

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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
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.
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.