OCD Straight Talk

By Chris Leins, MA, NCC, LPCC-SHealth & Fitness Mental Health

OCD Straight Talk episodes

July 04, 2025 Magical Thinking
Chris recreates a conversation he recently had with a patient about her superstitious fears. He works to showcase some of the cognitive techniques he uses to help patients gain perspective and traction in their fight against the power of intrusive thoughts and compulsive responses.
13 min
June 13, 2025 "Trust the Process"
Chris talks about a case from 10 years ago, and a fear that the patient would have done well to realize.

Kentuckyocd.com
20 min
May 30, 2025 Intrusive Thoughts REQUIRE Assumptions
Chris talks through the assumptions we have to make in order to build and believe the nature of our intrusive thoughts.

kentuckyocd.com
16 min
May 23, 2025 3 Challenges of ERP for OCD
Chris identifies three common pitfalls or challenges that face the average patient engaging ERP for OCD symptoms.
16 min
May 16, 2025 Help! My Loved One Just Won't Get Better, Pt. 2
Chris discusses another 'etreme' case in which OCD is "running the house."
21 min
May 02, 2025 Help! My Loved One Just Won't Get Better, Pt. 1
Chris discusses a case example of an OCDer who has not made progress, despite many opportunities and much patience on the part of his family. The question in this instance becomes not, What should he be doing to get better? It's, What should HIS FAMILY be doing?
20 min
April 25, 2025 A Tale of Two Patients
Chris discusses the importance not only of the 5 Pillars, but of the grit and resilience required of patients in order to successfully adhere to them.
Every anxious person has grit, by virtue of his or her facing it all day long while simultaneously working and contributing to a family. But only some demonstrate that grit in therapy.
KentuckyOCD.com
22 min
April 18, 2025 How Did ERP Come to Be?
Chris unpacks the history of ERP, and discusses some of the particulars of the 1966 study that marked the founding of what would become the world's Gold Standard treatment for OCD.
Also, Feedspot selected the 25 Best OCD Podcasts from thousands of candidates. Thanks to fans, OCD Straight Talk slid comfortably into #5. To check out Feedspots selections, click here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/ocd_podcasts/
21 min
April 11, 2025 What Makes an OCD Therapist A Good One?
Chris answers the question, What makes a good OCD therapist? The answer is multifaceted, and it might surprise you. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have to [email protected].
Also, Thank you. Out of thousands of podcasts globally, you've made OCD Straight Talk #5 on Feedspot's Top 25 Podcasts on OCD. Check out those Top 25 here. https://podcast.feedspot.com/ocd_podcasts/
16 min
April 04, 2025 How to CHEAT your OCD
Chris discusses the YBOCS-II Cheat Sheet. The question isn't how do you cheat on the YBOCS-II test; it's how do you cheat the OCD, itself.
20 min