The OCD Stories

40 Episodes
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By: Stuart Ralph

Welcome to The OCD Stories, hosted by Stuart Ralph. The podcast has been heard over 8million times globally. Check out your first episode from our existing hundreds of episodes featuring experts, and people experiencing symptoms just like you today. If you do, you may just feel understood, heard and possibly help you identify your next step in your own personal journey to healing. Disclaimer - this podcast is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek treatment from a licensed mental health professional.

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Story: Pat (religious and relationship OCD, pOCD, ERP) (#554)
Story: Pat (religious and relationship OCD, pOCD, ERP) (#554) episode artwork
Today at 7:00 AM

In episode 554 I chat with Pat who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.

We discuss getting diagnosed, religious themed OCD, relationship themed OCD around friendships, pOCD, switching themes, speaking to his workplace about his OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), his compulsions, creative ways of expressing himself, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/pat-554 

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 a...


Ashley Ordway and Victoria Schweiger: OCD Summer camps for kids (#553)
Ashley Ordway and Victoria Schweiger: OCD Summer camps for kids (#553) episode artwork
08/30/2026

In episode 553 I chat with Ashley Ordway and Victoria Schweiger. Ashley is a licensed mental health counselor and acting President of the Board at JACK MHA. Ashley's work at the University of Florida Health was foundational in developing the University of Florida's Fear Facers Camp, one of the first in the nation, which provides treatment to children ages 7- 15 with OCD. Ashley also runs her private practice at Magnolia Behavioral Health. Victoria is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at the Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ashley and Victoria are part of a team that...


Story: Andrea (existential and sensory OCD, Bergen 4-day treatment) (#552)
Story: Andrea (existential and sensory OCD, Bergen 4-day treatment) (#552) episode artwork
08/23/2026

In episode 552 I chat with Andrea who has kindly agreed to share her story with us.

We discuss panic attacks, existential OCD, some OCD worries including what if gravity ceases to exist and what if my eyes roll up into my head, a core fear of living with suffering, her experiences at the Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT), mental compulsions being missed in therapy, gender dysphoria and gender treatments, sensorimotor OCD, tools that helped her, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/andrea-552

The podcast is made possible...


Story: Andrew (sexual orientation OCD, psilocybin, therapy) (#551)
Story: Andrew (sexual orientation OCD, psilocybin, therapy) (#551) episode artwork
08/16/2026

In episode 551 I chat with Andrew who has kindly agreed to share his story with us.

We discuss his story, how a bad experience with psilocybin triggered his OCD, trying to control thoughts, medication, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), sexual orientation themed OCD, compassion focused therapy (CFT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), working with parts of himself, meditation, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/andrew-551

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find...


Chrissie Hodges: The OCD Relapse Roadmap (#550)
Chrissie Hodges: The OCD Relapse Roadmap (#550) episode artwork
08/09/2026

In episode 550 I chat with Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a Peer Support specialist, founder of OCD Gamechangers, and Author of 'Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder' and 'The OCD Relapse Roadmap'. Chrissie was awarded the hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference in San Fran.

We discuss what's new with her, her new book The OCD Relapse Roadmap, relapses in OCD, relapse prevention, the aspects and features of a relapse, having a plan for potential relapses, acceptance, and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chrissie-550

The p...


Justin Hughes and Dr Ted Witzig, Jr.: The Christian's Guide to Overcoming OCD (#549)
Justin Hughes and Dr Ted Witzig, Jr.: The Christian's Guide to Overcoming OCD (#549) episode artwork
08/02/2026

In episode 549 I chat with Justin Hughes and Ted Witzig, Jr. PhD. Justin, MA, LPC, is a therapist and author specializing in OCD and anxiety. A CBT practitioner trained in psychology and theology (Dallas Theological Seminary), he bridges mental health and faith. Ted, PhD is a clinical psychologist and pastor.  His roles give him a special desire to help those whose OCD has become entwined in religious and moral matters. 

We discuss their therapy backgrounds, Justin's book The Christian's Guide to Overcoming OCD, the integration of faith and therapy, parental accommodation, and much more. Hope it helps.

...


Rebecca and Dr Jeremy Rowe: Rebecca shares her OCD story and how her work with Jeremy helped (Relationship OCD, RF-ERP) (#548)
Rebecca and Dr Jeremy Rowe: Rebecca shares her OCD story and how her work with Jeremy helped (Relationship OCD, RF-ERP) (#548) episode artwork
07/26/2026

In episode 548 I chat with Rebecca and Dr Jeremy Rowe. Rebecca kindly agreed to share her OCD story and her therapy work with Dr Jeremy Rowe with us. Jeremy is a chartered psychologist and clinical director of Ark Psychology, a UK-based independent practice providing specialist OCD treatment, ADHD and autism assessments, psychological therapy, and coaching. With over 25 years' experience across the NHS, private practice, and the criminal justice system, Jeremy has a particular interest in Rumination-Focused ERP for OCD and integrating evidence-based approaches with a deeper understanding of the emotional and relational processes that underpin obsessive-compulsive difficulties.

...


Story: Nathaniel Wood (Intrusive thoughts, UFC) (#547)
Story: Nathaniel Wood (Intrusive thoughts, UFC) (#547) episode artwork
07/19/2026

In episode 547 I chat with Nathaniel Wood. Nathaniel is an English professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC. He has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us.

We discuss his OCD story, hit and run themed OCD, intrusive thoughts, health anxiety, religious themed OCD, medication, fighting in the UFC, having things to focus on, therapy, what helps Nathaniel, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nathaniel-547

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US...


Dr Peter Aston: Treating OCD in professional athletes (#546)
Dr Peter Aston: Treating OCD in professional athletes (#546) episode artwork
07/12/2026

In episode 546 I chat with Dr Peter Aston. Dr. Pete Aston is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he specialises in the treatment of OCD, health anxiety, and related conditions using exposure and response prevention (ERP). He is also the co-founder of California Psychology Center, a Bay Area group practice focused on OCD and anxiety disorders. In addition, Pete serves as the team psychologist for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, where he works with professional athletes on performance, resilience, and mental health.

We discuss working with the San Jose...


Duke Al shares his OCD poems (#545)
Duke Al shares his OCD poems (#545) episode artwork
07/05/2026

In episode 545 I chat with Duke Al. Duke is a spoken word artist and OCD advocate.

In this episode Duke reads some of his poems about OCD and explains the meanings behind them, including a new one partially inspired by a bit of my own story, he talks the power of poetry, and how he used poetry as a self-therapy, and much more. Hope it helps.

Poems read:

Poetry and rhyme 

A Letter to myself about letters 

Dear Chris

I wish 

Little Duke

Num...


Story: Nicole Sophia (Suicidal, Sexual Orientation, and Relationship themes of OCD, self-compassion and her music) (#544)
Story: Nicole Sophia (Suicidal, Sexual Orientation, and Relationship themes of OCD, self-compassion and her music) (#544) episode artwork
06/28/2026

In episode 544 I chat with Nicole Sophia who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss suicidal themed OCD, getting diagnosed young, meeting Dan Siegel, sexual orientation themed OCD, relationship themed OCD, her music, mental compulsions, feeling her feelings, self-compassion, making friends with her OCD, expressing through being a singer song writer, using humour, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nicole-sophia-544 

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find ou...


Jonny Say: Self-compassion in OCD recovery (#543)
Jonny Say: Self-compassion in OCD recovery (#543) episode artwork
06/21/2026

In episode 543 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy. 

We discuss self-compassion, integrating self-compassion into exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), some benefits of self-compassion, the inner critical voice, shame, real event themed OCD, Jonny guides us through an exercise in self-compassion to the past, and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jonny-543

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find ou...


Blakely Hunze-Austin: OCD and Sex (#542)
Blakely Hunze-Austin: OCD and Sex (#542) episode artwork
06/14/2026

In episode 542 I chat with Blakely Hunze-Austin. Blakely is a licensed professional counselor in the states of Colorado and Tennessee. She obtained her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in addictions. She's a nationally certified counselor who specializes in sex therapy, eating disorders, trauma, and OCD. She enjoys working with LGBTQIA, kink, and poly/ENM communities. She is completing hours to become a certified sex therapist and is trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

We discuss her therapy story, OCD and sex, anxiety around sex and intimacy, redefining the meaning of sex, vaginismus, some particular...


Story: Brad Stulberg (Self-harm-themed OCD, writing, and his book The Way of Excellence) (#541)
Story: Brad Stulberg (Self-harm-themed OCD, writing, and his book The Way of Excellence) (#541) episode artwork
06/07/2026

In episode 541 I chat with Brad Stulberg who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. Brad is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes about mastery, meaning, and excellence.

We discuss his OCD story, beginnings of his OCD, health obsessions, self-harm themed OCD, finding a therapist for his OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), writing about his OCD, OCD support groups, values, mindfulness, his new book The Way of Excellence, and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/b...


Alex Habens: A Therapist's journey with OCD and Compassion Focused Therapy (#540)
Alex Habens: A Therapist's journey with OCD and Compassion Focused Therapy (#540) episode artwork
05/31/2026

In episode 540 I interview Alex Habens. Alex is a BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and OCD Specialist. He also works with myself at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy.

We discuss why he became a therapist and his own OCD experiences, what is compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassion more generally, integrating CFT into OCD treatment, shame, connecting with compassion, fears blocks and resistances to compassion, compassion during exposures, his CFT therapy group, and his CFT therapist training he is running, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/alex-540

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Katie d'Ath: OCD therapeutic communities and groups (#539)
Katie d'Ath: OCD therapeutic communities and groups (#539) episode artwork
05/24/2026

In episode 539 I interview Katie d'Ath. Katie is a cognitive behavioural therapist with a special interest in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. She is also the co-author of "Managing OCD with CBT for Dummies"  and she has a popular YouTube channel where she shares OCD videos.

In this episode we discuss running OCD therapy groups, managing an online OCD community platform, benefits of community to people with OCD, what Katie's learned from her OCD community, learning from groups that the content of OCD isn't the problem, consistency in the skills and therapy, and much more. Hope i...


Dr Ronald Nicholson: Sensory OCD (Somatic/Sensorimotor OCD) (#538)
Dr Ronald Nicholson: Sensory OCD (Somatic/Sensorimotor OCD) (#538) episode artwork
05/17/2026

In episode 538 I chat with Dr Ronald Nicholson. Ron is a clinical psychologist.

We discuss why he doesn't use somatic and sensorimotor OCD labels interchangeably, why he likes the label of sensory OCD, core fear vs the content, the idea of taking the B grade, the obsessions and compulsions around this theme, using exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) on this theme, exposure scripting, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ron-538

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US...


Story: Shannon (existential themed OCD and postpartum OCD) (#537)
Story: Shannon (existential themed OCD and postpartum OCD) (#537) episode artwork
05/10/2026

In episode 537 I chat with Shannon who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss her earliest OCD memory, various themes of OCD, existential themed OCD, worrying everyone is an 'non-playable character (NPC)', finding out it was OCD, starting therapy for OCD, doing therapy homework, postpartum OCD, support groups, non-engagement responses, shame and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/shannon-537 

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out mor...


Dr Fugen Neziroglu: When a higher level of care may be needed, and overvalued ideation (#536)
Dr Fugen Neziroglu: When a higher level of care may be needed, and overvalued ideation (#536) episode artwork
05/03/2026

In episode 536 I chat with Dr. Fugen Neziroglu. Fugen is a board-certified cognitive and behavior psychologist and the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Bio Behavioral Institute in Great Neck, NY. Fugen has published more than 150 papers in scientific journals and authored or co-authored 15 books.

We discuss her rich background in the field of OCD, being mentored by the late Dr Edna Foa, the dosage of therapy, when to level up care, some of the earliest signs once a week therapy isn't working for someone, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), residential treatment, inpatient treatment, medical treatments, what an...


Story: Michael (health anxiety, trauma and OCD) (#535)
Story: Michael (health anxiety, trauma and OCD) (#535) episode artwork
04/26/2026

In episode 535 I chat with Michael who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. 

We discuss his OCD story, nightmares in childhood, relationship themed OCD, the onset of his OCD, harm themed OCD, getting therapy, experiencing a health condition, medical trauma, health anxiety, balancing real health conditions with health anxiety, trauma and OCD (PTOCD), living life and making choices, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) for health anxiety in the midst of an actual health issue, self compassion, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/michael-535


Rachel Kuchem Woodward: Faith, Scrupulosity and OCD (#534)
Rachel Kuchem Woodward: Faith, Scrupulosity and OCD (#534) episode artwork
04/19/2026

In episode 534 I chat with Rachel Kuchem Woodward (LCSW). Rachel is the owner of Re-Viving Lives Counseling, in Fort Worth.  Rachel is a therapist holistically and clinically treating girls and women since 2019. Having her own 20+ year personal journey with OCD, Rachel is passionate about treating sufferers of OCD and educating faith circles on OCD, bridging the gap between biblical and clinical circles around this topic for clients, church leaders, and mental health leaders.

We discuss her therapy journey, how OCD can latch on to faith, telling the difference between a genuine faith based question and an OCD q...


Dr Steven Phillipson and Sean: 'Sarnos' and Sean's story (#533)
Dr Steven Phillipson and Sean: 'Sarnos' and Sean's story (#533) episode artwork
04/12/2026

In episode 533 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson and his patient Sean. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specialises in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. He is joined by one of his patients, Sean, who has kindly agreed to share his story.

We discuss Sean's OCD story, Steve discusses the idea of Sarnos (psychosomatic symptoms), Sean's difficulty bragging and worrying about Sarnos, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the idea of the brain voice and the gatekeeper voice, and much more. Hope...


Dr Sorcha O'Connor: The PsilOCD study investigating low-dose psilocybin for OCD (#532)
Dr Sorcha O'Connor: The PsilOCD study investigating low-dose psilocybin for OCD (#532) episode artwork
04/05/2026

In episode 532 I chat with Dr Sorcha O'Connor. Sorcha is a neuroscientist and PhD graduate from Imperial College London, where she led the PsilOCD study investigating low-dose psilocybin for OCD. 

We discuss Sorcha's background that led her to this work, what is psilocybin, the background to the study, what the actual study looked like for participants, the outcomes of the study, what's happening in the brain during a dose of psilocybin, future studies, how psychedelics may improve learning, integration sessions with a therapist, what people with OCD can take from this study, limitations of the study, and m...


Story: Alex (suicidal OCD, existential OCD, health anxiety, I-CBT) (#531)
Story: Alex (suicidal OCD, existential OCD, health anxiety, I-CBT) (#531) episode artwork
03/29/2026

In episode 531 I chat with Alex who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. 

We discuss his OCD story, suicidal themed OCD, inference-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT), worries of harming others, existential themed OCD, how his wife helped, meditation, low self worth, understanding the past, peadophile themed OCD, health anxiety, self compassion, and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/alex-531

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 NO...


Story: Amy (relationship OCD, harm OCD, contamination OCD) (#530)
Story: Amy (relationship OCD, harm OCD, contamination OCD) (#530) episode artwork
03/22/2026

In episode 530 I chat with Amy who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss relationship themed OCD, harm themed OCD, contamination themed OCD, realising that what was going on was OCD, compulsions, disordered eating, how her husband helped, finding the OCD community, doing exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), medication, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/amy-530

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 N...


Dr Jon Hoffman: Rethinking Mental Rituals: A Philosophical Conversation (#529)
Dr Jon Hoffman: Rethinking Mental Rituals: A Philosophical Conversation (#529) episode artwork
03/15/2026

In episode 529 I chatted with Jonathan Hoffman. Jon is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology. He co-founded the NBI Ranch and the Neurobehavioral Institute (NBI), where he was Chief Clinical Officer, exiting these roles at the end of 2025 after many years of practice. 

We discuss an update on Jon, what are mental rituals/compulsions, the history of mental rituals/compulsions, are mental rituals/compulsions behaviours, we debate what is good science, how do we study mental rituals/compulsions, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/j...


Jeff Bell: Lessons that OCD and its treatment have taught Jeff about navigating Parkinson's (#528)
Jeff Bell: Lessons that OCD and its treatment have taught Jeff about navigating Parkinson's (#528) episode artwork
03/08/2026

In episode 528 I chat with Jeff Bell, a past guest of the podcast. Jeff is a long time OCD advocate and is the author of "When in doubt, make belief" and "rewind, replay, repeat". Jeff co-founded adversity to advocacy.

We get a recap of his OCD story, the idea of greater good motivation, lessons OCD has taught him that helps him deal with other conditions such as his Parkinson's disease diagnosis, we discuss stoicism, advocacy and service, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jeff-528

The podcast is...


Ethan Tuccienza: Exposure to emotions (#527)
Ethan Tuccienza: Exposure to emotions (#527) episode artwork
03/01/2026

In episode 527 I chat with Ethan Tuccienza. Ethan is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and clinical director of Behavioural Psych Studio's LA office.

We discuss his therapy story, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), exposure to emotions, DBT-PTSD as an intervention, trauma, shame, tolerating emotions, he shares a couple DBT skills including willing hands and mindfulness of our emotions. We also discuss guilt, shutting down during exposures and what to do, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ethan-527

The podcast is made...


Story: Mike (sexual orientation OCD, existential OCD, somatic OCD, harm OCD) (#526)
Story: Mike (sexual orientation OCD, existential OCD, somatic OCD, harm OCD) (#526) episode artwork
02/22/2026

In episode 526 I chat with Mike who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. 

We discuss sexual orientation themed OCD, existential themed OCD, somatic themed OCD, harm themed OCD, compulsing around the recovery process, getting therapy, working with Dr Steven Phillipson and Dr Michael Alcee, words of hope and much more.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/mike-526 (Episode includes explicit language)

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 p...


Story: Charlotte (harm and suicidal themed OCD, journaling, therapy) (#525)
Story: Charlotte (harm and suicidal themed OCD, journaling, therapy) (#525) episode artwork
02/15/2026

In episode 525 I chat with Charlotte who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss her story, worrying she was pregnant as a kid, realising it's OCD, experiencing theme switches, harm themed OCD, mental health health anxiety, suicidal themed OCD, getting therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), acceptance, her joy journal, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/charlotte-525

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside t...


Ray Kolke: Rumination by the Numbers (RBTN) as a tool for dealing with rumination (#524)
Ray Kolke: Rumination by the Numbers (RBTN) as a tool for dealing with rumination (#524) episode artwork
02/08/2026

In episode 524 I chat with Ray Kolke. Ray is a licensed mental health counsellor (LMHC) who works with people affected by OCD and anxiety.  

We discuss his therapist background, why he doesn't ask his clients how they are feeling at the start of the session, he discusses not focusing on feelings in more detail, rumination, his tool of rumination by the numbers (RBTN), he breaks down this tool, and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ray-524

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy av...


Story: Angie (Health anxiety, contamination OCD, suicidal OCD) (#523)
Story: Angie (Health anxiety, contamination OCD, suicidal OCD) (#523) episode artwork
02/01/2026

In episode 523 I chat with Angie who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss health anxiety, contamination themed OCD, and suicidal themed OCD. Doubting whether it's OCD or not, compulsions, uncertainty, getting therapy including exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), relationships, exercise, having a dog in relation to OCD, and much more. Hope it helps.  

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/angie-523

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, th...


The OCD Camp 2026 - Applications close 31st Jan
The OCD Camp 2026 - Applications close 31st Jan episode artwork
01/26/2026

Escape the everyday and join The OCD Camp – an empowering 3-day outdoor experience in Surrey designed for adults with OCD to connect, grow and thrive together in nature. Since 2018, this unique camp has brought people living with OCD out of isolation, offering shared adventures, group challenges, reflective moments, and opportunities to build resilience alongside others who truly understand the journey. With all meals, activities and supportive staff included in the price, The OCD Camp blends fun, connection and meaningful community in a beautiful natural setting – giving you space to share stories, build friendships and rediscover strength beyond compulsions. Applications for...


Lauren Rosen: Mental Compulsions in OCD (#522)
Lauren Rosen: Mental Compulsions in OCD (#522) episode artwork
01/25/2026

In episode 522 I chat with Lauren Rosen, LMFT. Lauren is a therapist and founded the Center for the Obsessive Mind, an outpatient clinic serving individuals in California, Florida, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania and select other states and countries. Lauren is the author of The Mental Compulsions Workbook for OCD. Lauren also hosts the Purely OCD Podcast. 

We discuss her Mental compulsion workbook for OCD, what are mental compulsions, rumination, noticing mental compulsions, some skills for addressing mental compulsions, mindfulness, attention, mindfulness meditation, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/lauren-522


Story: Regan (Harm and contamination OCD, panic attacks) (#521)
Story: Regan (Harm and contamination OCD, panic attacks) (#521) episode artwork
01/18/2026

In episode 521 I chat with Regan who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss her OCD story, the journey to getting an OCD diagnosis, moving countries in adolescence, panic attacks, harm themed OCD, contamination themed OCD, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), nightmares, childhood experiences of OCD, her cat in the context of OCD, her partner, the grounding techniques Regan uses, and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/regan-521

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in th...


Brad Hufford: Functioning well despite OCD distress is still a victory (#520)
Brad Hufford: Functioning well despite OCD distress is still a victory (#520) episode artwork
01/11/2026

In episode 520 I chat with Brad Hufford. Brad is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) who specialises in working with OCD. He is a therapist at the Behavior therapy Center of Greater Washington.

We discuss Brad's OCD story, being a therapist over the last 30 years, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the therapy relationship, the idea of functioning well despite distress is still a victory, motivation in ERP, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/brad-520

The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers e...


Story: Ally Kristan (Grief, worries of harm coming to others, her book) (#519)
Story: Ally Kristan (Grief, worries of harm coming to others, her book) (#519) episode artwork
01/04/2026

In episode 519 I chat with Ally Kristan who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss her story, her compulsions, starting therapy in adolescence, grief, worries of harm coming to others, what else has helped her, intuition, her book, connection with nature, animism, penguins and the Antarctic (Ally's a penguin expert), and much more. Hope it helps. 

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ally-519

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 NO...


Jonny Say and Stuart Ralph role-play a key ACT skill for rumination (#518)
Jonny Say and Stuart Ralph role-play a key ACT skill for rumination (#518) episode artwork
12/28/2025

In episode 518 Jonny Say and I practiced some Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills together. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy. 

We discuss the skill dropping anchor, how the skill dipping in and out of the stream can help us learn how to deal with rumination, Jonny and I role play a client session using dipping in and out of the stream, and much more. Hope it helps.

Our ACT skills training for therapists: https://www.icocdtraining.co.uk/live-training

Show notes: https://theocdstories.c...


Spenser Gabin: Reflections on ERP therapy, and becoming a therapist (#517)
Spenser Gabin: Reflections on ERP therapy, and becoming a therapist (#517) episode artwork
12/21/2025

In episode 517 I chat with Spenser Gabin. Spenser is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Encinitas, California

We discuss his OCD, becoming a therapist, his thoughts on Ian O'Brien's episode and clinical perceptive on Ian's research findings on exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP): drop out rate, explaining how ERP links to life, setting expectations, ERP as a lifestyle, and motivation in ERP. We also discuss building trust in therapy, therapist disclosure, self-efficacy, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/spenser-517

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Story: Emma (Group therapy, OCD around parenting, real event OCD) (Ep516)
Story: Emma (Group therapy, OCD around parenting, real event OCD) (Ep516) episode artwork
12/14/2025

In episode 516 I chat with Emma who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. 

We discuss OCD around parenting, real event themed OCD, group therapy and experiences of it, rumination, reassurance, dealing with shame, creativity in recovery, and much more. Hope it helps.

Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/emma-516 

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.t...