Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”
120+ Articles Driven by Research and Practice
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 >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 >IOCDF Faith & OCD Roundtable Livestream
Recorded on Tuesday, 2/15/22, I was honored to be invited to the first in a series of Roundtables on Faith and OCD. I hope this helps you!! Description: 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 […]
Read More >When Jesus Was Tender & When He Was Tough- What Is He Saying To You?
That Voice. You undoubtedly know the difference when someone uses that voice. The conversation went from being lighthearted to now serious. As a child, you may remember actual examples when your parent got serious and “laid down the law.” I’m working on how to do this graciously, yet firmly, with my toddler right now. Have […]
Read More >Faith and OCD- An Interview with Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale
OCD can be a highly debilitating disorder- yet it is highly treatable! You don’t have to check your faith at the door to get good help. One example is from Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale, Director of the McLean OCD Institute // Houston and Lecturer at Harvard Medical School. She is also Founder of the Peace […]
Read More >Can Christians Be Free From Uncertainty? Part 4/4: The Good News In Uncertainty
This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians. SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower. Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]
Read More >Can Christians Be Free From Uncertainty? Part 3/4: The Argument For Christians To Embrace Uncertainty
This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians. SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower. Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]
Read More >Can Christians Be Free From Uncertainty? Part 2/4: Christian Intolerance of Uncertainty
This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians. SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower. Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]
Read More >Can Christians Be Free From Uncertainty? Part 1/4: Uncertainty Can Be Utterly Uncomfortable
This four part series is meant to be a brief, yet fairly comprehensive, overview into the world of uncertainty for Christians. SUMMARY: In Part 1, uncertainty is explored as a human experience- one for which Christians do not escape simply in lieu of being a faithful follower. Part 2 addresses what ways people generally handle […]
Read More >When Relaxation Is Distressing
When I first learned to implement mindfulness, relaxation, and deep breathing into my therapy practice, I have to admit I was surprised when some clients quickly stated one of a few things: They didn’t want to continue. It was distressing to them. It didn’t work for them. It threw me off a little as a […]
Read More >How Alcohol Interferes with Getting Over Your Fears (Hint: It Interrupts Fear Disconfirmation)
The Question It was a good question. Anne* suffered extensively with fear, anxiety, and OCD. She wanted any relief she could find. “Can I drink a little alcohol during exposures?” Little Therapist Justin As an early specialist in OCD, I said to Anne my favorite thing to say when I don’t know: “I don’t know.” […]
Read More >Get Unstuck: Your Intro to Facing Fear & Getting Healthy
As a gift to my subscribers, the guide, Get Unstuck: Your Intro to Facing Fear & Getting Healthy is YOURS, FREE. Not a subscriber? This is the updated version of the prior “Thriving Mental Health Alongside COVID-19,” leaving the best intact along with new considerations for 2021 and several new handouts, connected articles, guides, and […]
Read More >An Introduction To The “Over-Active Conscience”: Understanding Scrupulosity & Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Dr. Ted Witzig
This article is aimed at Christians but also provides a rich overview on scrupulosity. It was written by Ted Witzig, Jr., PhD and was graciously allowed to be reproduced in its entirety. I first met Dr. Witzig at IOCDF conferences. He is compassionate, intelligent, and provides some of the best overviews I’ve seen with OCD […]
Read More >Women-tal Health: Tips to strengthen women’s health and combat illness!
Women’s mental health is getting more attention now than maybe ever before, which I think is awesome. Acknowledging the beauty and uniqueness of strengths and struggles helps women to be more successful in their lives. Here are some key considerations in mental health for women. In the U.S., women are twice as likely to be […]
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