00) Find out more about Chris and Kelly: Beyond The Doubt - BeyondTheDoubt.com Twitter: Jeff / Shala Shala's website - ShalaNicely.com Jeff's initiative - Adversity to Advocacy Jeff's books: Rewind, replay, repeat (Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com) & When in doubt, make belief (Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com) Resources mentioned: Jon Hershfield Viktor Frankl's book Man's search for meaning (Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com) Tamar Chansky's book Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (Amazom.co.uk/Amazon.com) Steven Hayes' podcast episode Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>

In episode 10 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Kelly Anderson and Chris Baier. Chris and Kelly are creating the documentary called UNSTUCK: An OCD Kids Movie. A documentary featuring entirely a cast of children, showing the wisdom and bravely that youth brings. Show notes: Chris & Kelly’s OCD story (1:40) Aim of the documentary (4:30) Documentary structure (6:30) How OCD affects the siblings (8:00) The documentary will show anxiety is much a part of OCD as obsessions and compulsions (12:20) The documentary is about describing the journey of recovery (13:35) How Chris and Kelly’s kids got diagnosed (17:40) Benefits of kids with OCD hanging out with other kids with OCD (24:00) Why only kids will be in the film (32:30) OCD in school (34:30) Advice for parenting a kid with OCD (36:40) The one piece of advice for the parent and the one piece of advice for the kid struggling with OCD (44:10) What Chris and Kelly would write on their billboard (46:30) Find out more about Chris and Kelly: The film website and trailer: OCDKidsMovie.com OCD Kids Movie Facebook Twitter: Chris / Kelly Resources mentioned: Mount Sinai hospital OCD treatment Project UROK To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 9 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed David Adam. David is an editor and author of the book "The man who couldn't stop". Show notes: David’s OCD story (2:10) Medication (3:45) What started David’s recovery (4:05) Group therapy (5:40) OCD and HIV obsessions. How the media can play a part in new obsessions (8:20) How David Researched his book (11:15) David’s ERP pyramid (14:20) David’s advice for doing ERP (16:00) Accepting uncertainty, and why you are already great at it! (22:40) Relaxation and distraction (26:40) “What would most people do?” phrase (29:40) Advice for not reassurance seeking (32:50) Ignorance that is pure, and how to deal with it (36:30) How David describes OCD to someone (39:00) The one piece of advice David would give to someone with OCD (41:10) What David would have one his billboard (45:00) Find out more about David: David on Twitter @DavidNeilAdam His book: The man who couldn’t stop: OCD and the true story of a life lost in thought (Amazon.co.uk/Amazon.com) Resources mentioned: David’s talk at the OCD Action conference To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>  

In episode 8 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jack Pridmore. Jack was in the 2013 BBC documentary 'Extreme OCD Camp'. Jack is now focusing on getting his degree, and raising awareness for OCD. The audio cuts out the recording a couple times for a few seconds. This was due to bad internet signal. If it goes silent for a few seconds please keep listening :-) Show notes: Jack’s OCD story (3:10) Jack on contamination OCD and unplanned exposures (8:35) Living alone and living with others (11:00) Jack on ERP, therapy and group therapy for addiction (12:10) The benefits of group therapy for OCD (13:30) Jack on his attitude going into the ‘extreme OCD camp’ (17:15) How group therapy removes the need to hide your OCD (18:20) Jack on further OCD treatments and ACT (22:45) Jack on Peter Weiss and Travis Osborne’s compassionate approach to therapy (30:00) How Jack got on the documentary, and his thoughts on the TV show Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners (33:50) Doing ERP while been filmed (40:35) Doing therapy in nature (48:25) Jack’s tips for doing ERP successfully (51:50) Jack’s favourite moment from the trip (56:15) Jack’s 2015 charity adventure (58:45) Jack’s 2016 charity walk - I walked a mile in my shoes (1:11:00) What just would say if he met someone with OCD (1:14:20) What Jack would have on a billboard (1:15:00) Jack’s future plans (1:16:00) Find out more about Jack: Jack’s Twitter - @JackJPridmore ididmymile.co.uk @ididmymile on Twitter Resources: OCD Action OCD UK Mind charity To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>  

In episode 7 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Peter Weiss. Pete is a therapist who works with people who have OCD, ADHD and Autism. He is the founder of Blue Compass Camps, and in 2013 the BBC did a documentary about one of his OCD camps. Show notes: Pete’s OCD Story (2:40) What Pete thinks about the documentary (12:00) What it was like doing therapy in front of a camera (15:30) What inspired Pete to help people with OCD and why it’s common to have have mental health issues with OCD (19:00) Why camping in the wild improves recovery times (26:40) How to speak with people are are anxious (35:25) The power of "Maybe" (38:00) ERP is important, but it is only a tool (43:00) The importance of assessing the ERP challenge before you attempt it (47:50) How to boost self-esteem for OCD treatment (52:00) How to not let anxiety get to you when you are helping someone who is anxious and parenting a child with OCD (1:01:20) The challenges facing someone who has OCD and depression. Also Pete's advice (1:06:30) The future of OCD Camps (1:09:45) Pete's one piece of advice (1:13:40) What Pete would have on their billboard (1:17:40) Find out more about Peter: Pete’s private practice - Seattle Child Therapy  Blue Compass Camps  Teen OCD Camp  Resources mentioned: Travis Osbourne Extreme OCD Camp documentary - Part 1/Part 2      Jeffrey Schwartz - Brain Lock (Amazon UK/Amazon US) & You Are Not Your Brain (Amazon UK/Amazon US) The CBT article on The Guardian Dr Steven Hayes International OCD Foundation - IOCDF.org To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>

In episode 6 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Jon Hershfield. Jon is the author of two books on OCD and a therapist who specialises in OCD treatment. Show notes: Jon’s OCD Story (1:30) What Jon did before he retrained into therapy (7:10) Risk and OCD (9:00) What mindfulness is, and how can it be used to treat OCD (11:40) Mindfulness and ACT (14:45) Jon’s tips to stay on track with mindfulness training (16:15) Using mindfulness for anger (22:00) Good meditations for beginners (26:40) How to meditate even though you are getting intrusive thoughts (31:50) How mindfulness can work alongside ERP (39:20) Jon’s tip for starting and sticking with ERP (44:20) The acceptance script and how to use it (51:20) Mental reviewing, scenario bending, mental rehearsal and mental hoarding (1:00:30) The one bit of advice Jon would give if he only had 30 seconds (1:12:00) Jon’s new book “When a family member has OCD” (1:14:15) What Jon would have written on his billboard (1:16:40) Find out more about Jon: Jon's website - OCDBaltimore.com Jon on Twitter - @CBTOCD The mindfulness workbook for OCD (Amazon UK/Amazon USA) When a family member has OCD (Amazon UK/Amazon USA) Resources mentioned: OCD Georgia talk Peaceful warrior film Dr James Claiborn Headspace 10% happier app and book (Amazon UK/Amazon USA) IOCDF Shala Nicely To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

In episode 5 of The OCD Stories podcast I interviewed Dr Guy Doron. Guy is one of the leading researchers in relationship OCD (rOCD), and along with his team he his uncovering important information about this subtype of OCD. Show notes: Guy’s OCD Story (1:00) Finding rOCD in research (4:30) How rOCD also covers relationship with God (6:40) Type 1 vs Type 2 rOCD, and why someone would get one over the over (8:20) New study: embarrassability and OCD (11:40) Why an OCD sufferer seeks rightness in the relationship (12:50) How rOCD can affect dating not just the relationship (15:05) How distorted views of love affects relationships (19:50) How someone tells if they have rOCD or a bad relationship? (24:20) How rOCD can make relationships better (28:30) How to explain to your partner that you are trying your best to deal with the OCD (31:30) How ERP can be used to treat rOCD (35:20) The one thing rOCD sufferers can do today to improve their lives (41:20) Guy’s most astonishing finding from his research (44:45) What guy would want written on his billboard (47:00) Find out more about Dr Steven Hayes: Guy’s site – ROCD.net Resources mentioned: Dr Danny Derby – www.dr-derby.com Dr Steven Hayes To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

Show notes: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) research depth (3:20) ACT vs CBT in the research (4:40) Steve’s OCD, anxiety and research story (6:00) Why and how Steve came up with ACT (12:50) Relational frame theory (RFT) (15:45) How Eastern philosophy links with ACT (20:50) The importance of using our minds without our minds using us (23:20) Psychology within the media, marketing and technology (26:00) Getting ACT into schools (28:45) Tinnitus story to understand ACT (39:00) Why you shouldn’t try to stop thoughts. Instead accept them (46:20) Accept your emotions, not just your thoughts (47:20) Can you beat OCD? (48:00) Finding meaning in suffering (51:00) ACT and Logotherapy (53:20) How to accept your thoughts and defuse from them - including exercises (58:25) Steve’s thoughts on meditation (1:12:50) Using ACT to get rid of physical compulsions (1:20:30) How ACT is gentler than ERP, and mental health vs illness (1:26:40) Why you are one of the lucky ones (1:44:20) Find out more about Dr Steven Hayes: Steve’s site - http://www.stevenchayes.com Steve’s books Get out of your mind and into your life  Resources mentioned: Marianne Williamson quote - “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” The worry trap by Chad LeJeune Man’s search for meaning by Viktor Frankl  Increasing Willingness to Experience Obsessions: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Michael P. Twohig, Steven C. Hayes, Akihiko Masuda  To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

Show notes: Kat’s OCD Story (1:50) Mark Freeman’s air mattress effect (3:45) Getting diagnosed (4:05) Making intrusive thoughts worse (5:05) Separating yourself from the thought (6:35) Using script exposure for recovery (7:55) Recording script exposure and playing it back (10:25) How Pure O lead to other types of OCD? (12:00) Struggling with Prayer (13:00) Advice and strategies for praying without OCD (13:40) Dealing with physical compulsions (15:00) Using “Well, maybe it is” for acceptance (17:40) Advice for opening up about sexual obsessions to your therapist (17:35) How faith has helped recovery (22:35) How the church has helped in recovery (25:10) Opening up about OCD to inspire others (28:40) Number 1 tip for beating OCD - “Accept your thoughts” (34:00) Future plans (35:10) Final words of wisdom (38:30) What Kat would want written on a billboard for the world to see (40:55) How to find out more about Kat (42:15) Find out more about Kat: YouTube channel - Shalom Aleichem Blog - Do An Exposure Tumblr - Do An Exposure Twitter - @Thekatway Snapchat - @Thekatway Kat’s OCD Story on The OCD Stories Resources mentioned:  Mark Freeman on ACT and OCD recovery Brene Brown Ted Talks on Vulnerability and Shame   To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >> 

Show notes: Bob’s OCD story (2:20) The types of therapy/medication Bob has done (7:30) Bob’s advice on Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) (9:30) Bob’s advice on therapy (11:40) OCD Stigma (13:10) Bob’s advice for business people with OCD (16:30) How to get motivated in an OCD spike. Action precedes motivation (19:40) Bob’s morning routine (22:18) OCD and exercise (24:25) What OCD has taught Bob (25:40) Being happy despite OCD (30:30) Success mindset vs fixed minset for recovery. The importance of personal development (31:30) Bob’s one key piece of business advice (34:25) Bob’s additional advice on dealing with OCD (36:00) What Bob would want written on a billboard (37:00) Find out more about Bob: Website: http://www.burg.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bobburg Resources: The Go-Giver by Bob Burg IOCDF.org - International OCD Foundation ACT book mentioned in the episode: The Acceptance Field Guide Bob's OCD story in written format >> To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team Get exclusive podcasts and content by becoming a member of the podcast find out more here >>

I interview author, and YouTuber Mark Freeman on his OCD journey. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/mark-freeman-on-his-recovery-from-ocd To your success, Stuart and The OCD Stories team