Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”
120+ Articles Driven by Research and Practice
Medications for OCD
Medications for OCD are often straightforward. Usually, they involve SSRIs at often double the dosing compared to treating anxiety and depression. No one thing is known to cure OCD. The average adult sees a maximum 40-60% improvement in symptoms (which by the way, is less on average than the therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, or […]
Read More >Connection- The Importance of Not Walking Alone
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, […]
Read More >Faith & OCD Resource Center
Over a year in the making, the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) launched its Faith & OCD Resource Center. I have had the privilege to serve on the Task Force and to be a regular contributor to this and the Annual OCD & Faith Conference. While many of my readers most certainly know of the specific […]
Read More >FREE Live stream- Scrupulosity: When OCD Gets Tangled in Religious and Moral Matters- June 23rd 12-2 pm CST
Join me for a FREE Live stream with all questions allowed! I will be using the highly respected presentation created and given prior by Dr. Ted Witzig, who has graciously allowed its reproduction. We’ll cover all things OCD, scrupulosity, faith integration with treatment, and 10 differences between Healthy Faith and OCD. Who: Me! Justin K. […]
Read More >Traveling with OCD and Anxiety? 2 Simple Tips
OCD and Anxiety are difficult foes when it comes to change. Part of the problem with these disorders is that those who are not yet in recovery have developed often elaborate systems to prevent and escape from their distress. While this may provide immediate relief momentarily, it serves to reinforce that we might only be […]
Read More >NEW VIDEOS: Understanding Scrupulosity at its Core & ERP Treatment Strategies for Scrupulosity
They’re here! The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) provided these recordings for two panels at the OCD & Faith Conference from earlier last week. It covers a broad spectrum of faith, moral, spiritual, and religious concerns. I hope it helps you or a loved one who suffers with OCD to better identify what is OCD and […]
Read More >Can Thoughts Be Evil or Sinful? What Does That Mean For Intrusive Thoughts and Obsessions? (Part 3/3)
This 3 part series explores a common question for Christians struggling with intrusive, unwanted thoughts: “Can thoughts be evil or sinful? What does that mean?” All good questions are best explored in community; consider this a conversation. I want to encourage you that this is not the same as therapy OR gaining direct wisdom from […]
Read More >Can Thoughts Be Evil or Sinful? What Does That Mean For Intrusive Thoughts and Obsessions? (Part 2/3)
This 3 part series explores a common question for Christians struggling with intrusive, unwanted thoughts: “Can thoughts be evil or sinful? What does that mean?” All good questions are best explored in community; consider this a conversation. I want to encourage you that this is not the same as therapy OR gaining direct wisdom from […]
Read More >Can Thoughts Be Evil or Sinful? What Does That Mean For Intrusive Thoughts and Obsessions? (Part 1/3)
This 3 part series explores a common question for Christians struggling with intrusive, unwanted thoughts: “Can thoughts be evil or sinful? What does that mean?” All good questions are best explored in community; consider this a conversation. I want to encourage you that this is not the same as therapy OR gaining direct wisdom from […]
Read More >Can Thoughts Be Evil or Sinful? (Subscribers, Get the New e-book FREE NOW!)
One of the most common questions I get from Christians concerning intrusive thoughts in OCD and Anxiety Disorders is along the lines of “Is this thought sinful just for having it?” “What if these thoughts mean something?” “Are the thoughts real?” “Is God trying to tell me something?” After someone recently requested my thoughts on […]
Read More >Faith and OCD Roundtable
In case you missed it, here is the roundtable live stream from February 15, 2022. I hope it encourages you. Synopsis: “Are you seeking to navigate OCD while remaining connected to your faith community? Have you ever felt like you had to choose between your religious space and clinical mental health treatment? Have you ever […]
Read More >Less Frequently Discussed Subtypes of OCD
Join my fellow expert, Saharah Shrout, MA, LPC-S, and myself for the recorded live presentation during #OCDWeek 2020 we gave for OCD Texas (IOCDF Affiliate) in 2020. A very rough copy of some notes, providing examples, is below. I hope this helps you feel less alone and understand this: just about any distressing thought/feeling can […]
Read More >Faith & OCD Conference: Navigating OCD in Diverse Faith-Based Communities
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 […]
Read More >Why Church May Be Difficult For OCD Sufferers [Guest Post by The Mind and Soul Foundation]
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 […]
Read More >Religious Trauma
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– […]
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