Get to know OCD

A decade ago, finding effective OCD treatment was an uphill battle —misdiagnosis, stigma, and inaccessibility left many struggling alone. But change is happening. OCD advocate Chrissie Hodges and Stephen Smith, co-founder and CEO of NOCD, share their personal and professional journeys in reshaping the landscape of OCD care. From grassroots advocacy to groundbreaking digital therapy, they explore how far treatment has come, but also the obstacles that still prevent people from getting help.Despite big progress, stigma and misinformation continue to delay diagnosis and treatment, especially for those facing the most distressing OCD themes. Chrissie and Stephen cover why awareness is the final frontier and how the next decade can bring true accessibility, understanding, and support for those who need it most.NOCD is proud to treat OCD with expert care. Our therapists are specialty-trained in ERP therapy — the leading treatment against OCD. Book a free 15-minute call to learn more about specialized care 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.

For someone with contamination OCD, everyday life becomes a series of exhausting rituals and overwhelming fears. Touching a surface, using a public restroom, or even being near other people can trigger an intense fear of contamination, leading to compulsive handwashing, sanitizing, or avoidance behaviors. The anxiety isn’t just about germs — it extends to a deep sense of responsibility, fearing that they might unknowingly spread harm to others. The relentless cycle of fear and compulsions can take over every aspect of life, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible.Breaking free from contamination OCD requires more than just reassurance or temporary coping strategies — it demands structured, evidence-based treatment. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy helps individuals confront their fears gradually, reducing the power OCD holds over them. While the journey is difficult, it is possible to regain control and live a life no longer dictated by obsessive fears and compulsions. This video will pave your path to recovery.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.

Kim Vincenty never set out to become an advocate, but when her son was diagnosed with OCD over two decades ago, she found herself thrust into a world where resources were scarce, understanding was minimal, and treatment was often out of reach for many families. What began as a mother’s desperate search for answers quickly transformed into a mission to bridge the gaps in OCD care. From leading local support groups to founding her own nonprofit, JACK, Kim turned her family’s struggle into a lifeline for others. But Kim’s work is about more than just resources — it’s about changing the narrative around OCD. Too many families face the same heartbreak she did, watching their loved ones suffer while struggling to find real, effective help. Through her advocacy, she fights to ensure that no family feels alone in the battle against OCD. Whether it’s funding therapy for those who can’t afford it, planting new programs in underserved areas, or simply offering a voice of hope, Kim remains relentless in her goal: to give every person with OCD a fighting chance at recovery. If OCD is impacting your family, you're not alone. NOCD therapists specialize in ERP, the most effective treatment for OCD, helping individuals and families reclaim their lives. Book a free 15-minute call to learn more: https://learn.nocd.com/podcastChapters:0:00 Intro1:55 Kim’s advocacy group JACK MHA5:22 Getting “lucky” with OCD treatment decades ago8:10 Understanding OCD then and now9:31 How OCD diagnosis changes family dynamics10:16 Parental guilt over OCD12:14 Educating surrounding family members and friends about OCD 14:57 Starting JACK MHA20:43 How to support JACK MHA22:06 How Kim’s son is today23:55 Kim’s advice for families struggling to treat OCD26:00 OCD treatment outside of the U.S.29:55 Kim’s hope for the future of OCD treatment33:00 JACK MHA is a family affair34:48 What OCD resources Kim hopes become more available39:33 How cultures can clash when treating 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.

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a time of love and celebration, but for those struggling with OCD — especially Relationship OCD — it can feel like anything but. Instead of enjoying the moment, obsessive doubts creep in: Am I really in love? What if this isn’t the right person? What if I’ll never find true love? These relentless questions don’t lead to clarity—they lead to anxiety, second-guessing, and, in some cases, pushing away the very relationships that matter most. It’s exhausting, and no amount of reassurance ever seems to quiet the uncertainty for long.But what if the real problem isn’t your relationship — it’s the OCD itself? In this video, we’ll explore how obsessive thoughts and compulsions hijack love, making you feel like you need constant certainty in a world where love is built on trust and growth, not perfection. We’ll talk about why the search for the "perfect" relationship is a trap and how exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy can help you break free.If OCD is affecting your relationships, help is available. NOCD therapists are specialty-trained in ERP therapy to help you build healthier, more fulfilling connections. Book a free 15-minute call to learn more about specialized treatment 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.

Alix Behar joins the Get to Know OCD podcast to share a raw, unfiltered look at her life with obsessive-compulsive disorder. She takes us through her personal journey — from the crippling fears that once controlled her life like washing her hands until they bled and avoiding doorknobs, to the life-changing moment she sought therapy and took the first step toward recovery.Alix opens up about the misconceptions surrounding OCD, how its themes can shift unexpectedly, and the profound impact it had on her relationships. She also dives into the transformative power of exposure response therapy and how it helped her reclaim her future. Her story is an honest, eye-opening glimpse into the daily struggles and victories of living with OCD.Ready to start your own journey to recovery? Book a free 15-minute call with one of our specialists today: https://learn.nocd.com/podcastChapters:0:00 Intro2:10 Meet Alix2:51 “I thought I was the only one”3:55 What to do if you’re hesitant about going to therapy4:48 Life after therapy6:40 How OCD can affect faith9:09 OCD can change subtypes10:46 When Alix first noticed OCD symptoms13:15 How Alix manages a relationship while having OCD16:50 The journey of finding the right therapists18:58 Alix’s emetophobia experience21:50 OCD is exhausting25:17 Why Alix shares her story so openly26:35 Did Alix question therapy?28:05 OCD makes you question your future30:15 Accepting you won’t get all the answers OCD wants34:56 Advice from Alix37:34 OutroFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocdFollow 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.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that kids and teens can overcome OCD in half the time using virtual therapy. This is the largest study ever conducted on virtual Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment for children and adolescents, and the results are clear: virtual therapy with NOCD significantly reduces OCD symptoms faster and more effectively than traditional therapy.To break down these game-changing findings, we’re joined by Dr. Jamie Feusner, Chief Medical Officer at NOCD, and Dr. Sara Conley, Licensed Therapist, PhD, LPCat NOCD. Together, they’ll discuss how this research is revolutionizing OCD treatment, the role of family involvement in recovery, and why early intervention is key to helping kids and teens reclaim their lives. Tune in to learn how virtual therapy is changing the future of OCD care for young people everywhere.Want to learn more about ERP therapy? Book a free 15-minute call with one of our specialists 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.

The Grammy Awards are happening this Sunday, February 2, and while the spotlight shines on music’s biggest night, it’s also a moment to recognize the resilience behind the artists we love. Four nominees — Ariana Grande, Luke Combs, Madison Beer, and Nikki Glaser — have opened up about their struggles with OCD, proving that even the most successful stars face mental health challenges.In this video, NOCD's own Brenna Posey dives into their personal journeys, revealing how they’ve turned their struggles into strength while achieving incredible success. Their stories shatter the stigma surrounding OCD and show that no matter who you are, mental health matters.It’s possible to tackle your intrusive thoughts, no matter what they are. NOCD Therapists are specialty-trained in ERP therapy, the most proven treatment for OCD, to help you regain your life. Book a free 15-minute call to learn more about specialized treatment 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.

Dr. Patrick McGrath and Michelle Massi have a combined 45 years of experience treating OCD. They’ve heard it all — now, they’re answering your most common questions.Why does OCD feel so real? How do you recognize a compulsion? Can you have a successful relationship while struggling with OCD? In this episode, Patrick and Michelle tackle listener questions like those and more. With expert insights, practical strategies, and a touch of humor, they reveal what truly works in treatment and how to take back control from OCD.Have other OCD questions that Patrick and Michelle didn't cover? You can ask one of our experts. You can book a free 15-minute consultation with them 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.

Intrusive thoughts don’t care if you’re famous. As the host of Nickelodeon's iconic Double Dare game show, Marc Summers built a career on controlled chaos, but behind the scenes, his struggle with OCD was anything but entertaining. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on his lifelong battle with intrusive thoughts, the fears that shaped his childhood, and the unexpected moment that led him to publicly reveal his diagnosis on live television. Mark dives into the years of therapy, the setbacks, and the breakthroughs that finally helped him take control of OCD. He shares the hardest lessons he learned, the habits that still creep in today, and why he’s dedicated to helping others find the support he wishes he had sooner. Struggling with OCD's intrusive thoughts? Connect with a specialized therapist who understands what you’re going through and start taking back control. Book a free 15-minute consultation at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastChapters:0:00 Intro2:55 Why Marc talks about his OCD4:15 Marc’s OCD symptoms started at 67:25 The time OCD takes away11:19 OCD runs in Marc’s family12:43 How OCD affected Marc while doing double dare16:55 OCD flare-ups because of stress17:57 You can’t fully “cure” OCD20:47 Dateline did a story on Marc’s OCD23:07 OCD is exhausting 26:53 OCD requires intelligence and creativity27:22 Marc asks Patrick a question he’s curious about29:43 There is no bounds for OCD30:05 How Marc broke into show biz36:04 Marc talks about his OCD on his stage shows40:11 Advice from Marc if you’re struggling opening up about OCD42:43 Coping strategies are high for OCD 44:33 Marc hears a lot of “thank yous”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 can distort reality, making intrusive thoughts about self-harm or suicide feel overwhelming and urgent. But there is a critical difference between suicidal OCD and true intent. In this important video, Dr. Patrick McGrath explains how OCD fuels fear, why compulsions take hold, and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. All thoughts of suicide or self-harm should be taken seriously. If you or someone you know has reported thoughts of self-harm, please call 911 or contact your local emergency room number immediately. In the United States, you may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line. This line is available to you all day, every day.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.