Get to know OCD

Why do some people compulsively pull their hair or pick at their skin? In this episode, Dr. McGrath breaks down body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including trichotillomania (hair pulling) and excoriation disorder (skin picking). He dives into why these compulsions happen, the cycle that keeps them going, and — most importantly — how to break free. If you or someone you know struggles with these habits, help is available. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to connect with a specialized therapist and kickstart your recovery journey.Follow 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.

Nicole Sophia didn’t just write about her OCD — she gave it a name, a voice, and a melody. On this episode of Get to know OCD podcast, she opens up about Samantha, the song and music video that capture the relentless, looping thoughts that have followed her since childhood. From sleepless nights to second-guessing every lyric, she shares how OCD has shaped both her struggles and her songwriting.In this candid conversation, Nicole reflects on the push and pull between her art and her OCD—the way perfectionism nearly silenced her and how songwriting helped her take control. She shares the fears, compulsions, and inner battles that fueled Samantha and what it means to finally tell her story out loud. With host Patrick McGrath, she explores the power of naming OCD, the myths that still surround it, and why vulnerability in music can be a lifeline for those who feel alone in their struggles.Struggling with OCD doesn’t have to be a solo battle. Connect with a specialized therapist who understands what you’re going through and start taking back control. Get started today at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastChapters 0:00 Intro2:16 Nicole’s background4:21 “I have a little OCD too”8:53 Where Nicole’s music journey begun12:17 When and how OCD started to affect Nicole’s life15:48 OCD interfered with Nicole’s love of music20:19 Nicole’s song about OCD26:51 Listen to Nicole’s song30:17 The thought of “what if?”32:16 Intrusive thoughts throughout the day36:06 OCD lies about being perfect38:49 ERP for mental compulsions41:34 Healing power of art45:55 Why Nicole named her OCD Samantha48:21 Nicole’s takeaway messageFollow 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, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience treating OCD, has helped thousands of people reclaim their lives from the relentless grip of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. In this video, he shares the same expert-approved techniques that have transformed lives. Dr. McGrath reveals what works, what doesn’t, and how to push forward even when it feels impossible. Don’t let OCD dictate your life any longer. Start your journey to freedom today.Ready to take the first step? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to connect with a specialized therapist and kickstart your recovery journey.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. Taylor Arnold, pediatric dietitian and the mind behind Growing Intuitive Eaters, joins Get to Know OCD to share her personal journey of overcoming OCD and breaking the cycle of disordered eating. From her struggles with emetophobia (fear of vomiting) to raising three children while managing contamination OCD, Dr. Arnold opens up about the challenges of parenting with OCD and how it shaped her approach to pediatric nutrition.In this episode, she reveals her strategies for turning food battles into playful connections, growing intuitive eating in kids, and navigating the intersection of mental health and parenting.Ready to treat OCD in OCD? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to connect with a specialized therapist and make 2025 the year of change.0:00 Intro4:03 Taylor’s own OCD journey9:57 What is ARFID?14:28 How ARFID can manifest17:16 How Taylor juggled life and OCD20:26 Reassurance-seeking makes OCD worse22:56 How Taylor’s emetophobia affected her parenting26:08 How OCD has influenced Taylor’s work life30:26 How Taylor will manage OCD going forward34:02 Tips for raising kids to be intuitive eaters38:33 When the OCD brain takes over42:41 The importance of investing in yourself45:34 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.

Welcome to 2025! With a new year comes new opportunities to take charge of your mental health. In this video, Brenna Posey — a NOCD team member who’s also faced her own OCD journey — shares five essential tips to help you start 2025 on the right foot.From understanding intrusive thoughts to embracing discomfort, Brenna offers actionable advice based on her experience with ERP therapy. This year, let’s make it the year you break the cycle, manage your symptoms, and reclaim your life. Ready to take the first step? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to connect with a specialized therapist and kickstart your 2025 journey.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.

Kick off 2025 with an empowering episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast featuring Katie Horwitch—author, mindset coach, founder of Women Against Negative Talk (WANT), and OCD advocate. Katie has faced the grip of negative self-talk firsthand and transformed her experience into a mission: to help others reshape how they speak to themselves, about others, and the world around them.Katie calls negative self-talk a “cultural epidemic,” a pervasive, automatic voice that often goes unnoticed yet deeply influences our lives. In this transformative conversation, she shares practical strategies to quiet that voice, shift your mindset, and take control of your narrative in 2025.Want to treat your OCD this year? Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our experts at https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro2:03 Katie’s background 6:52 Casual negativity explained 10:46 Why Americans and OCD sufferers don’t like compliments16:48 OCD lightbulb moment27:08 The relationship between OCD and negative talk33:40 Recognizing negative talk38:58 The devil you know vs. the devil you don’t 41:30 Breaking the compulsion cycle46:42 Practice makes routine — both good and bad47:39 OCD isn’t high-functioning as pop culture makes it seem53:07 Katie’s advice of “let’s see”56:10 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.

Make 2025 the year you take control of your OCD with insights from Brenna Posey, a NOCD team member. Brenna brings a unique perspective as both an expert in OCD care and someone who has personally experienced and managed her own OCD.In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Brenna dives into the questions many are asking as they consider treatment in the new year. Take 10 minutes of your time as she answers three key questions to help you approach OCD treatment with confidence and make this your year of progress.Start 2025 by booking a free 15-minute consultation with one of our experts. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to pick your appointment. 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.

How far have we come in understanding OCD? We’ve made incredible strides, but there’s still so much to uncover. On this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Christopher Pittenger, a leading researcher whose lab at Yale University is pioneering groundbreaking studies into the science of OCD.From genetics to psilocybin to cutting-edge brain scans, Dr. Pittenger breaks down the latest advancements in OCD research. But he goes beyond the science, challenging the misconception that OCD is either a "brain problem" or a "mind problem." Instead, he reveals how these two facets are deeply interconnected — and what that means for treatment.It’s an engaging, science-driven conversation that you don’t want to miss. If you’ve tried to treat OCD but haven’t found success, there’s hope. Our evidence-based care could make the difference you’ve been waiting for. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free 15-minute consultation and explore your options.Show notes: 0:00 Intro1:31 Chris’ background3:45 Latest research on automatic behaviors and OCD8:44 OCD as a brain or mind problem10:16 How Chris’ research has influenced OCD treatments 15:23 Chris’ work with IOCDF’s grant program 18:00 The future of OCD research 19:38 How much do we actually understand OCD?  25:48 How Chris does OCD research 28:17 Why brain scans can’t diagnose OCD30:47 How Chris mentors others32:39 Latest research on treating OCD with psilocybin, ketamine, and more39:15 The promise of psychotherapy 43:37 Chris’ advice if you’re struggling with 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.

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.