In episode 3, we introduce a regular contributor, and one who is very well known throughout the world in the OCD community, Dr. Steven Phillipson. 

Steve is the founder of The Center for Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy in New York City, New York. He is the author of many articles bringing awareness to individuals living with intrusions with mental rituals which describes the community name that he coined 'Pure O /Pure OCD'. 

In this episode, we have no agenda - which is just like our normal conversations! And the discussion took us in the directions of a few misunderstandings about OCD and OCD treatment, the role of distress tolerance, how emotions play a role in our OCD experience, and of course the controversy around the term Pure O. 

Steve was my therapist 28 years ago when I had struggled with debilitating OCD for over 12 years. I found his website on AOL dialup! I emailed him and we began sessions doing Exposure Response Prevention therapy over the phone within a week of making contact. I will forever be grateful for his understanding, compassion, and guidance in my journey toward symptom recovery. I knew immediately Steve really cares about his patients and his desire to do what he can to help them find relief from the crippling symptoms of OCD. I reconnected with Steve many years ago, inviting him to speak at one of my nonprofit - OCD Gamechangers - events in Denver, Colorado. It was full circle for me to stand on the stage and present with this incredible therapist who has helped me shape the life I have now. I am honored to have him as a regular contributor on this podcast through 2026. 

I hope you enjoy the discussion we have. If you are interested in contacting Steve and his center, please visit www.ocdonline.com or reach out to him at [email protected] (literally the same email he had in 1998 haha!)

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