Justin’s Blog: “The Jog”
120+ Articles Driven by Research and Practice
God Doesn’t Require Me To Separate Body, Mind, and Spirit
Father, I am seeking: I am hesitant and uncertain, but will you, O God, watch over each step of mine and guide me. ~St. Augustine of Hippo “Is this true, or is this OCD?” The strain on Paul’s* face told me the pain under the surface. Clients often ask any variation of the following: “What […]
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 >Living with Religious Scrupulosity or Moral OCD [New Article by Dr. Alan Noble]
O. Alan Noble, PhD, is a professor, author, and advocate for those suffering from OCD. I am fortunate to consider him a friend. His most recent book is an excellent read on Christian hope in suffering, On Getting Out of Bed. He has been featured everywhere from Christianity Today to The Atlantic and The Gospel […]
Read More >10 Ways to Advocate for Those With OCD
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 […]
Read More >How Does ERP for OCD Work? We Don’t Know.
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 […]
Read More >Breaking the Rules of OCD
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. […]
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 Recap- Catch the two free conference videos before they’re gone!
If you want to recap or you missed the 3rd Annual OCD and Faith Conference (#FaithCon), here are the two presentations we recorded. They are only available through June 2023. The heart of the conference is to provide a diversity of voices with a unified focus on recovery from OCD. Whatever your beliefs are, if […]
Read More >Scrupulosity FULL Video now on YouTube
I was recently asked in an email: Is it better for me to go with a Christian therapist that specializes in OCD or a non-Christian therapist that is qualified and trained in ERP? I am torn about what is best and don’t want to waste time or money. It’s a simple answer with complex details. […]
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 >Implementing Specific Religious Traditions Into A Treatment Plan—Without Being An Expert In That Tradition
This article is part of a series written for mental health providers treating OCD. It can be found with minor edits on the International OCD Foundation’s Faith & OCD page. Integrating a person’s faith into their therapy isn’t overly complex- it takes intentionality and care, which, if you are a licensed clinician- you hopefully possess […]
Read More >Grasping Religious & Spiritual Traditions Sensitively—Without Being An Expert In That Tradition
This article is part of a series written for mental health providers treating OCD. It can be found with minor edits on the International OCD Foundation’s Faith & OCD page. Acknowledge Your Limits- Your Role & The Role of Assessment Therapy is an application of psychological science; it is not a worldview; therefore, it can […]
Read More >How to Ethically Integrate Faith and Spirituality into Therapy
This article is part of a series written for mental health providers treating OCD. It can be found with minor edits on the International OCD Foundation’s Faith & OCD page. Extensive Interest by Clinicians After receiving my graduate-level training at Dallas Theological Seminary, I very much took for granted the preparation I was given for […]
Read More >#OCDCon2023 July 6-9, 2023
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 […]
Read More >Faith and OCD Conference- Monday, May 8th, 2023
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 […]
Read More >