Get to know OCD

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.

Parenting is hard enough without OCD steering the ship. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath dives into perinatal and postpartum OCD, breaking down what it is, who it affects (hint: it’s not just moms), and how it can disrupt your life. From intrusive fears to compulsive behaviors, OCD has a way of turning the joys of parenthood into constant anxiety.But here’s the good news: help is available. Dr. McGrath shares practical insights and offers a message of hope for parents navigating this tough journey. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by guilt, paralyzed by what-ifs, or just unsure of what’s going on, this guide is here to remind you—you’re not alone, and you can take back control.Are you a parent struggling with OCD? We think we can help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free consultation with us.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 special Thanksgiving Day episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, the tables turn as Dr. Patrick McGrath takes the spotlight — but not as the interviewer. Tia Wilson steps in to ask the questions, giving listeners a rare glimpse into Patrick’s personal and professional journey.For the next 45 minutes, Patrick opens up about his early struggles with childhood anxiety, the rejections that ultimately shaped his path to psychology, his decision to make OCD his life’s mission, and the profound loss of his wife to cancer. Though he doesn’t have OCD himself, Patrick’s deep understanding of the disorder has earned him the trust of countless individuals seeking help. This heartfelt conversation offers a deeper connection to the man behind the mission at NOCD.Want help for OCD from Patrick and our top-of-the-line therapists? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free consultation. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:38 Patrick gets “bamboozled” 2:10 Patrick’s upbringing 10:30 How Patrick ended up in field of psychology 13:31 How Patrick understands OCD despite not having 15:19 Patrick applies own therapy techniques while his wife was cancer-stricken 18:48 The difficulty of being a caregiver22:02 Being open about grief24:18 “Good” days and “bad” days30:45 How Patrick summarizes OCD to others34:53 What Patrick does for NOCD36:20 How OCD treatment has improved since Patrick began his career43:30 Patrick’s parting advice if you have OCDFollow 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.

Liz Trondsen doesn’t have OCD, but her son, Chris, does — and as is often the case, the disorder didn’t just affect him; it rippled through the entire family. Liz shares her deeply personal story in this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, opening up about the moment her son’s struggles nearly claimed his life and how that single event became a turning point for their entire family.Liz talks candidly about the guilt and helplessness she felt as a parent, realizing she missed the signs of her son’s suffering. She also reflects on the steep learning curve of understanding OCD and the role she had to play in Chris’s recovery — one that he credits for saving his life.This is a story of shock, guilt, hope, resilience, and breakthrough — a raw and inspiring conversation about what it takes to support a loved one with OCD. Struggling to support someone with OCD? Need professional help? Consider visiting  https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes: 0:00 Intro1:39 How Liz became an OCD advocate 4:04 The role families play in OCD treatment 8:35 Feeling guilt as a parent13:06 When Liz realized her son had a problem15:05 The turning point in Chris’ recovery 16:29 Making a short film17:57 OCD advocacy as a life’s purpose19:04 Treating OCD takes time away from the whole family23:36 Life after “recovery”26:33 Watching a child go through therapy 31:04 Liz’s own therapy experience34:22 Liz advice for parents feeling regret38:09 Co-parenting a child with OCD41:37 Educating others about OCD42:48 Liz’ advice for parentsFollow 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.

Supporting someone with OCD can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t fully understand their experience. In this episode of Get to know OCD, Dr. Patrick McGrath breaks down the complexities of OCD and shares practical tips for starting meaningful conversations — whether you’re living with OCD or supporting someone who is. You'll walk away from this talk with insights to foster understanding, build connection, and navigate the challenges OCD brings together.If you are or a loved one is experiencing OCD, there is external help available. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more about effective, evidence-based treatment. 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.

When intrusive thoughts took over his life, Jesse Katches felt isolated, hopeless, and afraid to share his struggles — even with his roommate. Fast-forward to today, and Jesse has transformed his pain into purpose as a mental health advocate reaching millions online.In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Dr. Patrick McGrath sits down with Jesse to discuss his journey through anxiety and OCD, the power of vulnerability, and why taking one small step at a time can change everything. They explore the courage it takes to live authentically, the challenges of sharing personal stories online, and the surprising ways advocacy helps erase the stigma of mental health struggles.If you are or a loved one is experiencing OCD, there is hope. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more about effective, evidence-based treatment. Show notes:0:00 Intro 1:44 Why Jesse began posting online about mental health and OCD 7:39 Dealing with online trolls  11:03 Living life in spite of OCD 14:57 The importance of having nerves 17:15 Dating with OCD22:37 Changing the narrative around mental health 27:00 Remember why you’re doing it29:51 Know you’re not alone31:51 Future of content 34:51 Decreasing the stigma 36:54 Risk of reaching out for help 43:45 Being nice to yourself 47:26 Jesse’s advice to content creators thinking of opening up about struggles 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.

Dr. Patrick McGrath and Michelle Massi bring 45 years of combined experience to this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, where they get into the state of OCD treatment today.You’ll discover why failure can pave the way for progress, how feeding compulsions derails recovery, and why leaning into discomfort is key to reclaiming your life. Packed with practical wisdom and candid insights, this conversation is a must-hear for anyone affected by OCD — whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting a loved one.Has your OCD recovery journey hit a wall recently? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to get perspective from our experts on how to treat yourself. Show notes:0:00 Intro4:55 How failure led Michelle and Patrick to becoming therapists 7:37 Differences between residential, PHP and IOP treatments 12:17 Why someone might need higher level of care 15:35 Encouraging OCD patients to be accountable to treatment 19:23 OCD is never satisfied 20:38 Common questions Michelle gets21:43 Family treatment can be complicated28:50 ERP principles are life principles 36:05 What’s the “right” thing to do?38:40 The role families play in OCD accommodation 41:53 The importance of evidence-based care45:00 Learned helplessness 48:85 We’re allowed to be imperfect 49:48 Michelle’s future 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.

OCD in children isn’t always easy to spot — it can appear as perfectionism, relentless checking rituals, or overwhelming fears about safety. Without the right support, it can quietly take over not only the child’s life but the entire household.In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath dives into the subtle yet disruptive ways OCD manifests in kids. He breaks down the telltale signs and offers advice for parents, including the benefits of exposure and response prevention therapy.If you think your child might have OCD, know this: treatment is available. Visit learn.nocd.com/podcast to connect with a licensed OCD therapist and explore 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.

Dating in the modern age feels hard enough — add anxiety and OCD, and it can feel overwhelming. Dating coach Sabrina Zohar knows the struggle firsthand, living with anxiety. In this episode of Get to Know OCD, Sabrina shares her insights on navigating the dating world with these unique challenges.With her signature candor, Sabrina unpacks the reality of dating apps, the art of bringing up mental health in relationships without fear, and even the empowering side of rejection. She also reminds us that, sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is just show up as we are.Is OCD getting in the way of your dating life? Visit learn.nocd.com/YT to explore treatment options that can help.Show notes:0:00 Intro 1:59 Sabrina’s background4:12 Mental health issues and dating 8:31 Working through relationship OCD 11:50 Five safety behaviors to look out for16:58 Everyone has “baggage” 22:01 “Off” days when dating  23:06 Dating app anxiety 26:37 Need you vs. want you 28:14 Dealing with the loss of a significant relationship 30:06 Risk vs. reward 32:11 Managing OCD-fueled doubt in a relationship 36:35 Top tips for dating for those with chronic conditions 40:16 How to keep a relationship thriving 43:37 Being able to be honest in a relationship 44:08 Sabrina’s final takeaway 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.

Ever feel like health worries are taking over? Like every ache or pain needs immediate attention? If so, this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast is for you. Today, we’re joined by Josh Spitalnick and Michael Stier, co-authors of The Complete Guide To Overcoming Health Anxiety.Josh and Michael break down the difference between real medical symptoms and the “what if” thoughts that health anxiety loves to create. From that “urgent” need to call a doctor to the constant dread of something being wrong, they’re here to show why facing those fears — rather than panicking at them — might just bring the relief you need.Treating health-related anxieties and OCD often overlap. Check out https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to see if you could use help from our experts in evidence-based treatment. Show notes: 0:00 Intro1:44 Josh and Michael’s background2:59 Writing a book together6:40 What is health anxiety?10:01 Difference between health anxiety and OCD with health themes 12:10 Ways to treat health anxiety26:36 Cold and flu season anxiety 31:55 Unknown callers are like thoughts35:17 Cognitive tools to treat health anxiety 43:49 Forming a relationship with physical symptoms 49:48 Using humor to treat anxieties 54:03 Where to get Josh and Michael’s bookFollow 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.