Breaking the Rules: A Clinician's Guide to Treating OCD

• Understanding Parental Accommodation in OCD: Breaking the Cycle

  In this insightful episode, we explore the concept of parental accommodation — the well-intentioned ways family members and loved ones may unknowingly reinforce OCD behaviours. Drawing from the research of Professor Eli Liebowitz (Yale) and real-world clinical experience, the hosts unpack how accommodation develops, why it’s so hard to stop, and how families can begin to make meaningful change.From checking, reassuring, or adapting routines “just to keep the peace,” to facing meltdowns, fear, or guilt when setting limits — this conversation goes deep into what it means to hold boundaries with compassion. You’ll hear about ERP therapy, the SPACE model, and practical ways clinicians and parents can work together to reduce accommodation and empower recovery.💬 Key themes:• What “parental accommodation” means and how it maintains OCD• Why well-meaning reassurance can make symptoms stronger• The difference between anxiety disorders and OCD• Supporting children, teens, and adults through distress safely• Helping parents tolerate their own emotions and model resilience• How reducing accommodation can rebuild connection and trust in families• Managing clinician fears around self-harm threats and safety planning🔖 Chapters00:00 Introducing the topic: Parental Accommodation and OCD02:00 What it means to accommodate and why we do it05:00 How everyday reassurance turns into OCD reinforcement08:00 Fear, meltdowns, and why it’s hard for families to stop accommodating11:00 Emotions, modelling, and learning to tolerate discomfort14:00 The SPACE model and clinician guidance17:00 Working with parental fear and client safety21:00 Reducing accommodation step-by-step25:00 Supporting families when clients resist change26:40 Why it works — even if the client isn’t in therapy#OCD #ERP #ParentalAccommodation #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #FamilyTherapy #SPACEModel #OCDRecovery #ClinicianSupport #ParentingAndMentalHealth #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Perinatal Mental Health and OCD

  The perinatal period is one of the most vulnerable—and transformative—times in a parent’s life. In this episode, we explore the challenges of perinatal mental health, with a particular focus on OCD and how intrusive thoughts can impact new parents during this stage.Our speakers discuss the role of psychoeducation, the importance of therapeutic trust, and how clinicians can best support parents navigating overwhelming thoughts and fears. We also examine the value of bringing babies into therapy, collaborative care, and the crucial reminder that intrusive thoughts do not define someone’s ability to be a loving, capable parent.💬 Key themes:Why the perinatal period heightens vulnerabilityThe role of OCD and intrusive thoughts in early parentingUsing psychoeducation to normalize and reduce shameBuilding rapport so clients feel safe to share difficult thoughtsThe potential benefits of including babies in therapy sessionsCollaborative care and supporting parents holistically🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health and OCD 02:50 Understanding Vulnerability in the Perinatal Period 05:47 Therapeutic Approaches for Clinicians 08:47 The Importance of Psychoeducation 11:45 Building Rapport and Trust with Clients 14:50 Managing Intrusive Thoughts in Therapy 17:49 Collaborative Care and Support Systems 20:51 Incorporating Babies in Therapy Sessions 23:45 Creating a Supportive Environment for New Parents #PerinatalMentalHealth #OCD #IntrusiveThoughts #NewParents #MaternalHealth #TherapyTalk #ParentingSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #Psychoeducation #ClinicianSupport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• The Challenges of Clinical Practice

  This honest and reflective episode takes listeners inside the therapy room—where clinical learnings, vulnerability, and growth unfold in real time. Ms Catherine McGrath (Clinical Team Lead and Senior Psychologist) sharea hard-earned lessons from working with OCD clients using ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), and open up about the emotional toll, missed opportunities, and the courage it takes to keep learning.From the power of self-compassion to the importance of holding space and involving parents in the therapeutic process, this conversation is a valuable reminder that clinicians don’t need to be perfect to be effective—they just need to keep showing up.💬 You’ll hear about:The real struggles clinicians face in ERP therapyWhy reflecting on mistakes leads to better outcomesHow client emotions are best met with presence, not perfectionThe impact of including parents in treatment plansWhy being kind to yourself is not optional—it's essential 🔖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Learnings 02:59 The Courage to Learn ERP 05:57 Missed Opportunities in Therapy 08:57 The Importance of Holding Space 11:47 Navigating Client Emotions 15:12 Involving Parents in Therapy 17:42 Reflecting on Hard Lessons 21:01 Self-Compassion in Clinical Practice 23:47 Summary and Closing Thoughts #ClinicalPractice #TherapyTalk #MentalHealthMatters #OCDTherapy #ERP #SelfCompassion #TherapistReflections #ClientEmotions #InvolvingParents #TherapyPodcast #MentalHealthProfessionals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Unpacking Meta OCD: A Deep Dive

  In this episode, we explore the often misunderstood world of Meta OCD—a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder where the obsession becomes the diagnosis itself. Clients plagued by questions like "Do I really have OCD?" or "Is this the right treatment?" can become trapped in a mental loop that stalls progress and fuels perfectionism, self-doubt, and avoidance.We discuss how Meta OCD complicates therapy, disrupts client engagement, and challenges traditional treatment methods. From moral scrupulosity to obsessive intellectualization, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in mental health, or for those navigating OCD themselves.💬 Key insights:What is Meta OCD and how does it differ from other forms?How perfectionism and compulsions manifest in subtle waysWhy traditional OCD treatments may fall short for these clientsThe double-edged sword of reassurance in therapyHow to foster self-worth and celebrate small wins🔖 Chapters 00:00 Understanding Meta OCD 02:31 Defining Meta OCD and Its Implications 04:57 The Impact of Meta OCD on Treatment 07:59 Navigating Client Engagement and Reassurance 10:14 Perfectionism and Its Role in Meta OCD 12:24 The Challenge of Self-Identification 15:51 Recognizing and Addressing Meta OCD in Therapy 22:02 The Limitations of Manualized Treatments #MetaOCD #OCDRecovery #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapyTalk #Perfectionism #MentalHealthMatters #TherapistTools #ClientEngagement #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Scrupulosity #TherapyTechniques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Navigating the Complexities of Health Anxiety and OCD

  In this insightful episode, we explore the tangled web of health anxiety, OCD, and death anxiety, unpacking how these psychological disorders often overlap and feed into each other. From obsessive thought patterns and compulsions to the deep-rooted fear of mortality, our speakers dive deep into the inner workings of anxiety disorders and what makes treatment so complex—and so crucial.💬 We discuss:The blurred lines between health anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorderHow death anxiety often lies beneath our fear of illnessWhy reassurance-seeking can trap us in cycles of fearCoping strategies and evidence-based treatment approachesHow therapists can help clients rediscover meaning beyond their mental health challengesWhether you’re a clinician, someone living with anxiety, or simply curious about the human mind—this conversation will challenge your understanding and offer a fresh perspective on mental wellness.🔖 Chapters00:00 Understanding Health Anxiety and OCD06:01 The Intersection of Health Anxiety and Death Anxiety12:03 The Complexity of Health Anxiety and OCD18:43 Treatment Approaches for Health Anxiety and OCD24:22 Living Beyond Anxiety: Finding Meaning in Life#HealthAnxiety #OCD #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyTalk #AnxietyTreatment #DeathAnxiety #CopingWithAnxiety #IntrusiveThoughts #MentalWellness #PsychologicalDisorders #AnxietyAwareness #MeaningBeyondAnxiety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About Breaking the Rules: A Clinician's Guide to Treating OCD