Tune in each week for a deep dive into all things OCD with host Dr. Patrick McGrath, NOCD's Chief Clinical Officer. We’ll be sharing inspiring real-life stories...
When Faith Feels Like Fear: Religious OCD Explained | Get to know OCD Ep 29
Scrupulosity, or religious OCD, twists faith into fear, trapping individuals in relentless cycles of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. Intrusive thoughts like “am I a sinner?” or “did I commit an unforgivable act?” fuel compulsions — endless prayers, confessions, or mental checks — that only tighten OCD’s grip.In this episode, Dr. Ted Witzig — a psychologist and ordained minister — joins us to unpack this complex and often misunderstood OCD subtype. Through his unique blend of clinical expertise and spiritual insight, Dr. Witzig offers compassion, clarity, and practical guidance to help untangle faith from fear and reclaim a life of peace.Struggling with scrupulosity? Have questions? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:39 Ted’s unique background 5:49 Understanding scrupulosity8:15 Scrupulosity is NOT a faith problem 17:43 Ted treats all faiths21:05 The role of ERP when treating scrupulosity27:38 Anxiety hierarchies 34:24 Opportunity for clinicians and families to work together 39:02 The problem with online checking 41:03 The tricks OCD likes playing46:42 Ted’s parting advice50:43 How to reach TedFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd
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How OCD Becomes The Third Wheel In Relationships | Get to know OCD Ep 28
How does OCD impact your relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners? In this episode of Get to Know OCD, Dr. Amy Mariaskin joins us to unpack the ways OCD can infiltrate relationships, from creating distance to amplifying shame. Drawing from her book Thriving in Relationships When You Have OCD, she offers insights, practical tools, and a message of hope for anyone living with OCD or supporting a loved one who is.Is OCD negatively affecting your relationships? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to explore treatment options or book a free consultation with one of our experts.Show notes:0:00 Intro2:36 Amy’s background3:50 Amy’s book about OCD and relationships 6:48 How OCD becomes a third wheel in a relationship10:51 Talking about OCD with a partner14:37 Redefining OCD18:10 How to thrive in spite of OCD20:58 How OCD convinces you it’s good for relationships 27:02 Being playful with your OCD28:30 Attachment theory explained36:19 What to do when OCD feels too real41:22 Changes after treating relationship OCD44:17 Amy’s advice if you’re struggling through OCD46:12 OutroFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd
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Understanding Perinatal And Postpartum OCD: A Guide for Parents
Parenting is hard enough without OCD steering the ship. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath dives into perinatal and postpartum OCD, breaking down what it is, who it affects (hint: it’s not just moms), and how it can disrupt your life. From intrusive fears to compulsive behaviors, OCD has a way of turning the joys of parenthood into constant anxiety.But here’s the good news: help is available. Dr. McGrath shares practical insights and offers a message of hope for parents navigating this tough journey. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by guilt, paralyzed by what-ifs, or just unsure of what’s going on, this guide is here to remind you—you’re not alone, and you can take back control.Are you a parent struggling with OCD? We think we can help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free consultation with us.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd
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Why Dr. Patrick McGrath Made OCD His Life’s Work | Get to know OCD Ep 27
In this special Thanksgiving Day episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, the tables turn as Dr. Patrick McGrath takes the spotlight — but not as the interviewer. Tia Wilson steps in to ask the questions, giving listeners a rare glimpse into Patrick’s personal and professional journey.For the next 45 minutes, Patrick opens up about his early struggles with childhood anxiety, the rejections that ultimately shaped his path to psychology, his decision to make OCD his life’s mission, and the profound loss of his wife to cancer. Though he doesn’t have OCD himself, Patrick’s deep understanding of the disorder has earned him the trust of countless individuals seeking help. This heartfelt conversation offers a deeper connection to the man behind the mission at NOCD.Want help for OCD from Patrick and our top-of-the-line therapists? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free consultation. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:38 Patrick gets “bamboozled” 2:10 Patrick’s upbringing 10:30 How Patrick ended up in field of psychology 13:31 How Patrick understands OCD despite not having 15:19 Patrick applies own therapy techniques while his wife was cancer-stricken 18:48 The difficulty of being a caregiver22:02 Being open about grief24:18 “Good” days and “bad” days30:45 How Patrick summarizes OCD to others34:53 What Patrick does for NOCD36:20 How OCD treatment has improved since Patrick began his career43:30 Patrick’s parting advice if you have OCDFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd
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A Mother’s Fight Against OCD: Supporting Her Son Through Struggles | Get to know OCD Ep 26
Liz Trondsen doesn’t have OCD, but her son, Chris, does — and as is often the case, the disorder didn’t just affect him; it rippled through the entire family. Liz shares her deeply personal story in this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, opening up about the moment her son’s struggles nearly claimed his life and how that single event became a turning point for their entire family.Liz talks candidly about the guilt and helplessness she felt as a parent, realizing she missed the signs of her son’s suffering. She also reflects on the steep learning curve of understanding OCD and the role she had to play in Chris’s recovery — one that he credits for saving his life.This is a story of shock, guilt, hope, resilience, and breakthrough — a raw and inspiring conversation about what it takes to support a loved one with OCD. Struggling to support someone with OCD? Need professional help? Consider visiting https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes: 0:00 Intro1:39 How Liz became an OCD advocate 4:04 The role families play in OCD treatment 8:35 Feeling guilt as a parent13:06 When Liz realized her son had a problem15:05 The turning point in Chris’ recovery 16:29 Making a short film17:57 OCD advocacy as a life’s purpose19:04 Treating OCD takes time away from the whole family23:36 Life after “recovery”26:33 Watching a child go through therapy 31:04 Liz’s own therapy experience34:22 Liz advice for parents feeling regret38:09 Co-parenting a child with OCD41:37 Educating others about OCD42:48 Liz’ advice for parentsFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd
Tune in each week for a deep dive into all things OCD with host Dr. Patrick McGrath, NOCD's Chief Clinical Officer. We’ll be sharing inspiring real-life stories of people who’ve faced OCD and came out the other side, as well as practical tips for understanding and tackling OCD. We hope you enjoy the podcast and it helps you get to know OCD.