The OCD Stories Justin Hughes, Valerie Andrews, Dr Alan Noble, and Chelsea Risko: A Deeper Dive into the role of faith (Christianity) in OCD treatment (#487)
May 25, 2025
Justin Hughes, a seasoned therapist, delves into OCD's impact on faith and spirituality. Valerie Andrews, CEO of Miss Mabel Sparrows, shares how her love for the Lord intertwines with her OCD struggles. Dr. Alan Noble discusses his journey with therapy and the intrusive fears that challenge his beliefs. Chelsea Risko opens up about her experience with harm OCD, emphasizing the delicate balance between faith and mental health. Together, they shed light on finding hope, community support, and the healing power of self-advocacy in the face of OCD.
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Why OCD Targets Faith Deeply
- OCD latches onto faith because faith holds deep personal importance, making it a prime target for OCD distress.
- The disorder exploits what matters most to intensify suffering, such as religious beliefs for those of faith.
Distinguishing Prayer Types
- Recognize the difference between compulsive prayer and genuine, valued prayer by examining your intentions.
- Avoid using prayer to 'make the fear go away'; instead, use it to cope and live by your values.
Faith as a Lifeline in OCD
- Valerie found hope by accepting that OCD is a human condition, not a sin, which helped her separate faith from OCD struggles.
- She leaned on her relationship with God as her biggest tool and advocate through her journey.