New Books in Psychology

Sheva Rajaee, "Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships" (New Harbinger, 2022)

Dec 15, 2024

Sheva Rajaee, a licensed marriage and family therapist and director of the Center for Anxiety and OCD, offers a deep dive into Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD). She shares her insights on how cultural backgrounds influence OCD experiences and emphasizes love as a growth journey rather than an ideal. Topics include the blurred lines between caution and obsession in relationships and the unique cognitive habits that hinder intimacy. Rajaee also introduces practical strategies for supporting both individuals with ROCD and their loved ones.

58:09

Episode guests

Sheva Rajaee

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Quick takeaways

Understanding that Relationship OCD stems from distorted thoughts can help individuals challenge obsessive doubts and reduce anxiety in romantic relationships.

Embracing uncertainty in love encourages personal growth and deeper intimacy, moving beyond the unrealistic expectations of finding the 'perfect' partner.

Deep dives

Understanding Relationship OCD

Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is characterized by persistent doubts and anxieties concerning romantic relationships, leading to an inability to feel secure. The condition can manifest in individuals worrying excessively about whether they are with the 'right' partner or if their relationship is genuine and fulfilling. This disorder complicates emotional intimacy, causing individuals to seek constant reassurance from their partners, often resulting in significant distress. By recognizing that these irrational thoughts stem from an anxiety disorder rather than legitimate relationship concerns, individuals can start the journey toward healing and understanding.

Intro

2min

Navigating Cultures and OCD in Relationships

14min

Navigating Relationship OCD and Healthy Precautions

3min

Understanding Relationship OCD Across Genders

11min

Love as a Catalyst for Growth

8min

Understanding ROCD Across Ages

7min

Understanding Relationship OCD: Support and Insights for Loved Ones

3min

Cognitive Habits in Relationships

7min

Do you obsess over your partner's flaws? Does thinking about the future of your relationship leave you imagining the worst-case scenario? When it comes to navigating the world of romantic relationships, some feelings of anxiety, doubt, and fear are to be expected. But if your fears so extreme that they threaten to destroy an otherwise healthy relationship, you may have relationship OCD--a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that causes chronic obsessive doubt and anxiety in relationships. So, how can you free yourself to discover deeper intimacy and security?

Relationship OCD (New Harbinger, 2022) offers an evidence-based, cognitive behavioral approach to finding relief from relationship anxiety, obsessive doubt, and fear of commitment. You'll learn to challenge the often-distorted thought patterns that trigger harmful emotions, increase your ability to think rationally, and ultimately accept the presence of intrusive thinking while maintaining the values of a healthy relationship.

Relationships are the ultimate unknown. If you're ready to let go of needing to know for sure, this book will help you find satisfaction and thrive in your romantic relationships--in all their wonderful uncertainty.

For more:

The Center for Anxiety and OCD Website
The ROCD Masterclass

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New Books in Psychology

Sheva Rajaee, "Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships" (New Harbinger, 2022)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding Relationship OCD

Challenging the Myth of the One

The Impact of Reassurance-Seeking

Navigating Uncertainty in Love

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts