Get to know OCD

Eva Gutowski spent most of her life thinking something was just... off. She had intense fears (including of ketchup), strict rules in her head, and thoughts that wouldn’t leave her alone — but no one ever mentioned OCD. Not doctors, not teachers, not even friends. So she kept smiling, kept working, kept growing her social media channels to millions of followers, all while OCD quietly shaped everything in her life.It wasn’t until years later that the patterns finally clicked. Eva joins the Get to know OCD podcast to share how her OCD flew under the radar for so long, what finally led to her diagnosis, and how understanding it changed the way she sees her past, her work, and herself.Like Eva, many people live with OCD for years before realizing what it really is. At NOCD, our therapists specialize in identifying and treating OCD with ERP, the gold-standard therapy. To take the first step, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health doesn’t just affect the person who has it — it affects their partner too. In this conversation, therapist Eli Weinstein talks about the quiet tradeoffs couples make when OCD or other mental health disorders enters the relationship. The missed moments. The unspoken resentment. The blurred line between supporting someone and losing yourself. He shares what happens when partners become caretakers, how to avoid burning out, and why honesty matters more than perfection. If OCD is part of your relationship, this episode is must-listen.Is OCD affecting your relationships? Help is available. NOCD offers proven, specialized treatment for OCD. Start your journey by visiting https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, Shala Nicely looked like she had it all together, but in reality? Her mind was consumed with obsessive thoughts and nonstop mental rituals. Because her compulsions weren’t visible, no one — not even Shala herself — realized she was suffering from OCD.In this interview, Shala shares how mental compulsions made it easy to hide her struggles but impossible to feel peace. She opens up about the toll of living in secret, how long it took to get a diagnosis, and what finally helped her step out of the cycle and into recovery.If you’re stuck in mental loops no one else can see, you’re not alone. NOCD therapists specialize in treating mental compulsions with ERP, the most effective therapy for OCD. Book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manifesting. Cleanses. The Law of Attraction. Jaclyn Steinmann tried it all, believing that if she could just control her thoughts — keep them positive and “high vibration” — she could finally quiet the chaos in her mind. But the more she chased perfect thinking, the worse her OCD got.In this interview, Jaclyn shares how popular self-help and spiritual practices didn’t just fail to help — they fed her OCD. Real change didn’t begin until she let go of those ideas and started evidence-based treatment like ERP. This is her journey, and what she’s learned through trial, error, and research.If you feel you’ve tried everything and nothing’s worked, you’re not alone. Like Jaclyn, many people with OCD don’t see real progress until they start evidence-based treatment. At NOCD, our therapists specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention, the gold standard for OCD care. To learn more, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTResources Jaclyn mentioned on the episode:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187620182400248Xhttps://michaelshermer.com/sciam-columns/quantum-quackery/https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Positivity-Keeping-World-Obsessed-ebook/dp/B094VCFSZW?dplnkId=13f82e2f-da33-4ef5-9199-bdc566458a38&nodl=1https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09505431.2013.768222?scroll=top&needAccess=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever find yourself re-checking, redoing, or repeating things until they feel just right — but they never actually do? You're not alone. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath breaks down the “just right” subtype of OCD: why it’s so exhausting, how it traps you in endless loops, and what it takes to break free.If you’re stuck in the cycle of doing things over and over until they feel “just right,” you’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay trapped there. Our NOCD therapists specialize in treating OCD with ERP, the most effective therapy for breaking these exhausting loops. To get started, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YT.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paige Pradko looked like she had it all together — working a corporate gig in Chicago, high-achieving, and smiling through the stress. However, she was secretly battling relentless anxiety. It all came crashing down during a panic attack that sent her to the ER — the moment everything unraveled, and finally, started to make sense.In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Paige shares how that crisis led to a diagnosis, a career change, and a mission to help others feel seen and supported. Now a therapist and YouTube creator reaching millions, she opens up about her journey, what real recovery looks like, and why no one should have to suffer in silence.0:00 Intro2:16 Meet Paige6:22 Why Paige began creating content online despite personal hesitation11:01 Hearing from her audience keeps Paige motivated14:08 Somatic awareness OCD explained16:10 Health anxiety OCD explained20:02 Why Paige’s videos resonate22:11 Motivating others to face their fears when seeking treatment23:53 The current state of mental healthcare30:41 Paige’s big message about mental health33:42 A responsibility to evidence-based information37:11 Paige’s mom is an artist37:53 Feel alone? Listen to Paige’s advice41:21 OutroIf you’ve been silently struggling with anxiety or OCD, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Our NOCD therapists are specially trained in ERP, the most effective treatment for OCD. To book a free 15-minute call, visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, Tracie Ibrahim treated OCD professionally — but even she was stunned by how often groinal response came up in sessions. Not just with one theme, but across the board: harm OCD, sexual orientation OCD, taboo thoughts. And every time, it came with the same crushing question from clients — “Does this mean I want it?”In this episode, Tracie unpacks the mind-body disconnect at the heart of these fears. She shares the science behind arousal non-concordance, why physical reactions don’t equal desire, and how OCD twists basic human sensations into something terrifying. It’s a topic most people avoid — but one that desperately needs to be understood.If you're struggling with OCD, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Alix Behar remembers the day everything almost collapsed. OCD had taken over her relationship, flooding her with intrusive thoughts, compulsive confessions, and endless reassurance-seeking. One morning, a single text nearly ended it all — her boyfriend said he couldn’t take it anymore. It felt like OCD was winning, again. But that breaking point became the start of something new. In this powerful story, Alix shares how Exposure and Response Prevention therapy helped her take her life back — and saved her relationship. Struggling with OCD? NOCD therapists are specialized to treat OCD themes of all kinds. To book a free 15-minute call, visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Margaret Sisson knew something was wrong when her son Riley came home from camp in a panic she'd never seen before. He started throwing up every morning before school. He checked doorknobs until they broke. She went from expert to expert, trusting professionals who missed the signs. Years passed. The OCD got worse. And when Riley discovered that drinking made the thoughts stop, a second struggle began — one Margaret could see, but never quite reach in time.This is Margaret’s story — not just of raising a son with OCD and substance use, but of living through every parent’s worst fear. After Riley’s death from an accidental overdose, she had a choice: disappear into grief or turn it into something greater. She chose the latter, and founded Riley’s Wish to help other families avoid the pain she went through. If you're struggling with OCD, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.