Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

This post was originally written July 31, 2013 and has been updated slightly with a reference to the bestseller book on the same topic. Rushing, Rushing ‘Til Life’s No Fun “Gotta go!” Dave looks at his watch, kisses his wife, and walks out the door.  With just enough time to get ready and leave for […]

Clarity feels so nice, doesn’t it? That decision for work, taking a new job, or whether to take that next step in your relationship. I really like clarity.  Yet, clarity is a weak foundation to stand on in pursuit of things that matter.  Amazingly, sometimes the very best things we seek in this life may […]

Psychology isn’t a worldview. It needs to be said. Looking for Answers With a plurality of views, perspectives, and beliefs, with technology that allows us to be exposed to every crevice that humans reside in, do you experience information overload? Feel adrift? Overwhelmed? Confused? Many people who feel this way end up in therapy for […]

Sitting at the Annual International OCD Foundation’s (IOCDF) OCDCon2022, I am struck by the power of connection.  The conference is really strange- in a good way.  As my family and I reflected on it, we all noted the unique nature of bringing together professionals and researchers with sufferers, family members, siblings, youth, young adults, parents, […]

Join Us!  I’ll be speaking/moderating for several sessions, including the Christian Discussion Group! “The IOCDF is excited to present the second annual virtual Faith and OCD Conference on Monday, May 9! This unique event began out of recognition that many people living with OCD initially seek assistance from a faith leader prior to a mental […]

The Mind and Soul Foundation is a non-profit in the U.K. described as a team of leaders who bring together resources on both faith and emotions, instead of separating the two.  This article is re-posted in full with their permission (formatting is the only change).  You may read more about them at the end of […]

As a clinician and person of faith, I really wish all the stories I tell involved an easy resolution.  That’s not the case, nor is it a reality.  It is important for us as clinicians and people of faith to hear of the hurts, pains, and in-process stories that can remind us: it’s a process– […]

The research is really clear on this: disordered checking behaviors (and thoughts) lead to distrust of your memory (van den Hout & Kint, 2003; Radomsky & Alcolado, 2010).  Let’s say you walk away from your front door or your car.  You typically lock them.  But you start to think about it, and you are now […]