In this episode we dive into the world of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with a healthy dose of humor and hope. I aim to demystify the process of facing OCD fears, transforming anxiety-inducing thoughts from terrifying monsters into manageable challenges. Whether you're just starting your mental health journey or looking for new strategies to manage intrusive thoughts, this episode promises to make ERP feel less like a mountain to climb and more like a quirky adventure in brain training.

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/

Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiHershman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/

In this episode of The Out of OCD Podcast, Toi Hershman dives into a widely misunderstood OCD subtype: religious or moral scrupulosity. Toi draws from personal experience to explain how this condition affects individuals’ faith and mental health.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is Religious Scrupulosity?
  • A subtype of OCD involving intense fear of sin, blasphemy, or punishment.
  • Common compulsions include repetitive praying, excessive confessions, and seeking reassurance from religious leaders.
• The Emotional Impact:
  • How scrupulosity drives people to avoid their faith or worship spaces.
  • The excruciating feelings of guilt, shame, and fear tied to this OCD subtype.
• Treatment and Hope:
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as the gold-standard therapy, even for religious scrupulosity.
  • The importance of shifting focus from fear and punishment to love and grace.
• Resources and Support:
  • The International OCD Foundation’s free online support groups and conferences like the “Faith and OCD” conference.
  • Encouragement for listeners to seek help and know they are not alone.

“Remember, OCD attacks what you value most. But healing is possible, and you are not alone in this journey.”

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/

Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiHershman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/

Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiHershman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), challenging common misconceptions that trivialize this serious mental illness. Our host addresses myths like "OCD is just about being tidy," "Everyone’s a little OCD," and "People with OCD can just stop." Each myth is broken down to reveal the true impact of OCD on daily life, emphasizing that OCD isn’t about enjoying cleanliness or control—it's about managing intrusive, distressing thoughts through compulsive behaviors that are anything but a choice.

Real-life examples illustrate how OCD can look different for everyone, often including mental rituals that go unseen. We also explore the frustrations faced by people with OCD when they encounter casual, dismissive language and jokes about their condition.

Tune in to learn about the importance of empathetic language, advocacy, and informed conversations. For more resources, check out the International OCD Foundation and NOCD.

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/

Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHGUuSz7Hv7FQrLIL7n6rw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/

Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiHershman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/