When Therapists Spiral Too: What OCD Taught Us About Ourselves

Can therapists get caught in the same OCD traps as their clients?

Absolutely.

In this honest and vulnerable episode of Breaking the Rules, Dr Tori Miller and Dr Celine Gresham pull back the curtain on a real moment where a late-night social media post sent Celine into an OCD-style spiral of doubt, reassurance seeking and perfectionism. What started as curiosity quickly became hours of researching, second-guessing herself and questioning everything she thought she knew.

Using this experience, they explore one of the most important concepts in OCD treatment: transference and countertransference. They discuss how therapists can unknowingly absorb a client's uncertainty, feel the urge to rescue, reassure or change course, and why recognising these reactions is essential for effective treatment.

This episode is a powerful reminder that clinicians are human too. The goal isn't to eliminate uncertainty or become the perfect therapist—it's to notice what's happening, stay grounded, and continue modelling the very skills we ask our clients to practise every day.

Whether you're an OCD clinician, a mental health professional, or someone living with OCD, this conversation offers valuable insight into perfectionism, uncertainty, and why learning to tolerate not knowing is at the heart of recovery.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How therapists can become caught in the same uncertainty loops as their clients.
• What transference and countertransference look like in OCD treatment.
• Why noticing your own urges to rescue, reassure or "fix" can make you a better clinician.

Learn more about Melbourne Wellbeing Group:

https://melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au

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