

Get to know OCD
NOCD
Tune in each week for a deep dive into all things OCD with host Dr. Patrick McGrath, NOCD's Chief Clinical Officer. We’ll be sharing inspiring real-life stories of people who’ve faced OCD and came out the other side, as well as practical tips for understanding and tackling OCD. We hope you enjoy the podcast and it helps you get to know OCD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2025 • 51min
New OCD Study Reveals How Kids & Teens Can Overcome OCD In Half The Time
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.

Feb 1, 2025 • 9min
Ariana Grande, Luke Combs, And More Grammy Nominees Who Opened Up About OCD
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.

Jan 30, 2025 • 45min
OCD Experts Answer Your Questions On Intrusive Thoughts, Compulsions, And Recovery
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.

Jan 23, 2025 • 48min
Intrusive Thoughts, Fame, And How Marc Summers Kept Going
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.

Jan 21, 2025 • 6min
When OCD Makes You Fear Yourself: Understanding Your Intrusive Thoughts
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.

Jan 19, 2025 • 5min
OCD, Hair Pulling, & Skin Picking: What You Need to Know
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.

Jan 16, 2025 • 53min
She Wrote A Song About Her OCD Experience
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.

Jan 12, 2025 • 15min
Expert-Approved Tips To Take Control of OCD In 2025
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.

Jan 9, 2025 • 48min
Breaking Food Battles and OCD Cycles With Dr. Taylor Arnold
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.

Jan 4, 2025 • 11min
Your OCD Game Plan For 2025
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.