Get to know OCD

We get OCD-related questions all the time — in our comment section, emails, webinars, in-person therapy, and more. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath answers real questions he most often gets. He covers everything from ERP to dream states, and everything inbetween. Have more OCD-related questions? Check out our content library for more answers to our most-frequently-asked questions: https://learn....

OCD representation in movies, shows, and media often misses the mark, pairing misinformation with laugh tracks and stereotypes. These portrayals often stick, leading to widespread misunderstandings and even misdiagnoses of this complex disorder. In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Patrick sits down with therapist Nathan Peterson, who has over a decade of experience treating OCD and anx...

You do NOT have to beat yourself up for having OCD. In fact, according to therapist and anxiety expert Kimberly Quinlan, self-compassion — not self-punishment — is the real path to healing. Kim, who has literally written the book on compassion, knows firsthand how powerful kindness can be in breaking the relentless cycle of compulsions, fear, and doubt. In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podca...

In a world overflowing with uncertainty, OCD wants to convince us we can somehow control it all. From political unrest to personal worries, the mind relentlessly searches for answers —sometimes convincing us that just one small compulsion can fix everything. But as we know, the lies OCD feeds us don’t lead to absolute answers. Ever. In this episode, we explore our relationship with uncertainty. We...

Imagine waking up one day, and nothing feels right. Life as you knew it — your career, your family, your joy — starts slipping away, replaced by relentless, intrusive thoughts. This is the reality Erica Lugo, fitness coach and former Biggest Loser trainer, faced when she was blindsided by a diagnosis that changed everything: OCD. In this eye-opening episode of Get to Know OCD, Erica shares the raw...

Stanford researcher Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez is at the forefront of OCD treatment and care. In this episode of the Get to Know Podcast, Dr. Rodriguez gives us a look at new treatments for OCD. She tells us what’s still the gold-standard treatment but also new research areas to treat OCD, including improv and psychedelics. If you want a look into the future of OCD treatment, you’re in the right place!...

Chris Trondsen is an OCD advocate in every sense of the word. Not only is he a therapist, but he also serves on the Board of Directors for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). He’s been remarkably open about his lifelong battle with OCD — a journey marked by severe challenges that nearly led to tragedy. In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, recorded live at the 2024 IOCDF Conference...

OCD-specialized treatment can make all the difference in recovery, but these days, the word "specialized" gets tossed around way too often. In this special episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, we sit down with OCD researcher Uma Chatterjee and NOCD's Tia Wilson to dig into what truly counts as specialized care — and what doesn’t. Hear their candid convo as both share their person...

Gold medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman spent much of her life chasing perfection. Reflecting on her career as an elite athlete, she now recognizes the impact of undiagnosed OCD: ruminating over mistakes, constantly seeking reassurance, and putting the opinions of coaches, judges, and others above her own. In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Aly shares the intertwined journey of her ath...

OCD Awareness Month is here, and we’re excited to join forces with the International OCD Foundation to shine a light on what it really means to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In this video, we dive into the myths, the struggles, and the toll OCD takes on people’s lives — and why it’s so important to break the stigma. This month, let’s take the first step together and support those affect...

Alegra Kastens' world was turned upside down at 19 when a single taboo thought —pedophilic in nature — triggered the onset of her OCD. That one thought spiraled into thousands each day, overwhelming her to the point where she avoided sleep, fearing the torment her dreams might bring. Now, a decade later, Alegra is 97% better and isn’t shy about sharing her incredible story. In this episode of...

While obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can never truly be healed, it CAN be combated and managed. In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath will break down the very top tools for OCD, from therapy to medication to lifestyle choices. He also covers what types of treatments to NOT do if you have OCD. If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit ⁠⁠https://learn.nocd.com/podca...

YouTuber Nicole Rafiee has built a community of over a million subscribers by sharing her life experiences in the only way she can: honestly and with pop-culture references galore. But when she was diagnosed with OCD in 2021, Nicole initially vowed to keep it private. In this interview, she opens up about why she decided to break her silence, the challenges of living with OCD, and how sharing her...

In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, we dive into the topic of "autumn anxiety" and how it impacts individuals with OCD. As the year comes to a close, many of us start reflecting on unmet goals and unfinished plans, but OCD has a way of amplifying these feelings. We discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the seasonal changes that affect mood, and offer practical tips for mana...

Stuart Ralph is the host of the The OCD Stories podcast — a series that broke ground when it debuted in 2015. Stuart has interviewed almost 500 people for his show, but now we turn the tables and interview him. He talks about having his first intrusive thoughts at the age of 7, almost quitting the podcast, specializing in therapy for adolescents, and more. Don't miss this deep dive into Stuar...

Got a friend or family member with OCD and not sure how to help? In this video, we’re breaking down simple, effective ways to offer real support without overwhelming them. Whether it’s knowing what to say or understanding what they’re going through, these tips will help you be there for your loved one when they need it most. Show notes: 0:00 Intro 3:06 Exposure 4:10 Response Prevention 6:34 Non OC...

Millie Farrow's football career has taken her around the world. Joining her on the journey, step for step, has been OCD. The pressures of being a professional athlete are immense, and her condition has only added to the challenges. Fresh off the release of her book "Brave Enough Not To Quit", Millie shares the highs and lows of her journey in this special episode of the Get to Know...

OCD doesn’t like to show up alone. In fact, it often brings “friends” along — other mental health conditions that can tag along and make life even more challenging. This is called comorbid OCD. In today’s video, we’re going to dive into the most common conditions that often accompany OCD and what that means for those who are managing it.    0:00 What is comorbid OCD 2:02 Tic Disorders 2:37 Hoardin...

Social media influencer Camaryn Swanson spent seven months in silence with a severe case of harm OCD. At first, she had no idea what she was facing — but now, she’s opening up about her journey, the struggles, and how it’s shaped her into a stronger person. Hear Camaryn’s heartfelt account and discover how she’s using her experience to inspire others. Show notes: 0:00 Intro 1:36 Camaryn’s Elements...

One of our own NOCD therapists, Saraa Lee, joins us on this episode of the Get to know OCD podcast. Treating OCD from a cultural lens is one of Saraa's many specialties.  She believes our culture can shape our identities as it has hers, as well as influence how we do or don't treat OCD. In this candid interview, she opens up about her challenging upbringing and offers deep insights into...

The harsh reality is this — OCD can't be cured. However, it can be treated and it can be managed through therapy, medications, and more. In this video, we quickly explain the most proven ways to treat OCD symptoms. It may feel like help isn't available, but believe us, there is and we explain in this video.  Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:37 Exposure Response Therapy 4:17 Medications 6:24 High...

Author, long-time YouTuber, peer support specialist — Chrissie Hodges is an OCD advocate in every sense of the word. She’s made advocacy her life’s work after struggling with the disorder and taboo intrusive thoughts her entire life. In this revealing interview, Chrissie gets brutally honest about OCD.  Please note: This podcast briefly mentions suicidal ideation. NOCD is not a crisis service. If...

OCD doesn't look the same from person to person. This video dives into the different forms of obsessions and compulsions. Use the chapters below to explore the specific OCD subtypes that we cover and gain a better understanding of this complex condition. Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:55 Contamination OCD 2:07 Checking OCD 3:05 Pedophilic OCD 3:47 Relationship OCD 4:07 Sexual Orientation OCD 4:32 H...

Actress and content creator Caroline Klidonas joins the Get to Know OCD podcast to dive into the complexities of false memory OCD. This challenging subtype of OCD can make you question your own memories and even your sense of reality. In this episode, Caroline opens up about her personal experience with false memory OCD, how she's learned to manage it, and offers insights for others facing si...

Recognizing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a crucial first step in seeking help, whether for yourself or someone you know. In this video, we detail the most common symptoms — both physical and mental — associated with OCD. Stick with us to gain valuable insights into this often misunderstood condition. Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 1:07 Keep This In Mind 2:04 Sign #1  4:09 Safety Behaviors 5:27 Sign #2...