OCD Straight Talk

Chris grapples with the question of uncertainty. Is it your enemy, like many OCDers tend to think, or is it actually your friend? Good question. Let's talk through it. But where does accepting uncertainty end? Another good question. 

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Chris tackles a very common question among OCD-ers internationally - Why is it that my OCD didn't get better in psychotherapy? It is a complicated issue. But at the end of the day, there's only so many reasons why this might happen, despite the fact that the phenomenon is common. 

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Chris discusses subtle difference between classical Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Ritual Prevention (Ex/RP) in the treatment of OCD. The two have a good deal in common, as Ex/RP is really the "grandchild" of CBT; and both are based upon the cognitive model. 

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Chris discusses a summary-comment that a patient made at the "finish line" of treatment: "When you can tell the difference between the obsessions and the compulsions, you're halfway there." 

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Chris talks with Dr. David Barlow, one of the world's foremost experts on the treatment of psychopathology, and leading experts in the area of disordered anxiety. Chris and Dr. Barlow discuss his Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders, along with both the overlap of the anxiety disorders and their effective treatments. The all-important emphasis on behavior-change takes center stage as they talk about the Unified Protocol, and evidence-based psychotherapy. 

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At the request of a listener, Chris revisits the mosquito analogy, and explains "the moral of the story." Punchline is: you can tolerate more discomfort (in the context of OCD, more anxiety) than you give yourself credit for. The emphasis in the mosquito bite analogy is get rid of the itch by whatever means necessary. But it is the scratching-behavior that keeps the itching going. The real question is, How can you stop scratching?

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Chris moves past the theoretical skills "out there," and discusses getting started with exposure therapy. The key phrase is, "start small." Grow in experience and confidence. 

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Chris sits down with Jason Adams to discuss the complexities of parenting young children while simultaneously dealing with OCD. Chris and Jason talk about finding resources and encountering treatment, and ultimately discuss Jason's new book, OC Dad: Leaning to be a Parent with a Mental Health Disorder. 

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If you've found OCD Straight Talk helpful, consider giving us a 5-star rating and supporting the podcast to help us produce more content. 

Chris takes on the question of, Why does exposure therapy work for some people, but not for me? It's a common question; and, in many cases, the answer is actually pretty simple. Adequate exposure therapy includes prolonged and repetitive exposure to targeted, anxiety-produces objects and situations. And adequate exposure therapy means response prevention. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected].

If you've found OCD Straight Talk helpful, consider giving it a 5-star rating, or supporting the podcast to help us produce more content.