In a society that is gradually breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health, it's disheartening to witness the lingering shadows of stigma that continue to hinder progress. Marginalized communities often struggle to access support and treatment for OCD despite the fact that it affects people from all walks of life. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to speak with Alexandra Reynolds, a mental health graduate student and IOCDF Advocate.  During our conversation, Alexandra discusses the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, including the LG ..read more

In our ever-evolving understanding of mental health, we often fixate on finding a cure or a quick fix for conditions like OCD. But what if we reframed our approach to embrace a journey of skill-building instead? This powerful concept lies at the core of Mark's advocacy for individuals living with OCD. Join us in today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, where we're thrilled to welcome Mark Freeman, a renowned mental fitness coach and author of "You Are Not a Rock." With over 4 million views on his YouTube channel, Mark's empowering approach to mental health is both refreshing and inspiring ..read more

Have you ever wondered why some people don't seem to have success with ERP therapy, despite its proven effectiveness?  ERP has helped countless individuals regain control of their lives and find relief from the debilitating symptoms that often accompany anxiety disorders. However, it's essential to recognize that despite the effectiveness of ERP therapy, there are common mistakes that people make which can hinder their progress In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, sit down with Ben Eckstein, a renowned expert in the treatment of anxiety and OCD, and the owner and director of C ..read more

Did you know that our genes can tell a story about our predisposition to OCD and addiction? Well, our genetic makeup isn't our destiny, but rather a blueprint that can be influenced by our environment. It's fascinating to think that we have the power to turn certain genes on or off! In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to welcome Dr. Evelyn Higgins, a trailblazer in understanding the intricate dance between our genes and our environment, especially when it comes to OCD and addiction. During our conversation, we talk about the genetic and environmental aspects of OCD ..read more

Not many people fully disclose their journey with OCD. Perhaps it's the fear of acceptance or the weight of society's stigma that keeps them silent. But what if we told you that an OCD diagnosis doesn't mean a life sentence of struggle and despair? The healing starts with a simple, yet daring act - opening up.  In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we sit down with Erica Lugo, a remarkable guest whose journey with OCD is both inspiring and enlightening. Erica's story begins with an abrupt onset of OCD symptoms that turned her life upside down. She found herself grappling with i ..read more

Do thoughts of religious sin and moral purity consume your every waking moment, leaving you trapped in a never-ending cycle of guilt and doubt? In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast we are joined by Justin Hughes, a licensed professional counselor with dual expertise in psychology and theology, Justin brings to the table a wealth of vital knowledge on the intersection of faith and OCD. During our conversation, we shine a light on a lesser-known facet of OCD: scrupulosity. This variant explores an individual's deepest discomforts, tapping into their spiritual beliefs and creating perp ..read more

Our minds are fascinating realms capable of producing a myriad of thoughts, some fleeting and inconsequential, while others persistently tug at the edges of our consciousness. For individuals grappling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), this mental landscape can be particularly challenging to navigate. One crucial aspect of understanding OCD lies in differentiating between automatic and intentional thoughts, unraveling the intricate dance of the mind, and shedding light on the often misunderstood concept of thought-action fusion. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we sit d ..read more

When it comes to finding effective ways to help people dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the search for better treatments is an ongoing journey. Traditionally, we've relied on therapies and medications, but there's a new and somewhat controversial idea gaining attention – psychedelic therapy. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast,  we have the pleasure of hosting Natalia Aíza and Matthew Williams, the founders of Kairos Wellness Collective. Natalia Aíza, an LPC is a passionate mental health advocate who has personally journeyed with OCD. Matthew Williams, a clini ..read more

In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to feature Peter Cannon, a young, talented writer, and director who's making waves with his debut feature film, "Exposure". Peter's film is a breath of fresh air in the way it portrays OCD. It's not your typical Hollywood representation - it's raw, real, and resonates with the lived experiences of those battling OCD. Peter, who has personally grappled with OCD for over a decade, has poured his heart into this project, ensuring an accurate portrayal of the disorder. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of understand ..read more

Imagine finding a new way to help with OCD that's different from the usual methods – it's called Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Think of it like this: your mind sometimes gets stuck, like a skipping record. With Accelerated TMS, it's like giving your brain a gentle push to get out of that loop. This could be a big deal – a way to change things and give hope to people dealing with the ups and downs of OCD. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are delighted to be joined by two distinguished guests, Dr. Noah DeGaetano and Dr. Ryan Vidrine. Both are renowned ex ..read more