Get to know OCD

OCD doesn’t stay the same throughout your life — it changes, evolves, and adapts to new stressors and stages of life. In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath breaks down how OCD can manifest from childhood to adulthood, highlighting common themes like contamination fears, existential worries, and intrusive thoughts. Learn how OCD shifts across your lifespan, why it thrives on stress, and most importantly, what you can do to manage it at any age.Need help treating OCD? We can help. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our experts.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.

On this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Patrick McGrath sits down with Jonny Say, a London-based therapist whose personal experience with OCD spans over 30 years. From childhood panic attacks to intrusive thoughts and existential struggles, Jonny shares how these challenges shaped his journey to becoming a therapist and advocate.Now part of the Integrative Center for OCD Therapy, Jonny dives into the nuances of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-focused approaches, and the critical role of values-based living in recovery. He reflects on the grief of time lost to OCD, the challenge of breaking free from rumination, and the importance of fostering self-compassion in the healing process.Need help treating OCD? We can help. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our experts.Show notes:0:00 Intro1:30 Jonny’s background2:31 The use of mindfulness in therapy4:52 What is ACT therapy?10:46 The importance of compassion 13:20 Fear of being around others with OCD14:51 Emotions beyond anxiety or distress 19:43 Sticking with ERP and other treatments21:41 Functional analytical psychotherapy 23:06 Using lived experience when treating others25:12 “I have a little OCD too”28:36 Triggering OCD during therapy?33:08 Dealing with the regret of “lost” years to OCD36:55 If OCD was an ice cream flavor37:42 How OCD interferes with making choices39:16 Phrases that OCD loves40:50 Jonny’s advice to others 42:07 Not all treatments are created equal 44:18 Jonny’s career 25 years from nowFollow 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.

What is OCD recovery avoidance? It’s not about refusing treatment on purpose — it’s about patterns of behavior that unintentionally keep someone from getting better. Whether it’s denying there’s a problem, minimizing the severity, or avoiding effective therapy, recovery avoidance can leave individuals and families feeling stuck and overwhelmed.In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath sits down with his mentor, Dr. Alec Pollard, to unpack this often misunderstood concept. They explore the real reasons why someone with OCD might avoid recovery — like fear, skill deficits, or lack of motivation — and how these barriers show up in daily life.Patrick and Alec also shed light on how well-meaning family members can unintentionally reinforce avoidance through behaviors like accommodation or minimizing. More importantly, they offer practical, empowering steps families can take to help their loved one move toward recovery — while protecting their own well-being.Are you or a loved one avoiding treatment for OCD? We believe we can help. Book a free consultation with us to hear what we have in mind: https://learn.nocd.com/podcastShow notes:0:00 Intro2:49 Alec’s background8:00 Alec’s new book15:01 Defining recovery avoidance redefined19:40 Real reasons that drives recovery avoidance24:18 How families are affected by recovery avoidance 28:32 Educating families about OCD32:37 Common mistakes families make with recovery avoiders 38:32 Families are not at fault43:44 The next frontier of treatment? 50:41 Group effort to write the book52:35 OutroFollow 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.

The holidays can be magical, but for those with OCD, they can also be stressful. In this special episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath cuts through the holiday cliches to tackle real challenges — like navigating germ anxiety at family gatherings or dodging well-meaning but triggering comments from relatives. Whether it’s setting boundaries around alcohol or learning how to say “no” without guilt, Patrick shares insights to help you reclaim the season on your terms. If OCD has ever threatened to steal the season from you, this episode is your chance to take it back.Still struggling with OCD during the holidays? We’re here to help. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn about our best-in-class treatment options. 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.

In this episode of Get to Know OCD, we dive deep into the complexities of scrupulosity, a form of OCD that intertwines with one’s values, morals, or religious beliefs. Featuring Dr. Jed Siev, a licensed clinical psychologist and faculty member at Swarthmore College, this discussion sheds light on how OCD latches onto the things we care about most — faith, morality, or even our natural desire to be a “good” person. Drawing from his extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Siev unpacks how scrupulosity manifests in different faiths, from Jewish rituals to Christian doctrines. Learn how to differentiate between genuine faith practices and OCD-driven rituals, and discover ways to reclaim a values-driven life.Are you or a loved one struggling with OCD? We’re here to help. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn about our best-in-class treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:18 Jed’s background2:37 The rise of climate anxiety 10:20 How Jed’s interest in scrupulosity started11:51 How religion and scrupulosity intersect 15:52 Telling apart religious and compulsive rituals18:31 “Am I a bad person” self-talk21:57 Accepting uncertainty 23:39 How sin is viewed now vs. then25:57 Teaching faith leaders about OCD33:00 Explaining scrupulosity to someone’s support system39:30 OCD doesn’t know how to move on43:37 Jed’s advice to those needing help45:30 What Jed is up toFollow 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.

Howie Mandel and Marc Summers both carved out long-standing careers for themselves in the limelight and on TV screens. But behind the laughter and success lies a shared struggle with OCD — a challenge they faced during a time when the disorder was deeply misunderstood in Hollywood. For Marc, misinformation about OCD cost him a high-profile hosting job, while Howie quietly battled the fear that his own diagnosis might jeopardize everything he’d built in show business.In this episode, Howie and Marc come together to reflect on how OCD has shaped their careers and lives — then and now. They get real about what it was like to navigate an industry that often lacked compassion or understanding, and how those experiences continue to influence them today. Their stories offer not only insight into their remarkable resilience but also invaluable advice for anyone confronting their own fears, self-doubt, or the sting of being misunderstood.Are you or a loved one struggling with OCD? We’re here to help. Visit us at  https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. 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.

Living in the face of uncertainty is no small feat — especially when navigating life with a chronic condition or OCD. Dr. Ashley Smith, a psychologist and author of The Way I See It: A Psychologist’s Guide to a Happier Life, knows this journey intimately. In this episode of Get to Know OCD, she shares how she turned her own uncertain experience with vision loss into a powerful lesson in resilience and acceptance.Through her blend of professional expertise and personal insight, Ashley explores the science of happiness, the myth of toxic positivity, and why understanding your mind’s quirks is a key to thriving. If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt because of OCD or another condition, Ashley’s perspective will inspire you to embrace the hard stuff and find joy along the way.Need help with OCD and the uncertainty it creates in your life? We’re here to help. Visit us at  https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro2:02 Ashley’s background5:53 What is happiness 10:16 Patrick gets personal too13:23 Nothing is good or bad15:10 Accepting thoughts, images, and urges18:26 A thought is not a fact21:20 What “I feel like” actually means 24:46 Ashley’s book27:42 Misconceptions around happiness 29:01 The importance of sleep30:00 Overactive nervous system34:47 Are we overworked in the United States?39:40 What Ashley wants people to get out of the book40:48 It’s not your fault44:28 What’s next for Ashley48:37 How to get more from AshleyFollow 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.

The holidays can be a time of joy, but they’re also a stressor — perfect conditions for OCD to flare up. From intrusive thoughts to compulsions promising false relief, the Christmas season can feel overwhelming. In this video, we dive into practical strategies for managing OCD during the holidays, including setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and facing triggers with confidence.Join us as we explore how to navigate family gatherings, maintain healthy routines, and approach therapy proactively to keep OCD from ruining the holiday fun.Are you or a loved one struggling with OCD? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more about our best-in-care treatment options. 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.

Scrupulosity, or religious OCD, twists faith into fear, trapping individuals in relentless cycles of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. Intrusive thoughts like “am I a sinner?” or “did I commit an unforgivable act?” fuel compulsions — endless prayers, confessions, or mental checks — that only tighten OCD’s grip.In this episode, Dr. Ted Witzig — a psychologist and ordained minister — joins us to unpack this complex and often misunderstood OCD subtype. Through his unique blend of clinical expertise and spiritual insight, Dr. Witzig offers compassion, clarity, and practical guidance to help untangle faith from fear and reclaim a life of peace.Struggling with scrupulosity? Have questions? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:39 Ted’s unique background 5:49 Understanding scrupulosity8:15 Scrupulosity is NOT a faith problem 17:43 Ted treats all faiths21:05 The role of ERP when treating scrupulosity27:38 Anxiety hierarchies 34:24 Opportunity for clinicians and families to work together 39:02 The problem with online checking 41:03 The tricks OCD likes playing46:42 Ted’s parting advice50:43 How to reach TedFollow 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.

How does OCD impact your relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners? In this episode of Get to Know OCD, Dr. Amy Mariaskin joins us to unpack the ways OCD can infiltrate relationships, from creating distance to amplifying shame. Drawing from her book Thriving in Relationships When You Have OCD, she offers insights, practical tools, and a message of hope for anyone living with OCD or supporting a loved one who is.Is OCD negatively affecting your relationships? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to explore treatment options or book a free consultation with one of our experts.Show notes:0:00 Intro2:36 Amy’s background3:50 Amy’s book about OCD and relationships 6:48 How OCD becomes a third wheel in a relationship10:51 Talking about OCD with a partner14:37 Redefining OCD18:10 How to thrive in spite of OCD20:58 How OCD convinces you it’s good for relationships  27:02 Being playful with your OCD28:30 Attachment theory explained36:19 What to do when OCD feels too real41:22 Changes after treating relationship OCD44:17 Amy’s advice if you’re struggling through OCD46:12 OutroFollow 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.