Welcome to The OCD Stories, hosted by Stuart Ralph. The podcast has been heard over 7million times globally. Check out your first episode from our existing hundreds of episodes featuring experts, and people experiencing symptoms just like you today. If you do, you may just feel understood, heard and possibly help you identify your next step in your own personal journey to healing. Disclaimer - this podcast is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek treatment from a licensed mental health ...
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A new podcast, bringing together dance music icons with old friends & collaborators from across the art and entertainment worlds. With the emphasis on bringing together like-minded musical legends with slightly left of centre leanings, Ralph's podcast is about unique pairings and agenda-setting topics of conversation. The lead figure will always be a key figure from dance music: icons like Norman Cook, Pete Tong and The Black Madonna among them as well as key global artists like Cassy, Phant ...
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AT Parenting Survival | Raising Kids with OCD & Anxiety
Natasha Daniels: Child Therapist, Child Anxiety and Child OCD Expert
Natasha Daniels, Child OCD and Anxiety Therapist, shares practical advice for parents raising kids with OCD and anxiety. Raising a child or teen with OCD can feel overwhelming and isolating—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this podcast, Natasha shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support kids with obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. With over 20 years of clinical experience and first-hand knowledge as a parent herself to children with OCD and anxiety, Natasha ...
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How to Boost Your Child’s Confidence While Navigating Anxiety or Child OCD with Sharon West
1:03:02
1:03:02
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1:03:02Confidence can take a major hit when a child is struggling with OCD or anxiety. In this episode, I sit down with teen coach Sharon West to explore how we can nurture self-confidence in our kids—even as they battle intrusive thoughts, worry, and fear. Sharon shares insights from her 15+ years working with teens—as a life coach, foster mom, youth lea…
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Dr Michael Greenberg: OCD as a defense mechanism (#489)
1:09:06
1:09:06
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1:09:06In episode 489 I chat with Dr Michael Greenberg. Michael is a clinical psychologist who specialises in Rumination-Focused ERP (RF-ERP). We discuss an update on Michael, rumination-focused exposure and response prevention therapy (RF-ERP), OCD as a defense mechanism, a psychoanalytical view of OCD, digesting feelings, some different psychological de…
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Tiffany Jenkins on Parenting with Anxiety, OCD and Depression
52:52
52:52
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52:52Tiffany Jenkins has been the authentic face of mental health struggles on the internet for years. She offers a candid, raw and often humorous view on her struggles of sobriety and mental health, helping normalize these issues for millions of people. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to have Tiffany back on the AT Parenting Survival Podcast to …
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Dr Steven Phillipson: Look at you looking at me, and other niche OCD spike themes (#488)
48:56
48:56
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48:56In episode 488 I chat with Dr Steven Phillipson. Steven is a licensed clinical psychologist who specialises in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD. Steven is the Clinical Director at the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York. We discuss the worries that come up around getting obsessed with others responses to us - what Steve ca…
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Child OCD vs Autism: Understanding the Key Differences
32:11
32:11
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32:11Is it autism or OCD? Sometimes the behaviors can look so similar, it’s hard to tell. In this episode of the AT Parenting Survival Podcast, I break down the key differences between autism and child OCD — and why understanding the distinction is crucial for getting the right support. You’ll learn: Why repetitive behaviors show up in both autism and O…
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Justin Hughes, Valerie Andrews, Dr Alan Noble, and Chelsea Risko: A Deeper Dive into the role of faith (Christianity) in OCD treatment (#487)
57:30
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57:30In episode 487 I chat with Justin Hughes, Valerie Andrews, Dr Alan Noble, and Chelsea Risko. We discuss how OCD can latch on to faith, scrupulosity, finding the line between compulsive prayer and valued prayer, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), inference-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT), how faith was a support for them, wo…
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Avoid These 4 Communication Stoppers When Helping a Child with OCD
46:44
46:44
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46:44When you’re trying to support a child with OCD, communication is everything. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we accidentally shut it down. In this episode of the AT Parenting Survival Podcast, I’ll walk you through four common OCD communication stoppers—like punishing, over-rationalizing, or jumping straight into coaching—and explain …
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Story: Stephen D'Intino (existential OCD, a detrimental psychedelics experience, trauma) (#486)
39:16
39:16
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39:16In episode 486 I chat with Stephen who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. We discuss his story, his early memories, how OCD affected his work, existential themed OCD, medication, a detrimental psychedelics experience, religious scrupulosity, derealisation, getting admitted to a psychiatric ward, therapy, agoraphobia, boundaries, trau…
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PSP 418: A Game Changer for Parents Raising Kids with Anxiety or OCD
35:35
35:35
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35:35Raising a child with anxiety or OCD can feel incredibly isolating. Parents often find themselves without the support, education, or guidance they desperately need. In this episode, I’m diving into the three key areas where parents struggle most—and how my AT Parenting Community is designed to fill those gaps. Here’s what we cover in this episode: T…
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Jonny Say: OCD and the therapeutic relationship (#485)
50:29
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50:29In episode 485 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy. We discuss the importance of the therapeutic relationship, the benefits of it to outcomes, functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), how compulsions can get in the way of the therapeutic relationship, how a good therapeutic …
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PSP 417: The Power of Pause: Teaching Kids to Delay OCD Responses (and Why It Works)
33:45
33:45
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33:45OCD thrives on urgency. The faster your child reacts to an intrusive thought, the more powerful OCD becomes. But what if your child learned to pause—even for a few seconds—before doing an OCD compulsion? In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to introduce the concept of “delay” as a gentle, approachable first step in helping your child take bac…
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Story: Patrick Hussain (Suicidal themed OCD, shame, ERP) (#484)
53:21
53:21
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53:21In episode 484 I chat with Patrick who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. We discuss his story, suicidal themed OCD, dreams, his early OCD memories, panic, contamination, opening up to his partner, shame, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), we rift about OCD, words of hope, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https:…
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PSP 416: Groundbreaking Study on Virtual ERP for Kids with OCD – with Dr. Sara Conley from NOCD
31:20
31:20
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31:20In this episode of the AT Parenting Survival Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sara Conley, a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical manager at NOCD, to discuss a groundbreaking new study on virtual Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for children and teens with OCD. We explore the study’s powerful findings—including a 37.3% median reduc…
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Dr Jon Abramowitz: Living well with OCD (#483)
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46:20In episode 483 I chat with Dr Jonathan Abramowitz. Jonathan is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Chapel Hill, NC specializing in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He is also Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina. And author of several books including Getting over OCD, The f…
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PSP 415: When OCD Looks Like Oppositional Behavior: Understanding Hidden Compulsions
37:22
37:22
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37:22If your child refuses to shower, melts down over clothing, or avoids homework, you might assume they’re being defiant. But what if it’s actually OCD driving their behavior? In this episode of the AT Parenting Survival Podcast for Anxiety and OCD, I break down how OCD-driven avoidance and compulsions can look like oppositional behavior—and why this …
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Story: Rebekah Collins (Contamination & harm OCD, PMDD, advocacy) (#482)
37:16
37:16
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37:16In episode 482 I chat with Rebekah who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. We discuss her early compulsions, trauma, an eating disorder, social anxiety and depression, agoraphobia, panic, being told she wouldn’t recover, her mum advocating for her, involuntary hospitalisation, diagnosis, joining support groups, exposure and response p…
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PSP 414: How to Handle OCD Meltdowns Without Making Them Worse
35:53
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35:53If your child has OCD, you’ve likely witnessed an OCD-driven meltdown—intense distress triggered by an intrusive thought, fear, or the inability to complete a compulsion. These meltdowns can be overwhelming for both you and your child. And while it’s natural to want to soothe their anxiety in the moment, some responses can unintentionally reinforce…
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Story: Zoey (Fears of choking, obsessing over partners porn use, BDD) (#481)
35:33
35:33
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35:33In episode 481 I chat with Zoey who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. We discuss fears of choking and swallowing, obsessing over her partners porn use, therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy therapy (ERP), aligning therapy with her values, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), seeing her therapist through NOCD, and much more. H…
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PSP 413: When Your Child’s OCD & Anxiety Turn Into School Avoidance
53:05
53:05
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53:05Anxiety and OCD can abruptly put the brakes on our children’s education.This is one of the most disruptive and concerning aspects of our children’s OCD or anxiety. It is a slippery slope that can gain momentum and get out of control rather quickly. In this week’s AT Parenting Survival Podcast, I explore how to identify the core fear around school r…
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Chrissie Hodges: Advocating for taboo OCD themes (#480)
1:11:43
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1:11:43In episode 480 I chat with Chrissie Hodges. Chrissie is a Peer Support specialist, founder of OCD Gamechangers, and Author of ‘Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder’. Chrissie was awarded the hero award at the 24th IOCDF conference in San Fran. We talk advocacy, censorship, stigma, the need for advocates to talk about all ex…
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PSP 412: Improving Our Child’s Life with OCD with Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz
47:48
47:48
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47:48How do we help our children with OCD have a better quality of life? Our child’s OCD is more than just Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. It is more than just their intrusive thoughts and their compulsions. How do we help them with self-esteem? The feeling of guilt and shame? The struggles of navigating school and family relationships? In D…
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Jonny Say: Ideas for when people struggle with therapy for OCD (#479)
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54:01In episode 479 I chat with Jonny Say. Jonny is a UK based therapist and co-director at The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy. We discuss an update on him, we talk about ideas for when people struggle with therapy for OCD. We discuss the length of therapy, he normalises the time frame, trying other approaches, therapists, or a combination of therap…
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PSP 411: When Your Child’s OCD Says a Loved One is Contaminated
38:11
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38:11There is nothing more disruptive and upsetting than OCD latching on to a loved one. Contamination isn’t just about germs - it can be about people, people our kids love. Families get thrown into chaos when OCD decides a parent or sibling is the source of contamination. Out of all themes, this one has the power to upend the entire family. In this wee…
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Dr Josh Spitalnick: Health Anxiety, and living life well (#478)
1:06:39
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1:06:39In episode 478 I chat with Dr Josh Spitalnick. Josh is a licensed psychologist, owner and clinical director at the Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, an outpatient clinic. He is co-author of “The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety”. We discuss what’s new with him, his book, the title of the book, this idea of mental health - health anxiety, a…
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PSP 410: Helping Your Child with OCD or Anxiety When They Feel Hopeless
40:45
40:45
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40:45Struggling with Anxiety and OCD can make kids feel hopeless. Hopelessness can lead to depression and a lack of motivation to work on their issues. In this week’s AT Parenting Survival Podcast I explore what causes hopelessness in our kids with OCD and anxiety and what we can do to help them navigate those emotions. 📍 Come visit me in Arizona this w…
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Story: Jakob (Panic, derealisation, the fear of ‘going crazy’, existential OCD) (#477)
44:33
44:33
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44:33In episode 477 I chat with Jakob who has kindly agreed to share his OCD story with us. We discuss his story, panic, derealisation, the fear of ‘going crazy’, existential OCD, his advocacy work, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jakob-477 The podcast is made po…
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PSP 409: When You See Anxiety or OCD in Others Kids
34:51
34:51
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34:51As you become more educated about anxiety and OCD, you most likely will start seeing it all around you. It can be hard to stomach seeing a child struggling with anxiety or OCD, especially if their parents aren’t aware of what they are truly dealing with. So what do you do in those situations? I actually get asked that question more often than you m…
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Story: Megan (Worries of choking, health anxiety, existential and religious OCD) (#476)
55:10
55:10
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55:10In episode 476 I chat with Megan who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us. We discuss her story, worries of choking, hyperawareness of swallowing, her compulsions, other themes including existential and religious OCD, accepting and navigating relapses, OCD getting in the way of medication, health anxiety and fears of other mental health…
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PSP 408: How to Use Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory with Kids with Anxiety or OCD
43:51
43:51
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43:51I quickly fell in love with Mel Robbins’ book The Let Them Theory. It is such a simple, and yet powerful approach to living your life. Throughout the book I thought about how the Let Them Theory could be adapted to parents, and in particular, those of us raising kids with anxiety or OCD. I started to implement this approach with my kids in a child …
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Nate Gruner and Meaghan Cleary: Functional Analytic Psychotherapy for OCD (#475)
1:00:59
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1:00:59In episode 475 I chat with Nate Gruner and Meaghan Cleary. Nate is a staff behavioural therapist at the obsessive-compulsive disorder institute at McLean hospital. Meaghan is a licensed mental health counselor and a registered dance and movement therapist. She is also a behavioural therapist and group facilitator at the obsessive-compulsive disorde…
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PSP 407: Helping Kids with OCD and Magical Thinking
34:12
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34:12OCD can convince our kids that they have control over the uncontrollable. That is at the heart of magical thinking OCD compulsions. Magical thinking is when OCD convinces a person that if they do or don’t do something - they can prevent something from happening. That something could be literally anything related to their theme. They might be preven…
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Catherine Goldhouse: I-CBT, feared self, and understanding inferential confusion (#474)
57:47
57:47
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57:47In episode 474 I chat with Catherine Goldhouse. Catherine is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) who specialises in anxiety, OCD, and relationships. We discuss Catherine’s OCD story, inference-based CBT (I-CBT), exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), reality sensing, the idea that I-CBT cares about the why, this concept o…
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PSP 406: How to Handle Tourettic OCD with Dr. John Piacentini
40:07
40:07
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40:07Not every OCD theme is about a fear, sometimes it is about a feeling. That is the case with Tourettic OCD. Tourettic OCD is not triggered by an intrusive thought, but rather a somatic urge. Compulsions can include sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations. It can be tricky to figure out what is a tic and what is tourettic OCD. That is why I inv…
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Stephen Smith share’s NOCD’s story (#473)
1:13:44
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1:13:44In episode 473 I chat Stephen Smith. Stephen is the Cofounder and CEO of NOCD. Stephen shares his OCD story, the story of NOCD, the ups and downs of getting it to where it is today, the commitment from their team to improve access to OCD therapy, NOCD’s therapists and the rigorous training for them, and much more. Hope it helps. Show notes: https:/…
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