The OCD Stories
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.
Jonny Say: Self-compassion in OCD recovery (#543)
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 repose 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 o...
Blakely Hunze-Austin: OCD and Sex (#542)
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)
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)
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
<...Katie d'Ath: OCD therapeutic communities and groups (#539)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
The podcast is made possible...
Story: Emma (Group therapy, OCD around parenting, real event OCD) (Ep516)
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...
The 10-Year Anniversary Episode: Featuring the Listeners (#515)
In episode 515 I opened the 10-year anniversary episode up to the listeners. People were able to make a recording of a 30 second sound bite for the show. This episode features all those recordings. Thank you to all those who submitted a sound bite. And thanks to you for listening and for your support over the last 10 years. What a ride it's been!
Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/10-year-515
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...
Dr Ronald Nicholson: AI and OCD (#514)
In episode 514 I chat with Dr Ronald Nicholson. Ron is a clinical psychologist.
We discuss why it's important to talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and OCD, AI and reassurance, how AI can play into compulsions, cognitive struggles due to over reliance on AI, the detriment of the loss of engagement with other humans, technology reducing distress tolerance, the future of mental health in this AI age, and much more. Hope it helps.
Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/ron-514
The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in th...
Your chance to be on the 10 year anniversary episode!
https://www.speakpipe.com/TheOCDStories
We are celebrating 10 years of the podcast. If you are over 18 and would like to leave a message to be included in the podcast.
Please record a max 20-30sec message, sharing your relationship with the podcast i.e. if it's helped, things you've enjoyed etc.
Submitting is agreeing that we can use your audio in the 10 year anniversary episode. Please do not use any last name or identifiable info as we want to protect your anonymity. You also don't need to use any name. Unless you are a...
Story: Amanda (OCD themes: Religion, harm and contamination) (#513)
In episode 513 I chat with Amanda who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.
We discuss OCD themes of religion, harm and contamination. Amanda talks about depression, controlling food, stopping driving, navigating the Covid pandemic and OCD, compulsions controlling other people, therapy, grief and loss, figuring out it was ok not to do her compulsions, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), inference-based CBT (I-CBT), medication, managing family accommodation, words of hope and much more. Hope it helps.
Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/amanda-513
The podcast is made possible by NO...
Dr Steven Phillipson and Sarah: Metaphysical OCD and Sarah's story (#512)
In episode 512 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson and Sarah. 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, Sarah, who has kindly agreed to share her story.
We discuss what is metaphysical themed OCD, what is metaphysical contamination OCD, trauma, Sarah's OCD story, her sticking points in recovery, getting the wrong diagnosis, how her husband supported her, and her therapy with Steve. Hope it helps.
Show notes...
Melissa Mose: Integrating IFS and ERP for OCD (#511)
In episode 511 I chat with Melissa Mose. Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who treats OCD. Melissa is president of the IOCDF affiliate OCD SoCal.
We discuss her new book for therapists on internal family systems therapy (IFS) for OCD, what is IFS, integrating IFS and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), working with parts that get in the way of therapy, noticing and working with OCD parts, understanding parts of us, understanding OCD parts in detail so that we can notice intuition better, and much more. Hope it helps.
Show notes: https...
Dr Steven Poskar: Medications for OCD (#510)
In episode 510 I chat with Dr Steven Poskar. Steven is a psychiatrist and clinical director of OCD NYC. He is also a member of the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation.
We discuss his therapy journey, myths and misconceptions around OCD medication, SSRIs for OCD, choosing an SSRI based on their side effect profiles, weaning off medication, augmenting medication for OCD with anti psychotics, glutamate medications for OCD, benzodiazepines, psychedelic drug trials for OCD, cannabis, some reasons why medication doesn't work, supplements, and much more. Hope it helps.
Show notes: https...
Ian O'Brien: OCD Story, and research on why people struggle to engage with ERP using over 100 interviews from The OCD Stories podcast (#509)
In episode 509 I chat with Ian O'Brien. Ian is a psychotherapist based in Dublin, Ireland, who specialises in OCD.
We discuss his OCD story including relationship OCD (rOCD) and pOCD, getting therapy, support groups, and becoming a therapist. We then discuss his research on why people struggle to engage with ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) in which he analysed over 100 interviews from The OCD Stories podcast to explore the real challenges people face in starting, sticking with, or completing ERP. He shares the three major themes that emerged where people struggled with ERP including lots of sub...
Michael Stier: Health anxiety (#508)
In episode 508 I chat with Michael Stier. Michael is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Director of Education and Training at the Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta.
We discuss his therapy story, working with health anxiety, the health anxiety book he co-wrote, what is health anxiety, insight in health anxiety, bodily sensations, values based living, and much more. Hope it helps.
Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/michael-508
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...
Chrissie Hodges: Acceptance of OCD (#507)
In episode 507 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'. Chrissie was awarded the hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference in San Fran.
We discuss her community, acceptance and radical acceptance, what is acceptance, what are we actually accepting, what acceptance is not, taboo themes of OCD, shame and guilt, barriers to acceptance, and much more. Hope it helps.
Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/chrissie-507
The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD of...
Dr Sam Greenblatt: Unlocking Relationship OCD (ROCD) treatment (#506)
In episode 506 I chat with Dr Sam Greenblatt. Sam is a licensed clinical psychologist.
We discuss an update on him, relationship OCD (ROCD) using his personal story as a case study, improving ROCD treatment, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), internal family systems (IFS) therapy, working with other emotions around ROCD, feeling emotions without analysing them, improving relationships, and much more. Hope it helps.
Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/sam-506
The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find o...
