Evidence-Based: A New Harbinger Psychology Podcast
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for OCD with Marisa T. Mazza, PsyD
May 6, 2025
Marisa T. Mazza, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and the author of The ACT Workbook for OCD, with over 15 years of experience in treating OCD and anxiety. She discusses how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help individuals manage OCD through mindfulness and self-compassion. Marisa emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's core values for meaningful living and the power of community support in recovery. She also highlights practical tools and her therapeutic workbook aimed at empowering those affected by OCD.
39:46
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Quick takeaways
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) promotes a value-driven approach to OCD treatment, prioritizing overall life fulfillment rather than just symptom reduction.
- Community support plays a vital role in managing OCD, helping individuals connect, share experiences, and confront their challenges collectively.
Deep dives
Understanding the OCD Spectrum
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) exists on a spectrum, with symptoms ranging from mild anxiety related to intrusive thoughts to severe impairments affecting daily life. Some individuals may experience only slight compulsions, while others may find their quality of life significantly diminished, such as being homebound or unable to socialize. The diagnostic criteria for OCD specify that symptoms must take up about an hour each day and impact various aspects of life. This broad view indicates that many people may experience intrusive thoughts without meeting the full criteria for OCD, suggesting a wider prevalence of these issues within the general population.
