Get to know OCD

Self-Criticism, OCD, Overthinking, and the Mindset SHIFT That Helps People Heal

Jun 5, 2025
Jon Hershfield, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD, shares his journey from struggling with intrusive thoughts to becoming a leader in the field. He emphasizes the damaging nature of self-criticism and how a shift in mindset can transform recovery. Jon uncovers why overthinking traps individuals, challenges common misconceptions about OCD, and underscores the importance of self-compassion and mindfulness as healing tools. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the complexities of managing OCD, especially in parenting.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Jon Hershfield's OCD Journey

  • Jon Hershfield shares how his own struggle with OCD led him to become a therapist specializing in OCD treatment.
  • He found value in participating in and moderating online support groups, which inspired his career change.
ADVICE

Use Mindfulness to Manage OCD

  • Practice mindfulness by observing your present moment experience without judgment or trying to change it.
  • Learn to recognize when your mind leaves the present and gently bring it back without engaging compulsions.
INSIGHT

Moral Scrupulosity Drives OCD

  • Moral scrupulosity involves intense guilt and anxiety over perceived moral failings, often disproportionate to the actual actions.
  • It is a key driver behind many OCD subtypes and complicates decisions like seeking help or stopping compulsions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app