Get to know OCD

On this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Patrick McGrath sits down with Jonny Say, a London-based therapist whose personal experience with OCD spans over 30 years. From childhood panic attacks to intrusive thoughts and existential struggles, Jonny shares how these challenges shaped his journey to becoming a therapist and advocate.Now part of the Integrative Center for OCD Therapy, Jonny dives into the nuances of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-focused approaches, and the critical role of values-based living in recovery. He reflects on the grief of time lost to OCD, the challenge of breaking free from rumination, and the importance of fostering self-compassion in the healing process.Need help treating OCD? We can help. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our experts.Show notes:0:00 Intro1:30 Jonny’s background2:31 The use of mindfulness in therapy4:52 What is ACT therapy?10:46 The importance of compassion 13:20 Fear of being around others with OCD14:51 Emotions beyond anxiety or distress 19:43 Sticking with ERP and other treatments21:41 Functional analytical psychotherapy 23:06 Using lived experience when treating others25:12 “I have a little OCD too”28:36 Triggering OCD during therapy?33:08 Dealing with the regret of “lost” years to OCD36:55 If OCD was an ice cream flavor37:42 How OCD interferes with making choices39:16 Phrases that OCD loves40:50 Jonny’s advice to others 42:07 Not all treatments are created equal 44:18 Jonny’s career 25 years from nowFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd

What is OCD recovery avoidance? It’s not about refusing treatment on purpose — it’s about patterns of behavior that unintentionally keep someone from getting better. Whether it’s denying there’s a problem, minimizing the severity, or avoiding effective therapy, recovery avoidance can leave individuals and families feeling stuck and overwhelmed.In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath sits down with his mentor, Dr. Alec Pollard, to unpack this often misunderstood concept. They explore the real reasons why someone with OCD might avoid recovery — like fear, skill deficits, or lack of motivation — and how these barriers show up in daily life.Patrick and Alec also shed light on how well-meaning family members can unintentionally reinforce avoidance through behaviors like accommodation or minimizing. More importantly, they offer practical, empowering steps families can take to help their loved one move toward recovery — while protecting their own well-being.Are you or a loved one avoiding treatment for OCD? We believe we can help. Book a free consultation with us to hear what we have in mind: https://learn.nocd.com/podcastShow notes:0:00 Intro2:49 Alec’s background8:00 Alec’s new book15:01 Defining recovery avoidance redefined19:40 Real reasons that drives recovery avoidance24:18 How families are affected by recovery avoidance 28:32 Educating families about OCD32:37 Common mistakes families make with recovery avoiders 38:32 Families are not at fault43:44 The next frontier of treatment? 50:41 Group effort to write the book52:35 OutroFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd

The holidays can be magical, but for those with OCD, they can also be stressful. In this special episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath cuts through the holiday cliches to tackle real challenges — like navigating germ anxiety at family gatherings or dodging well-meaning but triggering comments from relatives. Whether it’s setting boundaries around alcohol or learning how to say “no” without guilt, Patrick shares insights to help you reclaim the season on your terms. If OCD has ever threatened to steal the season from you, this episode is your chance to take it back.Still struggling with OCD during the holidays? We’re here to help. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn about our best-in-class treatment options. Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd

In this episode of Get to Know OCD, we dive deep into the complexities of scrupulosity, a form of OCD that intertwines with one’s values, morals, or religious beliefs. Featuring Dr. Jed Siev, a licensed clinical psychologist and faculty member at Swarthmore College, this discussion sheds light on how OCD latches onto the things we care about most — faith, morality, or even our natural desire to be a “good” person. Drawing from his extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Siev unpacks how scrupulosity manifests in different faiths, from Jewish rituals to Christian doctrines. Learn how to differentiate between genuine faith practices and OCD-driven rituals, and discover ways to reclaim a values-driven life.Are you or a loved one struggling with OCD? We’re here to help. Visit us at https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn about our best-in-class treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:18 Jed’s background2:37 The rise of climate anxiety 10:20 How Jed’s interest in scrupulosity started11:51 How religion and scrupulosity intersect 15:52 Telling apart religious and compulsive rituals18:31 “Am I a bad person” self-talk21:57 Accepting uncertainty 23:39 How sin is viewed now vs. then25:57 Teaching faith leaders about OCD33:00 Explaining scrupulosity to someone’s support system39:30 OCD doesn’t know how to move on43:37 Jed’s advice to those needing help45:30 What Jed is up toFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd