The OCD Stories

In episode 496 I chat with Riley who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. We discuss how OCD latched on to her sport (swimming), compulsive exercise, her different compulsions, obsessions around being strong, getting therapy, restricting foods, residential treatment, medication, finding joy in activities again, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/riley-496 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter  Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 495 I chat with Gina Abbondante. Gina is a psychotherapist and clinical director at Change of Mind counselling. We discuss her OCD story, panic disorder - having a panic attack as early as kindergarten, blood injection injury phobia, when OCD started, suicidal themed OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), inference-based CBT (CBT), working with postpartum and postnatal parents, equine therapy, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/gina-495  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter  Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 494 I chat with Clare who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. We discuss intrusive thoughts, harm themed OCD, skin picking, her family, exposure and response prevention therapy, her research, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/clare-494 Thanks to our podcast partners NOCD who make this podcast possible. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter 

In episode 493 I chat with Braden Smith who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. Braden is a offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). We discuss his OCD story, religious scrupulosity OCD, how OCD affected his professional career as an NFL athlete, how OCD focused on his faith, using psychedelic treatments, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), rumination and compulsive prayer, going to an intensive outpatient treatment, how he now challenges his OCD, how Braden uses humour, real event OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.    Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/braden-493 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter  Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 492 I chat with Sheva Rajaee. Sheva is a psychotherapist who specialises in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other related anxiety disorders. She is the founder of the Center for Anxiety and OCD (CAOCD). Sheva authored the book Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships. We discuss an update on her, her center’s couples protocol for working with relationship OCD (rOCD), treating the system with rOCD, attachment theory, attachment insecurities, emotion focused therapy (EFT), having healing couples conversations, helping the partner navigate the OCD and relationship, self compassion in the context of the couple, sex and intimacy, values based sex, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sheva-492 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter  Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 491 I chat with Rowen who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. We discuss her story, compulsively confessing, sexual orientation themed OCD, relationship themed OCD, the possibility of her birth control (IUD) affecting her mental health, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/rowen-491 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter  Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In episode 490 chat with Jan Stewart. Jan is a mental health and neurodiversity advocate. She authored the book, ‘Hold on Tight: A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness’. We discuss Jan’s parenting OCD story, neurodiversity, getting help for herself and her kids, why the patient is the whole family, separating her son from his diagnosis, reducing parental accommodation, advice for loved ones and parents, the importance of not forgetting the siblings, parental self-care, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jan-490 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter  Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you’ll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Michael Greenberg, a clinical psychologist specializing in Rumination-Focused ERP, shares his expertise on OCD as a defense mechanism. He delves into the significance of childhood experiences and attachment in shaping behavior. The conversation also explores the interplay between psychoanalysis and exposure therapy, advocating for a dual approach to treatment. Additionally, Michael emphasizes the human aspects of parenting and clear communication, reminding us that mistakes can foster growth and understanding in relationships.

Dr. Steven Phillipson, a licensed clinical psychologist and Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York, dives into niche themes of OCD. He discusses obsessive worries about social perceptions, body dysmorphic disorder, and even bizarre fears like fearing your child isn’t yours or being in a simulation. Phillipson emphasizes the complexity of OCD, the importance of accurate diagnoses, and the societal stigma around mental health. His insights offer hope and navigate the intricacies of managing obsessive thoughts.

Justin Hughes, a seasoned therapist, delves into OCD's impact on faith and spirituality. Valerie Andrews, CEO of Miss Mabel Sparrows, shares how her love for the Lord intertwines with her OCD struggles. Dr. Alan Noble discusses his journey with therapy and the intrusive fears that challenge his beliefs. Chelsea Risko opens up about her experience with harm OCD, emphasizing the delicate balance between faith and mental health. Together, they shed light on finding hope, community support, and the healing power of self-advocacy in the face of OCD.