S2E91: Part I: Sensory Panel: How Does OCD, OT, Being Autistic, BFRBs & Tics Affect Sensory Regulation
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes a diverse panel of sensory practitioners discussing the intricate connections between sensory processing and mental health relevant to our OCD and OC-Related Disorder (OCRD) warriors. We will hear from the specialized scopes of Occupational Therapy (OT), lived Autistic experience, Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and Tics, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Just Right and Tourettic OCD. So join me and my fantastic panel of Briana Pollard, OTD, Amber Young, LMHC, Lisa Conway, Ph.D., and Max Maisel, Ph.D., as we build a foundation for understanding sensory regulation and more!
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about OCD, visit one of the following links:
International OCD Foundation: Learn about OCD and OCRDs
ICBT.online: Learn More about Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for OCD
To learn more about the TLC Foundation for Education, Treatment and Resources for BFRBs, click here.
Get to Know our Panelists:
To learn more about Dr. Briana Pollard, OTD’s work, click here.
To learn more about Amber Young, LMHC’s work, visit at least one of the following:
To learn more about Dr. Lisa Conway, Ph.D.’s work, click here.
To learn more about Dr. Max Maisel, Ph.D.’s work, visit at least one of the following:
S2E90: Rumination-Focused ERP: A Game Changing Approach to OCD Treatment with Michael J. Greenberg, Ph.D.
Join host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Dr. Michael J. Greenberg to our family table! Explore how this integrative treatment shifts from traditional Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) therapy to support OCD warriors in gaining freedom from OCD. This conversation covers a vast array of CBT and psychoanalytic strategies for stopping rumination. Also, we discuss disgust based OCD, value driven language and it’s impact on treatment, Misophonia and more! So join the conversation, because we’re opening our stance to a new horizon of possibilities!
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Dr. Michael J. Greenberg’s work and resources, visit his website by clicking here.
Yes, this includes his How To Stop Ruminating and more!
To learn more generally about OCD, I-CBT or traditional ERP, check out the following websites:
Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT): Click here
International OCD Foundation: Click here
To check out Stuart Ralph’s recent episode of The OCD Stories featuring Dr. Michael J. Greenberg, Ph.D., click here.
S2E89: Two Truths & A Lie: OCD Edition (Nobody Puts Taylor in a Corner)
Join host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she is joined by Alie Garza, LCSW, and Madison @obsessivelystrong to play some riveting rounds of Two Truths & A Lie! We start with the ice breakers like any good family does, and then we up the ante to figure out which compulsions are true and which compulsions are false! So come join the fun! Because laughing at OCD’s expense with understanding and empathy are great ways to support our loved ones, learn more and alleviate tension. So what are you waiting for!? Let’s play!
Citations and Resources:
To listen to Alie Garza’s story from previous visits with the OCD Family Community, click here to start with her first episode.
Instagram: @alie.garza
TikTok: @alie.garza
To hear Madison and I during her last visit with the fam, click here.
Instagram: @obsessivelystrong
TikTok: @obsessivelystrong
To check out the video from our Instragram Live, see below:
S2E88: Exposed: The Life Changing Benefits of Facing Your Fears for IBS & OCD with Dr. Melissa Hunt, Ph.D.
Join host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Dr. Melissa Hunt, Ph.D. to our family table. As we explore the gut-brain connection, Dr. Hunt helps us focus on the relationship between IBS & OCD. Additionally, we discuss how different cleaning compulsions can impact our risk for serious infection, autoimmune disease, and imbalance in our microbiome. Lastly, we learn how avoidance and safety behaviors can impact both the gut and brain, even when it comes to restrictive eating or elimination diets. But there’s a lot hope, fam! So join the discussion, as we expose links and learn about the life changing benefits of facing our fears.
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Dr. Melissa Hunt, Ph.D., click here.
To learn more broadly about OCD, visit one of the following links:
To learn more about Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, click here.
To watch and/or listen to Melissa’s past ADAA presentation on overcoming IBS and corresponding anxiety and stress, click here.
To learn more about the article from the Journal of Education and Health Promotion regarding the prevalence of OCD in IBS patients, click here for a link to the full article.
For more current information regarding food exposures in children, regarding how many times foods need to be introduced for children to try it, please click here regarding an article from the Mayo Clinic.
To learn more about the GastroPsych Rome Foundation or look up a provider knowledgable in Gut-Brain health, click here.
Melissa’s Book Info:
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Like This Content? Leave A Review! *
S2E87: School Refusal: When OCD Makes Your World Impossibly Small with Dina Scolan, LCPC
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Dina Scolan, LCPC, to our family table. Dina is the Program Director for The OCD & Anxiety Center in the Greater Chicago area, United States. Dina brings expertise and a 3 pronged plan to help families battling school refusal conquer avoidance and re-engage in value driven lives.
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Dina and The OCD & Anxiety Center, click here.
To learn more about the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), click here.
To learn more about Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), click here.
S2E86: Roleplays & Raps, Let’s Learn About That with Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, back to our family table! This episode is all about applying what we learned last week about our Feared Possible Self (FPS) using I-CBT..So join us for a role play and some game time! Because Amanda and I break down different concepts with a rap or two, and you won’t want to miss it!
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about guest expert, Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, click here.
To follow Amanda on Social Media:
Instagram: @anxietyocdtreatment
TikTok: @anxietyocdtreatment
To learn more about I-CBT as a treatment model, find an international provider or additional resources, click here.
To learn more about Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), click here.
To learn about the Interstate Counseling Compact in the US, click here.
To listen to the amazing Quindon Tarver’s performance of Everybody’s Free from Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, click on the video below:
S2E85: Feared Possible Self v. Real Self: How I-CBT Helps to Rebuild Trust with Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, LPC, LIMHP
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes OCD expert and lived experience warrior, Amanda Petrik-Gardner, LCPC, to our family table. Amanda is a skilled clinician, trainer and presenter who actively consults and shares clinically-relevant content through social media and conferences that help other warriors and practitioners alike have a better understanding of OCD, Obsessive Compulsive-Related Disorders (OCRDs) and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). Today, we’re examining a deeper look into some meaty Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) concepts as we examine the meaning of the feared possible self and real self. So join the conversation! Because this learning can make a big impact in your OCD warriors’ treatment journey.
Resources and Citations:
To learn more about Amanda and her practice, click here.
To learn more about I-CBT from I-CBT.online, click here.
To learn more about ERP from the International OCD Foundation, click here.
Real Self Writing Prompts:
Think about what you did today. List out some of the activites you navigated, and list them on a paper or in a note on your phone.
For each activity, think about what kind of person does that kind of activity? Why were you doing that, and what does it mean about you?
Ex. I took the kids to soccer practice, and then we went through a drive thru on the way home because I wasn’t up for cooking and it was too close to bedtime.
What kind of person takes their kids to soccer practice?
A responsible person,
What kind of person drives thru a drive through to make sure their kids can eat?
A person who cares and wants them to get good rest.
What kind of person is tired, but still manages their to-do list?
Some one who perseveres., or who’s strong.
So what does this tell you about your real self?
You’re a person who is responsible, caring, perseverant and strong.
S2E84: Girl Power: Celebrating Women Who Use Their Platform To Bring Hope
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, and celebrate fierce women during Women's History Month that are using their platforms to spread awareness about OCD. Nicole provides commentary on multiple interviews with different celebrities, relating content back to evidence based practices and the hope that's grounded in research. Join the conversation, fam! It a quick, but fun one!
Resources and Citations:
To watch Scheana Shay’s interview with Page Six in full, click here.
To watch Amerie’s interview with The Breakfast Club, click here.
To watch Camila Cabello’s interview on Apple Music with Zane Lowe, click here.
S283: Beyond Reflection: I-CBT’s Approach to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) with Margaret McCall, LPC
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, for a spotlight on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is one of the OC-Related Disorders, and the BDD fam are our sisters of another mister. So we are doing what the family does best, and being there for each other. And as we revisit this topic, which isn’t the first and won’t be the last, we are shedding light on the treatment application that I-CBT can offer. If you’re new to learning about Inferenced-Based CBT, or I-CBT, come learn with us! Or if you are learning I-CBT but get stuck in how it can apply to BDD, then you’re in the right place! So join Nicole as she learns more from OCD and BDD expert, Margaret McCall, LPC.
Resources and Citations:
To learn more about Margaret McCall, LPC, click here.
To learn more about Margaret’s work with BDD and I-CBT,
Check out the Resource page for OCRDs: Click here
Check out the video library for Special Interest Topics, including Margaret’s client presentations: Click here
To learn more about the BDD Foundation, click here.
To check out the Information v. Reassurance Seeker pdf, click here.
To download a copy of the BDDQ for clinical use, click here.
To learn more about the I-CBT Self Help Course, available through OCD Training School, click here.
To read more about the Allegory of the Cave referenced during this episode, click here.
To learn more about the Online BDD conference, sponsored through the International OCD Foundation, click here.
For replay fam, the hope is that IOCDF will continue to sponsor these type of events in the future. For more information on BDD, support and resources via the IOCDF for BDD, click here.
Still confused on Inferential Confusion? Check out last summer’s Water Cooler Chat about I-CBT! The video targets OCD content, but the methodology for applying I-CBT is very similar.
Additionally, hear more about BDD from lived experience warriors and expert clinicians:
S2E82: The Bully That is Perinatal OCD
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Gina Abbondante, LCSW, to our family table. Gina joins to share about a common subtype of OCD that can show up anywhere between pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. This subtype can affect more than biological caregivers, and it can manifest is some pretty cruel ways. So come join our conversation, because raising awareness and learning is half the battle!
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Gina Abbondante, LCSW, and her practice, Change of Mind Counseling, click here.
To learn more about the trainings available through OCD Training School, including Gina’s Perinatal OCD training, the new Self Help I-CBT guide and more, click here.
To learn more about Inference-Based CBT, click here.
To learn more about the International OCD Foundation, including information about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Medication Recommendations for OCD and more, click here.
For more information about the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, click here.
To hear more about Perinatal OCD from Season 1 guests, check out the follow links:
Season 1, Episode 5: Jason Adams
Season 1, Episode 11: Jenna Overbaugh, LPC
To reference the helpful clinical questions Gina shared with us during this episode, please see the below graphic:
*Image provided by Gina Abbondante, LCSW from the presentation, Perinatal OCD v. Postpartum Psychosis
S2E81: Recognizing The Universality of OCD & A Hope That Doesn’t Discriminate with Saraa Lee, LCSW
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Saraa D. Lee, LCSW to our family table. Saraa is an OCD and Trauma Specialist out of Soul Spa Psychotherapy, as well as a Clinical Supervisor for NOCD. Saraa shares her story of being both a practitioner and a lived experience warrior. Listen as she shares about the universality of how and where OCD strikes, strategies for embracing the big feelings and creating safety for all the family to access treatment. Additionally, Nicole celebrate Black History Month, recognizing the inspiration, strength, beauty and color that the Black community brings to our family.
Resources and Citations:
To learn more about Saraa’s practice, Soul Spa Psychotherapy: Click here.
To follow Saraa on Instagram, click the following link: @soulspa_ocd_recovery
To learn more about NOCD, check out their website, click here.
To learn more about the writers and poet laureates mentioned in this episode, click any of the following links:
For more information on mental health resources for the Black community, click here.
Create A Picture
* Celebrate Black Culture *
Create A Picture * Celebrate Black Culture *
S2E80: Relationship OCD: Choosing Your Imperfect 7 with Patrick Morris
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes her love and handsome hubs, Patrick Morris, back to our family table. With the recent passage of Valentine’s Day, they are discussing this commercialized love week and revisiting their conversation around the common subtype of Relationship OCD (ROCD). With the emerging understanding of Inference-Based CBT for the treatment of OCD, join Nicole and Patrick as they consider how perfectionism fuels the core of ROCD. And then stick around to hear from the Morris kiddos regarding some of their thoughts on love.
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about OCD from an Inference-Based CBT perspective, click here.
To learn more about Exposure and Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD, visit the International OCD Foundation by clicking here.
To read the blog cited in this episode regarding uncertainty, ambivalence and perfectionism, click here.
To listen to my last podcast with Patrick about ROCD, click here.
To download the game, Doubt Much!?: Click the picture below.
To grab a copy of the worksheet I did with my kids on this episode, click picture below.
S2E79: When OCD Leaves An Impression: Honoring the Strengths & Reframing the Dents in the Family System with Jon Hershfield, LMFT
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as we welcome Jon Hershfield, LMFT, to our family table. Jon is well known leader in the OCD treatment field and broader community, and today he’s here for you, fam! Amongst many helpful books, presentations, and interviews Jon has participated in, he has written a book called When A Family Member Has OCD which is particularly pertinent to the fam! So join us while we highlight some helpful nuggets from that book, dispel some common OCD myths, play a few rounds of Never Have I Ever - OCD Edition courtesy of some help from Chat GPT, and share top recommendations for family members and warriors with lived experience battling OCD.
Resources and Citations:
To learn more about Jon and his work at Sheppard Pratt, click here.
To learn more about ERP, the International OCD Foundation or any additional resources and information related to IOCDF, click here.
To follow Jon on social media, check out:
Instagram: @ocdbaltimore
Sheppard Pratt Blog: Click here for one of Jon’s most recent blog posts
To check out Jon’s When A Family Member Has OCD, along with Jon’s other available titles available for purchase, click here.
To learn more about I-CBT, click here.
To look at the “Never Have I Ever” lists created by Chat GPT for this episode, see the pictures below:
S2E78: Between A Rock & A Hard Place: Erika McCoy’s Story of Lived Experience & Hope
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes International OCD Foundation (IODCF) Advocate, Erika McCoy, to our family table. Erika shares a candid overview of her history living with OCD and trauma. Her honesty and vulnerability is gift to help others suffering to know they’re not alone. Additionally, she’s gathered blades of hope and created a vibrant grassroots advocacy that has bloomed into the international space. So come join us for some fierce courage, battle and hope, because Erika’s story is amazing and I can’t wait for you to hear more.
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Erika and follow her on Instagram, including learning more about her rock painting and other forms of advocacy, click on the following link: @scrupulocd_kc
To learn more about Erika via her website, please visit by clicking here.
To learn more about the International OCD Foundation, their advocate program or more support and resources, click here.
To learn more about the Faith and OCD Special Interest Group (SIG), lead by former guest and fierce advocate, Reverend Katie O’Dunne, or to learn more about scrupulosity, click here.
For more information about Inference-Based CBT, click here.
S2E77: Addressing Taboo OCD Themes with I-CBT with Catherine Goldhouse, LICSW
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she invites Catherine Goldhouse, LICSW, to our family table! Today is all about taboo themes that OCD can create to torture sufferers and loved ones. Join us as we explore how Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers an effective treatment option, hope and relief. And learn some practical ways to understand and apply these ideas in real time. So what are you waiting for? Let's do this!
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Catherine and her work, visit her website by clicking here.
To check out more resources for Inference-Based CBT, click here.
To follow Kate on Instagram, click here.
To check out the video referencing Dr. Emily Nagowski’s work around responsive desire, click here.
S2E76: Crowded Relationships: Learning to Break Up with OCD When It Intrudes on Intimate Relationships with Dr. Michelle Witkin, Ph.D. & Dr. Josh Spitalnick, Ph.D.
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she highlights intimate relationships and how OCD can crash the party. Nicole welcomes esteemed guests, Dr. Michelle Witkin, Ph.D., and Dr. Josh Spitalnick, Ph.D., as we address some of the unique and varied needs that come up for partners and spouses when loved ones are suffering from OCD. But not only will we chat about struggles, we share about a whole lot of hope available for folks inadvertently courting OCD. So join the discussion! And learn about tips and resources available for you, fam!
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about OCD and the International OCD Foundation, click here.
To learn more about Dr. Michelle Witkin, Ph.D., click here.
To learn more about Dr. Josh Spitalnick’s practice and thier work in the Greater Atlanta area, click here.
For more information about the support group for intimate partners referenced during this episode,
For the Monday group info, click here,
For the Thursday group info, click here..
To download or screen shot the Self Care cheat sheet referenced during this episode’s Intrusive Thoughts segment, click here.
To check out Josh’s new book, see the following links:
S2E75: Shifting What We Discuss When It Comes to Disgust OCD with Rich Gallagher, LMFT
Join you host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent as she welcomes Rich Gallagher, LMFT, to our family table! The topic today is about disgust, particularly when intrusive thoughts or obsessional doubts feel distressing because of disgust. While this is a fairly common OCD presentation, it's a tricky area to treat. Join us to learn why, as Rich helps to introduce his Mastery Approach to addressing disgust based themes. Rich utilizes the findings in research with his own lived experience of OCD and as an OCD Specialist. So come learn with us! Because there's more hope on the horizon for the OCD Family Community!
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Rich Gallagher, LMFT, and his blog, click here.
To read more about Rich’s IOCDF Newsletter publication on Disgust-Based OCD, click here.
To learn more about traditional Exposure and Response Prevention Treatment, click here to visit the International OCD Foundation’s (IOCDF) website.
To learn more about Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), click here.
To check out OCD Training School for their training offerings, including keeping an eye out for Rich’s Spring Training on Contamination OCD, click here.
S2E74: The Family Dance: Learning New Moves To Help Your Loved One with OCD with Dr. Christine D'Urso, Ph.D.
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Dr. Christine D'Urso of the Northwell Health OCD Center to our family gathering. It's a new year, and we're talking all about the family dance and how we can tackle something we call Family Accommodation. Christine is a leader in this area, and she's here to share all her practical tips to help unify the family and crush OCD. So join the conversation! Because there's a whole lot of help available to you and your loved ones.
Citations and Resources:
To learn more about Dr. Christine D’Urso, Ph.D., and the phenomenal work being done at Northwell Health’s OCD Center, click here.
If you’re residing within the State of New York and want to learn more about services and opportunities at the Northwell OCD Center, here is the email for further inquiries: ocdcenter@northwell.edu
If you’re outside of NY State, or would like to review the additional resources Christine mentioned during this episode, click here.
To learn more about the psychoeducation resources mentioned by Nicole during the Intrusive Thoughts segment, see below:
For clinicians, to access the Family Accommodation Scale (FAS) in multiple languages, click here to visit the Yale School of Public Health’s website.
And for fun, click here to see a clip from Flo Rida’s Low performance from New Year’s Eve, 2023.
S2E73: The Power of Seeing: Increasing Visibility and Taking Inclusive Postures That Expand Hope For All with Erin Nghe, LCSW, and Mila Konomos
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she welcomes Erin Nghe, LCSW, and Mila Konomos from OCD Set Free to our family table. Together, Erin and Mila have created a social media presence for OCD Set Free that lives out a mission of inclusivity and hope for all sufferers of OCD. Erin and Mila discuss the importance of representation and promoting safety as one of the few bi-racial teams creating content around OCD and Related Disorders. Join the conversation to learn how we can embrace and promote visibility, further extending hope for not only our OCD warriors, but for you, fam.
Resources:
To learn more about OCD Set Free, visit their website by clicking here.
To follow OCD Set Free on Social Media, check out the following links:
Instagram: ocdsetfree
Facebook: ocdsetfree
To check out more information about ERP Kaleidoscope or Erin’s past appearance on the OCD Family Podcast, click here.
S2E72: Shifting Attention to the Present: Bringing Hope for our OCD Warriors with Carl Robbins, LCPC
Join your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, as she resumes our conversation with special guest expert, Carl Robbins, LCPC. Carl and Nicole expand the conversation started in Season 2, Episode 71, and Carl brings many helpful exercises and analogies to help the OCD Family Community better understand the role of imaginal absorption in OCD. Carl illuminates and supports his sharing with the backing of Inference-Based CBT, an evidence based practice for the treatment of OCD. So join the conversation, fam! Because there's a lot to learn and so much hope available for our OCD warriors.
To catch up on last week’s episode, where Carl introduced a foundation for the role of dissociation and imaginal absorption, click here.
Resources and Citations:
To learn more about Carl Robbins, LCPC, and his work at the Anxiety and Stress Institute, click here.
To learn more about Inference-Based CBT, click here.
To check out more info on the Dissociative Experiences Scale - II, or DES-II, click here.
To look into the research by Dr. Nirit Soffer-Dudek, Ph.D., click here.
To pick up your own copy of the Clinician's Handbook for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Inference-Based Therapy, click here.
To visit the International OCD Foundation to learn more about Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, click here.
This is a visual directive for this episode’s Intrusive Thoughts segment.
To explore more jokes and riddles, including the joke featured at the top of this episode, click here.
To read more about the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Grounding exercise, click here.