Episodes

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 obsessions (Sensorimotor OCD) and their awareness spiking especially around close friends and family, but not around strangers. Lastly, I discuss a question from Instagram about what to do about not f...

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 that emphasizes the role of reasoning in the development and maintenance of ocd. Treatment is based on the idea that obsessions are doubts that arise due to reasoning errors leading to confusion ...

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 the Anxiety in the Arts Series: The Anxiety in the Arts series features artists from a wide range of disciplines sharing their stories of how their mental healt...

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 their feelings about their partner. Their “constant checking” isn’t helping, so what can they do? The post How Do I “Just Be” With My Thoughts, And How Do I Get Certainty About My Feelings F...

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 their partner without them getting upset. Of course, just like me, I made it all the way to episode 100 without even knowing or acknowledging this milestone on the podcast. Of course…...

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 to a few people. You can log in and watch our talk along with a ton of other fantastic presentations from a long list of well know, knowledgeable thought and clinical leaders in the field by going to www.OCDSoCa...

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 for the other OCD subtypes. This is the first official video by the FearCast! Check it out at YouTube! The post What Is OCD (Because Steven Crowder Doesn’t Know)? appeared first on FearCast Po...

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 sun. I hope the answer I offer is helpful to at least one person struggling to be at peace with themself and are able to begin loving themself with and despite their diagnosis. ...

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. 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 yourself in the mirror. It was really fun to answer a wide arrange of topics and I really appreciate the questioners! The post March Madness Question Jumble appeared first on FearCast Podcast.

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 the listener is giving her thoughts and doubts, and whether she should be letting that feeling show her she’s in the wrong relationship and whether she should break up. Also, I ment...

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 what he can do to maintain his progress so he can go out and live his life! Here is the article I referenced by Jon Hiershfield: https://www.sheppardpratt.org/news-views/story/how-having-no-cure-for-ocd-is-the-cure/ The post What to do in the ...

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 from time to time and I offer some tips on what you can do to help. 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 and how this can lead to treatment stagnation and demoralization. The post Treatment Pet Peeves: Reassurance, Support, Feedback, and Overdoing Exposures with ...

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, no matter how helpful it is, make watching it OK? All these questions and more! The post Chronic...

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 have in this situation, how to accept uncertainty, and do mindfulness and exposures with this obsess...

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 involved in the diagnoses process between them, and some other aspects of the obsessions to consider....

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 that she likes and loves. Phobia Phriday- Casadastraphobia The post Fear of Seeing a Dome In The Sk...

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 with it. In addition to the information about this subtype, I created two exposure examples that you ...

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 to everyone who sent in questions this year and who are considering sending in questions in 2022....

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 other faiths’ religious holidays through the lens of Religious Scrup on future episodes. If you have ...

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 real life) say things like “I’m sooo OCD.” I offer a few ideas, but I want to know what YOU, the liste...

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. I had a great time speaking with these wonderful and wise people, and hopefully you will too. Kelle...

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 you all for your patience on this episode. I was dealing with some family matters this past week, so...