Get to know OCD

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.

We get OCD-related questions all the time — in our comment section, emails, webinars, in-person therapy, and more. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath answers real questions he most often gets. He covers everything from ERP to dream states, and everything inbetween.Have more OCD-related questions? Check out our content library for more answers to our most-frequently-asked questions: https://learn.nocd.com/ocd-library Show notes: 0:36 Question one2:50 Question two4:25 Question three8:50 Question four10:02 Question five11:31 Question six14:06 Question seven 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 representation in movies, shows, and media often misses the mark, pairing misinformation with laugh tracks and stereotypes. These portrayals often stick, leading to widespread misunderstandings and even misdiagnoses of this complex disorder.In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Patrick sits down with therapist Nathan Peterson, who has over a decade of experience treating OCD and anxiety. Together, they break down popular clips from Friends, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and HBO's Girls to reveal what the media gets wrong about OCD — and the rare moments it gets right.Want to better understand OCD? Not only your symptoms, but how to treat them? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more about our 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.

You do NOT have to beat yourself up for having OCD. In fact, according to therapist and anxiety expert Kimberly Quinlan, self-compassion — not self-punishment — is the real path to healing. Kim, who has literally written the book on compassion, knows firsthand how powerful kindness can be in breaking the relentless cycle of compulsions, fear, and doubt. In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Kim draws on her personal journey through eating disorder recovery and her work with OCD clients to show why you don’t have to be your own worst critic. If you’ve ever struggled with self-blame, Kim’s message of compassion is sure to resonate.Show notes:0:00 Intro1:42 Kim’s background4:46 Overlap between anxiety and eating disorders7:42 Self-compassion for OCD recovery10:14 The power of compassion when dealing with other disorders13:53 Kim’s definition of self compassion16:39 The biggest roadblock to self-compassion22:43 Can self-compassion become a compulsion? 25:51 The role mindfulness plays in treatment 29:50 Why Kim bought herself a van33:19 Letting loved ones suffer38:15 Advice for parents41:54 Did DSM get the definition of OCD wrong?44:11 How Kim practices what she preaches 46:06 Taking the first step to get help 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.