Get to know OCD

Brenna Posey takes you through her personal journey of living with OCD, breaking down common misconceptions and revealing what it’s REALLY like. As she covers in the video, OCD goes far beyond the common tropes of being clean or organized. In fact, many of the struggles of OCD — mental compulsions and constant anxiety — are invisible to the average person. Through her story, Brenna offers an honest look at the challenges of living with OCD and how it can impact daily life.Brenna also explains how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy transformed her life, helping her break free from the cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. She shares how community, support, and shifting her response to anxiety made all the difference.If you are or a loved one is experiencing OCD, there is hope. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to get started with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the most effective therapy for OCD.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 shares a powerful story from his time running an intensive outpatient program, where four individuals — each convinced they had the most difficult case of OCD — were brought together to debate whose struggle was truly the hardest. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that while their experiences were unique, they shared a common belief: their OCD was untreatable. Dr. McGrath challenges this mindset, revealing that no matter how severe or complex a case may seem, there is always a path forward. With modern treatments ranging from therapy and medication to advanced techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation, hope and healing are always within reach. This inspiring story reminds readers that the time spent believing in being "the hardest case" can instead be invested in recovery and progress.At NOCD, we specialize in ERP therapy. 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.

In this episode, we sit down with author and writer Haley Jakobsen to explore her deeply personal journey with undiagnosed OCD and the identity crisis it caused. Haley shares how her experience with OCD didn’t match the typical portrayals seen in media, leading to years of confusion, shame, and isolation. From intrusive thoughts to relentless self-doubt, Haley opens up about how OCD latched onto the things she valued most, causing her to question everything about who she was. Her story sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of OCD, including mental compulsions and the silent battles many face but rarely discuss.Haley also discusses how receiving the correct diagnosis and undergoing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy completely transformed her life. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, she talks about the process of learning to live with OCD, developing coping tools, and using writing as a form of healing. We also dive into her upcoming novel, CAVEGIRL which draws from her own experiences navigating OCD.At NOCD, we specialize in ERP therapy. If Haley's story of recovery inspires you, you can book a free 15-minute call to learn more about the specialized care we offer. Book your time 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.

At her lowest point, Brenna Posey felt trapped in OCD’s grip, struggling to find a way forward. In a desperate attempt to make sense of it all, she opened her phone’s notes app and began documenting everything — every struggle, every small victory, and every insight from Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Over time, this simple act of journaling became her roadmap to recovery, capturing the hard-earned lessons that helped her reclaim her life.Now, she’s sharing the five most powerful lessons from that journal — the ones that pulled her out of rock bottom and changed everything. Hear her first-hand account of going through ERP.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.

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.