FearCast Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kevin Foss, MFT
Today I’m answer two questions. Anxious Questioner wants to know how to handle a situation where they shared some details about their OCD and now they are worried it has changed the way the other person views them, and they want to know what to do. To answer this, I do offer some direct advice, but I also go over some solid guidelines on how, when, and why to share details about your obsessions, if you share them at all. Diane asks the next question. She wants to know how to let go of the content of the thoughts to get on with her life. Scrupulosity has gripped her after a rough medical patch that has left her struggling with unnamed thoughts that stop her from looking at people or sitting next to them. I discuss ways to give herself forgiveness and offer some exposure advice!
For more about Religious and Moral Scrupulosity, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post 281- I Overshared, What Do I Do, And Forgiving Myself For These Thoughts appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Peyton sent in a great question about their Casadastraphobia, but it also applies to other phobias, and the question is mainly in two parts. First, is it common for people to ignore their phobias because they think it’s just a crazy thought without ever knowing that it is a real fear/ phobia with a real name? The second question is about whether knowing about the fear, and subsequently giving it attention, make it worse just because you’re now aware of it? These are great questions! In the process, I learned about the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon, and I forward the learning to all of you.
To learn more about phobias, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post 280- Casadastraphobia/ Phobias: Does Knowing It’s A Thing Make It Worse? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Broken Record sent in an audio question about her struggle with ROCD and SO-OCD. She is struggling with a dilemma; is she actually not attracted to her female partner, or is she more attracted to the male body shape? Did I mention she identifies as Bi-sexual? Either way, she wants to know how to love her partner best and stop her rumination about the possibility that she dislikes her partner’s body and would rather have something entirely different!
The post #279- Is ROCD Making Me More Attracted To Men? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today, I’m going to answer two questions! The first comes from Alex who wants to know whether his routine of checking his groin for potential arousal, and how it all started, is a normal process for someone with POCD. The next question comes from Salt & Pepper. They want to know whether OCD can give them thoughts about self harm, or are they actually having self harm thoughts?
The post #278- Habitually Checking My Groin, and OCD Causing Self Harm Thoughts appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Pick Me reached out to me to ask a question about picking (every pun intended) the right treatment for their Rhinotillexomania, or compulsive nose picking. I discuss the differences between OCD treatment and the treatment approaches for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, or BFRBs. I share a ton of ideas for competing behaviors and behavioral blockers, and if you watch the YouTube video, you will see a bunch of fidget examples, or you can hear me describe them.
For more about treatment for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, or BFRBs, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #277- Rhinotillexomania And Picking The Right Treatment appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Marianne reached out with her question about some academic rumination that’s been plaguing her lately. She’s fixated on her time in college and whether or not she was dishonest in her academic performance. But, things aren’t so easy sometimes. The question flips between whether there was anything genuine that happened that brings her to this obsession, or whether it is just an obsession about whether something happened but really didn’t. It’s an obsession as old as time. So, I try to handle it from both angles and offer her some ideas on how to consider the obsession and how to tackle it through acceptance, compassion, and exposure.
For more on Real Event OCD, check out this four-part blog series from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #276- Academic Real Event OCD, Or Maybe Just False Guilt? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Eve from the UK sent in her question in the hopes of trying to figure out what kind of obsession she has and what she can do about it. It seems to hover between the fear of whether or not her reality is real, whether she’s going crazy, whether others will think she’s crazy, or if she’s disconnecting from reality. She’s pretty aware of how obsessions work and how OCD can be a tricky liar, but better safe than sorry, right? I offer her some things to think about and ways to re-consider how to approach her obsession, and uncertainty, in a grounded, mindful, and values based manner.
For more on Existential OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post 275- Existential? Derealization? Schizophrenia? What’s The Fear? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s questions, I give a short answer to a long question, and a long answer to a short question. The first one has to do with the listener’s curiosity about their current and last hanging-on obsession. They want to know if it’s weird, and if other people deal with it. The next question is a great one and gets a fundamental question about how we build exposures. Can they do good exposures to the idea of dishonesty without actually having to tell white lies?
The post 274- Is This Last Trigger Weird, And Dishonesty ERP Without White Lies? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Frank reached out recently with a follow up audio question. This time he wanted to know how you know whether it’s OCD thinking, or his rational and reasonable thinking. Simple enough question, right? But, how do you know? Can you know for sure? How much is you and how much is OCD? And is it a compulsion to figure it out? I try to help give Frank, and all you other listeners, some other ways to consider this as you move forward.
The post #273- If I Know It’s An OCD Thought, Then I Know I’m Not Trans, Right? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I was joined by the one and only Jenna Overbaugh, LPC, to talk about what it means to get better from OCD and anxiety disorders, and how to stay better. We discuss the mindset and perspective shift necessary to meaningfully engage in CBT and ERP treatment, face your fears, and build a new relationship with anxiety that lasts! This was a really fun conversation and Jenna has such a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
The post #272- Getting Better and Staying Better, with Jenna Overbaugh, LPC appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question was a bit of a tricky one, and deserves a tricky answer. There seems to be a mix of responses across the internet about whether you are what you fear. Some people saying, “No, you are not your fear and your fear is evidence of it not being you because obsessions are ego-dystonic.” Whereas some people say, “Yes, the obsession could be you,” and even fewer saying “Yes, you are what your fear says you are.” But what if the content of the obsession did not even matter, and trying to answer the question conclusively was a waste of time, and was actually the problem in the first place?
The post #271- Am I, Or Am I Not, What My Obsession Says I am? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, Claire Breedlove, LCSW, joined me to talk about her work treating Religious Scrupulosity among the Latter Day Saints (LDS) population. Claire joined me on episode #189 where she discussed her work in general, but on this episode we do a deeper dive into her use of Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT). This was a fun conversation to look at the differences between ICBT and the traditional ERP/ CBT treatment methods for Religious Scrupulosity and why Claire has shifted her practice to primarily ICBT. Even if you aren’t LDS, but still struggling with Religious Scrupulosity OCD, this episode is definitely worth a listen.
For more on Religious Scrupulosity OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #270- Treating Religious Scrupulosity With ICBT, feat. Claire Breedlove, LCSW appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Cheesecake Destroyer, no that is not their real name (probably), messaged me a question that is more complicated than it seems. They want to know whether their use of porn is causing them to be creepy toward women. They acknowledge they have had this obsession for while, but does that mean they need to quit porn? Is this really a question, or are they looking for permission? Are they hoping I’ll say, “It’s all OK, and you’re OK”? Can exposures help with this? How can someone work toward being a better person while also recognizing their OCD is wrapped up with the concern about being better (or being creepy)?
Learn more about Moral Scrupulosity! Check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #269- Is My Porn Use Causing Me Become A Creepy Person? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
To answer today’s audio question, I had on TWO experts on child development and OCD. The questioner who is in the middle of the delicate balance of supporting her daughter’s best moral development while not feeding the Moral Scrupulosity OCD beast. To answer the question I have on Elena Fasan, LCSW, an expert on child and adolescent OCD treatment, and Jenny Foss, MA, child development professor. We talk about how parents can support kids going through the trials of adolescence and how to help raise good, thoughtful, and honest kids while taking into account the ways OCD wants to take over development and the parent/ child relationship.
For more on Moral and Religious Scrupulosity OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #268- Supporting Good Kids With Moral Scrup, With Elena Fasan, LCSW, and Jenny Foss, MA appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Anthony sent in an audio question where he shared that he’s having trouble with some thoughts about his girlfriend. He keeps wondering whether or not she’s unattractive, like really unattractive, and not his type. What’s worse is that they are planning on moving in together soon! Is he wasting her time by pretending to be into her? Sure, he has some moments of clarity when he thinks she really is attractive, maybe even MORE attractive than he ever thought, but those thoughts are fleeting. What is he to do?
The post #267- Is Anthony’s Girlfriend A Gargoyle, Or Is ROCD At It Again? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Lauren Rosen, MFT, joined me today to help answer Lemon’s question. Lemon wanted to know how she can move forward with her life, pursuing her values, etc., but what if her thoughts and values aren’t really her own? Lauren, the author of The Mental Compulsions Workbook for OCD was the perfect guest to help address this existential question. We discuss ways to identify her mental compulsions, the feared story the compulsions serve, and some ways she can find meaning (whether they are her own or not).
For more on Existential OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #265- What If My Values Aren’t Mine, Featuring Lauren Rosen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Sophi sent in her audio question and had a question about how to best deal with this really unhelpful, bad-for-the-relationship, unwelcomed obstacle of ROCD and Paranoid Personality Disorder. This isn’t a common combination that we’ve talked about on the show but she reached out. She asked about what she can do to get a better handle on these two so it isn’t to ruin her relationships or any other relationships!
The post #264- Paranoid Personality Disorder And ROCD Is Not Sophi’s Friend appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This is a jam packed episode. I answer four questions from listeners across a wide range of topics. We discuss the differences between an obsession and an intrusive thought. Are they different, and if so, how, and is it important? Another listener wants to know whether someone identifying as gay/ lesbian can still have Sexual Orientation OCD, or is that just a straight people thing? One listener wants to know whether ERP is a good idea to help treat their disordered eating and/ or eating disorder. Finally, someone kinda shares a success story that ends up being a question about how to deal with Casadastraphobia.
The post #263- ERP For Disordered Eating, What’s An Intrusive Thought, And More appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Toblerone Girl messaged me with an audio question recently. Unfortunately, she’s struggling with the dreaded overlap of ROCD and SO-OCD that seem to be made for one another. She notices some genuine feelings, but OCD jumps in and demands the all or nothing of it, and doesn’t take “I’m must be bisexual” as a reasonable label. I discuss some ways she can consider the situation and offer some exercises that may help her develop a new relationship with her thoughts.
To learn more about Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #262- When “I’m Bisexual” Is Not Enough To Quiet ROCD/ SOOCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I answer a twofer from Katie; both of them Religious Scrupulosity related. The first question is about how can someone “cast their cares on the Lord” and ask God for healing from OCD in a non-compulsive way. She also wants to know how she can “do all things through Christ who strengthens me” while also exerting her own will on her OCD recovery. Is using her own willpower subverting God’s impact on her recovery, and is a true believer supposed to rely only on God and nothing else for recovery? I do my best to address this from a faith and mental health perspective in order to build her confidence that OCD treatment for Religious Scrup is an act of faith.
For more on Religious Scrupulosity, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #261- Can I Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today we are holding off on the questions to dedicate our time to talking about all things medication for OCD and anxiety disorders. Lucky for us, Dr. Sanjaya Saxena, MD, graciously gave his time and expertise to go over an exhaustive amount of information. We talk about what medications are most effective, first line treatments, supplemental medication, how to best communicate with your doctor, and much more. He offered a wealth of information and I am so thankful for this new resource for listeners.
The post #260- Medication For OCD And Anxiety With Dr. Sanjaya Saxena, MD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
John sent in an audio question. He wants to know whether his attempts to control, and even mentally play with, his Sensorimotor OCD obsession is helpful because he was able to do it once and it felt so empowering! Tied in, he wants to know whether he has to resign himself to never feeling fully “OK.” Emma also sent in a message about how to deal with the idea of death and the impossibility of getting a conclusive, definitive answer to her questions.
The post #259- Chasing Sensorimotor Relief, And It’s Impossible To Deal With Death appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I’m answering two questions today. Why not. The first is a follow up audio question from Spiritual Overthinker. She shares how her struggles have deepened as she has started to explore the world of Twin Flames and how her anxiety is preventing her from having an enjoyable relationship with boyfriend, or whatever OCD wants her to call him. Next I answer Ella’s question about what she can do with her SO-OCD. She fears, well maybe believes, that she is actually in denial of her sexuality, and she’s pretty certain ERP therapy won’t work. These are two really difficult questions that I do my best to help offer some alternative perspectives and encouragement, albeit snarky at times.
The post #258- Struggling With Her Twin Flame, and SO-OCD Or Denial? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For this first episode of 2026, I am answering a Sensorimotor OCD question from Dave. However, as many FearCast questions go, this one also applies to a great many other people struggling with OCD. In addition to wanting to how he can manage his obsessions, he wants to know whether or not he should avoid others out of fear that he may take on their Sensorimotor obsession, or should he wait until he is more resilient. I offer him some suggestions on how to approach building his resiliency as he continues fighting his symptoms and discuss ways he can practice acceptance, redirection, and confidence building that applies to all struggling with anxiety.
For more about Sensorimotor OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center.
The post #257- Should We Avoid Others Or Face Taking On Their Obsessions? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For the last episode of the year, I’m going to answer two, that’s right TWO, listener questions. These two questions from Rubi and Emily. They both share very personal obsessions that don’t get talked about a lot, so I’m really honored to have a chance to speak with them. First, Rubi shares her struggle with Self Harm OCD and whats to know some practical ways she can deal with them. After that, I address Emily’s question. She has noticed a rise of Limerence that has directed itself toward her therapist. How can she continue working with her therapist and making progress while battling this growing obsession?
The post #256- Rubi’s Self Harm OCD and Emily’s Therapist Directed Limerence appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Ed recently sent in an audio question where he expressed a fear of being socially humiliated. This fear was triggered during a conversation with a group of friends where he feared that he would be humiliated later on. So, Ed did the most reasonable thing; ruminate, and later send me this question. I discuss this fear broadly as a worry that straddles the line between OCD and Social Anxiety while focusing on using CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention, and some mindfulness to help him deal with this fear.
The post #255- Ed’s Fear Of Being Socially Humiliated appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is an exciting one! Kimberley Quinlan and Chris Trondsen joined me to talk about their new program focused on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). These two experts on BDD, eating disorders, and OCD (and pretty much everything else, too) discuss the differences between treating OCD and BDD, and why specialized treatment for BDD is necessary in a way that is encouraging, positive, light, and direct. Together they share stories of people struggling with BDD and offer ideas on what treatment can look like for others struggling with their BDD. This was a fun conversation and I always come away learning so much myself.
The post #254- BDD Treatment With Kimbely Quinlan, MFT, and Chris Trondsen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Nathan Peterson, therapist, youtuber, educator, and now author, joined me on this episode to talk about his upcoming book and upcoming video program on Tics and Tourettes Syndrome. He was such a delightful guest who was kind enough to come on to share his thoughts on OCD treatment, making recovery feel achievable, and helping people looking for easy to use and understand resources. Nathan’s videos have helped untold amounts of people with his straightforward and encouraging messaging about how to face OCD and anxiety without feeling overwhelmed and pressured.
The post #253- Your OCD And Tics Will Hate This Episode With Nathan Peterson appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Tina recently reached out to ask a question about what she thinks is Partner Focused ROCD. She struggles with obsessions about her partner and is looking for approval from her friends and others about the relationship. She also finds herself ruminating about her partner and various minutia of their appearance and mannerisms. I talk about a little about what Partner Focused ROCD is and offer her some guidance on what she could consider moving forward.
The post #252- Tina’s Question About Partner Focused ROCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Melody sent me an audio question recently. She wants to know what she can do to best help her boyfriend who is struggling with health anxiety. He is just starting therapy, but she wants to know some best practices on what she can do to be a helpful partner. How great is that?! To answer this, I try to highlight the importance of communication between her and her boyfriend and working together to establish clear boundaries of what she can do and what she’s not willing to do to be supportive. I also discuss the importance of knowing about health anxiety so she isn’t surprised when anxiety tries to weasel its way into the relationship.
For more on Hypochondria and Health Anxiety, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center.
The post #251- How Can Melody Help Her Hypochondriac Boyfriend? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I got an audio question from Burrito John who wanted to know he can deal with a situation. He’s obsessing about whether he actually liked someone, or whether he was just obsessing and didn’t. He is worried he made it awkward with his co-worker and now wonders whether he and trust his intuition about whether he genuinely likes someone or whether OCD is just clouding his judgment. This question comes up in a lot of different ways so I’m glad John asked it.
The post #250- How Do I Trust My Intuition Again After Awkwardness? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Jeffrey messaged me and wanted to know how to forgive himself for his obsessions and past choices so he can finally move on with his life past the grip of SO-OCD. His question has a lot going on, and includes elements of shame and guilt from his past behaviors, doubt and confusion about motivations for said actions, confusion about titles and identity, and a struggle with a sticky comment made by someone when young that served as the basis for his obsession. I do my best to address some of these issues and help him see how his obsession was created, how it persists, and how he can try to let himself off the hook and move on with his life.
For more about Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #249- How Choices When Young Help SO-OCD Haunt You Later appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Dan reached out with an audio question to ask about what he can do when his interests and values happen to also be the focus of his obsession. Hijacking your values, hobbies, and interests is a really common tactic of OCD, but does that mean you have to give it all up to get better? What happens then if you value intimacy in a relationship? Is Dan doomed? I discuss what people can do to grow their awareness about their obsessions and how to short circuit the obsession/ compulsion cycle when it hits. However, I also discuss some other, broader, relationship considerations that may be at play.
The post #248- When Obsessions Are Also Your Interests And Values- ROCD Edition appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Just in case the threats of the Rapture didn’t get you down (or amped up with anxiety) enough, GS comes along to ask the question about what to do, and how to move on with life, now that, apparently, science proves that we have no free will. So, GS struggles to know what to do with this information. Luckily, this isn’t my first rodeo, and I’ve got just the right chaps and spurs for this question. We talk about Existential OCD, what to do with scary information like this, how to challenge the thoughts, and how to live a meaningful life with the looming threat of meaninglessness.
For more about Existential OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center.
The post #247- Science Proves We Don’t Have Free Will… Now What?! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I got a relatively simple question; what are the differences between the compulsions and other behaviors found in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and how do they differ from those in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While this was a pretty quick answer, it spun out into a comparison between OCD and GAD, how they differ diagnostically, and how they are really similar! You can have both, and sometimes it’s hard to see the differences between the two.
For more on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #246- Are Generalized Anxiety Compulsions Different Than OCD Compulsions? GAD vs OCD! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Dr Jeremy Shuman, PsyD, joins me today to discuss OCD treatment for those on the Autism Spectrum. Dr. Shuman offers a wealth of knowledge, insights, and encouragement to clinicians, families, and individuals alike. We discuss some of the diagnostic complications with the overlap of OCD and Autism symptoms, obstacles in the way of using CBT and ERP, and ways to adapt common treatment methods for OCD to meet the unique needs of the Autism community.
The post #245- OCD Treatment And The Autism Spectrum With Dr. Jeremy Shuman, PsyD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Alan sent me a message asking me about how he can deal with a spike in Real-Event OCD themes. He’s a reporter who used AI to help with his grammar, but his anxiety latched on about violating AI policies at work. He struggles to let go of the obsession and get back to appreciating his craft again. We go over Real-Event OCD and how it differs from other obsessions, the use of AI in treatment, and some ways he can disconnect from his guilt through acceptance and compassionately making space for his anxiety.
For more on Real Event OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #244- Real-Event OCD: I Used AI And All I Got Was Guilt And Anxiety appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Annie reached out to me as a follow up to a previous question she had about her toenail fungus and her obsession about it. She noticed that after all her ERP treatment she continues to have an obsession because she continues to get infections! How frustrating!? I talk about the expectations of ERP and anxiety treatment, how we can deal with the possibility (and reality) that bad/ unwanted things happen no matter how much exposure we do, and how to practice acceptance with situations we really don’t want to accept.
The post #243- Toenail Fungus Obsession… Again, and Still! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I recently got a follow up question from the Emotional Contamination episode (#240) asking about what to do if/ when someone actually believes their OCD fear is absolutely real. In Therapy-Land, we call this a high Fixity of Beliefs, or their thoughts are highly rigid or fixed. I know a word that doesnt sound like a word. I talk about what can be done when someone has high Fixity of Beliefs, what it looks like, and how treatment is the same and different than in typical OCD/ CBT/ ERP treatment.
The post #242- What If You Actually Believe Your Obsessive Thoughts? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode feature Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti, PhD, and Jon Hershfield, MFT in our discussion of the National OCD Survey. The goal of the National OCD Survey is to gather information about the demographic differences in OCD subtypes across the United States in alignment with identified cultural groupings within the United States. This was a really fun episode to record and is full of fascinating information about OCD and the way people experience it differently.
The post #241- The National OCD Survey with Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti and Jon Hershfield appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Ellie reached out to ask about how to help her 14 year old who is struggling with a fear of becoming like other people. Emotional Contamination the name we often apply to the OCD subtype where someone is afraid they will take on the unwanted characteristics of other, or specific, people. To help, I discuss what Emotional Contamination is, how obsessions and compulsions sometimes present, and what Exposure and Response Prevention looks like in these cases.
The post #240- Emotional Contamination For Ellie’s 14 Year Old appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Ward emailed me to share a struggle he’s going through related to his SO-OCD. He notes that he’s in therapy and making progress, but the anxiety is impacting his performance in the bedroom and his libido is much lower than he wants. Anxiety can have serious negative impacts on someone’s sexual life. I discuss how the expectations of sexual performance impacts performance, how health and lifestyle changes can help with overall anxiety and subsequently sexual performance, and some exposure ideas to help him along the way.
For more about Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #239- SO-OCD Is Leading To Troubles In The Bedroom. Help! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Payton reached out with a voice question on Instagram with a question that a lot of people who listen to this podcast can understand. She struggles with what she believes is Hyperawareness OCD/ Sensorimotor OCD and is fixated on the fact that she can see the tip of her nose. While it may seem harmless, like all other obsessions in the category, she agonizes over her awareness of it, when it will go away, and whether it will ruin her future. So, it’s hardly just about her nose being there, it’s about her future not being there.
For more on Sensorimotor OCD and Hyperawareness OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #238- Will Payton Ever Be Able To See Life Past Her Nose Again? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Alana messaged me recently and asked about how she can tackle her perfectionism. It’s stopping her from sending in assignments, writing papers, and even makes her write down all the words she hears to make sure she knows them. Perfectionism can be awful, time consuming, and shame inducing. To try to help, I discuss perfectionism, some things to think about when challenging the thoughts that support perfectionism, and offer some exposure ideas.
The post #237- Alana’s Perfectionism Is Driving Her Nuts! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Ever wonder what it’s like to be the partner of someone with Relationship OCD (ROCD)? Well, one listener did too, and they reached out to me and asked if I could have someone on to talk about their experience. So, Danielle Cohen, LMFT, joined me to talk about her experience with someone who struggles with ROCD. Danielle was kind enough to share her experience, her struggles, and her wins, which she shares with her husband, over ROCD’s efforts to derail them.
The post #236- Being The Other Person In An ROCD Relationship With Danielle Cohen, LMFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Rick reached out to me recently to ask a very simple question with a not-so-simple answer. He wanted to know if it’s normal to have intrusive thoughts on purpose? It got me thinking about a lot of my clients who ask similar questions about their thoughts and why they have them and what their responsibility is to them. Did they want them, so they came? Now that they are there, are they really THEIR thoughts, or just a thought that have? Why do those thoughts go away when they are doing other things? So many questions, so I got into intrusive vs intentional thoughts, what they mean for us, and what we can do about them.
The post #235- Is It Normal To Have Intrusive Thoughts On Purpose? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Abby reached out to me via Instagram to ask a question that starts off a little Harm OCD, but ends up a little Sensorimotor/ Hyperawareness OCD. She wants to know how to deal with her intrusive, looping thoughts that focuses on harm related thoughts toward a family member. She knows it’s her OCD, so she’s not doing compulsions, but she hates that they are even there. Does she need to do ERP, and if so how? I offer some ideas on how she can approach the situation with some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, some ACT skills, and of course offer some ideas on exposures she can try.
To Learn More About Harm OCD, Check Out This Article From The California OCD And Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #234- How Do I Stop, And Do ERP With, These Looping Violent Thoughts appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
M messaged me recently to ask about a situation that is all too common. They struggle with POCD, but are terrified to go see a therapist for treatment because what if the therapist 1) doesn’t diagnose them with POCD but actually thinks they are their worst fear, and 2) they actually are their worst fear and they don’t fully and clearly communicate their symptoms and they mistakenly get diagnosed with POCD and not… you know… that other thing. Either way, it’s a fear of getting misdiagnosed, not getting the right treatment, and suffering needlessly. This happens with POCD as well as any number of other taboo subtypes, so it is very relatable across the board.
For more about POCD, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #233- POCD: What If Therapist Actually Thinks I’m… You know?! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Struggling Artist emailed me with an admittedly long question. They want to become a full time artist but are struggling to take the leap because their Religious and Moral Scrupulosity OCD is trying to overtake their life. Obsessions about moral perfection are leading to checking compulsions, donating art sales profits, excessive confession, and mental rumination. Can they learn to work around it, or are they doomed to give up on their dream?
For more about Moral Scrupulosity and Religious Scrupulosity, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #232- How Can I Be A Full Time Artist Without Scrupulosity Destroying Me? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I get to share a comment from Eden and a question from Nicholas. Eden wanted to share her experience with Casadastraphobia. I love being able to share others’ experiences because everyone’s experience is a little bit different; even when people share the same anxiety subtype. After this, I get to answer Nicholas’ question about taking power away from the sensations that seem to be plaguing him.
To learn more about Sensorimotor OCD and Hyperawareness OCD, check out this post from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #231- Eden’s Casadastraphobia, and Taking Power From Sensorimotor OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Katie reached out ask me a simple question about how to pursue Exposure and Response Prevention when she cannot habituate to anxiety after she has had a resurgence of a fungus growing in her fingernails, and now toenails! She’s been through treatment, including IOP, but now is struggling to figure out what to do now that her anxiety is back! Finally, a contamination adjacent question!! I discuss some options Katie could consider from an ERP model, as well as the Mastery Model. It’s a real therapeutic model party on the FearCast today. Get excited!
The post #230- Not Habituating To Anxiety Of Fungus Under My Fingernails! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Phil messaged me to ask a simple question; what can he do to fight the inner fight of SO-OCD? He comments that he is in a relationship but constantly gets unwanted, intrusive thoughts telling him to “come out” or otherwise twisting completely neutral thoughts into something he does not want. So, what can he do? He’s doing exposures, but finds that in general he is uncomfortable around gay men. Does that mean something? I offer some tips on how to deal with taboo obsessions, how to apply radical acceptance, and how to use various types of exposures to deal with the obsessions.
To learn more about Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #229- How Can I Fight The Daily Fight Against SO-OCD? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode features another amazing interview with someone at the forefront of their field. I had the privilege to interview Dr. Lorna Myers about Functional Neurological Disorder and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures. This may be new to many of this podcast’s listeners, but it is another fascinating dive into how the brain works, and when the brain misfires. Dr. Myers spent a bunch of time sharing what FND and PNES are, who and how they impact, and what we can do to help overcome it! Put on your nerd cap and come along for the ride!
The post #228- Functional Neurological Disorder and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures with Dr. Lorna Myers appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
In light of Mother’s Day, I had a chance to sit down with Dr. Jon Abramowitz and chat about Post Partum and Parinatal OCD, usually abbreviated as PPOCD. Dr. Abramowitz and I discussed the nuts and bolts of PPOCD, how it fits within the general OCD cycle, the impact it has on both new mothers and fathers, and what treatment looks like. As usual, we get distracted by other topics of OCD and Dr. Abramowitz does not disappoint with facts and stats related to diagnosis and treatment concerns. In summary, because people have violent and taboo thoughts, new parents have violent and taboo thoughts, and OCD loves to jump on board and make a mountain out of a mole-hill. However, acceptance, self compassion, and exposure help!
For more on Post Partum and Parinatal OCD (PPOCD), check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #227- Post Partum OCD with Dr. Jon Abramowitz appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I answer a question from C. She wants to know what she can do about her dissociation and memory loss when she becomes triggered and/ or overwhelmed with anxiety. What’s worse, she feels this way when she tries to do ERP and wonders whether or not the dissociation will make her efforts toward exposure fruitless. I offer her some ideas on how she can work with her dissociation.
I am also joined by Erika McCoy, an IOCDF advocate, who shares about her passion for Creative Corner. This is an event being held at the upcoming summer IOCDF conference offering space, materials, and encouragement for creative and artistic expression about OCD and the experience of living with, and fighting against, OCD. It was a really fun conversation and a great opportunity for anyone attending the conference!
The post #226- Dealing With Dissociation, and Creative Corner with Erika McCoy appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Jenn wrote to me asking about how she can deal with the feelings of shame and embarrassment after her family has heard the details, and been the recipients of, her compulsive confession, reassurance seeking, and other compulsive behavior. She’s struggling with the shame that happens after years of compulsive vulnerability and wants to know how to put her relationship back together after they’ve seen and heard what they’ve seen and heard.
To address this I revisit shame and OCD, and how people can give themselves compassion, love, and support to let their relationships rebuild. Allowing herself, and her family, to have new interactions and opportunities filled with love and validation will help to off-set the stretch of shame and unworthiness.
The post #225- Shame and Rebuilding Relationships After The Worst Of OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Kallie sent me a question that I’m sure every single person who has listened to this podcast has asked– “Why does OCD feel so real?!” She also asks why her specific subtype keeps showing up despite other subtypes coming and going, so there’s a little something for everyone. This is a tricky question to answer, but I discuss some of the tricks OCD plays on the brain, and how the brain is uniquely susceptible to these tricks, to help us understand this very annoying (or debilitating) phenomenon.
The post #224- Why Does OCD Feel So Real? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode includes two questions and two answers, both having to do with memories. For the first question, the listener wants to know what can be done about false memories. So, we have to discuss False Memory OCD and Real Event OCD! The next question is from a listener who struggles with the fear of forgetting what just happened. Their obsession branches out to a lot, and also finds some of its roots in Need To Know OCD! So, lots of memory talk on today’s episode of the FearCast!
The post #223- Fear Of False Memories, and Fear Of Losing Memories appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Max emailed me and asked a question that has never been asked on the FearCast before. He shares that he struggles with Intrusive Musical Imagery, or intrusive mental snippets of songs, and he wants to know how to deal with them. This is a great question that, even Max acknowledges, does not have a lot of information out there. But, I did some research to find some good and helpful information that could be helpful for those of you interested in, or struggling with, Intrusive Musical Imagery.
The post #222- Intrusive Musical Imagery: What Is It, and How Do I Stop It? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question comes from Rick and Emilie. Rick struggles with feeling terrible over the fact that he even has POCD related thoughts and worries they reflect something terrible about himself. Furthermore, he feels worse now that he doesn’t feel as bad as he did before! What could that mean?! Emilie is similarly struggling with guilt, but the kind rooted in Real Event OCD and False Memory OCD. Did she cheat on her boyfriend? Everyone says ‘no,’ but her OCD says ‘yes.’ Who to believe?!
For more on Pedophile OCD (POCD), check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
For more on Real Event OCD, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center.
The post #221- What Kind Of A Person Has POCD Thoughts, and What If I Cheated? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s main question comes from a listener who seems to be stuck in a memory from two life events and she cant seem to get herself out of, away from, or past them. She’s tried ERP, but nothing seems to work. But, what if ERP in this instance wasn’t the solution? A OCD Therapist not immediately suggesting ERP?! Outrageous! And yet, what if ERP wasn’t the fix, but instead living and learning would get her past them better?
The post #220- Stuck In A Real Event Obsession: ERP, Or Live And Learn? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question is a fun one (for me). PotatoChipFiend emailed me asking me how they should deal with recurring thoughts about their childhood crushes and whether or not it is a form of POCD? In this episode I offer some guidance for exposures, ways to rethink the meaning of the story for him, how he can separate the fear into different parts that may be easier to accept, and ways he can apply CBT and ICBT tools.
For more on Pedophile OCD, or POCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #219- I’m Attracted To The Memory Of My Elementary School Crush… Is This POCD? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For this week’s question, Sisi emailed me asking about the best exposures for Sensorimotor OCD. So, while of course I offer some suggestions and ideas, I also use this as an opportunity to discuss Attention Training as a way to help build your skill to allowing distraction while intentionally, and non-compulsively, directing your attention. Trigger warning, I read some poetry in the episode. Consider yourself warned.
For more on Sensorimotor and Hyperawareness OCD, check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #218- What Is The Best Exposures For Sensorimotor, And Attention Training appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Maya messaged me recently with a question about her Real Event OCD. She decided to finally say “no” to a confession compulsion as part of her Real-Event cycle, but this has re-triggered the OCD theme! What should she do? Sometimes we are stuck in situations where there is no perfect outcome, so we have to do our best, make a choice, move forward, and suffer consequences if and when they come. But, that’s the trick, isn’t it…
For more on Real Event OCD, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center.
The post #217- Saying “No” To Real Event OCD Has Triggered My Real Event OCD! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I’m releasing an episode early in honor of Valentines Day! This question comes from Teddy who is in an open relationship and has a fear that he will be replaced by someone else. While it may not be the expected podcast content for Valentines day, there is actually a lot of overlap from Teddy’s question to others struggling with ROCD and other relationship anxieties.
References in the show:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/may/22/what-if-he-finds-someone-better-the-agony-and-the-ecstacy-of-an-open-relationshipThe post #216- Valentines Special: Open Relationships And The Fear of Being Replaced appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Mubeena Mirza, LCSW, joined me today to talk about Religious Scrupulosity within the Muslim community in anticipation of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month-long religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world, and for anyone who struggles with Religious Scrupulosity knows that major holidays can invite new obsessions, intensifying current obsessions, and a struggle to keep compulsions at bay. Mubeena joined me to talk about what Muslims can do to make Ramadan more livable so they can enjoy the holiday and connect to their faith.
For more on Religious Scrupulosity, please read this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #215- Living Religious Scrupulosity Through Ramadan, With Mubeena Mirza appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Kelley Franke, MFT, joined me today to answer a listener question about parenting with OCD. Lots has been written about how to parent a kid with OCD, but how do you parent with OCD yourself? Today’s question comes from Kelly (a different one, I swear). She shares how she always wanted a second child, but the stress of her first, along with the nag of OCD, is making her second guess her interest in more kids. So, Kelley Franke helps me tackle this question and discuss the realities of being a parent, the complication factor of OCD, and what Kelly (the questioner) can consider as she moves forward.
The post #214- OCD Is Exhausting, So Are Kids. Do I Want Another One? Featuring Kelley Franke, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
MJ asks a great question, that I think a lot of people have too. She’s gone through treatment, which was pretty successful, but why is her brain still giving her these unwanted intrusive thoughts that sometimes catch her up into a swirl of anxiety again?! What gives? I offer MJ some ideas on why this is happening, and why she is still having these thoughts. Lastly, I offer a few ideas on what may help her further her recovery.
The post #213- I’ve gone through treatment, so why do I still get these intrusive thoughts? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Adam messaged me recently with an audio question. He noticed that he recently has been obsessed with the smell of someone else. Memories of the smell when he inhales. Thoughts about the smell wherever he goes. He’s had Sensorimotor obsessions in the past, but what about this? This one isn’t about him, so how should he treat it differently?
For more on Sensorimotor OCD and Hyperawareness OCD, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #212- Obsessed With Someone Else’s Smell. Is That Sensorimotor? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
The FearCast is back in 2025! For today’s question, I answered Beth’s question about a mistake she made at the beginning of a fantastic relationship that has now turned into Real Event OCD and Moral Scrupulosity. She’s ruminating about all her past mistakes and beating herself up. What’s worse, she can’t apologize, or feels she can’t, because that may start a never-ending cycle of confession and apologizing compulsions! What can she do?
For more on Real Event OCD, please see this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #211- I’ve Made A Terrible Mistake And Can’t Stop Ruminating About It! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I’m excited to share a conversation I had with Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz about his upcoming book Living Well With OCD. During our conversation, I was able to ask him about the inspiration for the book, who would benefit from reading the book, and how people living with OCD all along the recovery scale can find something useful in it. Along the way, we got to speaking about therapeutic approaches, the changing landscape of treatment, and the joy we have in working in the OCD/ Anxiety space.
The post #209- Living Well With OCD, Featuring Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Gabriela messaged me and wanted to know how other people seemingly know, “deep down,” that their obsessions aren’t true. Have you ever heard that phrase? It seems like Gabriela has too and is struggling to find this hidden knowledge (or reassurance) that the SO-OCD and ROCD she’s struggling with aren’t true. To answer this, I have to address what it means to know something “deep down,” what I think people really mean when they say this, and go over a really common, albeit violent, example of one way to access your “deep down” knowledge.
The post #208- How Do Others Know “Deep Down” Their Obsessions Aren’t True? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s podcast, we are ALL lucky to have Natalia Aiza, LPC, on to continue our conversation about using SPACE treatment with the High Dependent Adult Children, otherwise known as the “failure to launch” population. This was a wonderful, eye opening conversation about how to help those individuals who are struggling to gain independence, set their own course, and take the leap into a brave new world. Natalia, as usual, does a beautiful job explaining the struggles these individuals and their family go through, the necessary steps to empowering them, and the ways therapists can help them achieve their goals.
The post #207- SPACE With High Dependent Adult Children With Natalia Aíza, LPC appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is a two-fer, but to answer one I need to answer the other. The first is from a listener who wonders why he assumes his thoughts are true about him, no matter what they are. I offer some insight into this process, and offer him guidance on how to turn this bug into a feature in his battle against them. The second comes from a listener who’s struggling mightily with a memory from his past and needs to know what to do to deal with his Real-Event Obsession.
For more on Real Event OCD, please check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #206- Why Do I Assume I Am, And What If I Am, What My Thought Say?! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode comes from a listener who struggles with fainting at the sight of blood. To answer this, I discuss Vasovagal Syncope, a physiological event in which people sometimes faint in response to high emotion and feeling startled, including fainting at the sight of blood. I give a brief overview of what this is, how it works, and more importantly how the listener (or you) can prevent it. I also answer the listener’s question about whether or not Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is OK to do if you have this type of response.
The post #205- Vasovagal Syncope And A Fear Of Blood appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode comes from Victor who’s having a tough time dealing with obsessions focused on whether or not he has Schizophrenia. Unfortunately, sometimes simply reading something, seeing a video on something, or just hearing an idea related to something can be enough for OCD to suggest, “Maybe that’s you. Now, maybe you should go to unreasonable lengths to ensure you don’t that have.” Victor wants to know how to deal with this, so I offer some ideas on how to approach this new fear and carry on with his life until he does “go crazy”… or he doesn’t… Either one, he’s got a life to lead that OCD doesn’t want him to have.
For more on health and mental health related obsessions, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #204- Schizophrenia OCD From Reading About Schizophrenia?! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio questioner wants to know why the anxiety they experience from regular life and every-day triggers is worse than the anxiety they get when doing Exposures. They struggle to make their exposures as triggering as their regular anxiety, but can’t! But is that even necessary?
The post #203- Why Is Real Life Anxiety Tougher Than My ERP Anxiety? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
To learn more about Harm OCD, check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
Today’s audio question comes from Aaron who asked about a situation he has not heard much about, so he’s looking for some guidance. He’s noticing he has some Relationship OCD (no big deal, right), but he also notices a flair up of Harm related obsessive thoughts alongside and as a result of the ROCD thoughts. We’re all used to ROCD and SO-OCD, but Harm? I offer some thoughts, encouragement and guidance for challenging and facing his obsessions.
The post #202- Relationship OCD Spiked With Harm OCD? What To Do?d appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is all about SPACE Treatment! Natalia Aiza, LPC, joined me to talk about her expertise using SPACE, or Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, to help adolescents and parents better address anxiety and OCD. Natalia went through the treatment method, discusses how it differs from traditional Exposure and Response Prevention Treatment, addresses resistant children and teens and their resistant parents, how to address accommodation, and how to successfully end treatment. This was a wonderful interview with a ton of great and usable information.
For more information about SPACE:
https://www.spacetreatment.netBreaking Free Of Child Anxiety And OCD by Dr. Eli Lebowitz: https://a.co/d/8gwlrag
The post #201- SPACE Treatment With Natalia Aiza, LPC appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today is so special, I thought I’d answer two listener questions! The first comes from a listener who is questing themselves as they notice they have the urge to Google someone they admire or look up to. Are they being wildly creepy, or is OCD accusing them of being a terrible person? Next comes an audio question from Cynthia who asks about how she can deal with her obsessions attacking her genuinely held interests. Are her hobbies and leisure ruined forever?
For more on morality focused OCD, check out this article on Moral and Religious Scrupulosity from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #200- Am I Creepy Or Just Morally Obsessed, And OCD Ruining Interests appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Spiritual Overthinker who has won the lottery with a wonderful guy with whom she clicks with on a deep, spiritual level. But, as it happens sometimes, OCD suddenly is showing up and making her question the relationship, herself, and their future together! What is she to do? I offer her some suggestions, guidance, and encouragement to challenging her distorted thoughts, leaning on her values, and living what she believes is true and right (all while ignoring OCD’s nonsense).
To learn more and Religious and Moral Scrupulosity, check out this article on Scrupulosity from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #199- The Universe Put Us Together, But ROCD and SOOCD Is RUINING IT! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes in from Doubting Debbie who asks a great question: is this thought she’s having legitimate and worth investigating, or is it just an obsession and nonsense manifestation of her OCD? While a great question, sometimes with ROCD, SO-OCD, or pretty much any obsession, there can be many things going on work acknowledging, challenging, and accepting.
The post #198- Is This Gut Instinct Legit Or Just My OCD? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question comes from Overthinker. She asks the question about how to beat her SO-OCD. She’s confident she’s narrowed down the core fear, she’s in therapy, she’s working on exposures and taking all the right steps, but she’s missing an important step that I try to highlight. This was a longer question, and unfortunately I didn’t realize there was a bunch of noise and background hiss in the recording, but hopefully you find it helpful and spot some ways Overthinker could do to help her in her progress too!
For more on Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
The post #197-Trying To Beat SO-OCD, Despite All These Compulsions! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Frank. He wants to know whether Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy can be helpful to someone who is actually in denial of their sexuality. Frank identifies as a cis-gay male, but obsesses about whether or not he is actually trans. So, is Frank actually trans and in denial, or is he obsessing about being trans and is who and how he identifies? I do my best to respectfully and delicately offer my thoughts.
The post #196- Can ERP Be Helpful To Someone Who Is In Denial? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from a listener who wants to know whether or not OCD can make them feel depressed, or if they just have depression, or if they have depression and OCD. Either way, Ab, the questioner, shares her deep struggle with feeling overwhelmed by a sense of depression alongside her other obsessions. This question gets a little personal for me, but I share some ideas on what she can do in the face of her experience, how to maintain a grounded perspective through depressive slumps, and how to thrive despite her struggle.
The post #195- Depression, Or OCD Making Feel Depressed, Or Both? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is a timely one. I had the privilege of speaking with Elena Fasan, LCSW, about anxiety in kids, teens, and adolescents as they return to school. This was a fun conversation that addresses concerns for kids and parents from elementary school to college and touches on subjects of college pressure, perfectionism, social anxiety, OCD, and shame.
The post #194- Back To School Anxiety In Kids, Teens, And Adolescents With Elena Fasan, LCSW appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question comes from Tom. He messaged me and asked these questions three. How can he deal with the guilt and shame of having his particular taboo obsession and testing it compulsively? Should he tell his girlfriend about them? And finally, what if his obsession is no obsession at all, but what he actually wants? I hear questions like this all the time, and I’m willing to bet there are people out there who are struggling with similar questions and obsessions.
The post #193- Guilt And Shame, Groinal Sensations, And Confessing It All? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I answer two listener questions. The first question is about whether people with Scrupulosity tend to exaggerate their reassurance questions. I answer broadly about reassurance tendencies and address how someone struggling with this type of compulsion can work to reduce it. Next, I answer a question from someone struggling with SO-OCD following a friend trying to convince her that she’s actually a lesbian.
The post #192- Quirks Of Reassurance, and Friend Convincing Her She’s Gay appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
In today’s episode, I go over a question from James. He’s struggling with an obsession focused on items being contaminated simply by their association with another contaminated item and he wants to know what to do about it. I offer various examples of how to apply Exposure to it, Response Prevention, and using the Mastery Model to address the issue. Wet Paint obsession, and Tracking compulsions, occur in more than contamination subtypes, so this one reaches across the OCD world.
The post #191- Wet Paint Contamination Obsession From Years Ago appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I answer two questions from listeners. The first listener wants to know how they can best deal with the possibility of relapse when they are in a good spot in their recovery. Is there a way to keep it away, and what to do when their partner is often their trigger! The next listener is struggling with the isolation of their Real Event OCD and is too embarrassed to share it with a friend or a therapist. Will the therapist report them if it’s that bad?
The post #190- What If Things Get Bad After They’ve Been Good, And Too Embarrassed to address RE-OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is a continuation of the Faith and Doubt Series. I am joined by Claire Breedlove, LCSW, who specializes in treating Religious Scrupulosity and working with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. Claire was kind enough to share her passion with the LDS community and how she works to help the LDS community living with Religious Scrupulosity overcome their fear and find greater connection with their faith.
The post #189- Faith And Doubt: Scrupulosity Within The LDS Church With Claire Breedlove, LCSW appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Worry Wart who asked about life after OCD begins and whether one can get back to the happy place they were in before OCD began. To answer this, I asked Lauren Rosen, MFT, to join me. Lauren offers insights into her experience as someone who knows what the questioner feels and has come to a wonderful place in her own journey. We talk about the highs and lows of treatment, what helped along the way, and what life is like after all the hard work.
The post #188- Living A Full Life After OCD With Lauren Rosen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Liam who notices that he becomes upset when it seems like people keep disagreeing with him, or making it seem like he’s not being heard. Others seem to discount or disagree with his opinions which triggers something in him. So, is this is OCD acting up again, or is it something else? Also, regardless of what it is, what can be done about it?
The post #187- Microdisagreements And Not Being Heard; OCD, Or Nah? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today, Issy reached out with an audio question. She shared her story about diagnosis with OCD and her success with POCD, but wanted to know how to deal with issues related to SO-OCD. She has two main questions. The first is how to help her parents understand what ERP is and why she should do it (and why they should pay for it). The second is about groinal sensations and how to deal with them in the process of her own self exposure and hierarchy.
The post #186- How To Sell Someone On ERP, And What To Do With Groinal Sensations appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is a mash up of a few emailed questions. First, a listener notices their obsessions about their thoughts increases physical pain and they don’t know how to handle it. Next, a listener asks whether they should start therapy again with their various ups and downs of ROCD and SO-OCD. Finally, I answer a question (or, a couple of questions) from a listener who wants to know whether OCD is caused by depression, and whether ROCD can focus on someone’s physical flaws. This was a rapid fire episode!
The post #185- Obsessions Causing Pain, Is It Bad Enough To Start Therapy, And Is OCD Caused By Depression? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s audio question, I answer Hannah’s question about her Sensorimotor/ Hyperawarness obsession. She shares that she’s had a few other obsessions in this theme, but lately it’s turned into being stuck between doing something or not, and both being problem! The good old “lose-lose” from OCD, and she feels stuck. I discuss her question and give her some things to consider as she moves forward.
The post #184- Compulsions: Damned If I Do, Damned If I Don’t appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s audio question, Chris Trondsen, MFT, was kind enough to join me to discuss Panicasaurus’s question. The question is very layered and has a lot of aspects to consider, but the main question is whether they are truly in doubt of their sexual orientation, or whether they are just struggling with their SO-OCD. Chris and I go through this question with a fine toothed comb to try to and answer his question, and probably answer a bunch of other questions he didn’t have along the way.
The post #183- Am I In Denial Of My Sexual Orientation? Featuring Chris Trondsen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Overthinking Queen who wants to know whether her obsessions are coming from some unresolved or unaddressed issues in her life. She also struggles with her fear that she might be slowly abandoning her faith due to thoughts about sex, relationships, and SO-OCD obsessions. She also shares some fears about starting therapy because a therapist may encourage her to pursue her same-sex thoughts (ahem, obsessions) or encourage her to drop her faith, and believe me I’ve got some thoughts on this last point.
The post #182- Are Unresolved Issues The Cause Of My SO-OCD Obsession? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I answer a few emailed questions! I’m going over two listener questions. The first one from someone struggling with driving and feeling overwhelmed, self-critical, and fearful. I offer them some advice on how they can embrace the good with the bad, and discuss how compassion can boost her self confidence! With the second question, I discuss some ways the listener can deal with their fear of developing Schizophrenia and similar disorders. Great questions this week, as always, and I loved being able to answer them!
The post #181- Driving Anxiety And Self-Criticism, And Schizophrenia Fears appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Return FearCast audio question submitter questions whether or not they are happy. Like, a lot. In their relationship, with their friends, with their hobbies. Even worse, they notice their rumination about their happiness and daydreaming pulls their attention away from reality. Oh, and maybe it’s not even OCD, wait, or is it… the rumination is ever present!
The post #180- Constantly Checking Whether Or Not I’m Happy. Help! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from a listener who’s trying to help her partner who seems to be struggling with some type of OCD. In the episode, we discuss the listener’s questions about Relationship Focused OCD (ROCD), False Memory OCD, and Pure-O. There’s a lot to the question and I do my best to offer some ideas on how the questioner can reach out, be supportive, and accept uncertainty of her own.
The post #179- I Loved Her, I Reassured Her, She Left Me. What’s Going On? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode features Dr. Ran Littman, PhD, who joins me to discuss everything there is to know about Relationship OCD (ROCD). Dr. Littman is a researcher, therapist, and writer who has a particular interest in helping people overcome the impact of ROCD on their life and pursue more effective and vibrant relationships. He offers great advice and guidance to those struggling with ROCD and he was a joy to have on.
The post #178- Relationship OCD (ROCD) With Dr. Ran Littman, PhD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today is a continuation in the Faith and Doubt series where I highlight people working to help people overcome Religious Scrupulosity, the OCD subtype focusing on one’s religious life. I was joined by Mubeena Mira, LCSW, who shared her wisdom about Religious Scrupulosity within the Muslim community. This was a fantastic conversation. Mubeena was able to provide a clear roadmap for compassionate and culturally relevant treatment for practicing Muslims.
The post #177- Faith and Doubt: Religious Scrupulosity Within Islam With Mubeena Mirza, LCSW appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from a listener who previously, er… currently, is struggling with SO-OCD. They previously struggled with their obsession daily, but that has calmed. But, now they are triggered to the memory of the obsession, which triggers the obsession. If they aren’t currently overwhelmed by the obsession, why did they have the obsession in the first place? Does that mean they are actually just gay?
The post #176- No Longer Being Daily Obsessed Makes Me Question The Initial Obsession appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I was able to have on Dr. Josh Spitalnick and Michael Stier, LPCC, to discuss health anxiety. They recently released the book “The Complete Guide To Overcoming Health Anxiety” and were kind enough to join me to talk about their book and how to face down health anxiety in a doable, and I dare say enjoyable, way. They offer some great insight into the perspective one must have to treat health anxiety, and they offer some helpful tips on ways to structure therapy to feel heard, cared for, and encouraged.
The post #175- The First Episode With Dr. Josh Spitalnick and Michael Stier On Health Anxiety appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes in from “C” who wants to know whether her SO-OCD is decreasing her sense of attraction to her partner, or if she is actually experiencing a change, transition, or awakening to the realization that she’s actually, truly, gay. I go through the question and discuss several other issues that could be contributing to her experience, including her medication, overall anxiety, and ruminative patterns. We also discuss a, new to me, reassurance resource called the “Lesbian Masterdoc” that aims to give people the confidence to know that they might actually be a lesbian. Spoiler… it doesn’t answer anything definitively, but does stoke the fires of confusion and uncertainty. So, check it out!
The post #174- Is SO-OCD Decreasing My Attraction To My Partner? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is a special discussion of Illness Anxiety Disorder, Health Anxiety, Hypochondriasis,Health OCD, or whatever else you wanna call it. What ever name works for you, today I discuss the common obsessions, common compulsions, and treatment of health anxiety! In addition to all the general information about this disorder and treatment, I share several health related exposures throughout the episode, so it’s a great opportunity to practice uncertainty, acceptance, and resiliency!
If you have questions about health anxiety, or want to share your journey through health anxiety, please reach out to me via the Submit A Question link, or by sending me a DM at instagram.
The post #173- Health Anxiety, Hypochondriasis, Health OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from a listener who wants to know how to deal with an obsession that comes back. Do they handle it on their own, or do they go back to therapy? Their obsession, new or old, is not always tainted with anxiety. Sometimes it is neutral or enjoyable, and sometimes it’s anxiety provoking. How should he handle this situation?
The post #172- Handing An Obsession Resurgence; Return To Therapy, Or Deal On My Own? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This audio question comes from a listener who lays out a lot of background, lots of evidence, and lots of experience. After careful consideration all signs point to… uncertainty.
The post #171- Inconsistent Arousal, Childhood Experimentation, Lots of Checking… I’m Gay, Right? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s questions come from listeners both struggling with ROCD. One is struggling with the dreaded combo of ROCD and SO-OCD, and the other is struggling with news from their psychic (and later astrological charts) that her and her to-be husband are NOT meant to be. No evidence? Hearsay? Unfounded confidence? Mysticism? Yup, OCD’s gonna be all over that…
The post #170- Staying Present Amidst My SO-OCD and ROCD Obsessions, and Psychics Ruining My Marriage! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from a listener who has a question about how to get support from others when she is in the middle of high anxiety or panic. Is this the right time to get support? But is that reassurance? Should she confess her thoughts? Should she tell people she’s gay even though she doesn’t identify that way? I offer some ideas on how to reach out effectively and manage her uncertainty without feeling alone.
The post #169- Confessing, Sharing, Or Getting Support With SO-OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question comes from someone who is struggling with family members who are overwhelmed by the idea of COVID and continue to be enveloped by rituals and routines focused on preventing or avoiding COVID despite being vaccinated and boosted. These precautions are now infringing on the questioner’s family. So, how do you deal with family who has too much precaution? Is too much precaution a good thing, or when does it become a bad thing?
The post #168- My Family Is Stuck And Overwhelmed By COVID appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I offer some guidance to a listener who is struggling with their treatment for their Religious Scrupulosity (Religious OCD). They find that whenever they try to do treatment they notice an uptick in self-harm related thoughts, which has been a deterrent to trying to do treatment in earnest. I offer some things to consider in treatment, discuss the importance of seeking a therapist when experiencing self-harm thoughts, and encourage the listener that there is still hope for recovery.
The post #167- Religious Scrupulosity Treatment Triggers Self Harm Thoughts. Help! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s adventures through obsession, I answer a listener question about Relationship OCD and the obsession toward a partner’s level of attractiveness. Do they find their partner attractive? How attractive? Does that one flaw or unattractive part of them negate the other attractive parts? I talk about how some realities of being human are important to keep in mind while living with ROCD, and offer some suggestions on how to engage the relationship despite the urge to pull away.
The post #166- ROCD: Do I Really Find Them Attractive? Did I Ever? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Raymond who wants to know how to deal with his fear that he may have a heart attack or other medical event even though his heart has been checked out and cleared by doctors. He’s looking for some tips on how to deal with this obsession.
The post #165- Afraid Of Heart Attack If My Heart Rate Goes Too High! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question is from a listener who has questions about approaching an issue that overlaps their OCD and trauma histories. How do you treat an obsession when it is also a trigger to a past trauma? Luckily, I was able to have clinical psychologist Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti join me to discuss her expertise in the OCD, trauma, and PTSD landscape.
To learn more about her research:
The National OCD Survey is a brief, 10-minute anonymous survey available to any adult in the U.S. with OCD. We aim to get representation from people with OCD from all 50 U.S. states, so please consider participating and sharing the opportunity with people you know.
You can email NationalOCDSurvey@bcm.edu or access the anonymous survey directly at: https://bcmpsych.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9LdbaR2yrj0oV7g
Website with OCD/PTSD handouts and the OCD/PTSD treatment providers directory: www.cmpinciotti.com
The post #164- Trauma-Informed Treatment For OCD With Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question comes from a listener who’s afraid that they’ve been exposed to radioactive material at some point and struggles to deal with the anxiety that he might develop cancer or otherwise harm his family. This is a struggle for a lot of people who are concerned with environmental contaminants too.
The post #163- Potential Radiation Exposure And Dealing With The Fallout appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
My uploading system is off! So sorry for the delay of this episode!
Today’s listener question comes from a man who wants to know how to balance their awareness that their health anxiety is driving them to compulsively call doctors or check in on minor physical ailments with the fear that they could potentially miss catching a life threatening illness early! It’s a real conundrum for those suffering with health anxiety, and a reality for every person living. I discuss the question and give a longer explanation of my health anxiety rule of thumb to help manage anxiety about health.
The post #161- Balancing Mental Health With Fear Of Missing Potential Medical Emergency (Health Anxiety)… Again appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I answer two listener questions. The first is from a woman who’s SO-OCD is quieted by believing she is bisexual, and she wants to know whether this is compulsive. The second question comes from someone who went through a number of health issues, including eating disorder, and they fear that their health issues have caused eye-floaters. They are obsessing about their responsibility in it and whether hey did in fact cause their obsession and eye-floaters because of their past behaviors.
The post #162- Settling Into ‘Bisexuality’, And Blaming Myself For Eye-Floaters and Anxiety appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I made a goof! I accidentally uploaded the wrong audio file for this episode. Blerg. So, I’m updating the original episode page and uploading the correct file for this episode! Check it out!
Today’s episode is a contamination focused question about how to deal with an obsession that can’t reasonably be disproved, or proved! This is relevant to a lot of people as well who struggle with existential obsessions because we may never be able to see the outcome of an obsession in life, so how do you do ERP when you can’t see the feared outcome happen or not happen?!
The post #155:Remix- Coping, And Doing ERP, With Contamination Obsessions That Can’t Be Disproved appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s listener question comes from a man who wants to know how to balance their awareness that their health anxiety is driving them to compulsively call doctors or check in on minor physical ailments with the fear that they could potentially miss catching a life threatening illness early! It’s a real conundrum for those suffering with health anxiety, and a reality for every person living. I discuss the question and give a longer explanation of my health anxiety rule of thumb to help manage anxiety about health.
The post #161- Balancing Mental Health With Fear Of Missing Potential Medical Emergency (Health Anxiety) appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode covers the ins and outs of the OCD subtype focused on moral and ethical issues, more commonly known as Moral Scrupulosity. This is a very special episode as not only do we go over the subtype and answer a question related to Moral Scrupulosity, but I get to have Jon Hershfield, MFT, join me to go over it all with us! This is a good start to OCD week 2023!
The post #160- Moral Scrupulosity With Jon Hershfield, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Two questions from two different listeners. One, should they start dating knowing they have SO-OCD, or should they hold off until they sort it all out? Question two, OCD has them in a bind to give money to charity to save people, or to hoard money to save her own family. Either way, they are responsible for harming someone (so says OCD).
The post #159- Yes Or No To Start Dating With SO-OCD, And To Give Money Or To Hoard Money? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I answer two, but really kinda three, questions from listeners. The first is from a woman on her way to a date and she’s wondering if her ROCD is acting up and trying to sabotage the date from the start, or if she’s genuinely picking up on some red flags. The next question is about Depersonalization and Derealization (DPDR) and whether its a symptom or a form of Hyperawareness OCD. Furthermore, this listener wants to know whether ERP can help with it.
The post #158- Is This Feeling My ROCD Or Picking Up On Bad Vibes, And DPDR, Hyperawareness OCD, and ERP appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s guest is Dr. Jeremy Shuman, PsyD, who joins me to talk about his urgency for consider neurodivergent traits when treating OCD and anxiety spectrum disorders. Dr. Shuman discusses a broadened yet refined view of neurodiverse traits and how including a neurodivergent lens in our treatment of OCD and anxiety spectrum sufferers will make treatment more specific, compassionate, and successful.
The post #157- Neurodivergent Treatment For OCD and Anxiety Spectrum Disorders With Dr. Jeremy Shuman, PsyD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question is an audio question from a listener who struggles to get help with her obsession. She worries that thinking gory thoughts will make her pass out while she’s driving. Oh, and she’s passed out before from seeing gory images! She’s seen a therapist who recommends ERP, but she’s still driving. What can she do? I offer some guidance on where she can look to get some help and some other ways to think about her obsession. I also discuss Vasovagal Syncope as part of the answer. Buckle up for a quick and broad episode!
The post #156- What If Gory Thoughts Leads To Passing Out Behind The Wheel And ERP Won’t Help!? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is a contamination focused question about how to deal with an obsession that can’t reasonably be disproved, or proved! This is relevant to a lot of people as well who struggle with existential obsessions because we may never be able to see the outcome of an obsession in life, so how do you do ERP when you can’t see the feared outcome happen or not happen?!
The post #155- Coping, And Doing ERP, With Contamination Obsessions That Can’t Be Disproved appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I was joined by Mike Heady, LCPC, to talk about shame. This conversation really broadened by understanding of the emotional experience of shame, and how the weaponized Toxic Shame can destroy someone from within. Mike is a wonderfully clear communicator and dives deep into a subject that we all…
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The post #154- Shame And Toxic Shame In OCD With Mike Heady, LCPC appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Sarah. She wants to know how to deal with the returning hyperawareness theme focusing on the items on her desk while she studies. It is really getting in the way of her ability to study. She made some progress before, but with a big upcoming…
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The post #153- New Hyperawareness Theme? Old Theme? Or Same Old Theme? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today, bass player Brian Killeen joined me to talk about his experience as a working musician and his journey through anxiety and OCD recovery. The Anxiety In The Arts series is focused on amplifying voices of artists, musicians, performers, and creative people as they navigate their way through anxiety as…
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The post #152- Anxiety In The Arts With Guest Brian Killeen appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I speak with Michelle Massi, MFT, about the differences between different types of treatment programs, what sets them apart from one another, and why you might be interested in one level of care over another. This was a really fun conversation and Ms. Massi expertly explained the range of…
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The post #151- Out-Patient, IOP, PHP, or Residential ? Levels Of Care With Michelle Massi, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes in from a listener who has been working hard on their obsessions and has made a bunch of progress toward recovery, but is noticing that she’s experiencing Maladaptive Daydream. She wants to know if I can offer any suggestions on how to address Maladaptive Daydreaming, so…
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The post #150- Maladaptive Daydreaming- What Is It, And How Can I Deal With It? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Max. He went a long time without his obsessive thoughts, but now they are back! He wants to know how to stop all his efforts to monitor his obsessions and anxiety levels. He worries he’ll never be able to go back to the guy he…
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The post #149- Returning Obsessions: Never Going Back To Who I Was, And How To Stop Monitoring Anxiety? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s audio question, I was joined by Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW, to talk about the EMDR treatment modality. The questioner noticed their OCD was re-activated by some EMDR treatment for trauma and wanted to know why that happened and what she can do about it. Bronwyn was kind enough to…
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The post #148- EMDR Treatment: Where It Works And Where It Doesn’t With Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode is a mixed audio and emailed question. The first audio question comes from someone who wants to know how to move forward in their long distance relationship (LDR) when their obsession makes them question the future and the very basis of the relationship! The next question is from…
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The post When OCD Recovery Becomes The Obsession, And ROCD Complicated By LTR? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I answered two questions from one person! This listener wanted to know two things. First, where can they find good resources for therapy? They’ve tried therapist (too expensive). They’ve tried books (too impersonal). They’ve tried podcasts (still, too impersonal). So, where can they get help for their…
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The post #146- Struggling To Find Good Resources And Help, And Does Christianity Cause OCD? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question is another audio question plus a bonus question from an email! The first question comes from a listener who wants to know what the right ERP method would be to address a situation in which her worst fear actually keeps happening. The next question is about how to deal with an staring obsession where they fear they will look at, stare at, and get caught looking at someone’s various private parts. Both interesting questions and I was happy to get into them.
The post #145- Feared Outcome Actually Keeps Happening, And I Can’t Stop Staring At People’s Privates appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This week’s audio question comes from William. While his question is centered around ROCD, the topics are relevant to anyone with OCD or an anxiety disorder. He struggles with knowing what to do when he has anxiety and panic symptoms but doesn’t have the typical intrusive thought. He wonders what to do with intermittent numbness that shows up every now and then. Lastly, how can he tell his partner about his OCD.
The post #144- Anxiety Without Intrusive Thought, Intermittent Numbness, And Telling A Partner About OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On Today’s episode, I get another audio question about ROCD. The questioner shares that they are starting to think they have ROCD because of their fixation over their partner’s hair and that it is different than their typical attraction patterns. So, is he experiencing ROCD, or does he just have a type and should continue searching for the perfect partner?
The post #143- ROCD, Fixating On A Partner’s Specific Body Part, Or Simple Attraction? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I interview Rich Gallagher, MFT, about his recent article the IOCDF news letter about Disgust-Based OCD. His article offers an overview of what Disgust-Based obsessions are and how his Mastery focused treatment differs from the traditional Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) based treatment. We additionally discuss the growing body of research for alternative treatment methods beyond CBT, ERP, and ACT. This was a really fun interview and I learned some great tips on better ways to help people struggling with a difficult OCD/ Anxiety theme.
More From Rich Gallagher, MFT:
When is OCD Treatment “Evidence-Based” Enough? Here’s Your Answer.How OCD Treatment Needs to Change: A View from Both Sides of the Couchhttps://iocdf.org/blog/2023/04/25/disgust-based-ocd-thoughts-on-a-new-treatment-protocol/
The post #142- Disgust-Based OCD And Evolving Treatment Methods With Rich Gallagher, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s audio question comes from Roger. He’s having a unique situation where his sensorimotor obsessions are becoming associated with activities he likes, which then trigger his obsession/ compulsion routine when he does those activities. He further asks the question about how he can habituate to his breathing, or any other somatic obsession, and whether there is a right or wrong way to do it, and whether it’s right or wrong to try for habituation in the first place. As you can imagine, I have some thoughts.
The post #141-Activities Becoming Triggers and Habituating to Breathing In Sensorimotor OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This week’s audio question comes in as a complex one. For someone experiencing ROCD, which issues should the listener treat as OCD issues, and which should they treat as relationship issues? Should the listener address the anxiety and uncertainty over potentially “sketchy” behavior as their typical ROCD, or should they address it? If they let it go as an OCD thing, what if they miss something important? If they address it as a relationship issue, will they blow up their relationship and drive their partner away?
The post #140- For ROCD, What Should I Treat As OCD And What Should I Treat As Relationship Issues? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s question, I answer an audio question sent in through Instagram. The listener asks what they can do about their SO-OCD that keeps screaming that she is a lesbian even though she identifies as bi-sexual. She asks about whether she can know her sexuality and whether she’ll get that clarity after therapy as her therapist suggests. Also, she wants to know how to deal with the feeling of uncertainty while struggling with the obsession.
The post #139- SO-OCD Has Nothing To Do With Your Sexuality, and Dealing With The Uncertainty appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I answer a question from a listener who has a question about how they can help their wife deal with their ROCD. Along with answering their question, I expand out a little to discuss how someone can help a family member or loved one who is struggling with OCD.
If you have feedback about this episode, or would like to offer some tips on what helped you with your loved one, or what a loved one did to help you, leave them in the comment section, or message me them on the episode post at Instagram. I’ll share them on a future episode!
The post #138- How To Help Your Family Member Who Has OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I was joined by Dr. Megan Faye, PsyD, to discuss Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. This is a disorder that falls in the Venn diagram between disordered eating, sensory integration, and OCD. Dr. Faye was kind enough to spend some time discussing what ARFID is, what treatment looks like, and how to help both adults and children take on their challenges with food.
The post #137- Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) with Dr. Megan Faye, PsyD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I spoke with Meshulem Epstein, a leading voice for OCD treatment within Orthodox Judaism and Religious Scrupulosity. He joined me to help me tackle a listener question about exposures that can be done to help their OCD as they’ve been given permission to masturbate by a rabbi. Meshulem offered some wonderful insights into the world Orthodox Judaism and how it impacts OCD treatment.
The post #136- Doing Exposures While Being ‘Master Of Your Domain’ Within Orthodox Judaism with Meshulem Epstein, LCSW appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I answer two listener questions and share a success story! The first is from a listener who heard that SO-OCD (they refer to it as HOCD) could be fake, so they want to know what to do if if is fake, and then what to do if it isn’t! Next, I answer a question from someone who thinks their partner has ROCD, but the listener struggles with how to convince them they have ROCD and aren’t just in constant doubt of the relationship.
The post #135- What Do I Do If SO-OCD Is Fake, and Convincing Your Partner They Have ROCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today, I was joined by Rev. Katie O’Dunn to discuss issues relating to treating Religious Scrupulosity. Rev. O’Dunn is an interfaith chaplain, OCD advocate, Disney fan, and marathon runner, and her credentials can go on and on. I had a great time discussing her work with Scrupulosity and how she helps people toward recovery through her very unique perspective.
The post #134- Religious Scrupulosity OCD with Rev. Katie O’Dunn appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answered three listener questions. The first question is about how to deal with contamination obsessions that are effecting the listener’s eating routines. How can they stop checking their food and overall being hyperaware of what gets in, or already is in, their food. The next question is about getting family on board and supportive for treatment, how to do it, and whether it’s actually necessary for recovery. Finally, I answer a question about Postpartum OCD and how the listener can deal with this matter when she doesn’t have external compulsions. At the end of the day, this question is about Pure-O, Pure Obsessional, Purely Obsession OCD (whatever you want to call it). Thanks, as always, for listening!
The post #133- Eating and Contamination, Getting Family Support, and PPOCD When It’s Only Obsessions appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I was joined by Lauren Rosen, MFT, to discuss dating and relationships while dealing with OCD. This is in response to last week’s episode where I discussed dating and some listeners thought I could have gone into more detail, so Lauren and I spent 45 minutes talking about it. We discuss all sorts of topics related to dating, including when to tell someone you have OCD, dating with the uncertainty about one’s sexuality, and doubt about whether you are truly into the person you are dating. We go all over the place, and hopefully you enjoy our conversation.
The post #132- OCD, Dating, And Relationships with Lauren Rosen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Another audio question for this week! For this week, I answer two questions, one from an audio submitter, and another from Instagram. The first question is about Partner Focused ROCD and being obsessed about whether her partner was moral, or moral enough. The next question is about exposure suggestions for SO-OCD (they refer to it as HOCD in the question), and they also want to know about whether they can or should date while they are struggling with their obsession. Spoiler, yes they should, if they want. More on that in the episode.
The post #131- Partner Focused ROCD, and Exposures For, and Dating Despite, SO-OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today is a full episode! I answer four, that’s right, FOUR listener questions. Out of order, I answer a question about what recovery looks like and if recovery is even possible. Next, I give some tips and advice to someone wondering how to give back to the OCD community and help others without having to go through a full degree program to become a therapist. I discuss a question about how to deal with an obsession about morality and whether they really care about moral issues, and if they are even moral at all. Last, I discuss a question about how to get back to life after a miscarriage that inadvertently triggered obsessions, compulsive behavior, and avoidance. I get a little off topic here and I get surprisingly caught off guard while answer this question, but I do my best to just go with it.
The post #130- Is Recovery Possible, Giving Back After Recovery, “Am I Moral,” and Life After Miscarriage appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode features two listener questions with the first being an audio question. The first questioner asks whether OCD can stop you from feeling or experiencing love. I have plenty to say about this and even consulted a few colleagues on the subject. The next question is an ROCD question about how the listener can deal with rapidly changing obsessional themes within their ROCD. Is their partner an alcoholic? Will they turn into their dad? Are they funny? One. After. The. Other. Great questions, and I appreciate their willingness to share!
The post #129- Can OCD Stop You From Feeling Love, and Dealing With Rapidly Changing Obsessions appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Welcome to 2023! For today’s podcast I received another audio question from Jenn asking a GREAT question about what to do when the typical OCD “what if” obsession question isn’t a what if at all, but just a statement of fact?! I also have a great question from an Instagram follower who asked about how they can deal with the fear of people telling others about her former porn and sexting addiction. This Real-Event OCD question took some courage and vulnerability to ask, so I really appreciate their strength and willingness!
The post #128- What if the obsession isn’t “What If”, and Real-Event OCD from past porn/ sexting addiction? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s podcast, I was joined by Justin Hughes, MA, who discusses his passion for reconnecting to, or building new, community as part of his treatment for people with OCD and anxiety disorders. This was a very fun conversation with Justin, and he offers some great points on how to find community, connect with the one you have, make reasonable steps to strengthening it, and building your willingness to have vulnerability part of your treatment (and why).
The post #127- How Community Needs To Be Part Of Treatment, with Justin Hughes, MA appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Dr. Michael Greenberg joins me again to continue our discussion of his Rumination Focused CBT treatment method for OCD! Additionally, he was kind enough to answer a few listener questions about his methodology. We discuss Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) from his approach, including in-vivo and imaginal exposures, and how to begin facing your fears and thoughts in a meaningful and direct way.
If you have further questions for Dr. Greenberg, please send me the questions here, or send me a message through Instagram and I will be sure to have Dr. Greenberg on again.
On the episode he mentions the following article on rumination. Please also see the rest of his website for updated articles and information on his approach.
How to Stop Ruminating
Malan’s Model of OCD
Three Types of OCD Cases: Integrating Malan’s Model of OCD with the Core Fear Model
Anatomical Models of Rumination
Causal Justifications
Defining and Demarcating Compulsion
RF-ERP Order of Operations
The post #126- Rumination Focused CBT For OCD with Dr. Michael Greenberg, pt II appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I answer Jessica’s questions about what to do with a new obsession after losing weight. She now wonders whether she really knows what she looks like and checks herself in the mirror and ruminates about past events.
The post #125- I Lost Weight, Now I obsess That I Don’t Know What I Look Like appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For this episode, I answered an audio question sent in through Instagram. The questioner asks about what they can do with their SO-OCD when it suggests they are not Bi-curious, but are actually “just gay.” I also answer a question from someone wondering what they can do with their anxiety…
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The post #124- SO-OCD On LGBTQ+ Spectrum and What To Do With Terrible Anxiety During Relapse appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, someone shared their awareness of Casadastraphobia story after listening to the Phobia Phriday episode on that phobia. After that, I answer a question from someone wondering how to get their mom’s support when they’ve already tried sharing articles about OCD with them. Last, I answer a question…
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The post #123- Casadastraphobia Story, Getting Mom’s Support, and Feeling Like I’m Back At Square One appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I discuss two listener questions. The first is from a listener wondering whether it is important and necessary to decide whether their obsession is true before pursuing treatment. Their examples related to SO-OCD and POCD, which many people believe it important to get to the bottom of…
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The post #122- Isn’t Knowing If It’s True Important, and Struggling To Believe In God appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today is another installment in the Anxiety in the Arts series. For this episode, I was joined by Erica who shares her story about music, performance, teaching, OCD, reconnecting with music, and podcasting. For more from Erica, check her out here: Just Say Maybe Podcast Instagram: Just Say maybe
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The post #121- Anxiety In The Arts With Erica appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer an audio question from someone struggling to deal with SO-OCD and he wants to know how he can deal with the thoughts returning now that he’s effectively practiced disengaging from the thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Next, I answer a question about whether thoughts stopping is…
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The post #120- Struggling With SO-OCD, and Using Thought Stopping and Logic appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I was joined by Dr. Lauren Wadsworth who shared her thoughts and recommendations for changes in treatment for Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD). In addition to our discussion about Justice Oriented treatment for SO-OCD, we touch briefly on some recommendations for changes to racially focused obsessions. Dr. Wadsworth is a…
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The post #119- Justice Based Treatment For SO-OCD with Dr. Lauren Wadsworth appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today I was joined by Jon Hershfield, MFT (The Peaceful One), to talk about mindfulness, meditation, and how to use them in OCD and anxiety recovery. I always like talk with Jon (TPO) and today was no different as he was able to go into mindfulness at length and give…
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The post #118- So, What’s All This Mindfulness Stuff About With Jon Hershfield, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This will be a short episode thanks to a scratchy and painful throat, but still a good one nonetheless. I answer two questions today. The first is from a woman struggling to remember whether she promised to pray when joining a group and now wonders if she is still obligated…
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The post #117- Turning Shame Into Guilt and Obligated To Pray? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode of the FearCast, I finish out the Anxiety in the Arts series with my friend Noel Dumont. She is a talented, multinational singer who was kind enough to share her story about her singing career and her struggle with anxiety and ADHD. For more on Noel, check…
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We have another audio question! This question comes from Markus who asked about how he can deal with his job better. Markus is a bank teller who is working with a therapist, but struggles with counting, checking, and other mental compulsions when dealing with money. I offer some advice for…
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The post #115- How To Deal With Fear of Mishandling Money As A Bank Teller? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer a listener’s question about how he can de-associate songs and memories he has about a past relationship. I also talk about how he can fight against his ruminations about that past relationship while he’s at it. The next question is from a 16 year old…
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The post #114- De-Associating Music and Memories, Getting Started With HO-OCD, and “Not Wanting Us” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer a listener’s question about how he can de-associate songs and memories he has about a past relationship. I also talk about how he can fight against his ruminations about that past relationship while he’s at it. The next question is from a 16 year old…
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On this episode, I answer a question from someone struggling with panic attacks while feeling nauseous for several hours! The next question is about someone struggling with “loud” environments and dealing with “bossy” spaces. For this question, I’m asking for the FearCast family to reach out with their suggestions and…
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The post #113- Nausea Panic, “Loud” Surroundings, and Starting College With Pure O appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For this episode, I was joined by Kristina Orlova, the host of the OCD Whisperer Podcast and the author of the new eBook, Your Guide to Compulsive Rumination +30 Day Journal. She spent some time with me discussing what mental ruminations are, how they impact people living with OCD, and…
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On this episode, I answer Alex’s questions about symmetry obsessions. Specifically, Alex asks about whether symmetry and asymmetry can both be obsessions, and what exposures can be done to deal with these “just right” kind of obsessions. On this episode I discuss what Just-Right OCD is, how symmetry commonly appears…
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The post #111- Asymmetry Just Right Obsessions, and Exposures For Just Right OCD? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I discuss an audio question about Real Event OCD and False Memory OCD. I go over what these two subtypes are, how they are similar, and how they interact and influence one another. I also discuss some things they can do to help combat their obsession and…
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The post #110- Real Event and/ or False Memory OCD and Trusting Your Compulsion’s Conclusion appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
WARNING: This episode has A LOT of profanity and I am not editing it out. If I did, the episode would probably 2 minutes long. 3 minutes tops. So, you’ve been warned. On this episode, I was joined by tattoo artist Rick Fitzwater who was kind enough to share his…
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The post #109- Anxiety in the Arts with Rick Fitzwater appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer a listener’s question about the idea of “late bloomers,” or people who discover their sexuality later in life, and how the idea serves as a tremendous trigger and rocket fuel for their Sexual Orientation OCD. Next, I discuss a listener’s concerns about not feeling anxious…
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The post SO-OCD: “Late Bloomers,” Anxiety During Imaginals, and Genetics appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode and edition of Anxiety in the Arts, I was joined by Lefty-Lucy, a professional actor, performer, podcaster, producer, and educator for theater and burlesque. She was kind enough to spend some time with me discussing how she manages to work and perform despite the pressures of the…
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On this week’s episode, I answer three questions! The first is from someone who’s partner says that love isn’t a choice, and that their partner with ROCD should leave unless they have constant strong feelings. Next, I answer a listener’s questions about breaking up a relationship because of the guilt…
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The post What If Love Isn’t A Choice, Partners Who Don’t Understand OCD, and Convincing Compulsions appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I was joined by artist, graphic designer, and cartoonist JSalvador who discusses his journey through his career as an artist and his experiences with mental health along the way. I had a great time catching up with JSalvador and learning more about how he started in his…
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On this week’s episode, I decided to pack a relatively short episode with three questions and a feedback email. I discuss a wide range of topics, including how to deal with obsessions about past partners and how this impacts the state of the current relationship. I also discuss someone’s swallowing…
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The post Checking About Past Partners, Swallowing Obsessions, and Feeling “Saved” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I was joined by Carl Robbins, LCPC, to discuss Inference Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or IBT. Mr Robbins was kind enough to share his expertise and passion about this fascinating approach for those with OCD and related disorders. Inference based CBT is a treatment method for OCD…
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Today’s episode kicks off a short series I’m doing to highlight the anxiety and mental health struggles of people in the arts. Sarah Winchester is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and writer and was kind enough to join me to discuss her story. More from Sarah Winchester: https://www.sarahwinchesterband.com/ About…
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On this week’s episode, I answer two questions from listeners about their struggles with OCD. The first question deals with how someone can practice being with their thoughts and disengaging from their rumination. What are they supposed to do? The second question is about how someone can get certainty about…
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The post How Do I “Just Be” With My Thoughts, And How Do I Get Certainty About My Feelings For My Boyfriend? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer two listeners questions. The first one is about how someone can deal with reducing and managing rumination compulsions. She also wants to know whether medication will reduce or eliminate ruminations. Then, I answer a question about how someone can discuss their HOCD (SO-OCD) symptoms with…
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The post How Do I Deal With Ruminations, and Discussing HOCD With My Partner? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This past weekend, I spoke with the Lauren Rosen, MFT, Kelley Franke, MFT, and Elena Fasan, LCSW, at the OCD SoCal 6th annual conference on the topic of mental compulsions. As usual, I had a great time presenting this rag-tag group of brilliant people, and hopefully our talk was helpful…
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The post Understanding and Navigating Mental Compulsions with Lauren Rosen, MFT, Kelley Franke, MFT, Elena Fasan, LCSW, and Kevin Foss, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This episode of the FearCast is an answer to a question that, unfortunately, was not asked by Steven Crowder (@scrowder) when he tweeted a comment about POCD. Therefore, I had to throw together a quick video explaining what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is so he, and others, and understand the foundation…
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The post What Is OCD (Because Steven Crowder Doesn’t Know)? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I answer a question from someone wondering how they can come to terms and start accepting their OCD diagnosis. I think this question is particularly relevant to anyone receiving any mental health diagnosis, whether it be OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Phobia, Depression, or anything else under the…
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The post Coming to terms with your diagnosis, and should OCD stop me from being a therapist? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Orthorexia straddles the line between an eating disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. For today’s episode, I was joined by Chris Trondsen to discuss Orthorexia, his experience with it, and what treatment for Orthorexia entails.
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The post Orthorexia with Chris Trondsen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
No, this has nothing to do with sports. This episode is a mix of four quick questions. Topics range from how one can identify whether a therapy tool is being used compulsively, whether dreams can confirm one’s sexual orientation, the fear of being sued, and the fear of looking at…
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For today’s episode, I discuss two listener questions on the ROCD spectrum. The first one (3:31) deals with someone obsessing about their partner’s physical condition, an actual physical/ medical condition, and what that would mean for their future, kids, etc. The second question (23:18) has to do with the attention…
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The post ROCD about my partner’s real “condition,” and Do my anxieties mean I’m not in the right relationship? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s question comes in audio form from Mike. He asks a simple question; what are you supposed to do in the latter half of treatment? I get this question a lot, and it’s not always a straight forward answer. So, I try my best to give Mike some ideas on…
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The post What to do in the latter parts of therapy? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today’s episode comes from an audio question. The questioner asks what she can do about obsessions that switch themes rapidly. Should she keep doing scripts? Keep doing what her therapist says? Follow the fluctuating obsession? I call this “Flavor of the Week OCD” and it is a phenomenon that happens…
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The post What To Do With “Flavor of the Week OCD?” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I was joined by Dr. Claggett-Woods to talk about reassurances, support, feedback, and coping statements. She discusses the differences between these terms, how they are used and overused, and how they can undermine treatment when used incorrectly. Additionally, we talk about the compulsive effort of overdoing exposures…
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The post Treatment Pet Peeves: Reassurance, Support, Feedback, and Overdoing Exposures with Dr. Claggett-Woods appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Can my history of porn usage lead me down a slippery slope to pedophilia related porn use, and eventually reveal me to be a pedophile? (7:40) What happens if I “relieve myself” and the idea of a pedophilia related content pops up in my mind. Then what does that say…
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The post Chronic porn use leading to POCD, and what’s up with ‘Toddlers & Tiaras’? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I answer a question about how someone can tell the difference between suppressed attraction or whether the feelings they have are the result of HOCD? Along with this question, the listener wants to know how they can deal with (well, they actually want to suppress) the compulsions…
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The post How Can I Tell If It’s HOCD or Suppressed Attraction? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode I answer a listener’s multifaceted question about OCD, Panic Disorder, and the fear of going insane. The listener expresses concern that they were misdiagnosed with Panic Disorder when they should have been diagnosed with OCD, and whether their anxiety is so overwhelming that they will lose touch…
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The post Panic Disorder or OCD, or Will I Eventually Just Go Insane? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On today’s episode, I answer two listener questions. The first is from someone experiencing panic-like symptoms with the awareness of seeing the sky as a “dome” that makes her feel claustrophobic. She refers to an episode of Phobia Phriday on Casadastraphobia, which is linked below. The second question is about…
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The post Fear of Seeing a Dome In The Sky and Cozy-Comfy Hyperawareness appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Harm OCD is an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder subtype focused on violent or harming themes. This is a common obsession for people suffering with OCD and can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety for those experiencing the thoughts and compulsions. On this episode, I discuss what Harm OCD is, why it…
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Originally published on December 24, 2021, however it did not post correctly. Here it is now. To close out 2021, I’m answering two quick questions from listeners. The first question is about whether someone can have more than one obsession. Spoiler, yes you can. The next question is about whether…
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The post Can I have more than one obsession, and what if I orgasm during ERP? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s lovely yuletide episode, I was joined by Mitzi VanCleve to talk about how to manage anxiety, obsessions, and stress associated with Christmas for those suffering with Religious Scrupulosity. Mitzi has a wealth of hard-earned wisdom to offer people and it was a pleasure to finally have her on.…
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The post Christmas and Religious Scrupulosity with Mitzi VanCleve appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Thanks for joining me for another episode! Today’s episode is an listener audio question about how to deal with OCD attacking the ERP process. In it, I discuss where to find good resources for treatment when in-person or even online therapy can’t be accessed, and how to face “Obsessing about…
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The post Obsessing about obsessing, and dealing with “I’m sooo OCD” appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s episode, I was joined by Nathan Peterson (27:32), Kelley Franke, and Lauren Rosen (39:35) to talk about trigger warnings. We have all heard about them, we have also all heard them, but are they helpful, should we expect them, and how do you handle getting triggered unexpectedly? I…
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The post Trigger Warnings with Nathan Peterson, Kelley Franke, and Lauren Rosen appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For this week’s episode, I was joined by Erin Ramachandran of Mental Health Strong to answer a listener’s question about how to best manage their anxiety as they are on the cusp of getting married. They feel guilty that their OCD, specifically Scrupulosity, is impacting their relationship, and they are…
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The post Marriage, Intimacy, and Scrupulosity feature Erin Ramachandran appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer two questions that center around HOCD (Sexual Orientation OCD, i.e. SO-OCD), but ask different questions within these two themes. The first question (6:40) is about a woman suffering with ROCD about her boyfriend, but the ROCD is then compounded by obsessions about her sexuality and…
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The post HOCD caused by my ROCD? And HOCD caused by my lack of relationship experience? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I am joined by Kelley Franke, MFT, and Lauren Rosen, MFT, for a presentation we gave at the 2021 IOCDF conference. They were so kind to join me to discuss what you can do if and when your genuine interests, hobbies, or life responsibilities get hijacked by…
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The post “What To Do When Obsessions Overlap With Genuine Interests”- IOCDF presentation with Kelley Franke, MFT, and Lauren Rosen, MFT appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I discuss Sensorimotor OCD, Self-Compassion, and SO-OCD (HOCD). More specifically, on my first question, I discuss someone’s fear about potentially losing their ability to blink in a natural manner, and how they should work with this fear. Next, I answer someone’s double question. Their first question is…
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The post #78- Losing Natural Ability To Blink, Self-Compassion, and Are Obsessions Partially True? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I’m back again with an episode that is full of diverse topics and a host of information. First, I answer a question about Symmetry OCD (8:25) and discuss what it is, what it isn’t, and what can be done about it. Next, I talk about an article I wrote about…
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The post #77- Symmetry OCD, the “feeling problem”, trauma, and compulsive flooding appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I’m back, and a little late. However, I’m here on this episode to answer several questions from one particular listener. Lynn. She asks a ton of great questions ranging from the effects of surgery on BDD, the brain structures that contribute to OCD and obsession, how to deal with the…
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Here we are with another question and answer episode. On this jumble episode, I answer a question about soemone’s obsession about their voice and how to deal with tension around their vocal cords when it impacts their ability to perform (8:50). Next, I discuss how someone can, could, or should…
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The post Vocal tension OCD, what to say to my HOCD thoughts, and transferring my obsessions to my partner appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Today we are talking about the addiction treatment model and how it overlaps with, influences, and takes places alongside OCD and anxiety treatment. For this episode, I was joined by Addiction and OCD specialist Elizabeth Bartholomew and she was able to offer an overview of what the AA model is,…
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On this episode, I was joined by Chris Trondsen who shared his knowledge of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Chris shared with us his understanding of BDD, how it differs from OCD, some specific issues to be aware of when working with or dealing with BDD, and what treatment looks like.…
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This episode is a nice hodgepodge of questions, but all have a subtle theme of guilt. Fun, right?! The first question is about False Memory OCD and whether the ongoing feelings of anxiety reflect whether the event actually did happen (6:17). The next question is about whether expressing anger can…
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The post False Memory OCD, Anger as a Compulsions, and What If People Find Out About My Exposures appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this lovely episode I answer a question from someone about how they should deal with their obsessions about a real life health issue (5:48). Oddly enough, I also answer share feedback on the same subject from a previous listener who’s question was answered on a previous episode (31:51)! Lastly,…
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The post Dealing with a real life health issue, a response to dealing with a real health issue, and whether or not to work with a specialist appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer two listener questions that were sent in after listening to the Real-Event OCD episode. The first questions deals directly with the fear of being cancelled and how to proceed in their career with the real threat of being cancelled, and the second is from someone…
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The post Follow-Up Questions From The Real-Event OCD Episode appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I’m back, and late, for this next installment of the FearCast. On this episode, I batch two faith based questions from people asking about their Religious Scrupulosity. They are similar, but one discusses how to continue purusing one’s faith despite OCD and OCD treatment (4:10). The other question has to…
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The post Forward Moving Faith and Intrusive Thoughts As An Aversion To Faith appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For this episode, I was joined by Stuart Ralph of The OCD Stories Podcast. Stuart was gracious enough to join me to talk about his own OCD story, the experience he has gained by interviewing the biggest names in OCD research and treatment, and what he has learned after speaking…
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For today’s episode, I was joined by Erin Ramachandran of the non-profit group Mental Health Strong. Erin and her husband, Keith, work with couples effected by mental health and addiction issues. Together, they offer groups and seminars to help couples re-unite with one another as they work together toward recovery.…
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I’m finally back in the office and am recording fresh, new episodes. I answer a pretty wide variety of questions, ranging from Omega 3 supplement, TOCD, and Pure-0. I also discuss the ever present issue of our short-hand use of OCD terms and the issues we inevitably face when trying…
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The post Omega 3, Relapse Prevention, My Google History, and TOCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Hi everyone, so I’m off on parental leave, so I have this episode of questions I recorded weeks ago! Hopefully nothing catastrophic happened in the world in the meantime thereby making all my answers incredibly insensitive or overtly offensive. But, we all live in uncertainty. I have a good mix…
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The post TOCD, Why Exposures Work, How To Make Sexual OCD worse,To Distract or Not? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
I’m out for parental leave this month, so I’m sharing an interview I had with a friend of mine, Officer Jordan. He is a police officer and former EMT who has special experience and extensive knowledge about survival, anticipating danger, and dealing with life threatening situations. He joined me to…
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The post Safety, Preparation, and Life Threatening Situations With Officer Jordan appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
For today’s interview, I was joined by Dr. Michael Greenberg who is leading the discussion on rumination’s role in maintaining OCD, and how eliminating the ruminative process can lead to profound changes in therapy. This is a humorous take on OCD therapy, but given the heavy discussion on resisting ruminative…
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I’m returning to the Faith and Doubt Series! I was lucky enough to be joined by Dr. Jedidiah Siev who publishes research and speaks on his clinical specialty of Religious Scrupulosity for Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities. Dr. Siev covered a huge range of topics, including overall treatment for Scrupulosity,…
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The post Faith and Doubt- Scrupulosity in Orthodox Judaism with Dr. Jedidiah Siev appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
After a long, unintended break, I return with an extra long episode that covers a lot of ground. As the theme lately, given the grouping of these types of questions, I answer questions about ROCD and HOCD, but I also talk about general themes of ego-dystonic vs ego- syntonic and…
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The post Breaking their heart, what if it’s not ego-dystonic, and TERRIFIED of being gay! appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this episode, I answer a bunch of listener questions on a variety of topics. I also talk about my own effort to learn something new and rely on the FearCast community for encouragement and accountability. Lastly, I’m starting to list the question and the minutes for each episode below…
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Mike Sizemore is an OCD sufferer, advocate, and admin/ contributor over at OCD Friends on Facebook. He recently spent some time with me discussing how Uncertainty and Resiliency played a role in his recovery, and how you can harness in your inner courage to make the choice against your OCD.…
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For the last episode of Phobia Phriday, I’m addressing Trypanophobia, or the fear of injections. I feel like this one is relevant to the times and something that is on everyone’s mind given the pandemic. So, for all of you out there who are afraid of needles and injections, this…
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This is the last FearCast Episode of this squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching year. So, I am doing another batched episode on the wonderful topic of ROCD. The questions run the gamut, as usual, but they reflect some common perspectives from the world of ROCD. Thank you all for listening.…
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The post More ROCD Listener Questions appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Oudenophobia is the fear of nothing or nothingness. On this episode of Phobia Phriday, I discuss this what this phobia is, how people experience it, and what you can do to overcome it.
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This is one of those hodge-podge episodes that touches on a lot of different topics. I answer questions about whether someone has fallen out of love, what exposures someone can do to address their hyperawareness of their eyes while reading, whether one can be certain of their faith, and whether…
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The post December Jumble- HOCD, ROCD, Hyperawareness, Scrupulosity appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Casadastraphobia is the fear of falling upwards into the sky! Not a very common fear, but the perfect kind of fear to discuss on this episode of Phobia Phriday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, or at least are gearing up for their favorite winter related holiday (whatever…
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This episode covers a wide range of topics, from telling people about HOCD, to dealing with HOCD and incest obsessions, to managing POCD obsessions and the morality of the thoughts’ existence! I hope everyone is making the best of their 2020 so far and is making steps toward their goals!…
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Welcome back to another installment of Phobia Phriday! On this episode, I’ll be discussing Koumpounophobia, otherwise known as the fear of buttons. That’s right buttons. Why such a long name for the phobia? Well, I have no idea. However, I will be discussing this phobia, what it entails, and what…
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Welcome to episode two of the Phobia Phriday Series! On this episode, I talk about Emetophobia, or more commonly known as the fear of vomiting! This is more common that you’d originally think, and is one that is often kept secret for years. However, it is a workable phobia that…
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This is another grouped episode where all the questions surround one central theme. In this episode, all the questions focus on breathing related obsessions as part of Sensorimotor OCD. For all the listeners struggling with their focus on breathing, the goal will typically be the same; to devalue the importance…
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Welcome to the first episode of Phobia Phriday! On this inaugural episode, I discuss Submechanophobia, otherwise known as the fear of submerged man-made objects. This was a fun one to research, and hopefully it will be an interesting one for you to learn about! Enjoy!
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This new episode is a collection of HOCD and other sexually focused listener questions! Thanks to the FearCast survey, I’m giving the batched questions a try. Even better than answer three questions, I have a mindfulness/ acceptance exposure at the end of the episode! It was a fun one.
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Confidence and certainty are two concepts that we wrestle with in the course of anxiety and OCD treatment. On this episode, I was honored to interview Jon Hershfield, The Great and Powerful, and he discussed the differences between the two concepts, why we should be seeking confidence over certainty in…
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On this episode of the FearCast, I answer three listener questions on a range of topics. First, I answer a question about how to deal with health anxiety when someone actually has a real life chronic health condition. Next, I talk about how to accept a condition as permanent when…
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The post Health Real Event, Eye Floaters, and At What Point is it OCD? appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
The Faith and Doubt Series is back after a long hiatus; and its back with a bang! On this episode, I had the chance to interview biblical scholar Jaimie Eckert about the top things someone with religious themed OCD, otherwise known as Religious Scrupulosity, should know about Scrupulosity treatment. Yes,…
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More listener questions mean more answered questions on the podcast. On this episode, I start with a brief recap of my big take-away from the IOCDF conference (Inhibitory Learning Model). I’d love to hear about your big take-aways too! On this episode I answer a question from someone asking about…
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The post Listener Questions- Headaches, Sensory Integration, And Disclosing OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
So, you read the title correctly. This is a real mixture of an episode. On this, the 50th episode, I answer a question about whether a mother of a man with Religious Scrupulosity should continue sending him bible verses as encouragmeent, or if that’s unhelpful. Additionally, in the FearCast After…
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The post To Share Bible Verses, and When HOCD Doesn’t Conflict With Gay Porn appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
This episode tackles the very real, and very troubling, OCD subtype known as Real Event, or Real Life, OCD. I discuss this subtype, including its common obsessions, compulsions, and treatment. Additionally, I discuss how this subtype can and is being influenced by the existence of “cancel culture.” Thank you to…
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For this episode, I had the privilege to talk with Elena Fasan about the 10 things a parent with a child or adolescent with OCD should know! Elena is a child and adolescent OCD and anxiety disorder specialist and is an expert in parenting OCD. Thank you for listening to…
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Thank you all for joining me on this, the 47th episode of the FearCastPodcast. On this episode, I answer three questions! Thank you all you listeners, I’ve been getting more and more questions, so I’m going to give more and more answers! This episode is eclectic. I first answer a…
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This was a weird episode to record, not because of the content, but because I had to move my whole studio to make it happen. I was delighted to answer these two questions. One is about an exposure script for TOCD, or Transgender OCD. The listener asks for a script…
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This episode is packed with some great questions! First, I answer a question about dealing with sexually explicit thoughts at church! After that, I talk about the relationship between ROCD and HOCD, or as I call it, the ROCD/ HOCD Venn Diagram. They are kinda like salt and pepper. Yes,…
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The post Intrusive Thoughts At Church, and The HOCD/ROCD Venn Diagram appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
Hey there everyone! I’m back with another episode answering your questions as they pertain to anxiety, OCD, and exposure therapy. This episode has some great questions on it, too. First, I answer a question about atypical sensations and whether they still OCD if they are something else. I also answer…
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I hope everyone is doing well during the Pandemic and is staying happy and healthy! I’m back with another episode of the FearCast! On this episode, I open by talking about the struggle people are having with the stay-at-home orders and the resulting sense of Cabin Fever! I also answer…
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The post HOCD is a Libido Killer and Trouble Making Decisions appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
We’re all in it. We’re all stuck here in the Pandemic and trying our best to keep our thoughts, morale, and emotions from getting the best of us. In this episode I talk about giving ourselves grace when we feel anxious, and when we may start to feel apathy. I…
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I hope everyone is stay happy and healthy in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak! As a special treat, I have the magnificent Kelley Franke on thie show to talk about Postpartum and Perinatal OCD. Kelley is a wonderful therapist and offers a wealth of wisdom to those suffering with…
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Hi everyone! On this episode, I start out by addressing some of the fears about the Coronavirus, including how to manage your anxiety and how to take a steady, measured response to it. In other words, lets not go crazy about it (just yet). I also answer two questions on…
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I’m answering a series of questions asked by S’s mom about her teenage daughter’s OCD and OCD treatment. In answering these questions three, I talk about when OCD starts, whether to start a weight loss program to counteract medication side effects, and why some people are cagey about their obsession…
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On this lovely new episode, I answer a listener question about whether they are experiencing ROCD (Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) related symptoms. So, I give a re-cap of what ROCD is and how it works, and address some issues she may want to think about. Bonus, I recorded a short…
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I’m back at it again with a discussion on imperfection. I’ve noticed a ton of people talking about their fear of imperfection and how it keeps them in a rat race striving for perfection, or quitting out of fear and feeling overwhelmed. I’m also facing my own fears of imperfection…
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I’m back in a new year with a new episode! On this lovely episode, I answer a listener’s question about OCD, God, and masturbation. It was an interesting episode to research, and I hope you find it interesting to hear. If you like the FearCast, please remember to subscribe and…
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On this episode, I talk about shame and guilt, and how they impact those suffering with OCD and anxiety related disorders. Additionally, I offer some tips on what to do with it and how to reduce the negative and unwanted nonsense that can come with experiencing shame and guilt. Thank…
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I’m back to discuss the differences between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). On top of this, I talk about the Kardashians, not because I want to, but because of their use of the name “OCD” in their show and on YouTube. Long story short, they’re…
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A question I get a lot is, “How do I accept my terrible thoughts? I dont want to accept them!” This episode is inspired by a listener’s question about this exact issue. I discuss what acceptance is and offer some practical ways we can practice acceptance with our thoughts and…
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This delightful episode discusses the obvious; winter is coming! No, this is not a Game of Thrones reference. It is, however a way we can ease off our responsibility to get certainty RIGHT NOW about whatever we are anxious about. I also answer a listener’s question about questioning whether they…
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The post Winter Is Coming, and Gaslighting OCD appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
On this wonderful episode, I’m sharing one of my FAVORITE analogies and tricks for OCD and anxiety treatment. No kidding. I thought I’d keep this one in my back pocket, but here we are. I talk about what it means to be anxious drunk, how it’s a problem, and what…
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Episode 30, yah, this one, deals with a listener’s struggle deciding whether it’s the right exposure to do what they’re afraid of, or whether it’s a better exposure to not do the thing. They’re stuck! Its a great question, and an obstacle that some come across while doing ERP. As…
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The post ERP- Anxiety Doing The Thing and Avoiding The Thing appeared first on FearCast Podcast.
After a longer than intended break, the FearCast Podcast returns with a discussion of Bill Hader’s YouTube post about his anxiety, as well as my ramblings about Cognitive Distortions! Thanks to Craig for sending me a question about Cognitive Distortions. If you want a question answered on a future podcast,…
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On this episode, I discuss Panic Disorder, as well as panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and what we can do to help. We all knew this episode was going to show up eventually, so here it is! This episode is the result of a listener question, so if you have a…
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On this episode, I answer two listeners questions! The first question is from a listener suffering with religious Scrupulosity and is struggling to figure out what to do with his lack of feeling. The second question is from a woman asking about what to do with her awareness of her…
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Relationship OCD, or ROCD, is you guessed it, an OCD sub-type focused on your relationship! Didn’t see it coming, did you? On this episode, I go over the basics of Relationship OCD and treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Mindfulness. The whole episode is inspired by…
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Psychodynamic therapy and brain squirrels? This episode is a real mash up of odd brain stuff and nerdy therapy talk. First, I talk about a weird and unwanted trick my dog taught herself and how we can all learn a little something from my four-legged friend. Second, I answer a…
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Summer is upon us (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere)! In this episode, I go over my top 5 things you can do to make this summer the best summer with anxiety you’ve ever had! Spoiler, it has to do with challenging yourself and doing exposures. For my…
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Father Thomas Santa of the Scrupulous Anonymous newsletter stops by for this installment in the Faith and Doubt series! He was kind enough to spend his time discussing issues of faith and doubt and Scrupulosity from a Catholic perspective. It was truly an eye opening interview for me. As always,…
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Conspiracy theories are everywhere! We hear about them on the TV, from the news, from social media, and even our own brain! On this episode, we discuss our own conspiracy theories and what to do about them. I also had the pleasure of responding to several listener questions! Hold onto…
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The Faith and Doubt Series has begun! This episode features a guest interview with Mike Erre. Aside from being an all around good and boisterous guy, Mike is a pastor and hosts the VOX Podcast. He was so kind to join me to discuss issues surrounding anxiety and doubt common…
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In this episode I discuss Religious Scrupulosity, which is a sub-type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder concerning religious or moral issues. As always, I tried to shoehorn more information in it that I really need. Hopefully the episode didn’t go too far off the rails. I can’t believe it took me…
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This episode features a listener question! That said, this episode is intended for adult listeners due to some adult content. We’ll discuss how to deal with two compulsions of HOCD; checking groinal sensations and watching pornography. For more information about HOCD, or Sexual Orientation OCD, please listen to the previous…
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Are you way too focused on your breathing, blinking, or heartbeat? Are you constantly distracted by screeching tires or little particles in the air? If so, you may be suffering from Sensorimotor or Hyperawareness OCD. In this episode, I answer a listener question about being distracted by innocuous stuff inside…
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Anxiety, depression, bipolar, abuse, isn’t our identity. You are more than your mental illness, so why are your making it your central characteristic? Even if you aren’t fully identifying as your diagnosis, we sometimes let our mental health struggles dictate who we are and what we do. In this episode,…
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Have a question about anxiety and OCD treatment? If so, you’re in luck! I dedicate this entire episode to answering listener questions. How are anxiety and paranoia related? How does Exposure and Response Prevention look different for Pure-O? Can Obsessions flip flop? Can you ever get rid of OCD for…
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Post Partum OCD, or PPOCD, is an OCD sub-type focused on harm coming to, or you harming, your child. In this episode, I talk about this rarely acknowledged form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I discuss the definition of PPOCD, the differences between Post Partum OCD and Post Partum Psychosis, stigma,…
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Making decisions can be difficult. We face so many options and choices that we become overwhelmed. So often our choices are also not clear or we have to make some sacrifices. In Episode #14 of the FearCast, I go over some reasons why we get stuck in the decision making…
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In Episode #13, I continue the journey through “taboo” OCD subtypes with Pedophile OCD, or POCD! We’ll discuss the definition of POCD, how it’s different from pedophilia, some ways it manifests, and I give some examples of ways we can work with it. Hold onto your groinal sensations, it’s a…
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in Episode 12, I go over HOCD. I discuss what it is and what we can do about it using CBT, ERP, and acceptance tools. As a bonus, I put together an imaginal exposure in the form of a guided imagery exercise. The Episode goes over some sensitive topics, so…
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In Episode 11, I’m talking about how to find a therapist! I go over some issues to consider and offer a few suggestions on what to ask and what to look for when you’re looking to start therapy. My listener question this week is about how to deal effectively with…
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In episode #10 I discuss a super cool, super nerdy issue with statistics! Turns out, our brain isn’t very good at weighing the pros and cons of a situation when making decisions. I talk about some studies they did on the subject, and discuss what we can do about it.…
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On this episode, I take a look at the Inhibitory Learning Model. It helps explain why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) works, and principles that can make your exposures more effective!
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Today, I talk about rational vs irrational fears and why the distinction doesn’t really matter. I also answer some questions about the effectiveness of OCD treatment and what factors contribute to successful treatment. For more episodes of the FearCast, please click here. To read more about phobias, please read this…
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In Episode #7, I discuss that little voice in your head that tries to challenge and negate everything in your life. I also answer a question about encouraging family and friends to get into treatment and supporting them effectively.
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Episode #6 tips its hat at OCD Awareness Week, October 7th-13th. I talk about the who, what, where, when, why, and how of sharing your OCD with friends and family. If you’re wondering about whether Harm OCD includes fear of someone harming you, then you’ll be interested in the question…
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On Episode #5, I talk about the fear of getting fired. Additionally, I answer two questions. One question is about returning to your pre-OCD days. The other is about the spectrum of anxiety/ OCD, and in the process I talk a little about the pesky “I’m so OCD” nonsense. For…
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In Episode #4, I go over a personal emergency kit for dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. I also answer a question about the fear of going crazy!
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On Episode #3 of the podcast, I look at one way to identify and deal with unwanted and intrusive thoughts. I also answer questions about having hobbies related to one’s obsessions, and how to deal with death and other inevitabilities!
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On Episode #2 of FearCast, thanks to a request from some listeners, I go over the basics of Existential OCD and offer an ERP exercise for those struggling with Existential anxieties. If you listen carefully, you’ll get all the answers to all the big picture questions you’ve always asked! Or…
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The first episode! On this episode, I go over the goals of the podcast, why on earth I would ever do a podcast about anxiety and OCD, and offer a pretty morbid metaphor for Exposure and Response Prevention. Additionally, I answer questions about someone wanting to switch their obsessions to…
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