Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”

[Updated 2025, formerly the original article can be found here: “The 3 D’s in OCD Recovery“]   Did you know there are four ways to break OCD’s hold on you? In ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), we target one thing: facing distress without compulsion. That simple concept is hard to live out. Because OCD is […]

There’s no doubt about it: trauma and maltreatment of children impact OCD in both children and adults. Surely, trauma must be causal to OCD? Not so fast. Trauma not Causal to OCD (So Far As We Know) Trauma is not a definitive cause of OCD (Dykshoorn, 2014). However, it has some strong associations. If you […]

Find me presenting at OCD Con 2024!!   TITLE: Keeping the Faith: How to Ethically and Competently Treat Religious Scrupulosity TRACK: Clinician–Advanced DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM   Description: Providing effective and respectful care to individuals with religious scrupulosity challenges even the most experienced OCD therapists. Our individual biases and lack […]

There is one key mistake I come across from clinicians who try to work with OCD but lack training or experience treating it. Simply put, they “play with” obsessions rather than treating the nature of the problem. This can turn into well-meaning psychotherapy being a “rumination-fest” filled with reassurance from the clinician. Clients don’t usually […]

Fred: “So what do I do with my uncertainty?” Therapist: “Sit with it! You can’t be certain about anything.” Fred: “Ummmmm….okay, but what does that mean?” Therapist: “Just do nothing until your values indicate a step to take.” Fred: “Oh, okay. Thanks, I guess.” Here lies a vignette of a shared frustration people express to […]

Say what?! That’s right, I am now a registered provider for South Carolina.  Offer Specialized CBT and Exposure Therapy for OCD, Anxiety, and Related Disorders. Make an appointment (or find out more) TODAY!

“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 […]

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 […]

Helping someone else who suffers can be powerful. Tom,* like most clients, reflected on the larger purpose he had besides reducing his own discomfort. There is nothing wrong with coming to therapy to feel better, yet Tom said, “I’m fine with just personal growth through therapy, but are there any ways you know that I […]

First things first: I want you to know that there are very effective treatments for OCD, especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This is the more important message if you need help today. It works for most people really well.  It has the 2nd largest positive effect of any mental health treatment (runner-up only to […]

Seven years ago, I became fast friends with Dr. Kim Rockwell-Evans. We watched a Giants game in San Francisco at my first-ever International OCD Foundation Conference (2016). She reminds me of the power of a great friendship and of the importance of asking thoughtfully informed questions. I’m ecstatic about Dr. Kim Rockwell-Evans‘ September book launch. […]

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 […]

It’s not too early to start making plans for #OCDCon2023! I have submitted a BUNCH of proposals so hope to both attend and present. From the IOCDF: July 7–9, 2023 | Marriott Marquis San Francisco For all those impacted by OCD and related disorders, mental health professionals, and researchers. The Annual OCD Conference is the […]

From the IOCDF: Monday, May 8, 2023 | Virtual For individuals and families, faith leaders, and professionals. This unique event began out of recognition that many people living with OCD initially seek assistance from a faith leader prior to a mental health provider. The conference was specifically created to address the needs of a diverse […]

It seems to be an arduous road to find a competent therapist who also supports you in your values. As a therapist and a patient myself, it makes complete sense to try to reasonably determine a good fit up front. I created a free guide so you don’t have to go in “cold.” If you […]