Amy Mariaskin, "Thriving in Relationships When You Have OCD" (New Harbinger, 2022)
Nov 18, 2024
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Amy Mariaskin, a licensed psychologist and founder of the Nashville OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center, shares her insights on managing relationships while living with OCD. She discusses practical strategies like self-compassion and cognitive behavioral therapy to enhance communication and intimacy. The conversation addresses challenges in dating, sexuality, and understanding the impact of intrusive thoughts. Mariaskin emphasizes the importance of resilience and curiosity in navigating relationship dynamics affected by OCD.
The episode emphasizes that understanding and openly discussing OCD can significantly enhance intimacy and connectedness in various relationships.
The speaker advocates for evidence-based therapies and self-compassion as essential tools to manage OCD symptoms and foster meaningful connections.
Deep dives
The Journey into Psychology
The speaker shares their early interest in creative writing, which evolved into a passion for psychology after discovering their own struggle with OCD. Throughout their childhood, they faced undiagnosed symptoms that they eventually recognized during their graduate studies. A significant turning point occurred while working with children with developmental differences, sparking a genuine interest in helping others with mental health issues. This personal experience with OCD shaped their dedication to research and treatment, particularly in the realm of OCD and anxiety.
Isolation and Stigma of OCD
The episode highlights the isolating nature of OCD, where individuals often deal with hidden symptoms that lead to feelings of shame and secrecy. Many perceive OCD as overt behaviors like handwashing, but it often manifests mentally, affecting one's ability to connect with others. The speaker emphasizes that this internal struggle can lead to avoidance of social situations, further perpetuating feelings of loneliness. By addressing the relational impact of OCD, the intention is to provide insights into fostering healthy relationships despite the disorder.
Diverse Relationship Dynamics
The speaker underscores the importance of discussing various types of relationships beyond romantic ones, including friendships, family connections, and workplace dynamics. Evidence-based treatment modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy and self-compassion are essential components of the book’s framework. The goal is not only to reduce OCD symptoms but also to enhance interpersonal relationships and help individuals cultivate meaningful connections. This comprehensive approach provides individuals with practical strategies tailored to diverse relational experiences.
Navigating Dating and Disclosure
The discussion includes valuable advice for individuals with OCD who are contemplating dating, emphasizing the need for self-compassion and recognizing their worth. Managing fears surrounding dating often requires understanding one's own value despite the presence of OCD symptoms. Additionally, the importance of disclosure is highlighted; sharing one's experiences can foster intimacy while accepting the potential unknown reactions from others. Such openness serves as an exposure in itself, ultimately encouraging connections with partners and loved ones.
If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may seek constant reassurance from others, lose time to compulsions, struggle with unwanted thoughts and intense emotions, or act out in ways that are ineffective. These symptoms can put a major strain on your relationships--whether it's with family, friends, partners, or other relationships. And you may feel alone, embarrassed, and ashamed of your symptoms, which can lead to further withdrawal and social isolation. So, how can you reduce the impact of OCD on your relationships?
Drawing on evidence-based practices grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindful self-compassion, psychologist Amy Mariaskin offers a comprehensive guide for managing your toughest symptoms--before they hijack your relationships. With this book, you'll find hands-on skills to move toward what you truly want in your relationships and strengthen feelings of intimacy, trust, and connectedness. And finally, you'll learn how to cultivate self-compassion, mindfulness, and curiosity--all while challenging the beliefs and behaviors that keep you feeling stuck in isolation.
If you're tired of OCD sabotaging your relationships, Thriving in Relationships When You Have OCD (New Harbinger, 2022) will help you take control of your symptoms--and your life.