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 and how this can lead to treatment stagnation and demoraliz...

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 about me? Also, what’s up with the show “Toddlers and Tiaras?” (26:33) How is that show on the air, and how does exposure to that show...

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 when they are around other people. It is a great question and I discuss the mindset someone should...

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 with reality and be unable to deal with their obsessions. I talk discuss some issues i...

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 someone who experiences hyperawareness, which bothers her, but it is about sensations t...

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 is part of OCD, common obsessions, compulsions, and triggers, and most importantly how you can work wi...

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 someone can orgasm during ERP, and if you do what does that mean and what do we do about it. Thank you...

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. To no surprise, this episode is very Christian-centric, however I am planning on addressing ot...

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 obsessing.” Additionally, I answer a quick question about what to say when people on social media (or in re...

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 answer a few of these questions then my wonderful guests join me to give their takes on trigger warnings....

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 looking for ideas on how to start their marriage out strong despite the presence of OCD. Thank y...

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 compulsions of avoidance and mental checking. The second question (23:27) is about a young...

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 an obsession. This was a really fun talk and I always enjoy presenting with Lauren and Kelley; two of the smartest and funnest...

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 about how to apply a compassionate perspective to their Real-Event OCD, and t...

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 OCD being a feeling problem, not a thinking problem (21:46). After this, I talk about what to do when people say not to work with a therapist wh...

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 obsession in the moment, and a number of other thoughtful and relevant questions. If you have questions for the pod...

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 respond to their HOCD (SO-OCD) obsession (20:10). Finally, I answer a question about how to handle someon...

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, what treatment for OCD can look like for someone going through addiction recovery, and how some key ele...

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. He was also kind enough to hang out and answer some listener questions with me about BDD. The post Body Dysmorphic...

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 be a compulsion (13:58). The last question is about what to do with the reality that they’ve done a bu...

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, I answer a question about whether someone should stop seeing a general therapist and start seeing a s...

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 experiencing the rumination and emotional turmoil of Real-Event OCD. In case you have not listened to the afore...

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 do with figuring out whether OCD can cause a sense feeling of an aversion to faith (28:20). As...

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 to hundreds of people about their own OCD story. The post Stuart Ralph of The OCD Stories appeared first on FearCast Podc...

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. Erin was a wonderful guest and offers a ton of great insights and encouragement t...