Listen to this episode to learn about a free peer support group in Huntersville, NC. To view the information about the support group, you can find it on my blog here. If you are struggling with scrupulosity or religious OCD, check out this book called: The Doubting Disease by Joseph Ciarrocchi (affiliate link). Come back next week to hear Part 2 of Hannah's story.

This episode is a thoughtful discussion on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), aimed at debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the varied nature of OCD beyond the stereotypes portrayed in media. The conversation opens with an awareness-raising partnership with NoCD, underscoring the importance of evidence-based treatment for OCD.

The host, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and OCD specialist named Erin, engages with Hannah, who runs a free OCD support group in Huntersville. Through Hannah's personal narrative, the script explores the impact of OCD on daily life, emphasizing the condition's complexity with examples such as Relationship OCD, harm and sexual obsessions, and the struggle with intrusive thoughts. Hannah shares her journey from experiencing OCD symptoms in childhood to becoming an advocate for OCD awareness and support. The script concludes by promoting NoCD’s services and a book recommendation for further reading on religious OCD. It underscores the value of support groups, the nuances of therapy, and the path to managing OCD, intending to encourage listeners to seek help and find solace in shared experiences.

00:00 Raising Awareness: Understanding OCD Beyond Stereotypes

00:16 Exploring Relationship OCD: Insights and Treatment

00:34 The Power of Support Groups in Managing OCD

00:42 Meet Hannah: A Journey Through OCD and Support Group Impact

02:45 Navigating Intrusive Thoughts: Hannah's Personal Experience

03:41 The Role of ERP in Overcoming OCD

06:33 Creating a Safe Space: The Genesis of Hannah's Support Group

11:14 The Early Signs: Hannah's Childhood Encounter with OCD

13:34 The Shift to Health OCD: A New Challenge

15:40 Discovering Sexual Orientation OCD: A Personal Journey

16:03 The Spiral of Intrusive Thoughts and Seeking Help

17:02 Raising Awareness and Understanding OCD with NoCD

18:29 Exploring Various OCD Themes and Personal Experiences

20:00 Facing the Breaking Point: Overcoming the Darkest Moments

23:07 The Search for Effective Treatment and Finding Hope

25:44 Embracing Exposure Response Prevention Therapy

28:08 The Transformative Journey with NoCD Therapy

29:23 Closing Thoughts and Resources for Overcoming OCD

Audio editing by Juliana Pedri LLC