OCD Family Podcast

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT & Mental Health Correspondent, as she is joined by Uma Chatterjee, MS, MHPS, a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who shares her personal journey with OCD and her dedication to neuroscience research. Uma opens up about living with severe OCD from an early age, navigating misdiagnoses, and ultimately finding effective treatment. She discusses the neurobiology of OCD, the role of neurotransmitters, and the importance of understanding brain function in treatment. Packed with both personal experience and scientific expertise, this conversation offers hope and education for those affected by OCD. So join the conversation!

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she is joined by Dr. Mike Twohig, Ph.D., a leading researcher and clinician in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They dive deep into what ACT is, why it’s a powerful approach for OCD and related disorders. Mike shares insights regarding cognitive defusion, acceptance, and values-based living. Whether you’re new to ACT or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for individuals, families and practitioners alike. Join us!

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes back Mike Heady, LCPC, co-owner and director of the Anxiety And Stress Disorders Institute, to explore the complex world of shame. While shame often carries a negative connotation, could there be a healthy, functional side to it? Join the conversation, and learn more about the Compass of Shame and therapeutic strategies that can help cultivate healthy shame in your life, OCD or not!

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she covers a quick guide to essential resources for loved ones and chosen family of OCD warriors. Whether you’re a parent, partner, sibling, or friend, your support is crucial. But finding the right resources can feel overwhelming. That’s why I gathered virtual support groups, online communities, a guided OCD Journal & trainings to help you navigate this journey with confidence. So join the conversation, and jump over to the blog for more details!

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Taylor Newendorp, LCPC, to the OCD Family Community. As Founder of Chicago Counseling Center and the Network Clinical Training Director at NOCD, Taylor illuminates the profound impact that perfectionism has on OCD and mental health at large. Additionally, as an accomplished author, Taylor shares about The Perfectionism Workbook. It has practical tips, helpful strategies and real life experiences that offer valuable guidance for anyone struggling with perfectionism or supporting loved ones who do. So join the conversation! Because while perfection is impossible— freedom is within reach.

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she sits down with Dr. Michael Alcée, Ph.D., psychologist and author of the The Upside of OCD, to explore the transformative emotional sensitivity and creativity within OCD warriors. Mike helps to illustrate how the very traits that can feel overwhelming for sufferers and loved ones can also spark incredible strength and resilience. Together, we discuss bridging cognitive and psychodynamic approaches in treatment, blending science with artistry and cultivating self compassion to honor the heart of those with lived experience. So join the conversation, as we explore the nuance and appreciate the gifts within our community’s struggles.

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she discusses strategies and tips for coping with crisis in honor of the recent LA County fires causing continued devastation in Southern California, USA. Join the conversation while we review physical safety protocols, coping skills for crisis management, honoring and coping with the vast array of emotional distress, resources for parents navigating crises with their children, and ways our local and global communities can help. Nicole is joined by Loren Witkin, CEO of Citadel, and OCD and Anxiety Specialists local to the Greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Michelle Witkin, Ph.D., and Chris Trondsen, LMFT. This discussion is happening live on OCD Family Podcast’s YouTube channel on 1/10/25 at 7pm PST. *Audio only broadcasts will be available wherever you enjoy your podcasts after the livestream concludes. Per technical difficulties, the livestream has been edited to prioritize source content.

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she reviews an overview of evidence-based therapies and emerging protocols with help from some of her prior podcast guests. Nicole amasses highlights of ERP, I-CBT, MCT, Medication Support, TMS and Deep Brain Stimulation. Additionally, Nicole highlights 4 emerging protocols worth our time and attention, including the developing landscape for I-CBT with kids, Rumination-Focused ERP, the Mastery Approach and the Upside of OCD. So whether you’re already aware of most of these and curious to hear more, or new to the OCD Family Community and desperate for hope, we’ve got you with highlights from OCD researchers, psychiatrists, trainers and OCD treatment experts, oh my!

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes back return guest expert and colleague, Carl Robbins, LCPC. We discuss the critical topic of anxiety sensitivity, which impacts OCD as well as a host of other mental health presentations. Carl shares his personal journey with anxiety sensitivity, insight and learning. The conversation journeys through different effective treatments, differentiating anxiety sensitivity from trait anxiety and more. So join the conversation as we touch on parenting, relationships and constructive tips for managing responses and promoting recovery and resilience.

Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she tackles the tricky intersection of OCD and Eating Disorder (ED) with special guest, Jenna Stone, LMSW. Jenna shares insights regarding the spectrum of Eating Disorders while highlighting the harmful role diet culture plays. Nicole and Jenna discuss how recovery is deeply personal and requires a multidisciplinary approach, as well as tips and strategies for accessing evidence-based care and managing the holiday season(s). So join the conversation, because hope is on the menu!