Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”
120+ Articles Driven by Research and Practice
“Anchor Events”: Why 2021 Felt Like a Time Warp and What That Means for Anxiety
Recent research by the British Psychological Society found that higher stress with less novelty contributes to a sense of “time warp.” For those who can’t remember a lot of 2021, you’re not alone. If we lack certain “anchor events” (like celebrations and going to the movies with a friend), time feels more distorted. The more […]
Read More >Leaning Into The Moment–A Real Example of Acceptance Scripting
“Maybe I’m a failure as a … mother, wife, Christ follower etc.” “Maybe having this thought or that emotion makes me a terrible person …” “Maybe I’m not committed to God enough…” An OCD sufferer passed along their bold, victorious acceptance script. It’s one of the many tools we use to treat OCD through CBT […]
Read More >SPACE Treatment–An Excellent Option to Help Your Child
Have you heard about SPACE treatment (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)? It helps children suffering from: Anxiety Disorders Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Separation anxiety Social anxiety (SAD) Generalized anxiety (GAD) Fears and phobias Panic disorder Agoraphobia Selective mutism It uniquely can be delivered only through parents and extends to adult children. Parents learn changes […]
Read More >You Don’t Get To Know—An Essential Concept in Anxiety & OCD Recovery
In computer terms, Evan* had “crashed.” His eyes have a certain look that loved ones know all too well in his dark moments. If you don’t have OCD, maybe you have experienced a sampling of this feeling when an urgent decision about something important comes up and you don’t know which option to choose. Add […]
Read More >Faith & OCD Conference May 1st- Registration is OPEN!
I’m speaking at the 3rd Annual Faith & OCD Conference! REGISTER NOW! FROM THE IOCDF: Navigating OCD in Diverse Faith-Based Communities The IOCDF is excited to present the third annual virtual Faith and OCD Conference on Monday, May 1, 2023! This unique event began out of the recognition that many people living with OCD initially […]
Read More >How to Find the Perfect Christian Therapist for OCD
The following excerpt from my brand new ebook highlights the struggle to find a therapist who helps honor Christian values. It is possible! If you’re not a subscriber but would like to receive the free ebook (and several more), subscribe here! Therapist-Finding Fatigue Susan and John became overwhelmed by their son William’s* OCD. “Billy” is […]
Read More >Accepting the Unacceptable in Anxiety and OCD
The concept of acceptance is a tricky one for OCD and Anxiety Disorders. When introducing clients to it, the first response I hear every time is something like, “Am I supposed to accept these terrible thoughts?” or “Do I just pretend like they’re not happening?” It’s Not The Same as Condoning In other words, most […]
Read More >How Community Needs To Be Part Of Treatment- Guest on FearCast Podcast with Kevin Foss, MFT
As we close to 2022, I am reflecting with gratitude on the community I have in my life—personally and professionally. Anything good links back to many unseen ways I am supported. I hope you find yourself connected in community or growing towards that end. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! Kevin Foss, MFT […]
Read More >Treatment for OCD: Who Gets Better, How Much, and How Fast?
Is ERP for OCD beneficial? Don’t most people drop out? Isn’t it too intense? Don’t very few people ever have long-term success? Confusing, So Confusing Starting treatment for something so impairing as OCD is already a challenge. Beth* expressed typical hesitations in pursuing ERP for OCD: Won’t focus on something terrible result in something bad? […]
Read More >Why You Should Not Gamble If You Have OCD—Guest Article Dr. Ana Maria Pereira de Souza
Sometimes it may feel like the odds are stacked against you. For those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), this can seem especially true. For years, while working with hundreds of people with OCD, I have observed severe struggles with decision-making. Recent research reveals a lot more about this—and its relation to Executive Function (EF). In […]
Read More >Principles of Effective And Religiously-Sensitive Exposures
By Ted Witzig, Jr., PhD, Updated for Clinicians by Justin K. Hughes, MA, LPC This edited article is updated for mental health clinicians to consider implementing effective and sensitive exposures for any client of faith. The original article (found here) was written for Christian individuals with OCD. Hopefully this document can guide you in developing […]
Read More >“I Don’t Want to Do This”—The Starting Point for Exposure, Discipline, and Conquering Fear
An enduring reality of life: we all have to do things we don’t want or like. An enduring principle of life: discipline builds strength and character. A curious paradox of life: doing disciplined things we don’t like often leads to greater contentment. An enduring joy of life: experiencing discipline and seeing it pay dividends brings […]
Read More >Being in a Relationship with Religious Scrupulosity- FREE Livestream
Faith & OCD Roundtable October 18 at 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT Topic: Being in a Relationship with Religious Scrupulosity Join Lead Advocate Rev. Katie O’Dunne and clinicians Dr. Caitlin Clagget Woods & Justin K. Hughes, LPC, along with Carolyn Ringenberg of the Faith & OCD Task Force to discuss the topic of being […]
Read More >#OCDWeek 2022
The IOCDF and its Advocates invite you to celebrate OCD Awareness Week, October 9–15, 2022! “#OCDWeek began in 2009 to share knowledge and reduce stigma around OCD and related disorders. Each year in October, individuals, community groups, service organizations, and clinics around the world celebrate with OCD-inspired educational talks, youth events, grassroots fundraisers, yoga, creative […]
Read More >Family Accommodation in OCD- Addressing Specific and Systemic Accommodations
Everyone Loses Lucas* regularly expressed frustration about his parents’ “nagging” him. Though he is a young adult, he lives out home and is mostly dependent on his parents for all essentials. He gave permission to involve his parents in treatment, which is ideal in many cases. It was frustrating for his compulsions to impair his […]
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