Understanding OCD and Anxiety: Navigating Intimacy with Sarah Hazleton

In this episode we dive into the intricacies of OCD and anxiety, particularly focusing on how they affect intimacy and relationships, with guest Sarah Hazleton, a licensed clinical social worker.

Sarah explains how OCD manifests through intrusive thoughts and compulsions, its impact on relationships, and the different subtypes of OCD including relationship OCD and Pure O. 

We discuss the importance of appropriate therapeutic approaches, like Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and resources for those seeking help. 

The conversation touches on the stigma and shame surrounding OCD, particularly when it involves sexual and intimate thoughts. Practical advice is provided for those seeking therapy, including how to find qualified therapists through reliable sources. This episode is released in recognition of mental health awareness, emphasizing the significance of understanding and accepting diverse mental health challenges.

Sarah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker specializing in treatment of OCD and anxiety related disorders. She completed her master’s degree at University of New England in 2007 and spent the early part of her career as a clinician working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges. Over recent years, Sarah has focused her therapy practice on the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders using Exposure Response Prevention and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as primary treatment modalities. Intimacy, gender, and sexuality are often interwoven in a client's obsessive and anxious thoughts, yet are often not identified by clients as a treatment issue. Sarah hopes to improve awareness of some of the "unspoken and taboo" thoughts and worries people experience. She wants to decrease the stigma felt by people whose OCD and/or anxiety is affecting their relationships, intimacy, and identity.

You can find Sarah at www.hazeltoncounseling.com

The article mentioned at the beginning - https://www.verywellmind.com/impact-of-ocd-on-sex-life-5086811

The International OCD Foundation - https://iocdf.org/

Here are some books recommended by Sarah and the IODCF. Buying them through these links will help support What Excites Us! Thank you! 

The Anti-Anxiety Program: A Workbook of Proven Strategies to Overcome Worry, Panic, and Phobias - Peter J. Norton (Author), Martin M. Antony (Author) - https://amzn.to/4eZWGyL

Coping With OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Bruce Hyman, PhD with Troy Dufrene - https://amzn.to/3zR8ch7

The OCD Answer Book: Professional Answers to More Than 250 Top Questions About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
by Patrick B. McGrath, PhD - https://amzn.to/4eFf5kK

"It'll be Okay:" How I Kept Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from Ruining My Life
by Shannon Shy - https://amzn.to/3XZQ6S5

Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A CBT-Based Guide  to Getting Over  Frightening, Obsessive or Disturbing Thoughts - by Sally Winston, PsyD & Martin Seif, PhD - https://amzn.to/3zVtlGQ

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

03:05 Understanding OCD and Anxiety

12:16 Types of OCD

17:22 OCD's Impact on Relationships

21:24 Compulsions During Intimacy

25:09 Relationship OCD

32:43 Challenges Faced by Teens with OCD

36:35 Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Explained

47:52 Resources for OCD Support

53:27 Finding the Right Therapist
56:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts